Explore every episode of the podcast How To Not Lose Your Sh!t
Dive into the complete episode list for How To Not Lose Your Sh!t. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Pub. Date
Duration
Troublemakers vs Chaos Causers (with Kristi Hirst)
29 Jan 2025
00:51:17
Here at Red Wine & Blue, we talk a lot about “troublemakers” and “making good trouble” (inspired in part by the late great John Lewis). Our network TroubleNation is made up of hundreds of local grassroots groups across the country — women like Kristi, a mom and former teacher in California who’s been standing up for the public schools in her area.
Troublemakers band together with other badass women in their communities who share their values. They make things better for their kids, friends, and neighbors. On the other hand, “chaos causers,” as Kristi calls them in this week’s podcast episode, come in from the outside to disrupt communities. Groups like Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys aren’t listening to local communities and they certainly aren’t making good trouble. They’re just causing chaos.
This week we talked to Kristi about how she and a group of other moms started getting together to drink wine and talk about how to stand up for their local schools. You can learn more in this video about how they found the courage to stand up to literal armed extremists in their schools. Kristi also started an organization called Our Schools USA dedicated to empowering parents and students to protect quality public education.
The last week has been filled with bad news on the national level. Trump is the ultimate chaos causer and it can be hard to stay positive in the face of his many (many many) harmful policies. But there are a lot of women like Kristi out there making good trouble and standing up to the chaos causers. When they go low, we go local.
Let's thank Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for standing up to Donald Trump and calling for mercy — especially immigrants and LGBTQ+ children. You can add your name to our petition here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
On Inauguration Eve, Red Wine & Blue held a live virtual event with our favorite historian, Heather Cox Richardson. Heather helped us put things into perspective and reminded us that small groups of people can change history.
Over 22,000 people attended the Zoom call, 24,000 watched it on YouTube, and almost 120,000 streamed it on Heather's Facebook page. This is a moment where we can fall apart or all come together to make change - and it's clear which option this community is choosing.
If you missed Sunday night's event, we wanted to share it with everyone right here on The Suburban Women Problem.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
We're having a hard time today. You probably are too. But we wanted to get together and talk about it, give some reasons for hope, and just be present with each other. We were joined by political strategist Jess McIntosh, one of our favorite guests, to help us put things in perspective... and start figuring out where we go from here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
We all want to do our part to change the world, and little changes add up. But sometimes we get inspired to pivot and make a big change… and that’s what today’s episode is all about!
After a dive into the news (seriously, how is there so much breaking news every week?), Amanda, Jasmine, and Rachel are joined by Jill Jonassen. Jill creates videos and hosts Twitter Lives for Red Wine & Blue, but she didn’t always work in politics. After Trump’s election, she went on a journey that started with getting more involved with school boards and brought her to the work she does today. You can read Jill’s Op-Ed here and learn more about her Live conversations here.
And after that, Amanda sits down for a chat with Adeline Koh. While on sabbatical from her job as a race and gender studies professor, Adeline started a beauty company called Sabbatical Beauty. Like Jill, she was nervous to quit her job and start something new, but she knew she wanted to dedicate her work to the causes she believes in. Sabbatical Beauty has supported many progressive causes and now they’re partnering with Red Wine & Blue on their “Beauty Is Political” line.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to unexpected but necessary conversations, husbands, Hawaii, and moms supporting moms in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
It’s hard to believe, but we’ve recorded almost 100 episodes of The Suburban Women Problem. So to celebrate, we’re hosting a live virtual event with our very first guest, rockstar historian Heather Cox Richardson! The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can purchase pre-sale tickets here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Mother Earth Has Joined The Chat (with Nivi Achanta and Felice Stadler)
19 Apr 2023
00:58:25
April is Earth Month, which makes this the perfect time to talk about the environment and climate change. Justice and democracy are so important, and we can’t stop talking about them, but at the end of the day, we all need a planet to live on if we want that justice and democracy to thrive. So this week, Rachel and Jasmine are joined by guest host Malynda Hale to discuss the news, climate change, and why talking to our friends – and our elected representatives – about our values is so important.
We’re joined by Felice Stadler, the Vice President of Government Affairs with the Audubon Society. Felice shares why she’s made a career out of working for climate justice, the overlaps between bird conservation and environmentalism, and why suburban women are the perfect people to get loud about Mother Earth.
And after that, Jasmine has an amazing chat with Nivi Achanta, the founder of The Soapbox Project, a newsletter and media platform that helps busy people take action on climate change. It can be hard to know where to start on an issue as big as climate change, but Nivi’s newsletter breaks it into bite-sized pieces that anyone can do. She and Jasmine also talk about the really important concept of the Values/Perception Gap. Basically, most of us walk through life thinking that we’re the only one who cares about the climate, social justice, or our communities. But research shows that actually, most people do care! So don’t be afraid to start a conversation about the climate… chances are, you have more in common with others than you think.
Finally, Rachel, Malynda and Jasmine raise a glass to finished projects, New Orleans and meeting other elected officials, and finding connections beyond politics in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
It’s hard to believe, but we're almost at 100 episodes of The Suburban Women Problem! So to celebrate, we’re hosting a live virtual event with our very first guest, rockstar historian Heather Cox Richardson. The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can purchase pre-sale tickets here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Feeding Kids Is A No-Brainer (with Admiral Rachel Levine and Hunger Free CO)
12 Apr 2023
00:54:38
Today, we're talking about hunger and school lunch. Right wing extremists want to distract us, but what’s more damaging to a kid’s health and education... the gender of one of their friends, or going hungry? Free school lunches are so important to make sure that students are fed, healthy, and ready to learn. Feeding kids shouldn't be a partisan issue - in fact, as Jasmine says, it should be a no-brainer.
So this week, we are so excited to chat with Marc Jacobson and Ellie Agar from Hunger Free Colorado. They helped write Proposition FF to provide every student in Colorado a free school lunch. Marc and Ellie share how that ballot measure came about, how prevalent the issue of hunger really is, and how we can talk to our friends and neighbors about the issue.
And after that, Amanda sits down with Admiral Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health with the Department of Health and Human Services. She also happens to be our nation’s first openly transgender four-star officer and the first to be confirmed to an appointment by the Senate. Amanda and Admiral Levine talk about the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the difference between food insecurity and nutrition insecurity, and how her identity as a transgender woman isn’t her weakness - it’s her superpower.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to museums, making connections and building community, and the people of Wisconsin in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
We invite you to join us for a virtual Troublemaker Training on Thursday April 13th to hear more about the work that school boards do, and again on Thursday April 20th to learn how you can speak out a school board meeting like a pro. You can learn more and RSVP here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Learning Outside The Colorless Bubble (with Angie Thomas and Revida Rahman)
05 Apr 2023
00:56:51
Today Jo Carducci is filling in for Rachel Vindman. In this episode, Jo, Jasmine, and Amanda chat about how right-wing extremists are trying to distract us and exhaust us. Whether it’s refusing to focus on anything but the trans identity of the recent school shooter in Nashville, or pretending that a children’s book about Rosa Parks is “pushing Critical Race Theory on kids,” we can’t let our focus waver from the things that really matter: standing up for equity in our schools and communities.
This week, we hear from Revida Rahman, a mom in Tennessee who co-founded OneWillCo, an organization that supports students of color. Revida shares some of the troubling racial incidents that led her and her friend Jen to found their organization, why book bans are so dangerous, and what white parents can do to stand up for racial equity in their school systems.
And after that, Jasmine gets the chance to talk to Angie Thomas, the award-winning author of books like “The Hate U Give” and “Concrete Rose.” Angie chats about writing a novel about Black Lives Matter from the perspective of a teenage girl, and how she wanted to approach writing the book not just from anger, but also from love. We’re very excited about her new book for middle-grade readers, “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy.” It’s so important not for young girls of color and for everyone to see some Black Girl Magic.
Finally, Amanda, Jo and Jasmine raise a glass to awards, historic downtowns, and supportive co-workers in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you want to hear more from authors of banned books, you can check out our Banned Book Club events on Instagram Live. And if you aren’t able to join us live, you can always watch the interviews later on our YouTube channel. We also carry those banned books in our online bookshop, because one of the best ways you can support authors is to buy their books!
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Kids Deserve A Better World (with Porsche Joseph and Claire Mengel)
29 Mar 2023
00:53:06
Last week, a House Judiciary Committee held a hearing called “Free Speech: The Biden Administration’s Chilling of Parents’ Fundamental Rights,” with conservative speakers from Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education. But where were the moms who support diversity? And what about the students themselves? Where were their voices? With yet another tragic school shooting this week, we have to ask ourselves… when will we listen to kids and value their lives more than we value guns?
This week, we hear from Claire Mengel, a young activist from Cincinnati who organized against the cancellation of Diversity Day in their high school. Claire shares why their school board canceled the event in the first place and why they felt it was so important to stand up for diversity. And even more importantly, Claire shares why it’s so crucial to listen to students about their own lived experiences and what adults can do to help.
Then Rachel sits down with Porsche Joseph, an activist, educator, and co-author of the book Better Than We Found It: Conversations To Help Save the World.The book is aimed at young adults, but anyone can get so much out of its explorations of topics like gun violence, immigration, and health care. Rachel and Porsche chat about supporting young people, what it was like to write a book with her husband, and what Elizabeth Warren is like in real life!
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to birthdays and passing bills in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4th could decide the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin, as well as redistricting and voting rights, which could have a huge impact on the 2024 election. So if you or anyone you know lives in Wisconsin, please be sure to vote before April 4th! And if you want to learn more about the election and what it means, you can check out our social media live events with Politics Girl and some amazing moms from Motherhood For Good on YouTube.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
It’s Ok To Change Your Mind (with Roberta Blevins and Crystal Lett)
22 Mar 2023
00:54:51
We’ve been talking a lot lately about all the dangerous bills and bans that extremists have been pushing. And like we always say, one of the best ways we can fight these things is by having honest conversations. Our friends or family or neighbors might be on the fence about some of these issues, and by talking to them, we just might change some hearts and minds.
We’re joined by Crystal Lett, a mom in Ohio who’s gone on an amazing journey from growing up in an ultra-conservative religious community to a career in progressive politics. Crystal and the hosts chat about what that journey was like, what prompted her to change her mind, and strategies for talking to the people in our lives about politics. It’s all about compassion, listening, and realizing that we have more in common than what divides us.
Then Rachel sits down with Roberta Blevins, a mom who became an anti-MLM advocate after joining – and then getting out of – LuLaRoe. Roberta shares the vulnerabilities that led her to join a multi-level marketing company in the first place and how a supportive community helped her escape. She also discusses how we can change the minds of people in our lives; like Crystal, Roberta says that listening with compassion is the best way to meet people where they are.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to brand-new bikes and kids excelling in their sports and recitals in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
On Thursday March 30th, Red Wine and Blue is hosting a virtual event with a guest who knows all about the power of changing your mind. Dr. Ellen Gaddy is the granddaughter of the late Republican Senator Jesse Helms and she’ll share her journey of freeing herself from a family legacy that doesn't reflect her values. You can learn more and sign up for this exciting event here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Pronouns Aren’t Bullets (with Del. Danica Roem and Elliott Kozuch)
15 Mar 2023
00:52:29
This year alone, over 400 bills have been introduced to block transgender people from receiving basic healthcare, education, and the right to publicly exist. These bills not only harm individual trans people, they’re also an attack on our freedom and our democracy. Just like with reproductive rights, it all comes down to extremist politicians inserting themselves into a conversation that should be between a person and their doctor. Or between a kid and their parents!
We’re joined by Elliott Kozuch, who shares their thoughts as the Senior Communications Strategist for NARAL Pro-Choice America and a person who’s trans and non-binary. Elliott talks about what the fight for trans rights and reproductive rights have in common, and what we can do to band together and stand up against extremism.
Then Jasmine sits down with Danica Roem, a Virginia state delegate, a journalist, and the first openly trans person to be elected as a state representative. Jasmine and Danica chat about authenticity, trans rights, and what people get wrong about the suburbs.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to high school theater, 100 Women Strong Ohio, and Junior’s Cheesecake in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you want to stay in the loop about the pending ban on the abortion pill, we encourage you to join us in our Emergency Trouble Huddle on Monday, March 20th. We’ll be joined by Skye Perryman, the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, and Dr. Colleen McNicholas, a board-certified OB-GYN and the Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood Missouri. You can learn more and sign up here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Parenting Is Political (with Julie Kohler and Kate Duffy)
08 Mar 2023
00:54:50
On today's episode, we're celebrating Women's History Month! Of course we celebrate women every single week on the pod, but this week, we wanted to take a closer look at the political power of moms. We’re joined by North Carolina organizer Tonya Martin, who’s filling in for Jasmine this week while she’s hard at work in the Georgia legislature.
We’re joined by Kate Duffy, a mom in Wisconsin who started a group to support Mandela Barnes called Moms For Mandela. And after the election, Kate turned her group into a community called Motherhood For Good. Kate shares her super relatable journey into politics and what’s so special about moms. And after that, Amanda sits down with Julie Kohler of the podcast White Picket Fence. Amanda and Julie chat about “parents’ rights,” how moms have been involved in politics throughout history, and how misogyny hurts everyone.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Tonya raise a glass to brave daughters, amazing teams, and last-minute get-togethers in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
We celebrate women every day on this podcast, but today’s episode is coming out on International Women’s Day, so we want to encourage everyone to listen to the stories of all the amazing women in this country. And one great way to do that is to follow Red Wine and Blue on social media, where we share women’s stories and voices every single day.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Saving Reproductive Rights, One Brunch At A Time (with Angela Vasquez-Giroux and Rep. Dr. Anita Somani)
01 Mar 2023
00:55:37
One Trump-appointed judge in Texas is likely about to ban an abortion pill used by millions of Americans. And the ban won’t just affect women in Texas… it’ll affect all of us across the country, even in blue states. The ruling was expected to be released as early as Friday the 24th, so we wanted to make sure we talked today about this case and why it’s so important. This isn’t the first attack on our reproductive freedoms, and it won’t be the last, which is why it’s so important to pay attention and to talk to our friends. We're saving the world, one brunch at a time!
We’re joined by Representative Dr. Anita Somani, who shares her wisdom and knowledge both as an OB-GYN and a state representative in Ohio. Dr. Anita talks about why this ban is dangerous, what we can tell our friends and neighbors about the pill, and how reproductive rights inspired her to run for office. And after that, Amanda sits down with Angela Vasquez-Giroux of NARAL Pro-Choice America. Angela and Amanda chat about what exactly is going on with this case in Texas, what we can do about it, and what gives her hope.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to the people of Ukraine, to community support after a hard week, and to celebrating birthdays by giving back in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Here at Red Wine & Blue, we believe in the power of conversations. And now you can listen in on some of those conversations live every week on social media. Every Monday morning at 11 Eastern, Jo and Jill chat about the news of the day, what to look for in the weeks ahead, and what stories you might've missed. They’re often joined by special guests like Shannon Watts, Alex Vindman and Fred Guttenberg. You can tune in live on Twitter by following us @redwineblueusa, and you can check out our past conversations on YouTube.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Equity Isn’t A Dirty Word (with Carrie Douglass, Ethan Ashley, and Maya Guy)
22 Feb 2023
00:52:41
We’ve been talking about right-wing extremists' push for “parents’ rights” all year and there are so many ways that manifests: banning books, banning sex ed classes, banning rainbow flags in the classroom... and another thing they don’t want our kids learning about is race. This week we’re discussing equity in education, and in particular what school boards can do about it.
The hosts are joined by Maya Guy, who was elected to school board in Virginia. Maya shares some work she’s done to ensure equity for all students in her district, both as a mom and as a school board member. Then Jasmine sits down with Carrie Douglass and Ethan Ashley, school board members and the founders of School Board Partners, an organization that helps connect, inspire and support anti-racist school board members across the country. You can read their groundbreaking report Empty Seats At Powerful Tables or learn more by following them on social media.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to a big move, the Cincinnati Holocaust Museum, and raising the next generation of leaders in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Extremist politicians and outside groups are attacking our kids’ education with book bans. They’ve even tried to ban books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. One way you can stand up to these book bans is by reading and discussing frequently banned books like The Bluest Eye and The Hate U Give - and if you buy them through our new affiliate shop on Bookshop.org, you can support books, independent bookstores, AND the work of Red Wine and Blue. You can find our shop here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
On Wednesday October 30th, Red Wine & Blue hosted a virtual event where we were joined by Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. She’s not just the highest ranking Indigenous woman to be elected in this country… if Kamala Harris and Tim Walz win, she’ll be the first Indigenous governor ever.
Before being elected to statewide office in Minnesota, Lt. Gov. Flanagan was a community organizer who trained thousands of other organizers and candidates, including Governor Tim Walz himself — she coached the coach! Her comments were so inspiring, we wanted to share them with you all. You can also catch our video of the event on Red Wine & Blue’s YouTube channel.
If you haven't already, you can sign up for Rally here!
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Even Grown-Ups Get Afraid (with Dr. Andrea Bonior and Deb Paris)
15 Feb 2023
00:53:03
Note: This episode was recorded before the news broke about Monday’s shooting at Michigan State University. But despite that, we talk extensively about gun violence in this episode, because any conversation about mental health, particularly the mental health of young people, necessarily includes discussing gun violence.
The news has felt even harder than usual lately, between the earthquake in Turkey, the train disaster in Ohio, threats to reproductive freedom, our ongoing epidemic of gun violence, and more. This month, we’ve been talking about young people and how we can support them… and one key piece of that puzzle is supporting their mental health.
We’re joined by one of our favorite therapists (and favorite mother-in-laws) Debby Paris to talk about how we can talk to our kids in age-appropriate ways about what they’re seeing in the news and in their schools. Then Amanda sits down for a chat with one of our OTHER favorite therapists, Dr. Andrea Bonior of the podcast “Baggage Check”! Andrea and Amanda chat about how young people are feeling (not great!), how we can support them, and how we can protect our own mental health as moms.
Finally, Amanda and Jasmine raise a glass to secret admirers, organizing a legislative retreat, and to the SuperBowl (okay, mostly to Rihanna) in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Earlier this week, we hosted a conversation with Rachel Vindman and Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action. They talked about the power of moms to effect change on gun violence prevention. If you're feeling overwhelmed and want to know what you can do, we encourage you to check out that conversation on Red Wine and Blue's YouTube channel: https://go.redwine.blue/sw2.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Gen Z Doesn't Need Your Permission (with Eve Levenson and Lauren Jasinski)
08 Feb 2023
00:53:11
Jess McIntosh is filling in for Amanda Weinstein this week as we do another deep dive on Gen Z. This week, we’re focusing on an issue that has unfortunately galvanized and inspired so many Gen Z activists: gun violence. As young people have watched adults fail to take action on gun violence prevention, they’ve stepped up and led the way themselves. They’re not held back by decorum or politeness; they’re taking action without asking for permission.
We’re joined by Lauren Jasinski, a teacher in Michigan who had worked in gun violence prevention for years before a school shooting happened in her very own high school. Lauren shares the amazing work that her students are doing, like an organization called No Future Without Today. She also recommends Be Smart, which raises awareness about safe gun storage. We’re so grateful to Lauren for sharing her perspective as a teacher, an advocate, and a gun violence survivor.
Then Rachel sits down with another incredible Gen Z activist, Eve Levenson. Eve has worked with The Jewish Democratic Council of America, Grassroots Dem HQ, Voters Of Tomorrow, and she co-founded the Youth In Gov Coalition. Relevant to our topic of gun violence this week, she also worked with March For Our Lives, founded by high school students after the school shooting in Parkland. Eve shares how her Jewish identity has inspired her activism, what issues are important to Gen Z, and the best advice she ever received (hint: it was from Ruth Bader Ginsburg!!).
Finally, Jess, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to kids' birthdays, to organizing all year round, and to leaning in to what inspires us in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
You don’t have to be Gen Z to be a social media queen! Sharing information and inspiring people to action is how we bring change to our communities and our country. If you want to learn how to use social media to defeat right-wing extremism, join us for a special Troublemaker Training on Thursday February 9th. You can sign up here or by going to redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Let’s (Tik)Tok About Gen Z (with Annie Wu, Juanita Boger-Allen and Mya Allen)
01 Feb 2023
00:55:36
Suburban women are an important voting block and we made a big difference in last year’s midterms. But we’re not alone: Gen Z also played a key role in the midterms, changing the narrative that “young people don’t vote.” We’re so happy to band together with Gen Z to defeat right-wing extremism. So that’s what we’re talking about this week: young people. The hosts even share what they were like when they were young!
We're then joined by Judge Juanita Boger-Allen and her daughter Mya. Juanita was the first Black District Court Judge to be elected in her North Carolina community. And through working on her campaign, both she and Mya were so inspired by each other. They’re living proof that working together across generations isn’t just good for the cause - it also brings us closer together.
After that, Rachel sits down with Annie Wu, the young woman who ran John Fetterman’s social media during his Senate campaign and earned the moniker “Fetterman’s TikTok Whisperer.” Annie shares how she got into politics (and why campaign work is inaccessible to many young people), why Gen Z is more involved than young people in previous generations, and the best parts about working with Gisele and John.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to Representative Emilia Sykes, kids growing up, and the importance of political organizing even in red rural areas in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Are you starting to see attacks on sex education in your newsfeeds? Do you believe sex ed is important but you have questions about what your kids should learn and when? Do you want to be prepared to handle discussions around sex ed within your school district and with friends? We got you covered! Join us on Thursday, February 2nd for a special Troublemaker Training. You can sign up here or by going to redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Inclusion Isn’t A Drag (with Tara Hoot and Cress Barnes)
25 Jan 2023
00:52:00
We’re not afraid to tackle any topic on this podcast, and this week that topic is drag. It’s a new year, but right-wing extremists keep reading from the same old playbook, trying to find boogeymen to scare us… especially suburban women. Armed right-wing extremists have been showing up to protest drag storytime events, which seems far more traumatizing for a child than a princess reading them a book could ever be. So much for the party of personal choice.
The hosts are joined by Cress Barnes, a mom in North Carolina who’s had to deal with threats and calls to shut down her restaurant because she hosts family-friendly drag events. Cress talks about why it’s important to provide inclusive spaces, some misconceptions about drag, and how she always tries to lead with kindness. When she threw a "not a protest" party to celebrate diversity in her town, hundreds of people showed up to support her and the LGBTQ community... and the right-wing extremists were nowhere to be found.
Then Jasmine interviews Tara Hoot, a drag queen who regularly hosts storytime events for kids. Tara is a teacher and a parent, so events that bring joy to kids and parents alike has always been a passion. They discuss what exactly drag is, why drag events have become such a popular target, and why it’s so important for kids to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the books they read and the events they attend.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to not-so-expensive eggs, favorite flowers, and moms standing up for inclusive playgrounds in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
First Ron DeSantis passed "Don't Say Gay." Then he banned discussions about racism with the "Stop Woke Act." Now he’s banned AP African American History in the state of Florida. If you want to stand up for education, we encourage you to sign our letter to the Florida Board of Education here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This Year, Let’s Choose Conversations Over Chaos (with Gisele Fetterman and Sherry Luce)
18 Jan 2023
00:52:42
Season 3 of the podcast is here and we are so happy to be back with you all! On today’s episode, Amanda Weinstein, Jasmine Clark and Rachel Vindman catch up on everything that’s happened since they last sat down together: from Jasmine and Casey being sworn in to Republicans in disarray in Ohio and Washington. Chaos is looming around every corner, but we can counter it by continuing to have authentic conversations with our friends, family, and neighbors.
The hosts are joined by Sherry Luce, an organizer in Pennsylvania. They chat with Sherry about how her state was able to swing blue in last year’s midterms, her unconventional approaches to politics (pajama party, anyone?), and what she's seeing in the coming year for Pennsylvania.
Then Amanda gets the chance to sit down with Gisele Barreto Fetterman, whose kindness, authenticity, and style are truly one of a kind. Amanda and Gisele chat about her charities, immigration, how running for office is a family affair, Brazil’s recent “January 6th” riot, how Gisele stays positive in the face of criticism, and even her long-time celebrity crush.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to Jasmine’s 40th birthday, some unexpectedly positive experiences on Twitter, and to Rachel’s daughter Sarah and the importance of reaching out for support in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Troublemaker Trainings are back! Our next Training is Thursday, January 19th and it’s all about school boards. Join us to learn more about how to fight against book bans, how to make your voice heard at school board meetings and join together with your friends and neighbors. You can learn more and sign up here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
In last year’s midterms, we showed right-wing extremists just how big of a “suburban women problem” they have - and we can’t wait to be back again, sharing meaningful conversations and being bona fide troublemakers every week.
If you joined us for Seasons 1 and 2, we are thrilled to have you back with us for Season 3. And if this is your first time listening to the pod, welcome! Our new season will launch on Wednesday, January 18th with the one and only Gisele Fetterman. We’ll see you then!
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This Is Just What Cool Moms Do (with Katie Paris and Renee Sekel)
21 Dec 2022
00:22:21
In our final episode of Season 2, we’re wrapping up with Red Wine and Blue. Rachel Vindman is joined by RWB founder Katie Paris and our deputy program director in North Carolina, Renee Sekel. The three redheads discuss the midterms, the media, and how Renee’s community showed up to defend their school board against extremism. They toast to suburban women getting involved, having the hard conversations, forging connections, and making a difference. As Katie says, it’s about moving past politics being transactional and embracing its transformative power.
Thank you all so much for joining us this year. We’ve had so many incredible conversations and suburban women made such a difference in the midterms. We can’t wait for you to join us next year. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2023!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This week, Amanda Weinstein is joined by her husband Casey! Casey is a state rep in Ohio and was just re-elected in last month’s midterms. He and Amanda chat about what it’s like to run for office… and what it’s like to have a family member run for office. Tune in to hear what one thing Amanda requested when Casey told her that he was considering running for office, what it was like to meet one of his trolls, the anti-semitism he's unfortunately had to deal with, and why Amanda thinks that suburban women in particular have supported his campaign.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This week, Rachel Vindman sits down for a chat with her friend Victor Shi. Victor is a writer, speaker, organizer, podcast host, and a student at UCLA. He was also the youngest elected Delegate for Joe Biden in 2020! Rachel and Victor discuss why the youth vote was so important in the midterms, what we can learn from young people, and why it’s important to keep these conversations going. Politics isn’t just something we should engage with around election time; we should all be living a “civics lifestyle.”
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This holiday season, we’re doing the podcast a little differently. For the rest of the year, our hosts will each take turns going deep on what we learned from the midterms - talking with experts and women who worked hard in their own communities. There are so many victories to celebrate and so many lessons to learn!
This week, Jasmine Clark is kicking things off with one of our favorite guests and political experts, Jess McIntosh. Jasmine and Jess discuss the biggest surprises of the midterms – namely, the youth vote and the difference that a little good news can make to our mental health – along with the upcoming runoff election in Georgia. Even if having a stronger Democratic majority in the Senate wasn’t at stake, Reverend Raphael Warnock is a fantastic leader, Senator, and human. Let’s WarNOCK out extremism next week in Georgia.
