In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Jaclyn Corriveau, a dedicated foster parent, court advocate with CASA Boston, and passionate supporter of vulnerable children in Massachusetts. Jaclyn has opened her heart and home to teens in the foster care system and has firsthand experience with the challenges facing both children and the system meant to protect them. A single woman with a strong record of public service and advocacy, Jaclyn now dedicates her energy to CASA Boston, supporting kids who are caught in the bureaucracy of state care, while promoting community engagement as a solution to systemic failures.

 

Jennifer and Jaclyn dive into the alarming issue of missing children in Massachusetts, spotlighted by the Boston Globe’s “Lost Children of Massachusetts” article. They unpack shocking statistics about kids, particularly teenagers, who go missing from state care every year and examine the disproportionate impact on minority populations. The conversation confronts the failures of the system, the lack of mental health and social work resources, and the real dangers faced by runaway youth, including higher risks of drug abuse and sex trafficking. Jaclyn offers personal insight on why so many teens run, from lack of trust to being overwhelmed by a system stacked against them. They explore the necessity for immediate and preventative reforms, emphasize the importance of funding and volunteers, and encourage listeners to become part of the solution.

 

“We have too many kids in the system, and we could have prevented a lot of it by giving resources to families that really needed it.” ~Jaclyn Corriveau

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• 600 children go missing from Massachusetts state care each year
• One in seven teens in state care will run away
• Disproportionate representation of Hispanic and Black youth among runaways
• Direct links between missing foster youth and sex trafficking
• Department of Children and Families is critically underfunded and understaffed
• Mental health and trust issues are major factors in teens running away
• Preventative family support programs are essential to stop removals before they start
• Volunteering with CASA and fostering can be life-changing for kids and advocates alike

Connect with Jaclyn Corriveau and Mentioned Resources:

CASA Boston Volunteer information

The Wonder Fund – Supports children in DCF care

Boston Globe “Lost Children of Massachusetts”

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating Gender Identity, Cancel Culture, and Free Speech in Gen Z with Simon Amaya-Price

In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Simon Amaya-Price, a Massachusetts-based advocate and storyteller whose journey through gender identity, activism, and the political landscape has captured national attention. Simon is a desistor, meaning he previously identified as transgender but later ceased transition to re-identify with his birth sex. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, a writer, and a speaker whose experiences have made him an outspoken critic of current policies surrounding pediatric transgender care, medical malpractice, and the broader reach of "gender ideology" in American institutions. Simon is actively involved in advocacy and has testified, written op-eds, and worked with organizations including FIRE, Genspect, and Independent Women’s Voices.

Simon joins Jennifer to share his personal narrative of growing up in Boston, enduring bullying, navigating gender identity, and ultimately choosing not to transition. The discussion delves into the controversy surrounding gender-affirming care for minors, the influence of critical theory and "woke" ideology in academic and medical settings, and the silencing of dissenting voices through cancel culture and social media harassment. Simon details disturbing interactions with clinicians, his firsthand view of medical transition among teens, and his thoughts on the intersectionality and extremism shaping today’s social climate. The episode covers topics such as the conflict between compassion and ideology, challenges to free speech, dissent within the LGBTQ+ community, and Simon’s vision for activist reform, future legal action, and eventual public service.

“If we continue on like saying everybody on blue side is bad and evil or everybody on red side is bad and evil, you’re not going to get anywhere.” ~Simon Amaya-Price

This week on Political Contessa:

• Simon’s experience with bullying and alienation in Boston schools
• The process of socially transitioning and joining support groups for LGBTQ+ youth
• Medical affirmation practices in Massachusetts and their legal requirements
• Why Simon decided to desist and the challenges faced during this process
• Cancel culture and violence aimed at dissenting voices in progressive spaces
• The rise and impact of intersectionality and standpoint epistemology in political debates
• The disconnect between voters’ views on pediatric transition and government policy
• The potential paths forward for American society and political polarization

Connect with Simon Amaya-Price:

• Simon Amaya-Price on X (Twitter)
• Simon Amaya-Price on Instagram
• Simon Amaya-Price on YouTube
• Simon Amaya-Price on Substack
• Email
• Website
  
  

How This Desister Broke Free From the Transgender Contagion

Independent Women’s Features
 (IW Features) is the grassroots storytelling and original journalism arm of Independent Women

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

In this week’s episode, Jennifer tackles the ongoing government shutdown and its wide-ranging impact, sharply criticizing Democratic leadership for leveraging struggling families as political pawns. She highlights actions taken by Republican lawmakers to help their communities during the crisis, while alleging that many Democratic officials are out of touch and prioritize their own benefits over those of ordinary Americans. Jennifer addresses concerns over transparency and financial impropriety among prominent Democrats, debates the expansion of health care to undocumented immigrants, and accuses state leadership in Massachusetts of ignoring the will of the voters. She also takes aim at what she perceives as a double standard regarding accusations of authoritarianism, arguing that real examples of unchecked political power can be found within the Democratic Party.

This episode dives into controversial topics such as the government shutdown’s effect on military families, the use of taxpayer funds for undocumented immigrants, and the refusal of Massachusetts officials to allow for legislative audits despite overwhelming voter support. Jennifer lays out her case for fiscal conservatism, limited government, and prioritizing veterans and vulnerable citizens over what she calls “illegals.” Her remarks reflect her views on the failures of Democratic leadership at both the federal and state levels, warning that continued disregard for public sentiment will have electoral consequences as key states prepare for the next election cycle.

"They said, 'Of course there will be families that are going to suffer, but it's one of the few leveraged times we have.' It's disgusting. It's absolutely sickening." ~Jennifer

This week on Political Contessa:

• Impact of the government shutdown on families, the military, and government workers
• Criticism of the Democratic leadership’s handling of the shutdown and use of leverage
• Examples of Republican lawmakers supporting constituents during the crisis
• Allegations of financial impropriety among elected officials
• Debate over health care expansion to undocumented immigrants
• Ongoing partisan conflict over immigration, crime, and public safety
• Accusations of authoritarian behavior and disregard for voter mandates in Massachusetts
• Concerns over government spending and fiscal priorities

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

In this week's episode, Jennifer Nassour takes the spotlight solo to dissect the controversy over shelter spending and transparency in Massachusetts. A veteran advocate for government accountability and a leading voice in state politics, Jennifer brings sharp analysis to the recent decisions of Governor Maura Healey’s administration. Her commentary dives deep into the fiscal responsibility of elected officials, the impact of a one-party system, and the urgent need for citizens to demand real accountability.

Jennifer details the escalating costs of state-run shelters, exposing that Massachusetts taxpayers shelled out nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2025 alone. Originally intended for mothers, children, the elderly, and veterans, these shelters now mainly house migrants, a shift that sparks debate as to who deserves taxpayer-funded support. She sharply criticizes the governor for halting public financial reports and the legislature for refusing to honor the voters’ demand for government audits. Citing incidents within shelter facilities and the looming threat of more tax increases, Jennifer calls on listeners to pay close attention, vote, and pressure leaders for transparency. The episode is a bold call to action as Jennifer challenges Massachusetts residents to reclaim financial oversight and elect leaders who uphold the public trust.

"We all have to be accountable to our families, to our bosses, to our employees, to our friends, to our significant others. Why are elected officials not held to that standard?" ~Jennifer Nassour

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• Massachusetts taxpayers spent nearly $1 billion on state-run shelters in fiscal year 2025.
• Shelter programs have shifted primarily toward housing migrants.
• The Healey administration stopped publishing shelter spending reports.
• Bipartisan legislation required temporary fiscal reporting but has now expired.
• Calls for increased transparency and accountability in government spending.
• Voters overwhelmingly supported greater audit authority, which the legislature has ignored.
• Criminal incidents within shelter facilities have sparked public outrage.
• Pandemic funds are running dry, increasing pressure for new tax hikes.

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode of Political Contessa, Jennifer welcomes Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn. Ed has represented District 2 since 2018 and previously served as City Council President from January 2022 to January 2024, acting as the "backup mayor" when the mayor is unavailable. As part of a historic Boston political family, Ed is the son of former mayor Raymond Flynn and has dedicated much of his career to public service, including more than 20 years in the US Navy. Known for his advocacy on safety, fiscal responsibility, and quality-of-life issues, Ed is widely respected for his tenacity, focus on local concerns, and steadfast commitment to Boston neighborhoods.

Jennifer and Ed dive into the seismic shift on the Boston City Council, examining the transition from moderate to more radical approaches and their impact on key city issues. This episode highlights Ed Flynn's outspoken critiques of council priorities, including the neglect of local public safety, rising property taxes, and lawless city streets, in favor of national and international causes. Ed calls out open drug use, lawlessness in bike and scooter transit, challenges with affordable housing, and contentious regulations that drive away developers. The discussion also covers the dangers facing city residents, including alarming incidents in neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill and the Boston Common, as well as ongoing battles over support for the Boston Police Department. Throughout, controversial topics surface, including resistance from council colleagues to enforce basic laws and the struggle to refocus attention on the core responsibilities of city government.

 

"Boston is like the wild, wild west; we just can't allow anyone to do what they want to do in the city just because they feel like it." ~Ed Flynn

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• The transformation of the Boston City Council from moderate to radical ideology
• Neglect of neighborhood services, safety, and infrastructure in favor of national issues
• Escalating open drug use and distribution of over 80,000 needles monthly
• Public safety crises, including lawlessness, human trafficking, and frequent break-ins
• Declining support for and staffing of the Boston Police Department
• Impact of increased property taxes and regulatory challenges on housing and affordability
• Unregulated bike lanes and scooter use are worsening city safety and public frustration
• Persistent calls from Ed Flynn and allies for a return to local, constituent-focused governance

Connect with Ed Flynn:

X
City Councilor Ed Flynn Official Page
Ed for Boston Official Campaign Website

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Anne Brensley, a select board member from Wayland, Massachusetts, an accomplished attorney, finance professional, and small business owner. Anne is a first-generation American, adopted from Honduras, whose life journey includes profound experiences as a caregiver, community leader, and mother. With more than 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, senior leadership in banking, and a law degree, Anne brings determination and resilience to her campaign as she seeks the office of Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.

 

Jennifer and Anne discuss the unique landscape of Massachusetts state politics, where candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor run independently, the underestimated power of the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and what it takes to run – and win – as a Republican woman in a predominantly blue state. Anne shares her gritty approach to leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for more practical, solution-oriented governance and fearless advocacy for local communities. The conversation tackles controversial criticisms of the MBTA Communities Act, the state’s high cost of living, outmigration of young professionals, and the lack of focus on “ownership” opportunities for the next generation. Anne positions herself as a voice for those impacted by stagnant, one-party rule and outlines a vision for connecting Statehouse policy to the everyday needs of families and municipalities. Listeners will hear candid commentary on party politics, local government, and Anne’s determination to use her diverse background as an asset for Massachusetts.

 

“I think we have a major issue with ownership for young people. I mean that across the board, young people nowadays… they’re being deprived of ownership.” ~Anne Brensley

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• Anne’s inspiration for running for Lieutenant Governor and leading from the ground up in Massachusetts
• The critical impact of local politics and the need for a direct line from municipalities to the state’s executive office
• The challenges of being a Republican woman entering statewide office in a predominantly Democratic state
• The overlooked potential for the Lieutenant Governor to serve as a change agent, not just a ceremonial figure
• The urgent need to address Massachusetts’s housing affordability and retention of young professionals
• Why Anne believes the MBTA Communities Act is missing the mark on homeownership and local empowerment
• The importance of fearless, resilient leadership and grassroots campaigning over data-driven, detached strategies
• Anne’s commitment to pragmatic, bipartisan problem-solving in government and her call for more women to run for office

Connect with Anne Brensley:

Website: www.anne2026.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Anne Brinsley’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
• The MBTA Communities Act
• Tip O’Neill’s “All politics are local”
• Kelly Ayotte’s messaging on New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Support Anne or get involved:

Volunteer or contribute at www.anne2026.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Jennifer discusses the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and the troubling responses that followed on social and mainstream media. She dives into the alarming increase of hate speech, the breakdown of respectful discourse, and the pressing need for adults and leaders to set better examples for the next generation. The episode challenges both sides of the political spectrum for fueling divisiveness and emphasizes the difference between free speech and incitement. With passionate calls to restore civility and unite around shared values, Jennifer urges listeners to reject hatred and work collaboratively toward healing and progress in American democracy.

“You don't just walk in and decide that the person who's there is wrong,  and you are right, and you're going to take matters into your own hands.” ~Jennifer

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• The assassination of Charlie Kirk and public reactions
• The urgent need to restore respect in political and personal life
• Generational influence on values and expectations
• Role models: the responsibility of leaders, educators, and parents
• Controversial commentary from both left and right
• Constitutional limits of free speech versus hate speech
• Impact of social media on fueling polarization
• How respect and civility can bring unity and progress

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

After spending years as the only woman in rooms full of political power players, I’ve picked up more than a few things about messaging, bravado, and what actually lands with voters. If you’re craving someone who cuts through the noise with sarcasm, honesty, and zero patience for posturing, you’re in the right place.

Let’s call it like it is Trump changed the game with his snark and sharp comebacks, and now politicians like Gavin Newsom are trying to play copycat instead of offering something new. Both parties, in my view, are failing to deliver the grown-up leadership and serious candidates we all deserve. Instead, we’re bombarded by social media wars, distractions about cultural issues, and nonstop grandstanding. It’s time for our political discourse to move past the childish antics and get back to candidates who focus on policy, substance, and real solutions.

