The Leftscape

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**The Leftscape**

the shape of progressive conversation

Latest Episodes:

Drew Yowell selfie — **Love Is All We Have (Episode 83)** Jun 24, 2020
Show notes

Talking With Songwriter, Composer, and Producer Drew Yowell

Drew Yowell is a producer, songwriter and artist who has worked with legends like Phoebe Snow, David Lasley, Desmond Child, David Benoit, Dae Bennett, and Herb Alpert. He has played guitar for Sophie B. Hawkins and Kristin Hoffmann, among many others. He was recently nominated for his original composition on an MTV prosocial promo campaign. In addition to composing for MTV, he composes and produces music for VH1, LOGO, and Centric. In this conversation with Robin Renée, Drew offers some much-needed inspiration. He shares stories about working from home as a musician and storytelling through song, his friendship and writing experiences with Phoebe Snow, stepping into and ducking out of politics, coming back stronger after a serious brain injury, a recent instrumental piece called “Ascending,” and the making of his forthcoming album, featuring “Love Is All We Have.”

After sharing *3 Random Facts* at the beginning of the show about Isabella Furnace, a law made in 2009 in Canada about saying “sorry,” and the premiere of the Yacht Rock web series in 2005, Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée dig into the news. Topics include Juneteenth, the mystery and theories around frequent fireworks, and the tragic killing of Rayshard Brooks which prompts a personal story that puts a fine point on racial bias in policing. SCOTUS rulings provide some recent good news: no discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in the workplace and the ending of DACA has been blocked. Also, the Trump campaign was issued a cease and desist letter by the estate of Tom Petty for the use of “I Won’t Back Down” at his very underattended rally in Tulsa, OK. After the featured interview, Robin goes off in the *Why Is This Awesome?* segment about the wonders of yacht rock.

Things to Do:

Get music by Drew Yowell.

Read Robin Renée’s interview with Phoebe Snow.

Like *The Leftscape* on Facebook, view Parade of Prides Past photos, and join the conversation.

Watch and share “Ascending” by Drew Yowell:

https://www.facebook.com/DrewYowell01/videos/10157508920908877/

Watch “Love Is All We Have” by Drew Yowell and share the love!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjgVXYMBrXw

Get into Yacht Rock and Hartford Yacht Goats.

Listen to Certified Yacht Rock:

Sound engineering by Wendy Sheridan
Show notes by Robin Renée
Fake sponsor messages by Thomas Limoncelli
Web hosting by InMotion
Remote recording by SquadCast

Williamstown NJ George Floyd protest, June 6, 2020 — **When the World is On Fire (Episode 82)** Jun 10, 2020
Show notes

It is not a time for business as usual. This episode of *The Leftscape* has no featured guest, light-hearted second segment, or messages from mock sponsors. After only a few Random Facts regarding Superman’s flight, the founding of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Possum Drop, the conversation turns to the seriousness at hand. The world is on fire in protest against the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. And there is a pandemic. And there is an anti-racist tide that can make one dare to be hopeful.

Robin Renée, Wendy Sheridan, and Mary McGinley talk heart-to-heart about how they’re feeling, what they’ve seen, and which actions they’ve taken since Floyd’s death. Robin expresses experiencing fear and panic, interspersed with cautious optimism. Mary is frustrated by the lack of ground gained by previous protests. Wendy sees some changes happening like police reform policies proposed in New Jersey and nationwide and reading lists passed among white people on anti-racism. Hear about protests they’ve been to and how they’ve been taking care of themselves, from watching a peaceful video on how to prune grapevines to simply drinking enough water. Listen in and share online about what you’re learning and how you’re balancing staying well while keeping the spark of this massive shift growing.

Things to Do:

Read “Democrats unveil broad police reform bill as Floyd’s death sparks protests nationwide.”

Read about the Excellence in Policing Initiative in NJ to Promote Professionalism, Accountability, and Transparency in Law Enforcement.

Donate to Help Protests Against Police Brutality.

Study “The Anti-Racist Starter Pack: 40 TV Series, Documentaries, Movies, TED Talks, and Books to Add to Your List.”

Explore the “Talking About Race” Web Portal by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Support Black-Owned Businesses including these awesome goth/punk brands and Etsy shops.

Learn from Victoria Alexander’s anti-racist reading list.

Featured image by roegger from Pixabay

Black Lives Matter protest, Williamstown, NJ 6/6/20 — **When the World is On Fire (Episode 82)** Jun 10, 2020
Show notes

It is not a time for business as usual. This episode of *The Leftscape* has no featured guest, light-hearted second segment, or messages from mock sponsors. After only a few Random Facts regarding Superman’s flight, the founding of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Possum Drop, the conversation turns to the seriousness at hand. The world is on fire in protest against the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. And there is a pandemic. And there is an anti-racist tide that can make one dare to be hopeful.

Robin Renée, Wendy Sheridan, and Mary McGinley talk heart-to-heart about how they’re feeling, what they’ve seen, and which actions they’ve taken since Floyd’s death. Robin expresses experiencing fear and panic, interspersed with cautious optimism. Mary is frustrated by the lack of ground gained by previous protests. Wendy sees some changes happening like police reform policies proposed in New Jersey and nationwide and reading lists passed among white people on anti-racism. Hear about protests they’ve been to and how they’ve been taking care of themselves, from watching a peaceful video on how to prune grapevines to simply drinking enough water. Listen in and share online about what you’re learning and how you’re balancing staying well while keeping the spark of this massive shift growing.

Things to Do:

Read “Democrats unveil broad police reform bill as Floyd’s death sparks protests nationwide.”

Read about the Excellence in Policing Initiative in NJ to Promote Professionalism, Accountability, and Transparency in Law Enforcement.

Donate to Help Protests Against Police Brutality.

Study “The Anti-Racist Starter Pack: 40 TV Series, Documentaries, Movies, TED Talks, and Books to Add to Your List.”

Explore the “Talking About Race” Web Portal by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Support Black-Owned Businesses including these awesome goth/punk brands and Etsy shops.

Learn from Victoria Alexander’s anti-racist reading list.

Featured image by roegger from Pixabay

Pilot Dwayne Smith and son — **Talk Like L.O.V.E.R.S. (Episode 81)** May 27, 2020
Show notes

Dwayne Smith on Communication in Relationships and Lessons from Polyamory

Dwayne Smith, a PhD student in computational social science at George Mason University researches criminal justice policy reform, restorative justice initiatives, and the impacts of public policy on black communities. He works in cyber security. He is a pilot and a fitness competitor. When he’s not working on all those things and more, he finds the time to work on a book on communications with Life Coach Lori Carpenter and to tell *The Leftscape* all about it. Check out what Dwayne has to say about what he’s discovered through polyamory in regard to fostering healthy relationships. The L.O.V.E.R.S. steps to resolving conflict are memorable and useful for anyone.

In this episode’s edition of *3 Random Facts and the News*, co-hosts Robin Renée, Mary McGinley, and Wendy Sheridan highlight a very loud U2 concert held on May 27, 1987, explain the meaning of “octothorpe,” and remember a famous horse named Mr. Tiz. After a quick rewind to “Let Your Bi Flag Fly (Episode 80)” for a correction and some thoughts on the last show’s conversation, *All the News We Can Handle* includes Memorial Day crowds in a pandemic, “Costco Kevin,” Robin’s encounters with safer and not-so-safe retail experiences, and *The Leftscape*‘s upcoming celebration of LGBTQ Pride on Facebook. In *The Geekscape*, Wendy geeks out on some gardening tips and shares what she’s planted this season.

Things to do:

Keep up with Dwayne Smith on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out Lori Carpenter at What If… ? Coaching and on Instagram.

Listen to *I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships* by Michael S. Sorensen

Learn About Loving More, the premiere nonprofit serving the polyamory and ethical non-monogamy community since 1985.

Like *The Leftscape* on Facebook and join us in June for a Parade of Prides Past.

Read the Statement by the Ad Hoc Coalition of Former BiNet USA Leaders, released on May 22, 2020.

Enjoy Wendy’s garden photos (Click for full image).

Sound engineering by Wendy Sheridan
Show notes by Robin Renée
Fake sponsor messages by Thomas Limoncelli

**Talk Like L.O.V.E.R.S. (Episode 81)** May 27, 2020
Show notes

Dwayne Smith on Communication in Relationships and Lessons from Polyamory

Dwayne Smith, a PhD student in computational social science at George Mason University researches criminal justice policy reform, restorative justice initiatives, and the impacts of public policy on black communities. He works in cyber security. He is a pilot and a fitness competitor. When he’s not working on all those things and more, he finds the time to work on a book on communications with Life Coach Lori Carpenter and to tell *The Leftscape* all about it. Check out what Dwayne has to say about what he’s discovered through polyamory in regard to fostering healthy relationships. The L.O.V.E.R.S. steps to resolving conflict are memorable and useful for anyone.

In this episode’s edition of *3 Random Facts and the News*, co-hosts Robin Renée, Mary McGinley, and Wendy Sheridan highlight a very loud U2 concert held on May 27, 1987, explain the meaning of “octothorpe,” and remember a famous horse named Mr. Tiz. After a quick rewind to “Let Your Bi Flag Fly (Episode 80)” for a correction and some thoughts on the last show’s conversation, *All the News We Can Handle* includes Memorial Day crowds in a pandemic, “Costco Kevin,” Robin’s encounters with safer and not-so-safe retail experiences, and *The Leftscape*‘s upcoming celebration of LGBTQ Pride on Facebook. In *The Geekscape*, Wendy geeks out on some gardening tips and shares what she’s planted this season.

Things to do:

Keep up with Dwayne Smith on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out Lori Carpenter at What If… ? Coaching and on Instagram.

Listen to *I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships* by Michael S. Sorensen

Learn About Loving More, the premiere nonprofit serving the polyamory and ethical non-monogamy community since 1985.

Like *The Leftscape* on Facebook and join us in June for a Parade of Prides Past.

Read the Statement by the Ad Hoc Coalition of Former BiNet USA Leaders, released on May 22, 2020.

Enjoy Wendy’s garden photos (Click for full image).

Sound engineering by Wendy Sheridan
Show notes by Robin Renée
Fake sponsor messages by Thomas Limoncelli

**Let Your Bi Flag Fly (Episode 80)** May 13, 2020
Show notes

A Conversation with Nicole Kristal and Ashlei Shyne

Ashlei Shyne is an actress, improviser, writer, filmmaker, and activist. After recognizing the lack of LGBTQ+ representation within the comedy community, she created Rainbow Bright Comedy, an LGBTQ+ improv troupe, in order to give queer people of color a platform. As an Out & Proud Black Bisexual woman, Ashlei uses her unique voice and perspective to fight racism, bi erasure, and biphobia in all communities.

Activist and author Nicole Kristal created Still Bisexual in 2015 after growing frustrated with the lack of social acceptance for bisexuals despite wider gains for gays and lesbians. She thought if we could make folks realize the bisexual identity for most was lifelong and that bisexuals in committed monogamous relationships hadn’t “picked a side,” but instead were still bisexual, we could finally start to debunk some of the stereotypes. She is the co-author of *The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe*.

Our featured conversation begins with a recent debacle over the rights to use the bisexual pride flag (Spoiler Alert: Anyone can use the bi pride flag!). It deepens into challenges our activist communities face around racism, inclusivity, cultural and generational differences, cancel culture, glory-seeking, and more. The aftermath of the flag controversy reveals a potential for community growth, lessons for leadership, continued conversations, and a stronger overall network.

At the top of the show, Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée share *3 Random Facts* — this time involving springtime snow in New York City, the day’s celebrity birthdays (Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, and Darius Rucker), and Goxua, a dessert from Basque Country. *All the News We Can Handle* covers county, state, and national parks beginning to reopen, voting by mail, an informative article on COVID-19 infection by Erin Bromage, PhD Biology, UMass Dartmouth, and the recent arrests made in the tragic shooting of Ahmaud Arbery.

Things to Do:

Explore the Still Bisexual project.

Take part in the #Out4MentalHealth project by the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.

Read “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them” by Erin Bromage on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read “Keep Calm and Carry On: How to Vote By Mail During the Coronavirus Outbreak” by the ACLU. Get the details you need for applying and voting by mail in your state.

Learn more about Ashlei Shyne on IMDb, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read *The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe* by Nicole Kristal and Mike Szymanski.

Buy bi pride stuff from BisexualShirts.com, the Bisexual Resource Center, or wherever bi pride stuff is sold. And get creative and make your own!

Watch the video that launched the #StillBisexual project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RxCncYErug

Sound engineering by Wendy Sheridan
Show notes by Robin Renée
Fake sponsor messages by Thomas Limoncelli

**Let Your Bi Flag Fly (Episode 80)** May 13, 2020
Show notes

A Conversation with Nicole Kristal and Ashlei Shyne

Ashlei Shyne is an actress, improviser, writer, filmmaker, and activist. After recognizing the lack of LGBTQ+ representation within the comedy community, she created Rainbow Bright Comedy, an LGBTQ+ improv troupe, in order to give queer people of color a platform. As an Out & Proud Black Bisexual woman, Ashlei uses her unique voice and perspective to fight racism, bi erasure, and biphobia in all communities.

Activist and author Nicole Kristal created Still Bisexual in 2015 after growing frustrated with the lack of social acceptance for bisexuals despite wider gains for gays and lesbians. She thought if we could make folks realize the bisexual identity for most was lifelong and that bisexuals in committed monogamous relationships hadn’t “picked a side,” but instead were still bisexual, we could finally start to debunk some of the stereotypes. She is the co-author of *The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe*.

Our featured conversation begins with a recent debacle over the rights to use the bisexual pride flag (Spoiler Alert: Anyone can use the bi pride flag!). It deepens into challenges our activist communities face around racism, inclusivity, cultural and generational differences, cancel culture, glory-seeking, and more. The aftermath of the flag controversy reveals a potential for community growth, lessons for leadership, continued conversations, and a stronger overall network.

At the top of the show, Wendy Sheridan, Mary McGinley, and Robin Renée share *3 Random Facts* — this time involving springtime snow in New York City, the day’s celebrity birthdays (Stephen Colbert, Stevie Wonder, and Darius Rucker), and Goxua, a dessert from Basque Country. *All the News We Can Handle* covers county, state, and national parks beginning to reopen, voting by mail, an informative article on COVID-19 infection by Erin Bromage, PhD Biology, UMass Dartmouth, and the recent arrests made in the tragic shooting of Ahmaud Arbery.

Things to Do:

Explore the Still Bisexual project.

Take part in the #Out4MentalHealth project by the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network.

Read “The Risks – Know Them – Avoid Them” by Erin Bromage on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read “Keep Calm and Carry On: How to Vote By Mail During the Coronavirus Outbreak” by the ACLU. Get the details you need for applying and voting by mail in your state.

Learn more about Ashlei Shyne on IMDb, Instagram, and Facebook.

Read *The Bisexual’s Guide to the Universe* by Nicole Kristal and Mike Szymanski.

Buy bi pride stuff from BisexualShirts.com, the Bisexual Resource Center, or wherever bi pride stuff is sold. And get creative and make your own!

