It's Open with Ilana Glazer

Today, Ilana sits down with her brilliant and dear friend, Erica Chidi. Erica lives, works, and creates at the intersections of human health, culture, and technology. She is a full-spectrum doula, the co-founder and former CEO of the digital sexual and reproductive health platform LOOM (acquired by Perelel Health in 2024), author of NURTURE: A MODERN GUIDE TO PREGNANCY, BIRTH, EARLY MOTHERHOOD—AND TRUSTING YOURSELF AND YOUR BODY, current SVP of Brand & Editorial Content at the digital media platform Refinery29, and the creator of her new YouTube series BODIED.

With great care, Erica and Ilana look at sexual violence in America, the neglect of our country’s mothers at the institutional level, the denial of postpartum mental health disorders, and the surging interest in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for women. They also discuss sleep hygiene, the mistake of giving “basic bed”, the addictive malaise of context switching on TikTok and Instagram, and how AI-doomerism is misogynistic, uncreative, and just dumb! Come join the conversation, it’s open.

RITUAL — Visit http://www.Ritual.com/ILANA to save 25% on your first month!

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Amanda Jane Stern
Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale
Video Producer: Lexa Krebs
Audio Producer: Nicole Maupin
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Camera: Greg Murtha
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Artwork: Andrew Brischler
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

Today on It’s Open, Ilana is joined by the sensational, the trailblazing, the thought leader and activist: Miss Peppermint. She was the first openly trans contestant on RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE, the first trans woman to originate a lead Broadway role for the musical HEAD OVER HEELS, is an Out Magazine’s Out100 honoree, and Pep is the biographical subject of the documentary film A DEEPER LOVE: THE STORY OF MISS PEPPERMINT. We are so proud of herrr.

Peppermint and Ilana get right into it, unpacking genocide as a framework and how the current power structure simultaneously oppresses the underprivileged and represses the privileged, leading to this universal state of deprivation. They confront the reality of the genocidal frameworks against Black Americans on which our country was built and that continue today and how, on the other side of the same structure, living beyond the gender binary is a common phenomenon across the world and one that empowers individuals and their communities, alike. Come join us, it’s open!

BROOKLINEN — Use code ILANA at checkout to receive 15% off your order at http://www.brooklinen.com

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Amanda Jane Stern
Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Camera: Greg Murtha
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

Joining us today is the brilliant, noble, and hilarious Jennifer Welch — co-creator of the breakthrough political and cultural podcast I’VE HAD IT, which disrupted the political media landscape, amassing over 4.5 million followers across platforms with razor-sharp, unfiltered, anti-authoritarian critical commentary, first broadcast from the “Buckle of the Bible Belt”, Oklahoma City! 

Jennifer talks with Ilana about the Bible Belt’s disturbing obsession with sexual chastity and purity culture, the hypocrisy of evangelical atonement, and how these misguided patterns have led to morally corrupt, sexually repressed politicians. Jennifer unpacks the false narrative from the Right that un-learning capitalist conditioning and standing up for human rights is somehow political “radicalization”. They discuss Jennifer’s hit YouTube channel, brand new book NOT TODAY, FASCISTS, her triumphant move to New York City, and how we are actually winning the culture wars. Come on in, it’s open!

GROUND NEWS — Go to www.groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world.

RITUAL — Visit http://www.Ritual.com/ILANA to save 25% on your first month!

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Amanda Jane Stern
Consulting Producers: Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

Anointed by Rolling Stone in 2017 as one of the 20 greatest stand-up comedians of ALL TIME, our guest today has released 12 highly acclaimed stand-up comedy specials including his most recent Drop Dead Years in 2025, has trail-blazed the podcasting genre since the launch of his Monday Morning Podcast in 2007, continues to add outstanding TV and film performances to his credentials from roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, to this year’s highly anticipated The Social Reckoning, and made his Broadway debut in the 2025 revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. Please welcome the humble, the heroic, the brilliant: Bill Burr.

Ilana and Bill discuss his upcoming cinematic role as a fictional moral compass in The Social Reckoning, and how acting helps him to personally unlock emotions long since buried “way out in the Atlantic”. Further, Bill shares about returning to an analog way of life, letting go of anger as his primary emotional driver, and the sensibility of looking and acting one’s age. Come on in, it’s open.

GROUND NEWS — Go to www.groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world.

