Vice President Kamala Harris debated senile angry man Donald Trump, and Akilah Hughes joins to dish all about it. Then, Akilah tells us all about her new podcast, Rebel Spirit — required listening if you went to a school with a racist mascot. Finally, Sani-Petty (the WNBA needs kids clothes!). 

Show Notes

Akilah Hughes: Instagram, Twitter, Rebel Spirit podcast

Trump repeats the false claim that Democrats support abortion 'after birth' in debate (NPR 9/10)

Harris presses a more forceful case against Trump than Biden did on abortion, economy and democracy (AP 9/10)

5 key takeaways from the first Harris-Trump presidential debate (NBC 9/10)

Taylor Swift endorsement (Instagram)

Trump will say anything about abortion to get elected (The Hill Op-Ed 9/8)

Vance says Trump would veto a national abortion ban (NBC 8/24)

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Josie Duffy Rice of What A Day joins while Alyssa takes vacation! The Harris-Walz numbers make us cautiously optimistic, JD Vance is scared of childless teachers (...?), and Nancy Pelosi is a political chess master. Then, Megan Gailey and Kara Klenk join to discuss “sharenting,” and the ethics of parents posting their kids on social media. Finally, Sani-Petty (Trump needs glasses, and the U.S. Open and the Paralympics can cure our post-Olympics depression). 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Josie Duffy Rice, What A Day

Kara Klenk: thatsmesseduplive.com

Megan Gailey: Sports Bitches

Harris’ momentum continues as she ties with Trump in these swing states (NPR 8/26)

Kamala Harris sets fundraising record with $540m after DNC (Aljazeera 8/26) 

“I Just Want Women To Have More Choices”: Senator JD Vance, Who Has Likened Abortion To Murder (Vanity Fair 8/25)

J.D. Vance Blames Staff for Disastrous Doughnut-Shop Visit (Intelligencer 8/28)

Trump campaign staff had altercation with official at Arlington National Cemetery (NPR 8/27)

Is Ben Affleck Hanging Out With a Kennedy? (The Cut)

How a New Law Could Change the World of Child Influencers (Rolling Stone 7/5/24)

Parenting influencers speak out as new law designed to protect kids featured on social media goes into effect (GMA 7/3/24)

“If you dance, your problems go away” (TikTok) 

A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men (NYT 2/25/24)

Lavish dorm rooms – like the one belonging to Kansas City Chiefs heiress at SMU – becomes big business for designers (WFAA 8/28)

The Really Long Good-bye: Helicopter Parents in the College Years (BU)

In news: Trump’s counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention is a bust, and abortion’s rebrand to “reproductive freedom” is genius. Then, Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Julissa Arce join to discuss the party that is the DNC, from Chicago and the couch. Finally, Sani-Petty (JK Rowling has finally shut up, and white women can’t read the room sometimes).

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Sen. Mallory McMorrow: Twitter, Instagram

Julissa Arce: Twitter, Instagram  

Trumpworld’s DNC counter-programming plans revealed (Independent 8/19)

House GOP investigators accuse Biden of ‘impeachable conduct’ in long-awaited report (Politico 8/19)

The Democratic Party Is Now the Real “Freedom” Caucus (The New Republic 8/19)

How Kamala Harris Took ‘Freedom’ Back from the GOP (Time 8/17)

Live DNC Updates: AP News, NBC News

From a 'wake' to 'Mardi Gras': With Harris, the Democratic convention is a hot ticket (NBC 8/8)

The Sound of Silence? J.K. Rowling Has Not Tweeted in 12 Blissful Days (them 8/19)

Erin Ryan is BACK from maternity leave! She and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about American Dad Tim Walz, creep JD Vance (and his drag history), and how Trump’s relevance is getting drowned out by Democrats’ joy. Then, Lt. Gov. of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins to discuss midwestern vibes, her longtime political relationship with the new Democratic VP pick, and how she just might become the first indigenous woman to be an American state governor. Finally, Sani-Petty: Julia Child and Love Island USA are saving our souls these days. 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan: Twitter, Instagram

Tim Walz, Doug Emhoff, and the Nice Men of the Left - An election defined by two very different kinds of guys. (Intelligencer, by Rebecca Traister)

The Meme-ification of Tim Walz - The Internet’s dad du jour is proof of America’s longing for a cheerful, competent, moral–and fun–kind of manliness. (Esquire, by our very own EGR)

Joy Ride: Upbeat Dems Are Spreading Optimism to a Divided (and Newly Delighted) Nation (Vanity Fair 8/9)

Biden Made Trump Bigger. Harris Makes Him Smaller. (NYT Op-Ed, by Ezra Klein 8/11)

Vance looks to turn tables on Walz: He’s the one being ‘weird’ (CNN 8/12)

Republicans who think ‘Tampon Tim’ is an insult are actually Walz’s best publicists (The Guardian 8/10)

‘Policy attack dog’ or ‘creepy’? Vance’s plane incident with Harris adds to his weird factor (The Independent 8/8)