Watch the video that launched the #StillBisexual project:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RxCncYErug

Sound engineering by Wendy Sheridan
Show notes by Robin Renée
Fake sponsor messages by Thomas Limoncelli

**The End of Certainty (Episode 79)** Apr 29, 2020
Show notes

JD Stillwater is a science educator, writer, and musician. He is a Cornell University graduate and a full-time staff member at The Circle School in Harrisburg, PA. His inspiring presentation, Seven Candles, brings to the global conversation an entrance into making difficult science concepts graspable for non-scientists, and then takes listeners into the deeper mysteries those concepts engender. In this conversation with longtime friend Robin Renée, JD illuminates the main points of reference for Seven Candles, shares some moving, topical poems, and speaks to the potential that lies in exploring science to inspire a shift from dogma to embracing our profound interconnectedness and a more balanced, both/and worldview.

At the top of the show, Robin, Mary McGinley, and Wendy Sheridan impart *Three Random Facts* which include the month-long celebrations for May, info on a legend of the Temple of Diana, and a shout out to Willie Nelson on his 87th birthday. *All the News We Can Handle* covers more bad ideas for curing COVID-19, the differing approaches to re-openings around the United States, Wendy’s prolific mask-making, the celebration of Beltane and a call for a general strike on May 1st, and the mystery of “Schrodinger’s Dictator.” In the *Ikigai* segment, the co-hosts give some thought to both the gifts and the challenges to entrepreneurial work in quarantine.

Things to Do:

Get to know the work of JD Stillwater through his website and YouTube channel.

Learn more about the Seven Candles presentation.

Discover the music of Peter Mayer.

Enjoy Beltane.

See what’s happening with General Strike 2020.

Order masks on the wendycards Facebook page, which helps pay for others that are donated to essential workers and health care professionals.

Like Robin Renée on Facebook to keep up with online show developments.

Become a patron: The Leftscape on Patreon

Rich Orloff at Sarasota Gallery — **Neon Blessings, Beautiful Wounds (Episode 78)** Apr 15, 2020
Show notes

Rich Orloff on Psychedelics, Writing, and New York City in the Time of COVID-19

Playwright Rich Orloff is the author of 18 full-length plays (most comedies, mostly award-winning) and over 80 short plays, which have received 2,000 productions on six continents – and a staged reading on Antarctica. His lifelong journey of inquiry, growth, and humor is reflected in his work, but an exploration of psychedelic-assisted underground therapy in recent years led to a deepening of perception and unexpected spirituality as well as to his autobiographical monologue, *It’s A Beautiful Wound*. In this conversation with Robin Renée, Orloff reads an excerpt and describes the ways guided experiences with psychedelics have helped him with moving through and beyond trauma. As a New York City resident, he also shares about life at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.

If you are less than comfortable with the scatological, you may find the beginning of this episode’s banter between Robin and Wendy Sheridan to be a bit TMI. Poop talk abounds in the *3 Random Facts and the News* segment! Facts include Wendy Sheridan’s cat Groot’s taste for elastic and a less obvious reason for the toilet paper shortage. There is also a major ’70s throwback with some info on the coolness of Will Geer (aka Grandpa Walton). Hair dye panic buying is in the news along with the disturbing trend of the government seizing PPE and other supplies from states that purchase them. Later in *Why Is This Awesome?*, Wendy reads from the profound essay, “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting*.”

Corrections: At the beginning of the show, Wendy says there are 139 days until Election Day. We actually have a little more time — 202 days. Near the end of the show, Robin mentions Pete Seeger but meant Woody Guthrie. Duh.

Things to do:

Learn more about Rich Orloff and *It’s a Beautiful Wound*.

Read Rich Orloff’s comedy, *The Whole Shebang*.

Read “Prepare for the Ultimate Gaslighting*” by Julio Vincent Gambuto.

Order masks on the wendycards Facebook page, which helps pay for others that are donated to essential workers and health care professionals.

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter:
Subscribe to The Leftscape Lookout
Watch “The Waltons — After They Were Famous”

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYHo3Ytcb0M&t=1399s

Daryle Lamont Jenkins in a restaurant — **A Very Useful Sword (Episode 77)** Mar 30, 2020
Show notes

Daryle Lamont Jenkins on Documenting Hate in Charlottesville and Beyond

Daryle Lamont Jenkins believes “the pen is mightier than the sword” and has been writing about, filming, and otherwise getting the word out about neo-Nazi and other hate organizations for decades. He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show and AM Joy with Joy Reid, ABC’s 20/20, and in countless articles and documentaries (*Alt-Right: Age of Rage*, *Erasing Hate*) focusing on antifa’s fight against the so-called “alt-right.” Daryle co-produced the short film, *Skin*, which won the 2019 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. He first joined a counterprotest against a KKK rally in New Hope, PA in the early nineties and founded the anti-hate organization One People’s Project in New Brunswick, NJ in 2000. In this conversation with Robin Renée, he talks about early experiences that inspired his work, an on-the-ground account of documenting and protesting the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, and what you can do to help the anti-fascist movement.

Co-hosts Wendy Sheridan, Robin Renée, and Mary McGinley begin the show with *3 Random Facts and the News*, though the facts are more timely than random. Learn about how the results of the U.S. census information is used, National Ferret Day (April 2nd), and a theory of the origin of April Fool’s Day. In the news, people are using 3-D printers to make respirator valves and other much-needed medical equipment to deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic. There is also a lot or misinformation and disinformation out there, so listen to the COVIDiocy PSA and take heed. Later in *The Blanket Fort*, Wendy, Robin, and Mary check in about how they’re coping with social distancing and personal connections facilitated by Zoom.

Things to do:

Like and follow Daryle Lamont Jenkins on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Keep up with One People’s Project news at Idavox.com.

Read NJ Homeland Security’s COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation Updates

Watch “Protecting Your Family From COVID-19 by Dr. David Price“:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YitWZj9QhdQ

shield and Klan hood in the One People's Project office — **A Very Useful Sword (Episode 77)** Mar 30, 2020
Show notes

Daryle Lamont Jenkins on Documenting Hate in Charlottesville and Beyond

Daryle Lamont Jenkins believes “the pen is mightier than the sword” and has been writing about, filming, and otherwise getting the word out about neo-Nazi and other hate organizations for decades. He has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Show and AM Joy with Joy Reid, ABC’s 20/20, and in countless articles and documentaries (*Alt-Right: Age of Rage*, *Erasing Hate*) focusing on antifa’s fight against the so-called “alt-right.” Daryle co-produced the short film, *Skin*, which won the 2019 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. He first joined a counterprotest against a KKK rally in New Hope, PA in the early nineties and founded the anti-hate organization One People’s Project in New Brunswick, NJ in 2000. In this conversation with Robin Renée, he talks about early experiences that inspired his work, an on-the-ground account of documenting and protesting the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, and what you can do to help the anti-fascist movement.

Co-hosts Wendy Sheridan, Robin Renée, and Mary McGinley begin the show with *3 Random Facts and the News*, though the facts are more timely than random. Learn about how the results of the U.S. census information is used, National Ferret Day (April 2nd), and a theory of the origin of April Fool’s Day. In the news, people are using 3-D printers to make respirator valves and other much-needed medical equipment to deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic. There is also a lot or misinformation and disinformation out there, so listen to the COVIDiocy PSA and take heed. Later in *The Blanket Fort*, Wendy, Robin, and Mary check in about how they’re coping with social distancing and personal connections facilitated by Zoom.

Things to do:

Like and follow Daryle Lamont Jenkins on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Keep up with One People’s Project news at Idavox.com.