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Amanda Jane Stern
Consulting Producers: Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

Today on It’s Open we are joined by one of the most popular and influential creators of infant, toddler, and early childhood educational content in the world today—with over 21 million subscribers, and over 17 billion views on YouTube—it’s the one-and-only Ms Rachel!

Ilana and Rachel’s burgeoning friendship brings them together as they connect deeply about standing up and speaking out for the safety and human rights of ALL children, how compassion is awesome, and the “empathy trap” is nonsense. They also explore their respective journeys coming to understand, treat, and ultimately celebrate their personal expressions of neurodivergence. And finally they share their love and fascination with the wonders and joys of motherhood. Come on in, it’s open!

PRIMARY — New customers can use promo code ILANA for 25% off plus free shipping on their first order at http://www.primary.com (promo excludes clearance styles)

BROOKLINEN — Use code ILANA at checkout to receive 15% off your order at http://www.brooklinen.com

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Amanda Jane Stern
Consulting Producers: Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Head of Partnerships: Deanna Spinale
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

As our final compilation episode from season one, we’ve gathered some of the incredible women who shared their perspectives on It’s Open. Being a woman isn’t one simple thing, it’s many complicated things. We unpacked it together over the course of season one, and at times disheartening but generally hopeful conclusions our guests came to feel that much more empowering when strung together. Featuring interviews with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Michelle Buteau, Atsuko Okatsuka, Abbi Jacobson, and Joanne McNally.

Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. 

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

Keeping it up during this break between seasons, we compiled some of our favorite moments from Season One of It’s Open and reorganized them around themes that have cropped up. Over and over again this year, we’ve discussed billionaires and the system that empowers their existence. People all over America (and the world, frankly) are suffering due to a lack of resources while a very small minority are hoarding wealth. Listen to our guests discuss the wealth issue. Featuring interviews with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ben McKenzie, James Talarico, and Joanne McNally.

Go to groundnews.com/open to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock worldwide perspectives on the stories shaping our world. 

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

During our break between seasons, reviewing past episodes has revealed a few recurring themes. For the next few weeks, we’re compiling some of our favorite moments from Season One of It’s Open and reorganizing them around those themes. This week, we’ve focused on a topic we discuss at length on the pod: transness, the fluidity of gender, and the ways we can liberate and support trans people as a way to liberate and support all people. Featuring interviews with Chase Strangio, Jay Jurden, Matt Bernstein (Matt XIV), Jinkx Monsoon, Zoe Lister-Jones, and Elliot Page.

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: Amanda Jane Stern, David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

This week Ilana sits down with stand-up comedy sensation Gianmarco Soresi, who was named in Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch For 2025 and Deadline’s Comics Who Won 2025. He and Ilana discuss the relentless pursuit of craft, the charismatic leaders that populate the musical theater world, the state of stand up, moms who over-share, and generational Judaism. Gianmarco is currently touring North America, the UK, and Europe on his massive THE MISERY LOVES TOUR tour, while his self-released 2025 comedy special THIEF OF JOY now claims over 5 million views on YouTube. Go see him out there, and come on in here, it’s open!

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod

On this week’s episode, Ilana sits down with Andrew Rea, the self-made YouTuber behind two of the platform’s largest and most influential cooking shows—BINGING WITH BABISH and BASICS WITH BABISH—claiming over 10.5 million subscribers. Andrew shares the radical personal transformation that followed his discovery of anti-depressants as well as mushrooms, boosting his self confidence, and prompting the creative a-ha moment where he began producing YouTube videos by combining his two life long loves: film & food. And the rest is history. Ilana and Andrew discuss the softness that men need, inspiring men to cook, and his new found spirituality. Also that he loves Jews. Come on in, it’s open! 

Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Finder: https://www.benjerry.com/flavors

Host: Ilana Glazer
Producers: David Rooklin, Annika Carlson, Madeline Kim, Kelsie Kiley, Glennis Meagher
Video Producers: Lexa Krebs, Louise Nessralla
Audio Producers: Nicole Maupin, Rachel Suffian, Rebecca O’Neill
Lighting Director: Kevin Deming
Editor: Tovah Leibowitz
Graphics: Raymo Ventura
Outro Music: Don Hur

All Things It’s Open: linktr.ee/itsopenpod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsopenpod
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsopenpod