Did you know that just eleven people are responsible for 60% of book bans in this country? This week is National Banned Books Week, and we talk about how a vocal minority is responsible for everything from book bans to gerrymandered maps. And the media is so obsessed with extremists like Donald Trump that a lot of Americans aren’t even aware of the good work being done across the country and in the White House.

After their news catch-up, Jasmine and Amanda sit down with State Senator Amanda Cappelletti to talk about her bill to prevent book bans in her home state of Pennsylvania. They also chat about how Sen. Cappelletti was the first PA state senator to give birth while in office, how she calls her daughter “the bipartisan baby,” and how being a mom has made her a better legislator.

Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to Rachel’s new Substack newsletter, Jasmine’s friend’s new coloring book I Am Woman: Unleash Your Inner Warrior, and the amazing organizers in Michigan in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”

Red Wine & Blue has been holding a ton of events this week to celebrate banned books! On Wednesday October 4th, we’ll be holding the first meeting of our Little Banned Book Club, where we read and discuss frequently banned children's books. You can learn more and RSVP here.

And if you want to bring powerful banned books to kids in your community, you can host your very own Banned Bookmobile! Each kit will contain 20 banned or challenged books, plus stickers, bookmarks, and a Banned Bookmobile sign. You can learn more and purchase a kit here.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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