Explore every episode of the podcast Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

Only a true bestie knows what did (and didn’t) make it into Sophia Bush’s upcoming memoir, "And I Will Tell You Mine." In part two of their chat, longtime friend Elizabeth Kott gets Sophia talking about a few personal details usually reserved for her inner circle.

Preorder your copy here. 

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Before her memoir hits shelves, Sophia Bush gets personal with one of her closest friends, Elizabeth Kott, about chosen family, the “Year of Yes,” and the realities of growing up in the public eye. Plus, the story behind a jaw dropping moment between them that made it into "And I Will Tell You Mine."

Preorder your copy here.

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Dr. Annie Andrews spent nearly two decades as a pediatrician, seeing firsthand how bad healthcare policies hurt the children she cared for. Eventually, she decided she couldn’t just treat the consequences; she had to fight to change the system. After a painful first run for Senate, this resilient South Carolina Democrat is taking another shot at Washington, and Republican voters seem to be crossing over to support her and her common sense policies.

Could Annie be in striking distance in one of the country’s reddest states, despite Trump’s vicious efforts to discredit her?  

Follow Dr. Andrews journey at DrAnnieAndrews.com or on Instagram here.

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 In a moment when politics can feel like an endless culture war, Kal Penn makes the case for focusing on what actually changes people’s lives. Drawing on his time inside the Obama White House and his perspective from outside it, Kal reveals why outrage distracts from real problems, and how we can collectively confront the issues that matter most.

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From Hollywood to the White House and back again, Kal Penn has had a front row seat to fame, power, politics and the systems behind them. Kal reveals the wild ride of Harold & Kumar, his decision to put acting on hold for the Obama White House, and what he’s learned about public life along the way. Plus, the twisted real-life saga behind his new movie, "Trust Me, I’m a Doctor."

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This episode is in partnership with BetterHelp.

Some rules are meant to be rewritten! This World Mental Health Day, Sophia and BetterHelp clinician Sonni Williams unpack the contradictory expectations that keep us second guessing ourselves and diminish our self-worth. Together, they share game changing insights on how to recognize and question ingrained patterns so we can rewrite our personal rule books.

Plus, a Work in Progress podcast exclusive - hear how listeners can access 10,000 hours of free therapy through BetterHelp’s Permission Project.

Access the Rewrite Guide and get more information at www.betterhelp.com/permission-project

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After a childhood in the South led her to DC, Jen Palmieri spent two decades inside the Clinton and Obama White Houses and at the center of presidential politics. Now she’s gone back home, traveling all over the South to figure out what Americans in that region really think about the state of the country. The conversations she had were deeply eye-opening!

Jen shares the confessions she heard from southern voters, why she's convinced Americans are actually fighting stereotypes instead of each other, and the surprising discoveries that gave her hope.

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Don Lemon has built an independent media company with nearly 11 million followers, but he’s still operating like a scrappy, fearless startup, and he’s got plenty to say about what happens when the government comes after you for doing your job. 

Don lets loose about being arrested while covering an anti-ICE protest and why he thinks Democrats need to stop playing it safe. Plus, Sophia and Don exchange hot takes about what it will take to end the war in Iran, what good government looks like, and why young voters have all the power.

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The unforgettable moments keep coming! Part Two brings even more standout conversations with Valerie Bertinelli,  Mira Sorvino, Jennie Garth and Kelli Giddish- brilliant women who have shared their humor, bared their souls and made us all a little richer from their hard-earned wisdom.

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Who doesn't need friendship, fierce honesty, big laughs, and some seriously unforgettable moments? In honor of International Women’s Friendship Month, we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations with the women who have made Work in Progress a true labor of love. 
Hear from Dr. Jill Biden, Rosie O'Donnell, Laverne Cox, Leslie Jones, and Brooke Shields.

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What does leadership for all really look like? What does it mean to rise above politics as a form of competition? What does it take for a Democrat to successfully lead in one of America’s reddest states? Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear opens up about the father who taught him how to lose, the woman whose cancer treatment showed him the power of government, and whether a run for president might be on the table.

Governor Beshear's new book "Go and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country" is available here.

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Sophia gets candid about her new memoir, the stories she was scared to tell and the unexpected freedom of finally laying them bare. Plus, she reveals details about her next rom-com, including the mystery love interest and why the nostalgia factor might make you very happy.

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From "Never Have I Ever" to HBO’s thrilling new series "Lanterns," Poorna Jagannathan has built a career playing complicated women who refuse easy labels. She opens up about reinventing herself in midlife, challenging stereotypes, breaking the silence around sexual violence, and what it takes to create a life on your own terms.

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What does one of the worlds’ leading historians see when he looks at America right now? 

Professor Timothy Snyder (one of Sophia’s favorite brains) has spent decades studying how democracies flourish or fall apart. Now he shines a light on the urgent and very-present warning signs, the historical patterns he recognizes, and the dire consequences when ordinary people believe they're powerless and stop paying attention. He also shares what small moves we can make that could change everything for the better. It’s a dose of hope we all need right now!

Pick up Tim Synder's books "On Tyranny" and "On Freedom" at bookstores everywhere. 

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Congresswoman LaMonica McIver could face up to 17 years in federal prison. Why? For doing her job — trying to complete an oversight visit to an ICE detention facility in her district — and a “confrontation” with federal officers during which she repeatedly asked not to be touched by masked men and no matter how many times she said it, they didn’t listen. 

Now, while pregnant and fighting a case many believe is meant to intimidate her and other members of Congress from doing their jobs, Congresswoman McIver is refusing to back down. Hear in her own words what really happened at Delaney Hall, the staggering personal cost of the fight, and what it feels like to take on the full power of the federal government.


Learn more about the case here:

What is at stake: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/08/lamonica-mciver-trump-lock-her-up-president/

Where things stand today: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/24/nyregion/lamonica-mciver-justice-department-prosecution.html

Donate to the legal fight: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lrm-support2026

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Ben McKenzie takes us inside his journey to the dark side of cryptocurrency through his new documentary "Everyone Is Lying to You for Money." He exposes how billions in crypto have poisoned American politics and the stunning connection between Jeffrey Epstein and the early development of Bitcoin.

Plus, is a Ben McKenzie/Sophia Bush romcom the antidote we all need to cure the 2026 blues? Find out why these two are ready to commit!

Go to everyoneislying.com/watch to stream Ben's documentary.

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From Harvard basketball captain to one of the country’s most formidable attorneys general, Maura Healey has never backed down from a fight. Now, as Massachusetts’ first woman and first openly LGBTQ governor, she’s facing her biggest challenge yet: leading a state through rising costs, a housing crisis, and an increasingly high-stakes battle with the Federal Government that’s causing all this chaos.

Governor Healey gets real about power, pressure, resilience, and what it takes to keep fighting when the responsibility for millions of people rests on your shoulders.

Learn more about Governor Healey at www.maurahealey.com
Find everything you need to vote at https://www.vote.org/

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Kelley Robinson went from MMA fighter to Obama organizer to now president of the renowned Human Rights Campaign - a celebrated nonprofit striving to make equality, equity and liberation a reality for all LGBTQ+ people.

As the first Black, queer woman to lead HRC and a mom of two, Kelley takes very seriously any threats to civil rights. She shares practical advice, resources, and a much-needed dose of hope for anyone wanting to be on the right side of history. 

Learn more about the Human Rights Campaign at HRC.org or on Instagram here. 

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More LOL and NSFW wisdom from Leslie Jones! Hear the brutally honest advice Jamie Foxx gave Leslie, what blew her mind (and bruised her ego) at the SNL table reads, and the surprising truth she discovered while touring America.

Leslie Jones hosts “Roast My Rental” on HGTV with episodes streaming the next day on HBO Max. And to learn more about her tour, follow Leslie on instagram or visit justleslie.com.

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From SNL to sold-out stand-up, Leslie Jones has built a career saying exactly what's on her mind. Find out Leslie's street-smart rule for dealing with other comedians and why she's got a thing for serial killers. Plus, Leslie and Sophia dream up a hilarious movie plot that'll be Elon Musk's worst nightmare.

Leslie Jones hosts “Roast My Rental” on HGTV with episodes streaming the next day on HBO Max. And to learn more about her tour, follow Leslie on instagram or visit justleslie.com.

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If former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger could go back to the end of 2023, knowing everything that's happened since, what would he tell himself? He reflects on what America has become, why he believes it’s okay to change your mind (he now votes Democratic!), what still gives him hope, and why he understands that tomorrow isn't guaranteed for politicians or democracy itself.

To learn more, go to https://www.country1st.com or https://www.adamkinzinger.com.

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More with Rosie O'Donnell as she shares the heartbreaking reason she came out publicly in 2002 and what raising a child with autism has taught her about parenting and acceptance. Plus, hear all about her new one-woman show and what fans can expect when she fills in as host on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

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Rosie O'Donnell has never lived quietly, and this conversation is equally unfiltered. She reflects on the childhood loss that shaped her, the comedy that saved her, and the convictions that have defined her public life. 

She also opens up about leaving America for Ireland and her theory on why Trump is so obsessed with her!

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Success changed Laverne Cox's life—but it didn't answer all of her questions. In this bonus chat, she shares stories behind some of the most profound and painful passages in her new memoir "Transcendence," reflecting on healing, resilience, and why becoming yourself is a lifelong process.

Laverne's memoir "Transcendence" is in bookstores now.

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Before she became a groundbreaking actress, activist, and cultural trailblazer, Laverne Cox was a kid in Mobile, Alabama, searching for a place to belong. Today, she opens up about family, the role that changed her life, and what it means to carry the weight—and opportunity—of being "the first." Plus, Laverne and Sophia go off on the hypocrisy of government officials when it comes to trans rights and discuss what other agenda may be at play.  

Laverne's memoir "Transcendence" is in bookstores now.

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Shawn and Andrew aren't just striving to create a happy home; they are determined to nurture and sustain it. In this candid bonus conversation, the couple reflect on protecting childhood joy, redefining success, and the key advice that has helped shape their successful marriage. 

"Courage to Commit: Embrace the Radical Power of Sticking with Something" is in bookstores now.

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Despite Olympic gold, NFL dreams, and a life that looked perfect from the outside, Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East faced identity crises, hard pivots, and unexpected lessons that came after the applause faded. They open up about marriage, parenthood, and why chasing achievement isn’t the same thing as finding joy. And Shawn shares the surprising reason some of her happiest moments had nothing to do with winning a medal.

"Courage to Commit: Embrace the Radical Power of Sticking with Something" is in bookstores now.

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Having spent much of her life meeting other people's expectations, Brooke Shields is now defining success on her own terms. In part two of this intimate conversation, she reflects on aging, creative control, second acts, and why her popular mystery series "You're Killing Me" feels uniquely aligned with where she is today. Plus, find out how a broken bone led Brooke to one of the most important realizations of her life. 

Watch season one of "You're Killing Me" on Acorn TV.

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What happens when someone who has been looked at her entire life finally gets to decide how she wants to be seen? Brooke Shields reflects on motherhood, friendship, aging, identity, and the complicated gift of growing up in public—offering hard-won wisdom that feels both deeply personal and surprisingly universal.

Watch season one of "You're Killing Me" on Acorn TV.

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Beyond the headlines and behind the doors of the White House, part two of this gripping conversation with Dr. Jill Biden explores the deeply personal moments at the heart of Biden's memoir, "View from the East Wing."

Plus, the former First Lady shares an update on her husband's health, her unique acts of international diplomacy, and recounts a memorable encounter with her celebrity crush.

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What was it really like to live, teach, love, grieve, and lead through one of the most consequential periods in modern American history? In part one of this in-depth conversation, live from The Boch Center Shubert Theatre in Boston, Dr. Jill Biden shares the personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and unexpected moments behind "View from the East Wing."

Find out what her non-negotiables were while being First Lady and hear her gut-wrenching reaction to the demolition of the building she once called home.

