Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco answer the following questions in this week’s news: Why is business reporting so corporate-centric? Are Alabama’s Congressional district maps still racist? Why do women pay billions more for healthcare compared to men? Then, Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority joins to discuss Virginia’s November election and its high stakes for abortion, 2024, and more. Next, Alyssa gets into a back-to-school mood with Crooked’s own Kendra James, author of Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School. Finally, Sani-Petty — an Erin and Alyssa takeover.Show NotesNew Virginia Majority Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra James JPMorgan to pay $75 million over claims it enabled Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking [NPR 9/26/23]

“Yes, Virginia, There Is An Election” w. Tram Nguyen and Kendra James

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the Russell Brand bullshit, the GOP’s obsession with Vice President Harris, and more in news. Minnesota state Senator Lindsey Port then joins to talk about the status of progressivism in her state, from getting people’s records expunged for silly cannabis crimes to starting her state’s Reproductive Freedom Caucus. Next, Anna Drezen (creator of Praise Petey, now on Freeform and Hulu) and Tien Tran talk about the art of the girlboss, loving your job and also feeling like you’re dying, and the desire for communes. Finally, Sani-Petty (Jann Wenner and random dog poop suck).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesSen. Lindsey PortPraise Petey by Anna DrezenOKAY, WOW! with Tien TranSmartLess - "Matthew McConaughey"Jann Wenner Defends His Legacy, and His Generation’s (NYT)Passenger Planes Nearly Collide Far More Than You Know (The Daily)

“Join My Commune!” w. Sen. Lindsey Port and Anna Drezen

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco get into John Kennedy’s horny speech at a Senate hearing, the United Auto Workers union, the impending end of federal child care funding from the pandemic and the Virginia legislature race. Then, Michaela Watkins and Megan Gailey join to discuss the Danny Masterson sentencing, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher’s character letters, and the church of Scientology. Plus, Sani Petty! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Masterson of None

Today as a special treat, we’re sharing an episode of Choice Words with Samantha Bee from Lemonada featuring our very own Alyssa Mastromonaco! Each week on Choice Words, Samantha Bee sits down with people she admires to examine the biggest choices they’ve made in their lives and the ripple effects those decisions have had. Sam’s made a lot of choices, too. She may have to interview herself about starting this podcast.In the episode you’re about to hear, Alyssa joins Sam Bee to reminisce on a time when she was Deputy Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration and was averaging two hours of sleep per night. Sam asks Alyssa what it was like to go from that high-stakes environment to watching HGTV all day, what made her decide that she’s never wearing Spanx again, and how she got deep into the world of jam making. Keep up with Samantha Bee @realsambee on Instagram and Twitter. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Listen Now: Choice Words with Samantha Bee

Alyssa guest hosts on Pod Save America and speaks with Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono about recovery efforts in Maui, and what we can do to help Hawaiians as they recover and rebuild. Listen to Pod Save America wherever you get your podcasts

Recovery in Maui w. Mazie Hirono (from Pod Save America)

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco give the latest round of abortion news, from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court race, Ohio Issue 1 fuckery, and Michigan’s fight to undo its current abortion regulations. Then Shannon Watts stops by to discuss the latest episodes of violence, and white women’s role in the fight for gun safety. Plus, Julissa Arce and comedian Zarna Garg  join to explore how leaving the workforce to provide care impacts your mental health. Finally we get petty about The Idol was canceled, Suits being the number #1, and Luis Rubiales lunatic mother.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesShannon Watts’ substackMoms Demand Action

"The Patriarchy is Coming For You" w. Shannon Watts & Zarna Garg

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco use their news witch powers to make predictions about the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate (since we recorded this episode before it happened) before diving into all the places that loathe (Indiana, we’re looking at you) and love (Illinois, thank you for this) abortion in news. Then, University of Oxford professor Jenni Nuttall comes on to talk about her new book Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words — so we OBVIOUSLY asked her about the word “hysteria”! Next, Dana Schwartz and Megan Gailey close out Taylor Swift summer with a discussion on parasocial relationships and how they can be either helpful or potentially unhealthy. Finally, we close out with Sani-Petty: Alyssa discovered TikTok, and Sha’Carri Richardson is a track star! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesMother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words by Jenni NuttallHoosier Abortion FundAbortionFinder.orgPlanned Parenthood

“On My Flowers” w. Jenni Nuttall

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: racist, sexist, criminal former President Trump got a spicy new indictment from Georgia; menstrual hygiene products are only starting to be tested with blood…now?!; and Hawai'i' needs money. Next, TikTok’s favorite forager Alexis Nikole comes on to talk about her relationship with nature, how her practice has changed over time, and the foods she wants to pick next. Then, Naomi Ekperigin and Tien Tran join to discuss “How America Got Mean,” the latest David Brooks essay in the Atlantic about the lack of moral education in contemporary society — and why he got some stuff wrong! Finally, Sani-Petty (stop telling me to upload to the cloud!).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesHelp Maui Rise: Directly Aid ʻOhana Displaced by Fires : Donate Directly to Maui ʻOhanaMaui Food BankHawai'i' Community Foundation Maui Strong FundMaui Mutual Aid FundFundraiser for Pūnana Leo o Lāhinā whose school site at Waiola Church, which burned downFundraiser for Nā ‘Āikane O Maui Cultural Center, which burned downAlexis Nikole on TikTokHow America Got Mean (The Atlantic)

“Dressing Up for Nature” w. Alexis Nikole

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate the results of Ohio’s special election — which is fantastic news for the future of reproductive rights in the Buckeye State — in news. Then, journalist TJ Raphael joins to discuss her latest podcast, COVER UP: THE PILL PLOT, a crazy story about smuggling abortion pills into the U.S. in the 90s. Finally, we talk Ron DeSantis’ crumbling presidential campaign, And Just Like That, and the Alabama boat brawl. New episodes drop every Thursday.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesTJ’s podcastMaui Mutual Aid FundMaui Food Bank

"Buckeye Around And Find Out" w. T.J. Raphael

A sneak peek of the first book from Crooked Media Reads, Mobility, by Lydia Kiesling. Mobility is a gripping coming-of-age story about navigating a world of corporate greed that's both laugh-out-loud funny and politically incisive. The novel tracks themes of class, power, politics, and desire throughout the life of its compelling main character, Bunny Glenn. Vulture called Bunny Glenn “a complicated heroine for the ages, a striver who values the comforts of her oil-industry job even as she must reckon with the fact that the world is quite literally on fire.” Order your copy of Mobility today at crooked.com/mobility or wherever books are sold.

Sneak Peek: Mobility, a novel by Lydia Kiesling

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are together, in person, in Los Angeles (!) and mock the latest Trump indictment before diving into news coming from the Midwest, from Ohio’s special election and Wisconsin’s Judge-elect Janet Protasiewicz to backstabbing Rep. Tricia Cotham’s and concerning “prenatal care deserts” in South Dakota. Then, Evan Kleinman of KCRW’s Good Food comes on to talk about her TikTok For You Page, growing up in the LA food scene, and pomegranate molasses. Next, Megan Gailey and Kiran Deol join to discuss the double Hollywood strike, how it's impacting their careers, the economy, and labor movements at large, and how they might need to start marrying rich. Finally, some Sani-Petty (Who needs a Louis Vuitton suitcase? How are Women’s World Cup players so cool?).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesCorrection: Abortion is legal in Minnesota.Easy Persian Barbari BreadCream Cheese Flour TortillasCabbage ChipsLogan on TikTok (Korean food)Kiran DeolI Love My Kid, But... (Megan Gailey podcast)

"Wet Hot Arraignment Summer" w. Evan Kleiman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the possibility of a new Trump indictment, the Carlee Russell case, OBGYNs heading to Texas, and Barbie’s record-breaking opening weekend. Then, Julissa Arce and Naomi Ekperigin join to talk birthdays: getting older, watching parents and babies age, and proving to people that we’re thriving — we promise! — even when we have gray hair. Finally, Sani-Petty (Scott Disick is selling air freshener, and insurance companies are never not the worst). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. 

Ladychild

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco rave about the FIFA Women’s World Cup before discussing No Labels, the Long Island Serial Killer, and the latest abortion news in Iowa, Ohio, and beyond. Then, What a Day’s Juanita Tolliver joins to get nostalgic and talk Barbie culture — feminism, race in dolls, body image, the works — in anticipation of the summer’s hottest film. Finally, some Sani-Petty, from Flyana Boss to the inevitable fistfight in the GOP caucus.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesTour de France Fan Causes Massive Crash by Taking a Sidelines Selfie (People)The true story of Mattel accidentally releasing a super gay Ken doll (In The Know)

Abortion Provider Barbie

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover quite the range of news, from important elections in Ohio that will decide the fate of abortion in the state, to the Zuckerberg / Threads versus Musk / Twitter dick-measuring contest. Then, Kara Klenk and special guest Jamie Loftus — who has copious hot dog knowledge thanks to her debut book, Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs — join the panel to talk about Jonah Hill and his “boundaries.” Finally, some Sani-Petty: we love Margot Robbie’s Barbie carpet looks and good European period meds!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesRaw Dog: The Naked Truth about Hot Dogs by Jamie Loftus (Bookshop)That's Mess Up Podcast + Tour TicketsBarbie x Barbie: All of Margot Robbie’s Mattel-Inspired Red-Carpet Looks (Vanity Fair)

