The relationship between Israel and the U.S. is not one of charity, according to national security expert Victoria Coates.    Over the years, the “material assistance” the U.S. has provided Israel has shifted from largely being economic to “become security assistance,” Coates, vice president of the Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation, told the “Problematic Women” podcast. “This is a mutual investment in our safety, and that has borne great dividends. It's not stuff we can talk about on the podcast, but I can just assure the audience that those are real.”    The Oct. 7th terrorist attack on Israel was not only a national security failure on the part of Israel, but also the U.S., according to Coates, who argues that the partnership keeps America’s adversaries in the Middle East at bay.    “There's a reason the Iranians call us the big Satan and the Israelis the little Satan,” Coates said. “And everyone’s going to go after the little Satan first. But if they get the little Satan, guess who's next?”    The relationship between Israel and the U.S. extends beyond the importance of the physical safety and survival of both nations and also includes a culture war - and issue Coates addresses in her new book, “The Battle For The Jewish State: How Israel―And America―Can Win.”   Coates joins “Problematic Women” to explain the history behind America’s friendship with Israel, and how the two nations can work together toward mutual national security and cultural interests, and to discuss President Donald’s Trump’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.    Also on today’s show, we discuss why the Trump administration is dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Plus, we break down our favorite red carpet looks from the Grammys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The policies coming out of Washington, D.C. have the potential to affect Americans who have not even been born yet, whether for good or bad.    The latest National Report Card from the National Assessment of Educational Progress pains an abysmal picture of education across the U.S.   The report card is published every two years and assesses the average reading and math scores for fourth and eighth graders. The report showed significant declines for students when it was published in 2022, but the decline was somewhat expected in the wake of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the assessment completed in 2024 and published Wednesday show little to no improvement for student’s math and reading proficiency.  In 2024, 39% percent of fourth grade students performed at or above the proficient math level that is set by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. This is 3% higher compared to 2022, but 2 percentage points lower than in 2019.  Eighth grade math scores are at 28% proficiency, which is about the same as 2022 scores, but eight points lower compared to 2019.  Reading scores showed an even greater decline than math.    In 2024, 31% of fourth grade students performed at or above the proficient level on the reading assessment. This is a 2 percentage point decline compared to 2022 and 4 percentage points lower than 2019, according to the report card.    And 30% of eighth grade students performed at or above the proficient level in 2024, which was not significantly different from 2022, but lower compared to 2019.   But not all the news coming out of the government is negative for our kids right now. Take the confirmation hearing of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.   Kennedy, who President Donald Trump has tapped to head the Department of Health and Human Services, testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. He argued that the U.S. healthcare and food system needs to do a better job of keeping American’s healthy, and this can begin by taking practical steps to remove processed foods from school lunch programs.    Or take the executive order Trump signed Tuesday to ban the use of federal dollars to fund or support irreversible transgender medical interventions for children.    On this week’s edition of "Problematic Women," Madison Marino Doan, co-author of "Slacking: A Guide to Ivy League Miseducation," joins the show as we breakdown the ways the biggest pieces of news coming out of Washington could affect the next generation for years to come.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Well, I didn't see that coming” has been a somewhat common refrain on Capitol Hill this week as President-elect Donald Trump announces his picks to lead his forthcoming administration. Trump has built his brand on breaking the mold of politics and continues the trend with his Cabinet appointments.  Not every choice has been a surprise. Susie Wiles has long been on Trump’s short list to be his chief of staff, given her years of loyalty to the president and her success in managing Trump’s reelection campaign. Wiles will make history as the first female chief of a president's staff.  