How To Not Lose Your Sh!t

Latest Episodes:

It’s Okay To Have Questions (with Jess McIntosh and Jill Jonassen) Jul 26, 2023

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by Jill Jonassen to talk about Red Wine & Blue’s new limited series podcast The Cost Of Extremism. Our hosts Rachel, Jasmine and Amanda are taking a well-deserved summer break during the month of August, but don’t worry - there will still be a podcast in your Suburban Women Problem feed! The Cost of Extremism is a 4-episode deep dive into the true cost of extremism… on our kids, families, and communities.
After hearing all about the new pod, our hosts are joined by one of our favorite guests of all time, Jess McIntosh. Jess hosts AMA (that’s Ask Me Anything) events with Red Wine & Blue where attendees can ask questions about gender and sexuality without any judgment. So today, we held our own mini-AMA where Jasmine, Rachel, and Amanda were able to ask some of the most common questions that come up at these AMA events - plus a few of their own! Should we be putting our pronouns in our email signature? What exactly is gender-affirming care? And what are some ways we can all think about our own gender, regardless of how we identify? It's okay to have questions, and Jess McIntosh has answers.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to travel, nature, and adventure in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
We’ll be on a 4-week break for the month of August but The Cost Of Extremism will be right here in the SWP feed. And we’ll be back in September with more episodes of The Suburban Women Problem!

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

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Inclusion Is For Everyone (with Dom Kelly and Megan Higgins) Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

July is Disability Pride Month, and as we’ve learned in so many other spaces, inclusion isn’t just good for the people who need accommodation. Inclusion is good for everyone.
This week, Malynda Hale is filling in for Amanda Weinstein; she, Rachel, and Jasmine chat about recent news of teachers being fired over inclusive books and songs before they’re joined by amazing mom Megan Higgins. Megan has been advocating for her daughter Isabella and fighting for disability-inclusive playgrounds in their community. She also wrote a book called Super Special Magic Shoes to help kids like Isabella feel good about wearing leg braces.
After that, Rachel sits down with Dom Kelly, the co-founder and CEO of New Disabled South. Dom and Rachel talk about why disability rights are so personal for him, some common misconceptions about disability justice, and how Dom is able to provide paid family leave for all of his employees. We also hear about what it’s like to work with Stacey Abrams!
Finally, Malynda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to teaching, the SAG/WGA strike, and the wisdom of elderly family members in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Over 700,000 Ohioans have signed a petition to put reproductive freedom on the ballot. But extremists are trying to ignore the will of the people and hold a special election in August to change the rules about constitutional amendments. Even if you’re not in Ohio, you can still help protect democracy by signing up here for a Red Wine & Blue virtual phone bank.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Fireworks and Fathers (with Frederick Joseph and Darren Laustsen) Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

We talk a lot about moms on this podcast. We interview moms who are attending school board meetings, standing up against book bans, and raising compassionate kids. We even talk about Moms For Liberty. But what about dads? They should have the freedom to parent too!
So today, after talking through the recent Supreme Court rulings and the amazing win in Ohio where over 700,000 signatures were successfully collected to support reproductive freedom, our hosts talk about dads. We’re joined by Darren Laustsen, a father in Bucks County PA who has been standing up against the extremists on his local school board.
After that, Jasmine chats with Frederick Joseph, the author of Patriarchy Blues. Fred and Jasmine have an amazing conversation about gender, race, privilege, and how thinking in a binary way “robs us of the reality of the human condition.” Fred shares what he learned being raised by strong women and what other men can learn about self-care and showing up for the people in their lives.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to family reunions, the wonder of small children, and surviving a 5k in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Do you want to stand up against book bans, like this week's Troublemaker Darren? Do you want to find effective ways to counter right-wing extremists at your school board meetings? Then we invite you to join us on Thursday, July 13th for a Troublemaker Training that's all about book bans. You'll learn how to band together with your neighbors and friends and the best tactics to make your voices heard. You can learn more and register here or by going to redwine.blue.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Freedom Doesn’t Mean Fear Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

This week was the 4th of July and like last year, we have a special episode to share with you. This year, our hosts Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark, and Amanda Weinstein are tackling the question "what does freedom mean to me?" In a time when words like “liberty” and “parents’ rights” are being thrown around like confetti, it’s worth digging into what freedom and liberty really mean.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day and we’ll see you next week!