The runoff is on Tuesday December 6th. If you want to help Senator Warnock’s campaign, first things first, talk to everyone you know in Georgia… both about the importance of voting and also about talking to everyone they know about voting. And if you’d like to make a donation, you can go to redwine.blue/warnock. Funds are split between Rev. Warnock and Black Voters Matter.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Women Are Gonna Do This Thing (with Katie Paris and Arie Goodman)
30 Oct 2024
00:49:46
The last episode of the podcast before the election is here and we’re feeling a lot of things: excitement, nerves, determination, stress, but most of all… hope.
Hope because the Trump/Vance campaign has apparently given up on reaching across the aisle and are doubling down on their unpopular rhetoric. Hope because the Harris/Walz campaign is featuring uplifting speakers like Michelle Obama and Beyoncé. Hope because early voting numbers are breaking records.
But more than anything, hope because we have women like Katie Paris and Arie Goodman on our side. Katie and Arie are our guests on the pod today - Arie is the leader of an Ohio TroubleNation group called Advocates Allies & Activists, and Katie is of course the founder of Red Wine & Blue. They shared what they’re hearing on the ground, the amazing work that women across the country are doing, and what’s giving them hope.
As Katie says, ignore the polls, ignore the pundits, just focus on what you can do. And you can do a lot! There are six more days to talk to everyone we know about voting. We’re all gas and no brakes until November 5th - are you with us?
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This week is Thanksgiving and we all have a lot to be grateful for. So today, we’re sharing our gratitude. Not only do Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine discuss what they’re grateful for– including election results, family, and quality time– but we’re also playing some voicemails from you, our listeners, about what you’re thankful for too. It’s like we’re all sharing a big community Thanksgiving Toast to Joy! Thanks for joining us on this Suburban Women Problem journey.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
So... there was an election last week! And despite doom-and-gloom polls, and the media trying to gaslight suburban women, democracy and reproductive freedom won big. Turns out, voters don’t support extremism. Who knew? (We did!)
Our very own host Jasmine Clark won her election in Georgia, and so did our host Amanda Weinstein’s husband Casey in Ohio. But those wins were only the beginning. Democrats won the Senate! There was historic turnout, especially among young people! Democrats swept Michigan! And everywhere that reproductive rights were placed directly on the ballot, voters supported choice.
Of course there were some disappointments and some races we didn’t win, and Georgia is headed into a very important runoff election. But we proved that when we show up and use our voices, it matters. We're going to keep working and keep having these important conversations, because democracy doesn't just happen around an election. It happens every day of the year.
Next week is Thanksgiving, and we’d love to hear from all of our listeners about what you’re thankful for! We encourage everyone to leave us a voicemail at (614) 600-2480 and we’ll play your replies on next week’s pod.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Election Day is tomorrow! And that means this is our very last chance to remind everyone about just how important it is to vote. Make sure your friends vote. Make sure your family votes. Make sure even your exes and your frenemies vote! This is the moment so let’s make it count. Our rights and democracy itself are on the line.
If you need help finding your polling place, learning what’s on the ballot, or anything else about voting, you can visit redwine.blue. And if you want to save reproductive rights and help women in need at the same time, then check out RWBVotes.com. If you live – or have friends in – Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or North Carolina, for every 10 friends you talk to about voting, we’ll donate 50 dollars to an abortion fund in your state.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
We’re finally here… the last full episode of the podcast before the midterm elections! All year, we’ve been talking about what’s at stake in this election: antisemitism and racism, abortion rights, book bans, guns, election denial, and extremism in a million different forms. Now is the moment we’ve been working for, so let’s get everyone we know out to vote.
This week, Amanda got the chance to talk to Connie Schultz about why this election is so important… and at the same time, how we can take care of our mental health. Elections are stressful, and daily prognostications from dubious pollsters aren’t helping matters. Amanda and Connie had an amazing chat about what they’ve been hearing from women coming into this election and what they’re doing to stay calm in these last few crucial days. If you’ve been as anxious about the midterms as we are, we hope this interview makes you feel a little better.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to making a difference, kindness, and connecting with our neighbors in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Want to save reproductive rights and help women in need at the same time? Then check out RWB Votes! If you live in (or have friends in) Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, or North Carolina, for every 10 friends you talk to about voting, we’ll donate $50 to an abortion fund in your state. Visit https://go.redwine.blue/rallyswp to sign up and learn more.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Rachel Vindman is on Red Wine and Blue’s first-ever Troublemaker Tour, chatting with suburban women at kitchen tables in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
This week, Rachel’s in Bucks County, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Bucks County is infamous for divisive school board meetings so Rachel sat down with two moms who have direct experience with their local school boards. Jamie and Tracy shared how difficult it’s been to stand up for what’s right in Bucks County and how critical it is that we all raise our voices and get involved. It’s not enough to believe that extremists are wrong - we need to get loud and stand up for our students, teachers, and communities.
This is our last kitchen table conversation! Thank you so much to everyone for joining Rachel as she talks to suburban women about the issues that matter most to them.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
The Antidote to Hate is Connection (a Panel Discussion on Extremism)
26 Oct 2022
00:52:07
There are now only two weeks until the midterms and today, we’re talking about extremism. Conspiracy theories and hateful ideologies like antisemitism are longer just in the fringes, they're in mainstream politics. Extremists are trying to divide us with antisemitism, racism, transphobia, and misogyny, but when we band together, we are far stronger than their hate.
Instead of one featured interview, this week Rachel Vindman moderates a panel discussion with three experts on extremism: Amy Spitalnick, the Executive Director of Integrity First for America, a nonprofit that recently won a groundbreaking lawsuit against Unite The Right; Shannon Foley Martinez, a former white nationalist who now actively works to de-radicalize people; and Samantha Kutner, also known as the “Proud Boys Whisperer,” who studies violent extremism and the gender dynamics of radicalization. These three women have so much knowledge to share about what’s going on, how we got to this point, and what we can all do about it.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to love, to a rollercoaster of a campaign week, and to women finding the joy in standing up for democracy in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Rachel Vindman is on Red Wine and Blue’s first-ever Troublemaker Tour, chatting with suburban women at kitchen tables in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
This week, Rachel’s in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina. She sat down with two teachers to hear about what is happening with education in their state. Teachers know better than anyone how public education is on the ballot in the upcoming midterms, and they also know that other extremist legislation (like abortion bans) will affect not just their own lives but the lives of their students too.
Thanks for listening to Rachel’s Kitchen Table Conversations! New episodes every Saturday.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Pro-Choice is Pro-Democracy (with Dr. Diana Greene Foster and Christina Ward)
19 Oct 2022
00:49:06
We’re now only three weeks until the midterms and today, we’re focusing on the critical issue of abortion rights. We’ve talked about it before and we will keep talking about it until we are all guaranteed the right to choose for ourselves when (or if) to become a parent.