And Tom Homan’s experience in Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, coupled with his positive relationship with Trump, made him an obvious choice for “border czar.” But some of Trump’s picks were unexpected, though not necessarily in a bad way. On this week's edition of "Problematic Women," Hannah-Claire Brimelow joins the show to discuss Trump's Cabinet picks and why some are so surprising. We also fact-check some recent abortion claims. Enjoy the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We discuss what China may have been looking for when it sent a spy balloon over America. And Tuesday night was Washington D.C.’s version of the Super Bowl - the State of the Union address. We break down a few of the big moments of the night. Plus, we recently catch up with one of our favorite Problematic Women lawmakers and share that conversation exclusively on the show. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – There is a strange new statue in New York City. It’s a nod to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. But would RBG like the statue? We weigh in. Plus, a pro-life man who was targeted by the FBI and DOJ has been found not guilty of the charges brought against him. And a college in Washington, D.C. has a new vending machine on campus supplying students not with snacks or drinks, but the morning-after pill. We explain the implications. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have intentionally omitted the right to life in the Declaration of Independence when speaking to pro-abortion advocates. And crime is on the rise. We explain some of the possible reasons why. Plus, we are not the only ones who enjoy quoting Taylor Swift lyrics, lawmakers are doing it too. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Catch The Babylon Bee's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3_nN0ERPL4. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show, we discuss new research that shows Americans are $7,400 poorer under the Biden administration. And classified documents were found in President Joe Biden’s possession in November, but the public did not find out until two months later. We’ll explain why it matters. Plus, we share how the classic movie “Titanic” is answering one of fans' biggest questions and complaints about the film. And as always, we’ll be crowning our "problematic woman" of the week. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – the Biden administration is challenging states with new tactics to expand American’s access to abortion. And the House has passed legislation to protect babies born alive after abortion. We tell you what you need to know. Plus, Biden finally pays a visit to the southern border, although many believe he’s two years too late. And, gas stoves have come under fire from the Biden administration. As always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Football during the holiday season was dramatic, exciting, and tragic. We tell you what you need to know. Plus, the FDA has just approved the sale of abortion drugs, an action that highlights the need for Congressional oversight of the Biden administration. Plus, Crocs is backing a kids in drag fashion show. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a wild year, to say the least.  In May, someone leaked the the Supreme Court's draft majority opinion in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade's green light to abortion on demand. The leak was completely unprecedented and followed by months of pro-abortion protests outside justices' homes. The date June 24, 2022, when the high court released its decision in Dobbs, is one that Americans will remember for generations to come since an estimated 10,000 lives already have been saved since the overturning of Roe, according to Catholic News Agency.  And while fate of Roe made headlines and protests raged, another debate was underway over biological males going into women’s-only spaces and joining women’s sports teams. The Biden administration was, and still is, seeking to redefine gender and sex by rewriting an important education amendment known as Title IX. The goal: to expand the definition of gender beyond male and female to include gender identity and sexual orientation.  Fall brought a frenzy of excitement over the midterm elections for members of Congress and statewide offices. The “red wave” so many Republicans predicted didn't come to pass, although Republicans did manage to gain control of the House.  And somehow, throughout the year, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift kept making her way into the headlines, her fandom culminating in November when ticket sales for “The Eras Tour” nearly broke Ticketmaster.  We have covered it all this year on the “Problematic Women” podcast, and much more, as we've followed the stories that conservative women care about and are deeply affected by.  On today’s episode of “Problematic Women,” we look back at the most “problematic” events of 2022 and crown our Problematic Woman of the Year.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, we discuss why TikTok may be on its way out of America after congressional lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to ban the Chinese-owned social media app. Also, President Biden signed the so-called Respect for Marriage Act surrounded by drag queens. We’ll break down the significance of their presence and how it may be a dark foreshadowing of what's to come as the radical transgender movement promotes its agenda. Also on today’s show, we discuss how American Girl went woke. And as always, we crown out Problematic Woman of the Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Journalists are being told they can’t write "pro-life" or "pro-choice" in articles anymore. We tell you what new words the politically correct police are demanding journalists use. Plus, Elon Musk is airing all of Twitter’s dirty laundry in “The Twitter Files.”  