“Don’t act like an arrogant asshole. Don’t act like a child. Don’t act like we should put you in, you two in a sandbox.” ~Jennifer

This Week on Political Contessa:

• The rise of snark and sarcasm in political messaging
• How Trump’s style turned American political talk on its head
• Why Newsom’s imitation game just isn’t working
• My frustration with the lack of serious leaders from both parties
• How Democrats are losing voters by focusing on cultural wedge issues
• Why we need a new wave of policy-driven candidates
• Stories from being the only woman shaking things up in political meetings
• Why it’s time to demand maturity and real leadership, for once

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

In this week’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most important and contentious topics facing Boston today: the city’s sanctuary policies, the upcoming mayoral race, and what it all means for public safety and local governance. With my experience in politics and advocacy, I break down the direct conflict between Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu and federal authorities, examining how sanctuary city measures like the 2014 Trust Act challenge national laws and the expectations placed on local leaders.

I dissect Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter demanding Boston’s compliance with ICE, the broader implications of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and how these policies can put public safety at risk. I lay out my concerns about how city and state officials handle alleged criminal non-citizens, the results of releasing individuals with criminal records, and the strain this brings to Massachusetts’ justice system. Throughout, I call out blue state leaders for what I see as prioritizing political ideology over real community safety, arguing that the Supremacy Clause firmly puts federal authority above local policy. This episode takes a hard look at the humanitarian and public safety issues at play, with an eye on the political consequences for leaders and communities alike.

“No one wants a criminal living amongst them. It's a public safety issue. No one wants that.”
~Jennifer Nassour

This week on Political Contessa:

• Boston’s sanctuary city status facing federal pushback
  ● The impact of the 2014 Trust Act on police cooperation with ICE
  ● Attorney General Pam Bondi’s call for compliance with federal law
  ● Concerns about releasing alleged criminal non-citizens into the community
  ● Strain on criminal justice resources in Massachusetts
  ● The implications of the Supremacy Clause in immigration enforcement
  ● Critique of blue state leadership and public safety priorities
  ● Political consequences for Democrats and Republicans in upcoming elections
  
  

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Will Onuoha, a lifelong Bostonian, political science and international relations graduate, and a candidate for Boston City Council At-Large. Will’s extensive career in city government spans over 20 years, including a decade as Boston’s Housing Commissioner under Mayor Marty Walsh. Raised in Mission Hill and a beneficiary of community support in the aftermath of the Charles Stewart era, Will is a self-described centrist and humanitarian, mentored by the late Mayor Tom Menino and dedicated to practical solutions for Boston’s toughest challenges.

Jennifer and Will dive into Boston’s escalating housing crisis, shortcomings in public education, and the ongoing humanitarian disaster at Mass and Cass. Will shares his frustration with the current City Council’s focus on national controversies instead of local needs, calls out the grandstanding on issues like international conflict resolutions and ICE enforcement, and outlines actionable ideas for affordable workforce housing reform. The discussion includes strong criticism of leadership that ignores the city’s most vulnerable residents, especially seniors, and exposes hidden consequences of illegal immigration, human rights violations, and the exploitation of undocumented workers. Will’s campaign is bolstered by endorsements from notable former city leaders and first responders. He urges Bostonian's and supporters nationwide to help restore professionalism and common sense to City Hall.

“The United States government is having a difficult time…so I don’t know what makes the city council think a resolution from them is going to make an international conflict go away.” ~ Will Onuoha

 

This week on Political Contessa:

• Housing as the city’s top crisis and policy failures that deter new development
• Underperformance in Boston Public Schools and the connection between literacy and incarceration rates
• Harsh realities and humanitarian failures at Mass and Cass, Boston’s opioid crisis epicenter
• Exorbitant property taxes and lack of senior protections in Boston
• Grandstanding over national and international issues instead of solving local problems
• Workforce housing solutions and the power of public-private partnerships
• Dangers and exploitation facing undocumented immigrants in Boston
• The need for constituent-centered service, honesty, and a return to professionalism on City Council
  
  

Connect with Will Onuoha:

• Website: willforboston.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @willforboston
• Facebook: Will for Boston

Resources Mentioned:

• Preliminary Election Date: September 9th
• General Election Date: November 4th
• Boston’s “Analysis of Impediments” Housing Ordinance (April 2022)

 

 

Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa

 

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts

 

Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.