The hosts are joined by Christina Ward, a woman in North Carolina who wrote an op-ed about how important abortion access has been for her personally. Amanda then sits down with Dr. Diana Greene Foster, the director of the Turnaway Study, which looked at the lasting effects of having – or being denied – an abortion.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to early voting, Stacey Abrams, and the Akron Children’s Hospital in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
With the election just around the corner, it’s time to organize - and who better to help us rally our squad than Amy Schumer? On Tuesday, October 25th, she’ll be joining us for an interactive event where everyone –including Amy– will pick at least 10 friends that we can reach out to about what’s at stake in this election.
And if you can’t make it, don’t worry we still got you! You can visit RWBVotes to claim the friends that you’re committing to talk to about this election and get personalized support from us. You can find more information at RWBVotes.com.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Rachel Vindman is on Red Wine and Blue’s first-ever Troublemaker Tour, chatting with suburban women at kitchen tables in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
This week, Rachel’s in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina. She sat down with three moms – Stacy, Stacey, and Anissa – to hear about what got them involved in advocacy work and what’s keeping their friends and neighbors from getting involved too. Public education is a huge issue in North Carolina, with small but loud Moms for Liberty groups drowning out reasonable parent voices, but these moms aren’t taking it.
Thanks for listening to Rachel’s Kitchen Table Conversations! New episodes every Saturday.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Duct Taping Normal (with Grace Lynch and Kim Biondi)
12 Oct 2022
00:50:15
This week, Rachel Vindman and Jasmine Clark are joined by Jo Carducci (JoJoFromJerz), filling in for Amanda Weinstein. There's now only four weeks until the midterms and that means we only have a short time left to talk about how important this election is. And one of the best ways to convince people is to find the issue that speaks to them… for some people, that’s abortion; for others, it’s democracy; for others, it’s schools. So we’re going to focus on each of those topics over the next couple episodes and today, we’re starting with schools.
The hosts are joined by Kim Biondi, an English teacher in North Carolina who left education after 21 years because of right-wing extremists. Kim shares what she loved about teaching and what made her decide to leave. In retaliation for standing up for students and books, Kim was called out by name at school board meetings and attacked by a Moms for Liberty group. But even now that she’s retired, she’s still standing up for students with a grassroots group called Guardians Against Book Banning.
Jasmine then sits down with Grace Lynch, the producer and host of Teaching Texas - a podcast that takes a deep dive into the American education system. In an election year with raging debates around education, this new podcast charts how Texas has dictated American education over the last sixty years and examines how the fight over our children's classroom has only intensified today.
Finally, Jo, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to birthdays, dissertations, and successful campaigning in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re listening to The Suburban Women Problem, you’re already tuned in to what’s at stake in this election. Now we need you to make sure that your friends and neighbors are too. That’s where RWBVotes comes in. It’s an easy and fun way to keep track of the 10, or 20, or 30 friends that you’re committing to talk to about why this election is so important. You can sign up at https://go.redwine.blue/rallyswp.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This past Monday, our favorite historian Heather Cox Richardson joined Red Wine & Blue for a virtual event. We were hoping to hear her insight into how this election fits into the broader story of American history, and what we might expect over the next two weeks.
But if we’re being honest, what we really wanted was for Heather to tell us that it was all going to be okay.
And of course she couldn’t tell us that with certainty. She’s a historian, not a soothsayer. But she did offer some words of hope.
Our own podcast co-host Rep. Jasmine Clark also joined the call, and she talked about Georgia Republicans’ efforts to undermine voting in her state. During the pandemic, Georgia began offering ballot drop boxes, which were extremely popular and widely used. But despite that — or really, because of that—Republicans changed the rules and now most of the drop boxes are no longer available.
That could be a disheartening story about voter disenfranchisement, but Heather encouraged us to look at it a different way. If extremist policies were popular, why would they take away drop boxes? If most Americans supported Project 2025, why are they trying so hard to keep us from voting?
It’s because we’re the majority. Most Americans want to elect common sense candidates up and down the ballot. And we’re not letting the suppression keep us from voting. In Georgia, and many states across the country, voter turnout numbers are breaking records.
We have the power. We just have to use it.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Rachel Vindman is on Red Wine and Blue’s first-ever Troublemaker Tour, chatting with suburban women at kitchen tables in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
This week, Rachel’s in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. She sat down with Sofia – an inspiring mom, philanthropist, and advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Like Rachel, Sofia is also a former Republican, so they chat about what made her leave the party and what issues are important to her coming up to the midterms.
Thanks for listening to Rachel’s Kitchen Table Conversations! New episodes every Saturday.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
It’s Time To Focus… Group (with Sarah Longwell and Julie Womack)
05 Oct 2022
00:49:40
If you listen to this podcast, you know that suburban women are a key voting bloc coming into the midterm elections. And they are fired up – about abortion rights, about their kids’ schools, about voting rights, and so much more. So this week, we’re taking a moment to talk about what exactly is on suburban women’s minds right now.
One of our favorite organizers, Julie Womack, drops by the pod to discuss what she’s been hearing on the ground. Rachel adds what she’s been hearing from women on her Troublemaker Tour, and Jasmine and Amanda talk about what they’ve been hearing in their communities. Everyone agrees that pundits and the media get a lot wrong about suburban women, like the idea that we’ll “forget” about reproductive rights, or that we’ll just vote with our husbands. (If anything, it’s the other way around! Republicans are starting to have not just a Suburban Women Problem, but a Dad Problem as well.)
Rachel then sits down with Sarah Longwell of The Focus Group podcast. Sarah recently ran a focus group with suburban women and she shares those findings with Rachel. She also chats about her “flippers” – women who voted for Trump in 2016 and Biden in 2020 – and how she thinks they’re likely to vote this year.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to working parents, attending the Congressional Black Caucus conference, and to Amanda’s daughter getting to see the White House in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
With the election just around the corner, it’s time to organize... like a woman! That means digging deep, getting vulnerable, and finding our courage. On Monday, October 10, Abbi Jacobson from A League of Their Own and Piper Perabo from Yellowstone are joining forces with Red Wine & Blue because they believe in the power of women supporting women. You can find out more about this exciting virtual event at redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new bonus series “Kitchen Table Conversations”!
Rachel Vindman is on Red Wine and Blue’s first-ever Troublemaker Tour, chatting with suburban women at kitchen tables in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
This week, she’s in Rochester Hills, MI - a suburb of Detroit. She sat down with Kathy, Sujata, and Ebonei to talk about what issues are important to them coming up to the midterms, what they’re hearing from others in their community, and how they can’t believe their daughters and granddaughters will have fewer rights than they do.
And in an unfortunately all-too-real situation for moms across America, Kathy’s children’s school was in lockdown during this conversation - but we want our listeners to know that everything turned out fine.