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Does a better life start with a single leaf? Sophia digs into that question and more with Christopher Griffin, author of "You Grow, Girl: Plant Kween's Lush Guide to Growing Your Garden." Christopher shares the wisdom passed down from his grandmother and explains why the "green thumb" is a myth. In this live recorded conversation, brought to you by our friends at Miracle-Gro, the two exchange tips and tricks for plant parents at every level to begin their own growth journeys in the garden and beyond. Plus, they explore what tending plants can teach us about tending, and loving, ourselves.

Follow @miraclegro on social media or head to miraclegro.com to start your growth journey! 

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In this special Pride Month fan Q&A, Sophia gets candid about everything from coming out and finding the courage to be fully yourself to the surprisingly personal fear she’s working to balance alongside the excitement she’s feeling about her upcoming memoir.

Plus, Sophia shares some practical packing tips, her presidential picks and why she can never go incognito. 

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Bonus time with Hayley means a deep dive into the masterclass in tenacity that was the making of "Girls Like Girls" - the movie!

Hear why Hayley insists this love story is as mainstream as it gets! Plus, what she promises to focus on as soon as the film hits theaters on June 19th. 

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Hayley Kiyoko turned her pop anthem “Girls Like Girls” into a best-selling novel and now a hotly anticipated feature film. But the 10-year struggle to see this movie get made only strengthened Hayley's resolve to ensure queer, female stories are shared loudly and proudly. 

Find out how Hayley went from Disney Channel star to "Lesbian Jesus" and why a recent Coachella performance became a magical, full-circle moment. 

"Girls Like Girls" is in theaters on June 19th.

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Sophia couldn't let Tan France go without getting in on the "Honorable Gays" hilarity as the two test the premise of his new YouTube series. Turns out, Sophia was born to deliver hot takes and judgy AITA commentary! Meanwhile, if you started saying "French tuck" thanks to Tan, wait until you hear the term he rolls out in this wild chat!

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You know Tan France for transforming style on "Queer Eye," but stepping onto the global stage as TV's first queer, brown, Muslim man made him fear for his safety. Now a decade later, Tan opens up about the rewards and revelations that came out of his wild ride with the Fab Five. 

Plus, Tan talks trading in the title of fashion expert for several unexpected roles, including theater producer, onscreen drug lord, and hilarious gavel wielding judge!

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If you feel like dysfunction in Washington has become a threat to America itself, you're not alone. Freshmen Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) break down what's at stake and what they're fighting for despite the chaos created by the current Administration.

Plus, hear how the events on 9/11 changed everything for Senator Slotkin and Senator Blunt Rochester opens up about a secret wish that may fire up the internet in the sweetest of ways.

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"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star Kelli Giddish joins Sophia to reminisce about their early SVU-Chicago P.D. crossover days — find out why she still thanks Sophia in her head every time she goes out to dinner! 

Plus, Kelli opens up about her scrappy NYC beginnings, a meet-cute you can’t script and why she's not making any long-term plans for SVU.

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In this exclusive Bonus chat, Holly and Sophia Bush unpack the making of their wild new comedy, "Broad Trip," including their chaotic experience with a monster truck and embarrassing Celine Dion moment that they may never live down.

Stream "Broad Trip" on Roku now.

Learn all about the Holly Family Fund and scholarship here.

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Long before portraying Sophia's mom in their new comedy "Broad Trip," Lauren Holly was '90s TV and movie royalty, starring in the smash hit "Dumb and Dumber" opposite then-boyfriend Jim Carrey and in the wildly popular dramatic series "Picket Fences." Here, Lauren opens up about which role still lingers with her and why moving away from Hollywood was the best decision she could have made. Plus, the unexpected question she asked herself before stepping into this new project with Sophia.

Stream "Broad Trip" on Roku starting Friday, May 8th.

Learn all about the Holly Family Fund and scholarship here.

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What do you wear to the end of the world? Actress, writer and producer Zoe Lister-Jones joins Sophia to unpack all the important, poignant and hilarious questions of the day! Everything's on the table -- from queerness to GMOs to the right to be unapologetically horny. It’s funny, unfiltered, and as real as it gets, including the very personal act that Zoe considers to be her biggest work in progress.

"The Miniature Wife" as well as Zoe's acclaimed series "Slip" are both now on Peacock.

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Sophia Bush and Jennie Garth compare notes on what it’s like to find fame on hit teen television, growing up on screen and why they were both discouraged from bonding with their female co-stars.
Plus, Jennie reveals what it felt like to meet her "Beverly Hills, 90210" castmates for the first time, the reason she spent countless afternoons alone in a cemetery and what unexpected development at age 24 may have saved her life. 

Her grace is something Sophia is in awe of. You will be too. 

Tickets for the "I Choose Me" summit are available! Click here to attend virtually and here to attend in-person.

Jennie's new memoir "I Choose Me" is available here.

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An Earth Day episode that skips the doom spiral and actually tells you what to do? Yes, please! From nervous system hacks that prevent burn-out, to a climate scientist throwing literal dance parties for solutions, this is the mindset shift you didn’t know you needed. Plus, practical tips to help convince people in your orbit to care about the planet, too.

Related reading:
Five Simple Shifts for Climate Communication in 2026: https://potentialenergycoalition.org/2026-climate-change-communicators-guide-five-key-shifts/ 

Later is Too Late: Global report: https://potentialenergycoalition.org/later-is-too-late-global-report/ 

Potential Energy Coalition That's Interesting newsletter:
https://potentialenergycoalition.org/newsletter/ 

Talk like a human communication guide:  https://potentialenergycoalition.org/talk-like-a-human-save-the-world/ 

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s book, dance parties and create your climate action Venn diagram: https://www.getitright.earth 

Project Drawdown – an independent nonprofit driving science-based climate action: https://drawdown.org

Urban Ocean Lab – a think tank for the future of coastal cities: https://urbanoceanlab.org 

Learn more about Kelly Corrigan: https://www.kellycorrigan.com 

Learn more from Gabby Bernstein: https://gabbybernstein.com

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Old pals Austin and Sophia keep the conversation going for an exclusive bonus chat. Learn what they were doing between takes while shooting "One Tree Hill" and the three-word rule the cast and crew lived by. Plus, Austin reveals some creative workarounds he implemented to successfully direct his first feature film and the surprises behind the songs on soundtrack.

"The Long Shot" is available to stream on Amazon, Apple and Fandango now.

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Sophia reunites with "One Tree Hill" co-star Austin Nichols to celebrate the directorial debut of his first indie film, "The Long Shot." While the two happily share secrets from their time on the OTH set, as they discuss his latest passion project, find out why they are both inclined to keep one filming location under wraps! Plus, hear what happened when Austin snuck into a sold-out theater to watch audience reactions to his film one night!

"The Long Shot" is available to stream on Amazon, Apple and Fandango now. 

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What if a few small changes—like how much vitamin D or fiber you’re getting—could dramatically shift how you feel in midlife? In this bonus conversation with best-selling author Dr. Mary Claire Haver, she shares the practical steps that can instantly make a difference. Plus, find out what every 30-something woman should know about perimenopause even before the first symptom.

Learn more about Dr Mary Claire Haver's book "The New Perimenopause" here.

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Hot flashes? Brain fog? Itchy ears? The symptoms so many women are told to “push through” or shrug off may actually be signals of a major biological transition we’ve barely been taught to understand.

Best-selling author Dr. Mary Claire Haver breaks down the hidden chaos of perimenopause and why millions of women are being misdiagnosed or dismissed. 

Learn more about Dr Mary Claire Haver's book "The New Perimenopause" here.

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What if the most dangerous threat to democracy isn’t hidden — but unfolding in plain sight? Sophia and Congressman Ro Khanna connect the dots between the Epstein files, ICE abuses, and voter suppression, arguing these aren’t isolated crises but part of a deeper “culture of impunity.” Congressman Khanna reveals what even lawmakers aren’t being shown and why public trust is collapsing in real time.

With everything on the line, Congressman Khanna answers the trillion dollar question: what can we do about it?

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She thought she was saving her family—now she’s confronting how deeply she helped shape the very beliefs she’s trying to undo. In part two of this brutally honest conversation with ex-MAGA Carter Brown, she admits to indoctrinating her own husband, the conspiracy spiral they shared, and what she's desperate to get back as she deconstructs the harm this ideology has done to loved ones and strangers alike.

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