Report: Trump calls Harris a "bitch" (Axios 8/10)

Team USA has women to thank for more than half of its Olympic medals (NPR 8/12)

Paris 2024 Paralympics - Latest News, Schedules & Results (Olympics) 

This Classic Julia Child Show Is Available to Stream for the Very First Time (Food & Wine) 

The French Chef with Julia Child (PBS)

Samantha Bee is back to co-host with Alyssa one last time! They discuss Tim Walz joining the Harris 2024 campaign, Usha Vance’s response to her husband JD’s “childless cat lady” comment, and more in news. Then, in Sani-Petty, Sam and Alyssa ponder RFK Jr.’s dead bear in Central Park (the brain worm is real). Finally, Alyssa interviews epic down-the-ballot candidates — Anna Thomas (of PA), Sarah Henry (of FL), Eva Burch (of AZ), and Dallas Harris (of NV) — about the stakes of their local races. Next week: Erin’s back!

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Anna Thomas - Pennsylvania 

Sarah Henry - Florida 

Eva Burch - Arizona 

Dallas Harris - Nevada 

Get involved: votesaveamerica.com/2024

Samantha Bee: podcast, Substack

Gov. Tim Walz Signature Accomplishments

The best 'big dad energy' jokes about Gov. Tim Walz: List (FOX9) 

'Kamala caved': Trump and his allies cast the Walz pick as liberal overload (NBC)

Donald Trump Claims Tim Walz Will 'Unleash HELL ON EARTH' (HuffPost)

Fun Alyssa story from 2008: Behind the Scenes of the Vice-Presidential Selection Process (NYT)

Usha Vance tries to defend her husband's 'childless cat ladies' comment (NPR)

Doug Emhoff, Husband of Kamala Harris, Acknowledges Long-Ago Affair (NYT)

Womens Sports and the Olympics: The 19th, Yahoo! Sports, TheSkimm, pommel horse king STEVE

JD called Simone Biles “weak” for leaving the Tokyo Olympics (TikTok)

RFK Jr. admits to dumping a dead bear in Central Park, solving a decade-old mystery (

NPR

)

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” Then, Katie and Alyssa answer YOUR questions, covering romance, the idea of interviewing Melania Trump, and everything in between. 

Show Notes

Katie Couric (Twitter/X, Instagram) + her podcast, Next Question + her newsletter, Wake Up Call

Francine Pascal, creator of beloved ‘Sweet Valley High’ books, dies at 92 (CNN)

If Kamala Harris Is a D.E.I. Candidate, So Is JD Vance (NYT Op-Ed)

Vance continues to feel the scratch of "childless cat ladies" (Axios)

Democrats Embrace ‘Weird’ Messaging on Trump (NYT)

Kamala Harris allies deploy new Trump attack line: he is ‘just plain weird’ (The Guardian)

Melania Trump to tell her story in memoir scheduled for this fall (The Guardian)

The Age of Grievance by Frank Bruni

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa Mastromonaco

Going There by Katie Couric 

Katie Couric co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco, diving into Biden dropping out of the race, Kamala Harris, potential VP picks, and misogynistic political media. Then, for some levity: Sani-Petty (Celine Dion! The Olympics!). Finally, Evan Kleiman of KCRW joins to talk about summer foods — fruit pies, preserves, cocktails — and cookbook favorites. 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Katie Couric (Twitter/X, Instagram) + her podcast, Next Question

Evan Kleiman (Good Food on KCRW, Instagram)

Harris speaks at White House; Democrats see $90 million fundraising blitz (CNBC 7/22)

Kamala Harris takes over war chest as Biden campaign becomes Harris for President (Politico 7/21)

LIVE UPDATES: Many Elected Democrats Quickly Endorsed Kamala Harris. See Who Did. (NYT 7/22)

Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic nomination, and who hasn't yet? (CBS 7/22)

The Democrats who could be Kamala Harris' running mate (NBC 7/22)

What to Know About the 2024 Democratic National Convention (WSJ 7/22)

Democrats promise an ‘orderly process’ to replace Biden. Harris is favored, but questions remain (AP 7/22)

Democratic Delegates See Harris as the Strongest Candidate Against Trump (NYT 7/23)

Everyone hosting 2024 Paris Olympics coverage this summer: Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Snoop Dogg, more (EW 3/20)

In Lieu of Flowers by Nancy Howard Cobb

Kayak Morning by Roger Rosenblatt

The Auberge of the Flowering Hearth  

Zaatari: Culinary Traditions of the World's Largest Syrian Refugee Camp

S. E. Cupp (CNN contributor, Jeopardy winner) joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss MAGA world’s latest: the mess of the Republican National Convention, Trump picking JD Vance as his VP, and the Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Then, they cool off with Sani-Petty. Finally, Alyssa interviews four fantastic state-level candidates — Mai Xiong of Michigan, Anna Payne of Pennsylvania, Sue Altman of New Jersey, and Averie Bishop of Texas — who offer us a glimmer of hope, talking about their campaigns. If they’re on your ballots, listen up!! 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

votesaveamerica.com/2024

Mai Xiong

Anna Payne

Sue Altman

Averie Bishop

The RNC

• Live Updates from CNN
• List of Speakers

Summary from AP: At the Trump rally, it was evening sun, songs and blue sky. Then came bullets, screams and blood

The 19th: Women who have been the targets of political violence swiftly condemned the attack

Trump’s VP announcement on Truth Social

Shannen Doherty died: The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' Actress Was 53 

Alec Baldwin is shooting family’s TLC reality show during ‘Rust’ trial: ‘It’s full speed ahead’ (NYPost) 

Errin Haines of The 19th is back, co-hosting with Alyssa and diving into the recent media coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump trying to walk back his support of Project 2025 in news. Then, Dr. Karen Tang joins to discuss her book It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) — which we OBVIOUSLY had to cover on the pod. Finally, Sani-Petty (Essence Fest and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are everything). 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) by Karen Tang (Website, Instagram) 

Errin Haines (Instagram, Twitter) 

Could Biden choose a new running mate in 2024? (The 19th 2/24/23)

Exclusive: Kamala Harris adds trips to speak to Black women voters in July (The 19th 7/3/24)

Abortion ballot initiative news: Arkansas, Arizona, Nebraska

RNC committee adopts GOP's 2024 policy platform -- including on abortion (ABC 7/8)

RNC approves platform that would give rights to fetuses, endangering abortion, IVF (The 19th 7/8) 

Trump seeks to disavow 'Project 2025' despite ties to conservative group (Reuters 7/5)

Trump campaign blocks pair of anti-abortion activists from RNC platform committee (Politico 7/2)  

The United States will send its most diverse women’s gymnastics Olympic team to Paris at the end of this month (IG) 

Tre’vell Anderson of Crooked’s What A Day podcast co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco this week! They dive into the 2nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, the first Trump v. Biden presidential debate, and the status of the Supreme Court’s rulings in news. Then, Hysteria producer Fiona Pestana joins to discuss the current state of anti-trans legislation — and what we can do about it. Finally, we’re feeling very sane in Sani-Petty. 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes

Take Action

• votesaveamerica.com
• crooked.com/pride for trans stuff (elections to watch: North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Arizona, etc.)

Tre’vell Anderson

• We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film (Bookshop)
• Instagram, Twitter

News 

• 1st Biden-Trump debate: What to know and how to watch (ABC)
• Democrats Lean on Abortion Rights Message for Anniversary of End of Roe (NYT 6/24)
• Which States Could Have Abortion on the Ballot in 2024? (Fairness Project)
• Trad Wives Are Thriving in the Post-Dobbs Era (Mother Jones)
• Trump Marks Second Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturned By Trying To Figure Out How Best To Brag About It (Vanity Fair 6/23)
• Supreme Court takes up challenge to gender-affirming care ban (The Hill 6/24)

Trans News Resources

• Trans Legislation Tracker
• Erin in the Morning
• TransLash + The Anti-Trans Hate Machine
• Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2023 (ACLU + NBC + ABC)
• Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024 (ACLU)
• The Turning Tide: Every Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Defeated as Georgia Session Ends
• Trump In Wisconsin Announces Funding Ban For Trans Supportive Schools On Day 1 (Erin in the Morning)
• A second Trump term would double down on erasing trans rights. Here’s how advocates are preparing. (Erin in the Morning)

Sani-Petty

• Tre’vell: Present by Neverending Nina
• Fiona: Clean Air Orgs — Map, Clean Air Club in Chicago (Instagram)

Errin Haines, editor-at-large for The 19th, joins Alyssa to talk the latest abortion news, the horrors of a possible second Trump presidency, some hope for those with medical debt, and more. Then, Deesha Dyer talks about her new book Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble. To close, Errin and Alyssa get Petty.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Show Notes 

Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble by Deesha Dyer (Instagram, Twitter) 

Errin Haines (Instagram, Twitter)

The Amendment: Queering Our Way to a Liberated Future with Kelley Robinson (The 19th 6/12) 

The Supreme Court’s abortion pill case is only a narrow and temporary victory for abortion (Vox)

Mifepristone is safe for now, but another challenge waits on the horizon (The Hill)

‘They want us to be scared’: Protesters target organizers for abortion ballot measure in Arkansas (The 19th)

Southern Baptists vote to oppose IVF and reject tighter ban on women pastors (The 19th)

Project 2025: The Trump presidency wish list, explained (BBC)

A second Trump term would double down on erasing trans rights. Here’s how advocates are preparing. (The 19th)

Judge strikes down Florida gender-affirming care restrictions for minors and adults (The 19th)

New Biden administration rule would ban medical debt from credit reports (The 19th)

‘They see strength’: The Black sports icons shaping Donald Trump’s take on race, politics, and masculinity (Semafor)

Key takeaways from a new poll of Black voters (USA Today)

Rodent men trend (NYT, Fox, CNN)