XXceedingly Persuasive

As the entertainment industry strikes continue, here’s a convo with a Hollywood costumer Nicole Suerez Jones-- whose IATSE local unions aren't on strike, but are still suffering the effects of studios’ greed, poor working conditions, and an industry at an impasse.

More strikes in more industries are looming, too.

You know what I say? If these workers can’t take the heat, why don’t they just hurl themselves out of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?! ˢᵒʳʳʸ

SAG-AFTRA and the WGA (actors' and writers' unions) have made the tough decision to strike against the AMPTP (movie studios, big streaming corporations, etc.). In part 1 of (at least) 2 exploring the actors’ and writers’ strikes, I talked to SAG member Marie Cecile Anderson-- an actor, comedian, and musician based in Nashville-- about the decision, demands, and what life is looking like in the interim.

New docuseries sheds light on the religious sect behind the Duggars and other families that use parents’ rights, religious freedom, and homeschooling (enabled by lax laws!) to indoctrinate the next generation

We're ending pride month, so I'm re-boosting this remembrance of my uncle Stewart Joy, lost to the AIDS crisis in 1988. We got to speak to his former partner & caretaker, John Ascher, about healthcare policy, homophobia, and changing attitudes. Happy pride, be kind, and remember

What the hell is “judicial bypass,” how does it hurt young people, and why is nobody aware of it? Indulge me on a walk thru the work that desperately few of us do assisting pregnant minors.

(Read on at mkzjoybrennan.substack.com !)

Part 2 of 2 on interpreting the Second Amendment, its jurisprudential history & evolution (ending with Heller and Bruen), and how that track record has facilitated lax gun laws like "Stand Your Ground" and the "Castle Doctrine" of self-defense.

Interpreting the Second Amendment, its jurisprudential history & evolution, and how that track record has facilitated lax gun laws like "Stand Your Ground," the defense to 3 recent shootings of unarmed young people.

(Also credit to Bojack Horseman or Netflix or Raphael Bob-Waksberg, from whom I stole a Bojack clip)

Slay 'em

Abortion bans are closing in on all of us, even where we feel safest. I've been working on sharing my own story having a procedural (aka surgical) abortion at Planned Parenthood NY. Abortion ban battles continue in Arizona (and many other states) and a nationwide abortion medication ban looms via an FDA case challenging mifepristone in Texas federal court. It doesn't have to be this complex.

Exploring the mystical world of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the immunity it provides social media sites, and the pending Supreme Court case to roll it back.

To read this (and more) in newsletter form, visit & subscribe at mkzjoybrennan.substack.com !