Read NJ Homeland Security’s COVID-19 Rumor Control and Disinformation Updates

Watch “Protecting Your Family From COVID-19 by Dr. David Price“:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YitWZj9QhdQ

**A Balance of Intensity (Episode 76)** Mar 18, 2020
Show notes

Health Coach Julio Cortés With Tips on Staying Well — Just When We Need Them Most

Julio Cortés, of Mind and Body 360, is a health coach and consultant who helps clients create the life they desire by evaluating and balancing key areas including stress levels, fuel, sleep, movement, and recovery. He draws from having studied with numerous health and wellness experts, extensive martial arts training, and his time spent training others in a corporate environment in Japan. As a longtime activist, he is particularly interested in helping others engaged in activism to maintain their energy and wellbeing. Though this interview was recorded before the scope of the coronavirus pandemic was in full view, the conversation is apropos as we try to keep up our health and spirits worldwide.

Co-hosts Wendy Sheridan, Robin Renée, and Mary McGinley open the show with *Three Random Facts and the News*. Not much news feels relevant beyond coronavirus and the social distancing necessary to slow its spread. The Peace Corp has suspended activities and Donald Trump offered a large sum to Germany to secure exclusive access to a vaccine for the United States. The mood lightens a little with the mention of “wonder plant” seedlings being planted in Wales. The random facts celebrate National Awkward Moments Day, National Introverts Week, and marvel at a Smurf rally in Landerneau, France. Later in *The Blanket Fort*, Mary, Wendy, and Robin hide out from coronavirus and talk about getting oriented toward working from home. There is much more to the complete conversation, which is available for free on the Leftscape Patreon page.

Things to do:

Wash your hands, stay safe, help keep others safe, and shelter in place if needed.

If you are in New Jersey, stay aware by visiting the NJ Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard.

Stay aware via the World Health Organization.

Watch Julio Cortés’ video, “Eat that frog!”

Read *The Power of Full Engagement* by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz.

Relax with the Good News Network.

Watch “World record-breaking Smurf gathering takes place in France“:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s85xG9Ol3Po&feature=youtu.be

*No one who appears in this episode is a doctor and opinions expressed do not constitute medical advice. If you have questions or concerns regarding your health, consult a medical professional.

What Women Really Care About (Episode 75) Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Jennifer Reitman on DAME Magazine and its Mission

Jennifer Reitman is the Founder and Publisher of DAME Magazine, an online news and commentary site that looks at the social, political, and cultural trends of our time through women’s perspectives. By creating DAME, Reitman set out to fill the void she experienced in traditional media for women – think health & beauty and fashion – with what she and the women in her world really care about like politics, reproductive rights, and social justice. Wendy Sheridan‘s January 22nd conversation with Jennifer Reitman explores DAME’s focus on long-form journalism covering topics that go beyond flashy corporate media headlines, the “Can we elect a woman as president?” question, the importance of down ballot political contests, the rise in incarceration of women, a glimpse at how DAME works behind the scenes, and more.

In the Ikigai segment, Wendy, Robin Renée, and Mary McGinley get into work/life balance and whether some of their artistic endeavors will be primary sources of income or if they are better kept as side hustles. All the News We Can Handle this show includes another challenge to the Affordable Care Act headed to the Supreme Court, preparedness for Coronavirus, and thoughts on Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the presidential race. The pace of news being what it is, this conversation happened just before Amy Klobuchar’s exit from the race, Super Tuesday voting, and Michael Bloomberg’s announcement that he is also ending his campaign. The 3 Random Facts at the top of the show have a few extra facts embedded. They involve blue whales, unicycles, women’s history, and bisexuals.

Things to do:

Read DAME Magazine.

Spring Forward! Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2am.

Learn about Bisexual Health Awareness Month.

Celebrate Women’s History Month.

Enter the Wendycards monthly giveaway! Like and comment on the pinned post for your chance to win.

Attend Celebrating Women’s Voices: International Women’s Day Open Mic, Sunday, March 8th, 6-8pm in Rockville, MD – Robin Renée will be the featured artist.

Find out about the California law affecting freelance workers.

Wash your hands and groove to “Jealous Coronavirus,” a music video from the Vietnamese Health Dept.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9YirNgAzXI&feature=emb_title