There’s no denying that it’s a weird time right now. We’re in the “lame duck session” between an election and the start of a new term. We’re all nervous about the incoming administration, but there isn’t much we can do yet. If you feel like we’re about to head off a cliff but we can’t hit the brakes, you’re not alone.

We’ve talked about Trump’s Cabinet picks during the past few episodes, but some of his nominees are so bad that they’re actually getting pushback from Republicans. Matt Gaetz withdrew as Attorney General nominee, and Pete Hegseth’s candidacy is being hotly debated by folks on both sides of the aisle. We know the reasons Hegseth shouldn’t be Secretary of Defense (harassment, misogyny, alcohol abuse) but what we can’t figure out is why he should lead the most powerful military in the world.

But when they go low, we go local. There might not be much we can do right now about the impending Trump administration, but there’s a lot we can do in our own communities. This week we talked to Angela and Meghan, two friends who started a group called Blue Storm Action Pennsylvania. When they realized their book club was spending more time talking about politics than books, they decided to make it official and formed a local advocacy group that’s grown to include dozens of women.

It’s hard not to be scared or furious about the next four years. But just like Angela and Meghan, you have more power than you think! Grab a few friends and see what you can accomplish together.

The holidays are almost here, and with all of the chaos and stress of the election, finding the perfect gift for everyone in our life feels overwhelming. But this season, Red Wine & Blue is going all in on banned books! We’ve got something for every reader on your list, from toddlers to grandparents, and everyone in-between. You can check out our holiday gift guide here!

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

You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA