Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate their 250th episode (!!!) by answering some listener questions peppered throughout the show! In news, we cover the abortion showdown in North Carolina, Philadelphia one step closer to electing its first female mayor — after electing 99 male mayors prior — and a new menopause drug. Then, Jena Friedman and Megan Gailey join to talk all things culture war, from Bill Cosby to “wokeism” to the latest Succession election episode that made everyone lose sleep, even after taking an edible (spoiler alert). Finally, in Sani-Petty: the NBA Playoffs, TikTok’s TattooGate, and more.

"Culture War Zone" w. Jena Friedman

Political commentator and comedy writer Erin Ryan and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by a bicoastal squad of funny, opinionated women to talk through everything from reproductive rights to romcoms. They break down the political news of the week, plus the topics, trends, and cultural stories that affect women’s lives.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

News

Politics

California helps Arizonans seeking abortion and local trans kids; SCOTUS hears arguments on emergency abortions; and The Biden administration makes some healthcare moves (patients’ right to privacy, nursing home staffing) in news. Then, Rep. Jasmine Crockett talks Texas B.S. and her cheeky on-the-record comment about Viagra. Next, Kara Klenk joins to discuss how people often don’t understand when a woman is joking. Finally, a very passionate Sani-Petty (boy moms, please…).

SCOTUS To Decide Whether States Can Force Women To Suffer w. Rep. Jasmine Crockett

A misogynistic tragedy in Australia, “abortion trafficking” and “coercion” bills in Republican-dominated states, North Carolina’s importance in 2024, and more in news. Plus, Sani-Petty (Nike Olympics uniforms make no sense, and Meghan Markle, leave the fruit jams to the experts!).

Lie To Your Anti-Abortion Boss

Arizona’s Supreme Court bans abortion, and Trump wants to leave reproductive healthcare up to the states, in news. Then, Tien Tran joins to talk about the NCAA women’s basketball championships and the rise in popularity of women’s sports. Finally, Sani-Petty (Jason Sudeikis, get out of here!).

Arizona Steals Trump’s Abortion Thunder

Florida’s Supreme Court enacted a six-week abortion ban — but there’s a chance to protect reproductive rights in the Sunshine State in November; the NCAA women’s basketball championships are RIVETING; and, Dr. Heather Irobunda joins to discuss an announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding consent for “sensitive” procedures like pelvis and prostate exams. Then, Rep. Barbara Lee comes on to talk about her history of fighting for progressive policy, 2024 voter turnout, and being portrayed on TV in Netflix’s “Shirley.” Finally, Sani-Petty (Mercury is in retrograde again).

Florida Abortion Rights in Retrograde w. Rep. Barbara Lee

SCOTUS hears arguments for the abortion pill (mifepristone) case; TikTok is spreading misinformation about birth control; and more in news. Then, Dana Schwartz joins to discuss: are we assholes for speculating about Kate Middleton before she revealed her cancer diagnosis? Finally, Sani-Petty (lab results emails are STRESSFUL, and a Zoomer gave Erin a box of mayonnaise).

"Culture War Zone" w. Jena Friedman

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