"Jonah Hill and Other Wieners" w. Jamie Loftus

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the latest news — SCOTUS decisions are slowly coming in, and democracy shockingly hasn’t disintegrated yet, plus Trump is still an idiot — before interviewing Senator Amy Klobuchar about her new memoir, The Joy of Politics. Then, to close out Pride Month, associate producer Fiona Pestana joins to discuss the rise of anti-trans legislation over the past year. Finally, some Sani-Petty, featuring Vanna White, fireworks, and baristas.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesThe Joy of Politics: Surviving Cancer, a Campaign, a Pandemic, an Insurrection, and Life's Other Unexpected Curveballs by Amy KlobucharTrans Legislation TrackerContrapointsMauree TurnerZooey Zephyr and Erin ReedGender Confirmation CenterACLU (s/o Chase Strangio)MMFATransLash (Anti-Trans Hate Machine podcast)Parker MolloyTre’vell AndersonElliot PageAlok Menon

“Time to Call Amy” w. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the latest: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito doesn’t understand what the big deal is about accepting a free luxury vacation from a billionaire megadonor and not reporting it, SCOTUS is finishing up their session, and self-described misogynist and incel influencer Andrew Tate gets indicted. Then, Monica Potts joins to discuss her new book about women in rural America, The Forgotten Girls. Next, Grace Parra-Janney and Dana Schwartz join to discuss weddings: planning them, Instagramming them, paying for them, the works. Finally, Sani-Petty (we’re improving our handwriting and seeing Stevie Nicks live).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesThe Forgotten Girls: A Memoir of Friendship and Lost Promise in Rural America by Monica Potts (Bookshop)Quiet ‘epidemic’ of drugs, alcohol and suicide has killed half a million middle-aged white Americans (Princeton)Justice Samuel Alito: ProPublica Misleads Its Readers (WSJ Op-Ed)Justice Samuel Alito Took Luxury Fishing Vacation With GOP Billionaire Who Later Had Cases Before the Court (ProPublica)THE FAKE POOR BRIDE: Confessions of a wedding planner (The Atlantic)Noble Blood podcastSolar Opposites on Hulu

"Salmon Alito" w. Monica Potts

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate Donny Trump’s birthday by covering his second indictment and mocking the ugly bathroom where he hid classified federal documents. Plus, why is everyone at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference full of…old and irrelevant conservative women gaslighting people into having babies? Then, Tien Tran and Jill Gutowitz come on to talk age-gap relationships: when it makes sense, when it’s actively desirable, and when it’s simply nasty. Finally, bad drivers and good radio in Sani-Petty.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesIndigenous knowledge, bravery, vigilance: how young siblings survived in Colombia’s perilous jungle (The Guardian)Good Food on KCRW 

“I’m Going to Marry That Baby” w. Jill Gutowitz

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest union news and GOP nonsense — Nikki Haley and Harlan Crow, what are you doing? Then, Rep. Becca Balint joins to talk about fighting for queer rights in Congress and singing Springsteen during karaoke. Next, Juanita Toliver, host of Crooked’s What A Day podcast, and Shaniqua McClendon, Crooked’s VP of Politics, join to talk about political spouses: the good ones, the bad ones, and the…forgettable ones. Finally, some Sani-Petty (should we have ducking — sorry, f*cking — VR monocles?).Show Notes@BeccaBalintVTHow a Campaign Against Transgender Rights Mobilized Conservatives (NYT)votesaveamerica.com/fuckbans For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

"Wife of the Party" w. Rep. Becca Balint

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was bipartisanly impeached; Minnesota gets paid family and medical leave — and legalized weed; and Waystar-Royco merged with GoJo (we love you forever, Succession). Samantha Bee then comes on to discuss women in late night, stealing cars, and her new podcast, Choice Words. Next, we invite Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and Halle Kiefer to talk about possibly the best reality dating show: The Ultimatum: Queer Love. Finally, a range of emotions in Sani-Petty (AI finishes bodies, college reunions are happening, body hair is growing, and a Manson girl might leave prison).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesChoice Words with Samantha Bee is out now from Lemonada Media.Dr. Chanda Prescod-WeinsteinRuined with Alison Leiby and Halle Kiefer

"With Pearls, You Can Do Anything" w. Samantha Bee and Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Pod Save the U.K.’s Coco Khan to answer the question: which country is more of a dumpster fire, the U.S. or the U.K.? In the U.S. corner: E. Jean Carroll vs. Trump (again); the LA Dodgers inviting, disinviting, and reinviting drag queen nuns to Pride Night; and more GOP boys entering the 2024 race. In the U.K. corner: misogyny king Andrew Tate, a politically conservative downward spiral, and very expensive childcare. Finally, to recover from this tête-à-tête, a little Sanity Corner (Gen Z uses Cockney slang to cope with stress) and a little I Feel Petty (TikTok is ruining food!) in Sani-Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesPod Save the UKCoco Khan on TwitterFact check: Average UK salary: ever wondered how you stack up?How much childcare workers get paid in the UK: source 1, source 2, source 3Cheesier, Saucier, and Drowning in Caviar: How TikTok took over the menu.Cannes dress code: source 1, source 2And, by the way, Alyssa isn’t on WikiFeet, so DON’T TRY TO LOOK!

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