And NASA just took a drive by the moon. We explain why it matters. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We explain what is happening in China with protests over COVID-19 lockdowns, and why protesters are holding up white pieces of paper. Plus, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments for a critical free speech case today that involves a graphic designer and could affect all Americans who hold to a traditional view of marriage. Also on today’s show, the fashion brand Balenciaga used sexually suggestive pictures of children in a recent ad campaign. We break down what happened and why Kim Kardashian is coming under fire amid the scandal. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is now president-elect again. The polls predicted a close race with Kamala Harris, and many Americans believed the winner would not be called for multiple days.  Instead, Trump won a historic victory that became clear shortly after midnight. The 2024 presidential election was filled with surprises, historic firsts, and political shifts.    Trump is only the second president in U.S. history to win two nonconsecutive terms. Democrat Grover Cleveland served as president from 1885-1889 but lost reelection to Benjamin Harrison. He went on to run again, win, and serve as president from 1893-1897.  Trump, however, becomes the first Republican president to be elected to nonconsecutive terms.    Early Wednesday morning, Americans not only learned that Trump had won the electoral vote but the popular vote, which eluded him in 2016 and 2020. A Republican has not won the popular vote since George W. Bush did it in 2004.    The political Left may be likely to remind Americans that Trump is the first convicted felon to win the presidency. At age 78, Trump also becomes the oldest president to be elected.    Trump’s victory also represents a historic shift away from the traditional Republican Party. Endorsements and support from figures such as entrepreneur Elon Musk, activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and comedian-podcaster Joe Rogan apparently attracted voters to Trump who otherwise might have chosen to back another candidate, or not vote at all.  Although Musk, Kennedy, Rogan, and Trump himself promote many conservative policies, they are a far cry from the Republican Party of 50 or 60 years ago.    On this week’s episode of “Problematic Women,” we discuss the historic nature of the 2024 presidential election and reflect on the biggest moments of the campaign season.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the past decade, 16 million American women have left the Christian church, according to author and journalist Ericka Andersen.  “The reasons are really layered,” Andersen says, “anything from overwhelm and busyness, to some that have experienced 'church hurt.'”  In her new book “Reason to Return: Why Women Need the Church and the Church Needs Women,” Andersen addresses the reasons why so many women have walked away from the church, and argues why they should consider rejoining a church community.  On today’s edition of the “Problematic Women” podcast, Andersen discusses her new book and shares her own personal experience with the church.  Pre-order a copy of Ericka's book here. And check out Ericka's website here. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We discuss the final results of the midterm elections and how single women may have been the deciding factor in the Democrats maintaining control of the Senate. Plus, the Senate voted Wednesday on the misnamed Respect for Marriage Act. We explain why the bill should be called the (Dis)respect for marriage act. Also on today’s show, a New York City mother was arrested for allowing her 10-year-old to get a tattoo. But youth can have a double mastectomy to “change genders.” Lots to discuss there. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Check out The Federalist article about single women voting trends here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis landslide reelection victory to Kentucky’s failed pro-life ballot amendment, Tuesday’s midterm elections proved to be a rollercoaster—and not necessarily the one many voters were hoping for.  On today’s special post-election edition of the “Problematic Women” podcast, we break down five pro-life losses across America. California, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, and Vermont all had an opportunity to take steps to protect life. None did.  Also on today’s show, control of Congress hangs in the balance. We explain what we can learn from a significant House race in Texas and how Florida became a solid Republican state. All this and more.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abby Roth, better known as Classically Abby, says society today lacks authentic conversations about motherhood.  “Motherhood has been the best journey of my life,” Roth says, but new mothers don't necessarily know that the “first 10 to 12 weeks is really hard.”  As a new mom, she felt “so overwhelmed initially because it's such a huge change in your life," Roth, host of the "Classically Ever After" podcast, says. "But you are built for it. You are meant for this. And you're not alone.”  