Thanks for listening to Rachel’s Kitchen Table Conversations! New episodes every Saturday.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Grab Your Squad (with JoJoFromJerz, Renee Sekel, and Tonya Martin)
28 Sep 2022
00:48:13
This week on the pod, we’re talking about the power of women coming together to get stuff done. Some midterm elections could be won or lost by only a few hundred votes, so you and your friends could literally be the difference between pro-choice candidates and dangerous extremists. If each one of us gathers just a few of our friends to talk about how important the upcoming elections are, and those friends go out and talk to some friends, we can build a movement that will change the course of history.
The hosts are joined by Renee Sekel and Tonya Martin, two regional organizers with Red Wine and Blue. Renee and Tonya talk about what got them involved in politics and the issues they care about in their state of North Carolina. You can check out Renee’s education podcast “Advocacy Bites” here and learn more about both Tonya and Renee’s work at redwine.blue.
Jasmine then sits down with Joanne Carducci, who you might know on Twitter as JoJoFromJerz. Jasmine and Jo chat about how Trump’s election changed the course of their lives and sparked their activism, along with what it was like to meet Joe Biden at the White House this month. Jo also offers her expert advice on how to effectively use social media to fight for democracy.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to new beginnings, fun neighborhood events, and to winning an exciting award in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here! Talking to the people in your network is the most impactful way to influence voters, and Red Wine & Blue is committed to providing everything you need to tap into this super power: training, tools, community, and support. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
This week, we’re very excited to welcome Dr. Allison Gill to the show! Allison is a military veteran who created the incredibly popular podcast Mueller She Wrote and is now co-host of the women-led news podcast The Daily Beans.
Our hosts Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark, and Amanda Weinstein chat with Allison about her military service, including her thoughts about abortion access for service members, what made her decide to start Mueller She Wrote, and what it’s like hosting a political podcast with other talented women (something we know a little bit about!). She also tells us what we need to know about the Mueller Report, the documents found at Mar-A-Lago, the January 6 hearings coming back to primetime TV this month, and whether Trump will ever actually be charged with a crime.
Finally, Allison and our hosts raise a glass to surviving a trip to Six Flags with teenagers, a visit to Vienna, an incredible interaction with Elizabeth Warren, and to all the women out there fighting for democracy in this week’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here! Talking to the people in your network is the most impactful way to influence voters, and Red Wine & Blue is committed to providing everything you need to tap into this super power: training, tools, community, and support. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
You Can’t Troll Suburban Women (with Amanda Marcotte, Lindsay Mahaffey, and Christine Kushner)
14 Sep 2022
00:46:40
This week on the pod, hosts Jasmine Clark, Amanda Weinstein, and Rachel Vindman talk about trolls. It’s not just bots or anonymous accounts on Twitter anymore - in many places, the trolls are actually running for office. So many right-wing extremists don’t have real policy positions anymore, they’re just running on fear and personal attacks. But suburban women know better!
The hosts are joined by Lindsay Mahaffey and Christine Kushner, two school board members in North Carolina. They’ve been dealing with their own trolls, facing name-calling at school board meetings and on the campaign trail. Christine and Lindsay are so passionate about the teachers and students in their district… we’re lucky to have women like them standing up for our kids.
Then Rachel shares her interview with Amanda Marcotte, a senior politics writer at Salon and the author of "Troll Nation.” They chat about how the Republican party has been steadily losing support for their policies so instead, they’ve turned to “revenge politics”... leaning into fear, rage, and name-calling instead of coming up with new policies that speak to American voters. Amanda and Rachel also discuss the importance of women talking to the men in their lives about the issues that affect them, like reproductive rights.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to birthdays, investing in our communities, and Rachel’s upcoming Troublemaker Tour in this week’s “Toast to Joy.”
We talk a lot on this podcast about how important the upcoming midterm elections are. But not enough people talk about how politics can also be fun! So on Thursday September 15, we're holding a special Troublemaker Training with First Lady of Pennsylvania Gisele Fetterman, who knows just how important it is to have a little fun while we're fighting for democracy. To sign up for this very special Troublemaker Training, you can visit redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Think Global, Vote Local (with Yasmin Radjy and Kate Nazemi)
07 Sep 2022
00:49:19
This week on the pod, hosts Jasmine Clark, Amanda Weinstein, and Rachel Vindman talk about voting “down ballot.” That just means voting for local candidates! Because as important as it is to have good people representing us in Washington, local elections have even more of an impact on our day to day lives.
The hosts are joined by Kate Nazemi, a mom in Pennsylvania whose school board has been infiltrated by extremists. Central Bucks school board now has two members of Moms for Liberty and one member who even believes in QAnon, and they’re enacting harmful policies like banning books, rainbow flags, and sex ed. Kate talks about how this extremist school board got elected in the first place and why it’s so important to engage in local politics.
Then Jasmine sits down with Yasmin Radjy, the new Executive Director of Swing Left. Jasmine is a Swing Left endorsed candidate, so this conversation is a match made in heaven. Jasmine and Yasmin talk about the important work Swing Left is doing to mobilize voters, how we can do a better job of talking up all the recent Democratic victories, and the power of suburban women. They even find a little time to chat about cute babies and Gossip Girl.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to labor unions, fun campaign events, and fighting for democracy in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re listening to this podcast, you know the importance of the upcoming elections and you want to turn out all your friends to vote. But you might still want a little help having effective and persuasive conversations. Join us on Thursday September 8 for a special Troublemaker Training with Jess McIntosh. You can sign up for Messaging 101 here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Back to School, Back to Anxiety (with Dr. Katelyn Jetelina and Pam Crossman)
31 Aug 2022
00:46:39
This week on the pod, we’re continuing our back-to-school conversation. There’s so much for parents to worry about: school shootings, Covid, book bans, teacher shortages, and more. But before we get to all that, our hosts Amanda Weinstein, Jasmine Clark, and Rachel Vindman talk about Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan. They discuss how frustrating it is to hear wealthy Republicans complain about $10,000 loan forgiveness when so many of them had PPP loans forgiven… but what’s NOT frustrating is the White House’s response! We’re so glad Biden and his team are fighting back against misinformation.
The hosts are then joined by Pam Crossman, a high school teacher in Ohio. Pam talks about how hard it is to be an educator right now, with her curriculum being questioned by extremists at the same time as they expect her to be the first line of defense against an active shooter. Pam also discusses her husband Jeff, who’s running for Attorney General right now to stand up against corruption and extremism in Ohio.
Amanda then interviews Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, best known online as “Your Local Epidemiologist.” Dr. Katelyn is a science communicator who specializes in gun violence, but became famous for her daily Covid updates. She and Amanda discuss the causes of our gun violence epidemic and some potential solutions - along with Dr. Katelyn’s thoughts about Covid and vaccines as kids go back to school.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to the first week of classes, birthdays, and to everyone out there who keeps fighting against extremism in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
On September 1st, Red Wine & Blue will be hosting a virtual Troublemaker Turnout event with Heather Cox Richardson. Come learn, get inspired, and commit to doing the MOST impactful thing you can do in the 2022 election to help protect our rights, freedom, and democracy. You can learn more and sign up here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Let’s Talk About “Late Term Abortion” (with Robin Utz and Ashley All)
24 Aug 2022
00:55:23
Content warning: this episode contains frank discussions about abortion and the loss of a child.
Ever since the fall of Roe v Wade - or actually, ever since the Supreme Court opinion leaked - we’ve been talking about abortion. But so far we haven’t done a deep dive into one of the most controversial aspects: late term abortion. So that’s exactly what we’re doing today.
Late term abortion isn’t actually a medical term, it’s a political term used to scare people, and you’ll hear more about that in today’s interview. But before that, Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark, and Amanda Weinstein are joined by Ashley All. Ashley is the Communications Director with Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, one of the organizations that made this month’s abortion victory in Kansas possible.
Rachel then sits down for a very honest and meaningful conversation with Robin Utz. Robin is a mom, a storyteller, and an abortion advocate. She started a website to share her own later-term abortion story and to encourage open-minded and compassionate discussions about infertility and abortion. Robin shares the circumstances of her own abortion, the disconnect between right-wing politicians and most Americans’ views on abortion, and what we can do to help stand up for reproductive freedom. You can learn more at Robin’s website, DefendingGrace, or at WhoNotWhen.
Finally, Amanda and Jasmine raise a glass to the weather holding out for Girl Scouts and a great campaign video, and Rachel toasts to the brave women of Ukraine in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
On September 1st, Red Wine & Blue will be hosting a virtual Troublemaker Turnout event with Heather Cox Richardson. Come learn, get inspired, and commit to doing the MOST impactful thing you can do in the 2022 election. You can learn more and sign up here.
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
You Are What A Candidate Looks Like (with A’shanti Gholar and Rep. Mari Manoogian)
17 Aug 2022
00:48:28
This week on the pod, we’re talking about running for office. When women run, especially women of color, it’s undeniable that they’re held to a different standard than their white male counterparts. Jasmine Clark tells co-hosts Amanda Weinstein and Rachel Vindman about how her validity as a candidate has been questioned all along the way, even after winning her race in 2018.
The hosts are joined by Mari Manoogian, the youngest woman currently serving in the Michigan State Legislature. Mari discusses her experience running for office as a young woman of color and about how the voters in Michigan want to elect leaders who fight for reproductive justice and stand up against extremism.
Jasmine then interviews A’shanti Gholar, the president of Emerge, an organization dedicated to recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office. Jasmine and A’shanti chat about what got her first interested in politics, the uphill battle that women face when they run for office, and what we can do to support them… not just as candidates but also as human beings.
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to solidarity and the rising Blue wave, to kids connecting to their culture at camp, and to listeners who are maintaining their hope despite living in red districts in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here! Talking to the people in your network is the most impactful way to influence voters, and Red Wine & Blue is committed to providing everything you need to tap into this super power: training, tools, community, and support. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Together We Can Move Mountains (with Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Kelly Dillaha)
23 Oct 2024
00:55:40
This week on the pod, we’re celebrating Michigan!
We’re in the final stretch of the election now, which means we’re feeling stressed, excited, exhausted, inspired, nervous, and everything in between. So we thought this is the perfect time to remind ourselves what’s possible when we unite and fight. Because together, we can truly move mountains.
Since Michigan Democrats won a trifecta in 2022 (that means the State House, State Senate, and Governorship) they’ve been able to pass so much amazing legislation: expanding voting rights, reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders, clean energy policies, and so much more. Just think how many lives have been changed by the Michigan blue wave!
On today’s episode we hear all about it from Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow and Red Wine & Blue’s Program Director in Michigan, Kelly Dillaha. They told us all about the progress they’ve made in their state and, crucially, how it didn’t just magically happen. It happened because the people of Michigan, especially women, organized and put in the work.
Michigan is an inspiration for states all across the country and even on the national scale. We have two more weeks, so let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen!
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Extremism Is Back To School (with Dr. Carlee Simon, Amanda Pauley and Tamsen Culver)
10 Aug 2022
00:38:31
It’s hard to believe, but the summer is winding down and kids are starting to go back to school. But extremism didn’t take a summer break - and as students return to classrooms, parents are having to fight again for safety, equity, reasonable class sizes, and so much more.
But first, our hosts celebrate all the legitimately good news out there: Congress passing the Inflation Reduction Act and PACT Act, Kansas voters standing up for reproductive freedom, and Alex Jones finally being held accountable for his lies about the tragedy at Sandy Hook.
Then we’re joined by Tamsen and Amanda, two moms in Pennsylvania who became friends last year when they realized they both wanted to fight for Covid safety in their kids’ school. Since then, they’ve attended school board meetings and advocated for LGBTQ+ kids and students of color in their school district. It’s easier to get involved when you’re fighting alongside your friends!
After that, the hosts chat with Dr. Carlee Simon, a mom in Florida who was fired from her job as superintendent when she dared to stand up to Governor DeSantis on masks in schools. Dr. Carlee chats with us about what happened to her, teacher shortages, how right-wing extremists are trying to destroy public education, and more. She’s currently running a PAC called Families Deserve Inclusive Schools - you can find out more here.
And finally, our hosts raise a glass to Kansas voters and to meeting listeners in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
The midterm elections are now only 13 weeks away! If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Road To The Midterms (with Jess McIntosh and Julie Collins)
03 Aug 2022
00:38:27
The midterm elections are only 14 weeks away and there has been a lot going on in election news - primaries all over the country, campaigning, organizing, media narratives that may or may not be true… it’s hard to keep track of it all.
So this week we’re doing a “road to the midterms” episode of the pod. Amanda Weinstein and Rachel Vindman are joined by guest hosts Jess McIntosh and Julie Collins. Jess is a political strategist and Julie is the National Organizer for Red Wine and Blue, so they are a wealth of knowledge to help us all understand what is going on with the midterms… and what is at stake.
And before our delightful guest hosts leave, everyone raises a glass to park rangers, family time, and incredible young activist Olivia Julianna in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!
Polls consistently show that “the economy” is voters’ top issue. But what do people actually mean when they say they’re worried about the economy? What IS the current state of the economy? How is it going to influence the midterms? And how does it affect suburban moms?
This week, our resident economist Amanda Weinstein breaks it all down for us and makes it easy to understand. She’s joined by Jasmine Clark and guest host Beverly Batte, and together they talk through how the economy affects our everyday lives and how it’s inextricably linked to other issues like Roe v Wade, climate change, and extremism. Amanda answers some listener questions from our Facebook group SWEEP and gives some easy replies to Republican one-liners about the economy. (Spoiler: Biden does not in fact control gas prices!)
Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Bev raise a glass to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to remembering the joy of teaching and parenting in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
The midterm elections are now only 15 weeks away! If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!
For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.
For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!