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Women Talking About Their Dobbs Again (with Renee Bracey Sherman and Jen Perez) Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

This week is the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. Politicians think reproductive freedom isn’t that big of a deal – “just a bunch of women, talking about their Dobbs again!” – but the truth is that women haven’t forgotten. We’re continuing to talk about it and share our personal stories, because those stories are how we connect with each other. We’re “heart-wired” to respond to them.
We’re joined by Jen Perez, Red Wine & Blue’s program director in Ohio. Jen tells her personal story about why she left her high-powered corporate job to get involved in politics, and the personal reasons that Dobbs motivated her to step up. Jen also shares some updates about the ballot measure to protect reproductive freedom in Ohio and how women across her state have been banding together to fight for their rights.
After that, Amanda sits down with Renee Bracey Sherman, the founder of We Testify, an organization dedicated to uplifting and telling the stories of people who have abortions. Renee discusses what it’s been like to lead an abortion storytelling organization in the wake of Dobbs and how she founded We Testify to make sure that people who have abortions don’t just have a seat at the table but a seat at every table.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to congressional aides, letters from camp, and celebrating half-birthdays in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
If you love this podcast and you want to help us bring more listeners into our community, we would love it if you could go into your podcast app and leave us a rating and review. We’re so grateful that you're listening and we would so appreciate your help to bring even more women into the SWP family. We’re stronger together!

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Book Never Shot Anyone (with Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Cara Erskine) Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

We’ve been talking a lot this year about how we’re tired of the extremist attacks on our kids and public education under the guise of “parents’ rights.” Especially when those same extremists refuse to talk about the real danger to our kids: gun violence. So today, we’re digging into that difficult but important topic. We hear from Michigan mom Cara Erskine about the terrifying day she heard there was an active shooter at her daughter’s school - Oxford High School. Luckily her daughter survived, but ever since that day, Cara has been an inspiring advocate for common sense gun safety measures in Michigan.
After that, Rachel gets the chance to sit down with US Congresswoman and Senate candidate Elissa Slotkin, also from the great state of Michigan. Rep. Slotkin shares why she’s been so outspoken about gun safety and how gun violence, not history books or diversity, are the real threat to our kids. She also discusses how Michigan has been able to pass so much exciting progressive legislation and why it’s so important to have a plan!
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to Father’s Day, Juneteenth, festival foods, engaging with constituents, and a little “me time” in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Can you believe it’s been a year since the Supreme Court took away our reproductive rights? This Thursday June 22nd at 7:30pm ET, we’re holding a virtual community event to share how we’ve been stepping up since that day. We'll be joined by special guest Amanda Zurawski, who bravely shared her story in front of the Senate about how she almost died because of anti-abortion laws in her home state of Texas. You can learn more and RSVP here.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Meet Virginia (with Penny Blue and Julie Shepard) Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Red Wine & Blue has a big announcement… we’re going into Virginia! And we’re not just going in for one election, we’re going to have organizers on the ground year-round. So much of what we’re talking about this year – school boards, the Freedom to Parent – has its roots in Governor Glenn Youngkin’s election in Virginia. We can’t wait to meet and empower more Virginia women!
Speaking of Virginia, we’re joined this week by Julie Shepard, a mom in VA who’s become an inspirational advocate for public schools and for military families. She says she’s had to step up and get involved in order to advocate for her kids. Julie also shares her personal experiences with having a nonbinary child and why she was so glad that they had safe teachers to talk to about it.
Then Jasmine gets the chance to sit down with Penny Blue, Red Wine & Blue’s brand new program director in Virginia! Penny shares her thoughts about Virginia as a lifelong resident of the state, including the lessons she learned from her father who taught her to stand up for justice and to never feel like a second-class citizen. She even wrote a book about him called “A Time To Protest: Leadership Lessons from My Father Who Survived the Segregated South for 99 Years.”
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to passing the 6th grade and inspirational young scholars in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Can you believe it's been almost a year since Roe vs. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court? We’ll be talking about it on the podcast and across Red Wine & Blue, and we want to know... How have you found your voice? What actions have you taken during this past year? Our stories are the way we connect with each other and you can submit yours at go.redwine.blue/Dobbs.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Suburban Women Take on Trump’s Indictment Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Today we’re releasing a special live episode of the podcast as we react to the news of Trump’s indictment. Our hosts Rachel Vindman and Jasmine Clark are joined by Jo Carducci to talk through their thoughts and feelings, what exactly happened today, and what it all means.
We’ll still have a regular episode of the podcast to share with you tomorrow - in fact, we have an exciting announcement to share. So don’t miss our episode on Thursday 6/15. We’ll see you then!

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re GLAAD You’re Here (with Sarah Kate Ellis and Mindy and Lily Freeman) Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

This week we’re celebrating Pride Month! In a time when LGBTQ Americans are facing unprecedented attacks in legislation, on social media, in libraries and schools, and everywhere else, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate everything they bring to this country. The hosts are joined by Mindy and Lily Freeman, a trans high school student and her mom, to authentically share both their joy and their pain. Personal stories are such an antidote to misinformation, and we’re so grateful to both Mindy and Lily for sharing their stories. We’re also so impressed by their amazing work with the Gender Cool Project, Project Uncensored, PFLAG, and more.
After that, Rachel sits down for an interview with Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD - one of the largest advocacy organizations for LGBTQ people. Rachel and Sarah Kate chat about the importance of representation, the unwarranted hysteria over trans athletes, “parents rights,” and what it was like for Sarah Kate being pregnant at the exact same time as her wife! You can read about her wedding and learn more about “All Moms,” the children’s book she wrote with her wife Kristen.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to blended families, school graduations, road trips, and the beautiful diversity of America in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Red Wine & Blue has been holding AMA events as a part of our Freedom To Parent 21st Century Kids campaign. AMA stands for Ask Me Anything! And on Thursday, June 8th, we’re holding a special AMA event for the Gen Xers in our community. So get your 5 disc changer ready, pull on your best oversized flannel, and head down to the rec room with Jess McIntosh for a virtual conversation about gender where you can feel free to ask questions without any judgment. You can learn more and sign up here.
We now have some exciting Suburban Women Problem merchandise to share with you as well! There are stickers, t-shirts, and even “Toast to Joy” champagne flutes to rep your love for the pod. You can check it out here: go.redwine.blue/SWPmerch.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dollars and Sense (with Matthew Desmond and Shereen Boyer) May 31, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is all about money! What is the debt ceiling? Why does it matter? Why is poverty such an issue in America? And what can we do about it? Amanda, our resident economist, explains the debt ceiling, the deal that was just reached, how we're underinvesting in our communities, and why women know more about the economy than they think they do. We’re joined by Shereen Boyer, a mom in Ohio who’s worked in finance for over 30 years, to explain more about why the Democratic party aligns better with her values - not just her social values, but her economic values too.
After that, Amanda sits down with Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of “Evicted” and “Poverty, By America.” Matthew explains what he learned when he walked a mile in the shoes of the people he studied and what misconceptions Americans have about poverty. He says that poverty is not a “them” problem, it’s an “us” problem - so many of us benefit from poverty in this country, but that also means that we can be part of the solution. If you’re inspired by his work and want to help be a “poverty abolitionist,” you can visit https://endpovertyusa.org.
Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to kids growing up, Joe Biden, and our brave military service members in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”
Red Wine & Blue has been holding AMA events as a part of our Freedom To Parent 21st Century Kids campaign. AMA stands for Ask Me Anything! And on Thursday June 8th, we’re holding a special AMA event for the Gen Xers in our community. So get your 5 disc changer ready, pull on your best oversized flannel, and head down to the rec room with Jess McIntosh for a virtual conversation about gender where you can feel free to ask questions without any judgment. You can learn more and sign up here.

For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue.
You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!

Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA

Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA

YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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