Roth joins the “Problematic Women" podcast to discuss the joys and challenges of marriage and motherhood. She also explains how texting can kill a dating relationship before it even begins. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Election day is less than a week away and abortion in on the ballot in four states. We tell you what you need to know. Plus, Anne Hathaway joined "The View" this week and said abortion could be "another word for mercy." Yikes! And social media lost its mind this week after The Atlantic suggested it’s time to forgive and forget about all the craziness that happened during the pandemic. We break it down. If you are thinking of visiting Montpelier any time soon, you may want to think again. We’ll tell you why. And as always, we’ll be crowning our problematic woman of the week! You can read Brenda's piece about Montpelier here. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We are talking about the cost of freedom. Women and men are risking their lives in Iran to protest in the streets and call for life and liberty in their nation. We’ll tell you what you need to know and how you can support them. Plus, TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney, who identifies as transgender, was invited to the White House. Also on today’s show, America’s education report card is in and it’s a lot of bad news. We break it all down. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Periods are for women only! That is the message the tampon company Garnuu is sharing with anyone who will listen.  Garnuu founder Macy Maxson promises her company will never refer to women as a “menstruate or bleeder, chest feeder... [or] a pregnant person. … We're keeping women and we're keeping periods to be a girls only club.”  Maxson joins the “Problematic Women” podcast to explain why she is speaking out against a movement that she says is trying to erase women. She also shares how her company is fighting for women overseas who are at risk of becoming human trafficking victims.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After cosmetics superstore Ulta Beauty released a podcast Oct. 13 featuring a biological male who "identifies" as a woman discussing “girlhood” and “motherhood,” real women are promising to boycott the brand. “I really think more women need to wake up to this nonsense,” wrote one Twitter user. “I think too many of us have stayed quiet because we don’t want to hurt feelings and are too concerned with being polite. I’ve had enough. I’m not going to be quiet. #WomanFace is disrespectful.”  On today's edition of "Problematic Women," we discuss the fallout and how the company is dealing with it. Also on today’s show, some Democrats want to redefine infertility. We explain why it matters.   And finally, we discuss the three high school girls from Vermont who were punished for asking a biological male to leave their locker room. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We discuss why detransitioner Chloe Cole is starting an organization and standing up to political leaders on the transgender issue. Plus, 66 abortion clinics have closed since Roe v. Wade was overturned. We also give  a rundown of one of the pro-life fights ahead, and explain why it matters. Also on today’s show, we examine one writer's take on where this generation’s belief comes from that “my feelings are always the truth.” And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After working in the Trump administration, Hope Harvard moved home to South Carolina unsure of what the future held. After a night of crying out to God for direction in her life, she awakened with the idea to start a makeup line inspired by the women of the Bible, and Hope Beauty was born.  Harvard joins the “Problematic Women” podcast to explain how women like Esther and Mary, the mother of Jesus, inspire the makeup products of Hope Beauty. She also offers advice to young women seeking to start businesses of their own. Problematic Women listeners will receive 10% off their Hope Beauty order when they use the code PROBLEMATICWOMEN at checkout. https://www.hopebeautyusa.com/ Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American voters are casting their ballots with only five days left until Election Day. On this spooky edition of Problematic Women, we reflect on the 2024 Presidential campaign highlights and the final few days of the Harris and Trump campaigns. Will this election be a trick or treat? That’s for all you problematic women to decide! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Virginia Allen shares what she saw at the southern border, and how the illegal immigration process works. And Mary Margaret Olohan explains why two girls are a part of an investigation at a Vermont high school after they told a biological male to leave the women’s locker room. Plus, the Women’s March made a telling statement on their view of abortion. We’ll break it down. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was recorded in July 2022 but a Problematic Women classic! In this very special episode of Problematic Women, hosts Lauren Evans and Kelsey Bolar go off script and reflect on the last five years producing Problematic Women. They discuss the podcasts's origin story, share some of their favorite memories, and recall some notable Problematic Women of the Week. Also, Genevieve Wood joins us as a very special Problematic Women of the Week.  Check out the Elle Magazine article here that started it all! Read Kelsey Bolar's response piece in The Federalist here. And watch our favorite documentary featuring Sue Ellen Browder here. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tori Hope Petersen is a national speaker, wife, mother, Mrs. Universe 2021, and author of the new book, “Fostered: One Woman’s Powerful Story of Finding Faith and Family through Foster Care.” Petersen joins the show today to share her story of growing up in the foster care system, and how she found faith and family along the way. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We tell you what you need to know about the crisis at the southern border and the 50 illegal migrants that were sent to Martha’s Vineyard. Plus, animals are more protected than unborn babies in some states across America. We tell you which ones, and share about some exciting pro-life news out of Pennsylvania. And in honor of the first day of fall, we are sharing some of our favorite fall traditions. And of course, we’ll be crowning our problematic woman of the week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s edition of Problematic Women, we explain why education freedom matters, and which states rank highest and lowest on The Heritage Foundation's new Education Freedom Report Card. Also on today’s show, First Lady Jill Biden does not want any books to be banned from school libraries. Plus, Kelsey Bolar describes the painful reality many detransitioners face. And as always, we will be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week.  Visit the Report Card to see how your state ranks: https://www.heritage.org/educationreportcard/pages/all-state-scores.html Watch The Daily Signal documentary on the D.C. school choice program: https://www.dailysignal.com/2017/01/26/only-2-miles-but-a-planet-away/ Learn more about Miss Virginia: https://www.missvirginiamovie.com/about Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world of “safe spaces” and politically correct speech, clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael says she believes that society needs more free speech, not less.  Free speech can help individuals grow and learn as they explore and debate ideas with others, Carmichael says, adding that it even improves anxiety and depression.  “I think that stopping people from having free speech is almost like a form of abuse,” she says.  The psychologist recently wrote about free speech's implications for mental health on her blog, and joins the "Problematic Women" podcast to discuss why she believes that limiting speech can be so damaging on college campuses and across society.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden administration is playing games with the definitions of sex and gender. President Joe Biden has proposed changing the definition of the word "sex" in Title IX, a portion of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prevents discrimination on the basis of sex within public education. Biden would redefine sex to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Under that proposed change, men who identify as women would be permitted to use women's restrooms and locker rooms at school and participate on women’s sports teams. Fortunately, Americans have an opportunity to voice support or opposition to the proposed change. Individuals and organizations have until Sept. 12 to send a comment to the Federal Register explaining their position. The Department of Education is required to review and respond to every comment. So far, about 350,000 comments have been submitted. The rule change to Title IX will be delayed, or possibly halted, depending upon the number of public comments, Sarah Parshall Perry, a senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, says. (The Daily Signal is Heritage's multimedia news organization.) Click here to learn more about leaving a comment on the Biden administration's rule change and to see helpful templates. On today’s edition of "Problematic Women," we discuss what redefining sex within Title IX would mean for girls and women across the country. Also on today’s show, we break down Biden’s recent speech in Philadelphia. Plus, football is back. We tell you what you need to know. And as always, we’ll crown our Problematic Woman of the Week. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – Beverly Hallberg breaks down Karine Jean-Pierre’s performance as White House press secretary and offers some tips and tricks on public speaking. Plus, Brittany Aldean came under fire after posting a makeup Instagram Reel. We explain why. And The New York Times thinks maternal instincts are a myth men created. Are they right? And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We discuss President Biden’s plan to forgive up to $10,000 in student loan borrower’s debt. Plus, students at the University of Texas at Austin might want to leave a blank space on their schedule this fall for a new Taylor Swift class. And three states are taking steps this week to further protect the unborn. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I was born in paradise,” Carmen Maria Montiel says of her home county of Venezuela. But “bureaucracy and corruption” turned her homeland into a nation she hardly recognized.  Montiel, a journalist, writer, political activist, and Miss Venezuela 1984, says her home country was destroyed by crippling economic policies and poor immigration regulations. "It's exactly what happened in Venezuela," Montiel says, comparing America’s open border policies to Venezuela's immigration policies in the ‘70s and ‘80s.  Montiel joins the “Problematic Women” podcast to share her own story of immigrating to America, and to discuss the parallels between Venezuela’s downfall and what she is currently seeing in America.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamala Harris’ campaign appears to have only one strategy to earn female votes, according to author and conservative social media influencer Isabel Brown.  “To the elected left today, I think women equal votes for abortion,” Brown says, adding, they see you as "a dollar sign associated with the abortion industry.”  While Democrats' strategy to win female voters this election cycle is laser focused on abortion, the political left is working hard to appeal to men after spending the better part of two decades demonizing masculinity.  In an effort to brush claims of “toxic masculinity” under the rug, Harris and her running mate Tim Walz have discussed their ownership of guns and released a campaign ad with men bragging about eating “carburetors for breakfast” and cooking “steak rare.”  The Harris campaign’s effort to appeal to male voters is likely driven, at least in part, by data showing that Gen Z male voters are increasingly leaning politically right.  “Gen Z men, namely 17-year-olds, seniors in high school right now, are politically the most conservative they've been in America in 50 years,” according to Brown.  According to an Axios report on a recent Harvard Youth Poll, 26% of men ages 18-24 identify as conservative, which is five points higher than men ages 25 to 29. While Gen Z women skew heavily to the left, even outlets like The New York Times are acknowledging that some young men “feel that rapidly changing gender roles have left them behind socially and economically” and “see former President Donald J. Trump as a champion of traditional manhood.” With less than two weeks until the 2024 presidential election, the battle for the Gen Z vote is likely already settled.  Brown joins "Problematic Women" to discuss the role the abortion issue is playing in this election, and how Democrats have isolated young male voters.  Also on today’s show, we dig into concerns over the damaging effects of various forms of birth control, and Brown shares her own story of how “the pill” changed her life for years.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We are celebrating a week of action for education freedom. We tell you why it matters and how education choice programs could change the field of education forever.  Plus, a teenager had an illegal abortion and then tried to destroy the evidence with her mom. We explain how the mainstream media reacted. Plus, there is a new social media app that is trying hard not to be like Instagram. We tell you what you need to know. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women, everything in America seems to be going woke these days. A new report from The Heritage Foundation takes a deep dive into how woke ideology reached the home of our Founding Fathers. We also share the stunning story of a Chicago mom who lost custody of her daughter for insisting that her daughter is a girl. Also, in case you missed it, the Senate passed a major spending bill over the weekend, and we breakdown what’s in the bill, why it matters, and its likely future in the House.  And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America's health care system operates like a big business. Doctors and hospitals are overwhelmed with red tape, which takes time away from the patient-provider relationship. For the health care system to put patients first again, Dr. Marion Mass says it must "cut the glut, open the books, and make everybody play by the same rules." Mass, a pediatrician and co-founder of Practicing Physicians of America, joins the "Problematic Women" podcast to discuss how the health care system became the monster it is today, and what can be done about it. She also shares her personal story of learning to balance career and motherhood.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up on today’s Problematic Women – We talk about birth control and why the FDA is considering changing its rules and allowing over-the-counter birth control. Plus, Congress is trying to codify gay marriage into law. But why now? We break it down. And YouTube has pledged to remove video on unsafe abortion practices. And as always, we’ll be crowning our Problematic Woman of the Week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When political leaders can't define what a woman is, society has a problem.  The radical left has detached sex and gender from "material reality,” says Abigail Favale, author of the book “The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory." Removing fact and biological reality from sex has led to a “subtle denigration of … the female body in our culture,” Favale says.  Favale joins this edition of the “Problematic Women” podcast to discuss the difference between gender and sex, and why it’s so important to understand and celebrate the uniqueness of the female and male body.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very special episode of Problematic Women, hosts Lauren Evans and Kelsey Bolar go off script and reflect on the last five years producing Problematic Women. They discuss the podcasts's origin story, share some of their favorite memories, and recall some notable  Problematic Women of the Week. Also, Genevieve Wood joins us as a very special Problematic Women of the Week.  Check out the Elle Magazine article here that started it all! Read Kelsey Bolar's response piece in The Federalist here. And watch our favorite documentary featuring Sue Ellen Browder here. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman serving in our military went on TikTok to vent her anger over Roe v. Wade being overturned. Some of the points she makes need to be addressed, and debunked. Plus, Elon Musk is calling off his big deal to buy Twitter - or is he? We break it down. And it’s the middle of summer, so we take a little time to discuss some of the big blockbusters of the season. Anyone else seen "Top Gun: Maverick" more than once? And as always, we’ll be crowning our problematic woman of the week! Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free speech has been under attack for a long time on college campuses. Now more than ever, students and parents need tools to navigate the woke culture within education.  “I think we see college administrators giving themselves huge powers because … they have these speech codes, where they ban 'hateful' speech, 'offensive' speech, and sure, that sounds fine, but let's think who's defining those terms,” Nicole Neily says. “It's not a constitutional scholar. It's some petty tyrant with a huge amount of discretion to pick winners and losers.”  Neily, the founder of Speech First and Parents Defending Education, two organizations fighting for civil liberties and education in America, joins the podcast to discuss her storied career and commitment to the fight for free speech on college campuses.   Neily also discusses why she's sued some of the nation's largest universities, and the turning point we find ourselves in in America's education system.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singer Macy Gray and actress Bette Midler made headlines recently for saying only women are women.  The two celebrities made their bold statements—bold for this day and age, at least—over the July 4th holiday weekend.  “WOMEN OF THE WORLD! We are being stripped of our rights over our bodies, our lives and even of our name!" Midler, 76, wrote on Twitter. “They don’t call us ‘women’ anymore; they call us ‘birthing people’ or ‘menstruators’, and even ‘people with vaginas’! Don’t let them erase you! Every human on earth owes you!” Gray, 54, appearing on Piers Morgan's show on the Fox Nation streaming service, discussed the issue of transgender "women"—biological men—competing on women’s sports teams.  “I will say this, and everybody is going to hate me, but as a woman, just because you go change your parts, doesn't make you a woman,” Gray said. Famed “Harry Potter” author J. K. Rowling has repeatedly been maligned for making similar comments to those of Midler and Gray.  The increase in celebrities’ willingness to say "only a woman can be a woman," raises the question: Is the transgender movement on the ropes? Common sense is like kryptonite to the transgender craze. If society's influencers are brave enough to continue sharing about biological reality, the theory that men can be women may collapse like the house of cards it is.  The timing of Gray’s and Midler’s remarks might also have been influenced by the Supreme Court’s June 24 decision to overturn the court's 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion ruling.  When Roe was overturned, “the sea of protest signs outside the court referred not to ‘birthing people’ or ‘people who menstruate,’ but instead to women, losing their rights, or politicians trying to control women’s bodies,” Douglas Blair wrote in a recent Daily Signal commentary.  The political left may be waking up to the reality that they cannot be outraged over women losing abortion access in some states while at the same time declaring that a man can be a woman.  On today’s episode of the “Problematic Women” podcast we discuss the ways in which celebrities' willingness to state facts about sex and gender could influence national opinion on the transgender issue.  Also on today’s show, we explain why it’s not dangerous for women to use period tracker apps. And there is a crisis at the Southern border. Now, some Texas counties have declared they are under what they are calling "an invasion.” We explain what you need to know.  And as always, we’ll be crowning our "problematic woman" of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristan Hawkins has been preparing for a post-Roe America for 16 years. For her, the Supreme Court decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade was surreal.  Hawkins leads the pro-life organization Students for Life, which seeks to educate young Americans on the issue of abortion.  Waking up Saturday, Hawkins estimated "over 400 children ... would be spared" already that morning because the high court had overruled its 1973 decision legalizing abortion across the nation. She joins the “Problematic Women” podcast to discuss the future of the pro-life movement and how students can be a voice for society's most vulnerable population.  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kids are not running for public office, enacting laws, litigating policy, or even voting, and yet children often bear the weightiest consequences for the bad policies adults implement.  “I get angry when kids are victimized because adults refuse to do the right thing,” says Katy Faust, the founder and president of the pro-children advocacy organization Them Before Us. “It's an injustice at the individual level and at the national level.” If protecting the well-being of children were the first priority of adults in public policy-related decisions, all of society would benefit, Faust contends. Sadly, adults have repeatedly chosen to place their own gratification in marriage, family formation, economic policies, border politics, and so on, ahead of the interests of kids.  “Adult-centric policy,” Faust says, is policy that gratifies “adults in the immediate, but then kids have to pay the price.” Take, for example, the issue of marriage. For decades now, phrases like “kids are resilient,” and “children just need love” have been used to justify adult decisions to divorce, cohabit with a partner, or marry a same-sex partner. In reality, these nice phrases are nothing more than permission slips for adult desires to override the interests of children, she says.  “Unfortunately, when you see that transformation away from a child-centric understanding of marriage toward an adult-centric understanding of marriage, children are victimized,” she says. In vitro fertilization has recently taken center stage as a major issue in the 2024 presidential election with both Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump declaring their fervent support for the practice. Yet neither candidate acknowledges that thousands of embryos that were created through IVF, and that are fully capable of life, will be put into a freezer and “often don’t come out,” Faust says.  Faust, the author of a number of books—including her latest, “Pro-Child Politics: Why Every Cultural, Economic, and National Issue Is a Matter of Justice for Children”—joins “Problematic Women” to discuss the ways political agendas consistently harm children in the name of adult gratification.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roe v. Wade is history. After nearly 50 years and 63 million lives lost, the Supreme Court has ruled that there’s no constitutional right to abortion. But now, the true work of the pro-life movement is beginning.  It’s now up to the American people and their elected state leaders whether or not they will be a voice for those who have none. Already, 26 states have put laws in place to protect babies in the womb.  More women facing unplanned pregnancies are going to need physical and emotional support. Pregnancy help centers will require increased resources to meet the needs of their communities. The good news is that the pro-life movement is ready.  On today’s edition of the “Problematic Women” podcast, we break down some of the ways the pro-life community can put their beliefs into action and help women and girls.  Also on today’s show, we take some time to celebrate the historic nature of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe.  Plus, we debunk some of the lies being spread by the pro-abortion movement about what happens next, and as always, we crown our "Problematic Woman of the Week.”  Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roe v. Wade has been overturned. This weekend, Problematic Women is sharing an episode of The Daily Signal Podcast where Virginia Allen interviews Cathy Harris. When she was 17, Cathy Harris had an abortion. After her abortion, Harris says she felt "immediate regret, immediate just grief that fell upon me." "I wasn't really sure what to do with it, where to put it," she recalls. "A lot of people, friends of mine had continued to tell me that's not a baby, just get over it, move on and I couldn't." It took a long time to heal from her abortion, but eventually Harris began sharing her story, and became a leader in the pro-life movement. She shared her story by writing the book "Created to Live: Becoming the Answer for an Abortion-Free Community." Harris joins "The Daily Signal Podcast" to discuss the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and what the decision means for the pro-life movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 50 years since the U.S. government acted to ensure equal educational opportunities for girls and women through Title IX.  Since put in place as education amendments in 1972, Title IX has prohibited sex-based discrimination in education programs, including competitive sports.  Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”  But the Biden administration is working to undo these very protections by redefining “sex” to include gender identity. If the far left succeeds in changing the definition of sex, Title IX would lose its power to protect women because men who identify as women would have greater access to compete on female sports teams and use women’s bathrooms and locker rooms.  On today’s edition of "Problematic Women," Heritage Foundation senior legal fellow Sarah Parshall Perry explains the fight to protect Title IX from this radical agenda.  Also on today’s show, we still await some big rulings from the Supreme Court, but this week it released one significant decision on school choice. We tell you what you need to know. Plus, Disney ruins another movie with its radical agenda. And as always, we’ll crown our Problematic Woman of the Week. Enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices