The Muck Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Li'l Muck Episode 45: Senator Lauren Book Jul 15, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina interview Lauren Book, Florida Senate Minority Leader.

Elected in 2016, Lauren Book is a rising star among Florida Democrats. After being unanimously selected Senate Democratic Leader, Lauren has led Democrats in the fight against the growing far- right in Tallahassee.

Leader Book has dedicated her career to fighting childhood sexual abuse both in and out of the Legislature. As Chair of the Children, Families, and Seniors Committee, Lauren reconstructed Florida’s child abuse reporting system, designing a central hotline so that no report is left uninvestigated. She went on to expand Medicaid for newborns and babies from just 3 months to a year- no small feat for a Democrat. Outside of the Legislature, Lauren founded Lauren's Kids, an Emmy Award winning non for profit dedicated to ending childhood sexual abuse through education. Her programming is found in schools in 41 states and internationally.

Senator Book speaks to us about her role as in the Florida Senate, recent legislation, and her hopes for the midterm elections.

Special Guest: Lauren Book.

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Episode 132: Husband's Property | James Turner and Alice Roosevelt Longworth Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

Tina and Hillary cover Senator James Turner and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.

Tina’s Story
James Turner began his political career as a county commissioner before moving into a New Jersey house and then senate member in 1972. BUT, when he sets out to destroy a political rival, he destroys his career instead.

Hillary’s Story
President Teddy Roosevelt had a reputation for being a cowboy and a man of action. BUT it’s his daughter, Alice, who wins the public’s affection and attention.

Sources
Tina's Sources
Alcerton
James M Turner

The New York Times
Ex‐Jersey Senator Is Indicted On Bribe and Perjury Charges--by Jospeh Sullivan
Legislative Candidates Fighting Apathy--by Joseph Sullivan
Senator Turns Himself In on Plot Charge--by Ronald Sullivan
Turner Convicted in Drug Conspiracy--by Walter H. Waggoner
TURNER JURY TOLD RAID WAS ORDERED--by Walter H. Waggoner
A Witness Links Turner To Plot to Frame Gewertz--by Walter H. Waggoner

Wikipedia
James M. Turner
Kenneth A. Gewertz

Photos
James Turner after guilty verdict--via eBay
Kenneth A. Gewertz--via Boucher Funeral Home

Hillary's Story
Encyclopedia
Longworth, Alice Roosevelt

Smithsonian
Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Star News
Teddy Roosevelt’s Unruly Daughter Alice Caused Havo-c During Her Time In The White House--from Star News 365 via YouTube

The Washington Post
At 90, Alice Roosevelt Longworth didn’t care who she offended in this mean, funny 1974 interview--by Sally Quinn
Photos
Alice Roosevelt--from Library of Congress via Public Domain
Alice's Wedding--via Live Journal
Alice Roosevelt at 90--by Linda Wheeler via The Washington Post

The White House
Alice Roosevelt Longworth: Presidential Daughter and American Celebrity--by Lina Mann

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Episode 131: Float, Bitch. Float. | Clela Rorex and the Army of God Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina cover Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex and the Army of God.

Hillary’s Story
Clela Rorex served as the first female Boulder County Clerk beginning in 1975, BUT she made history as being the first clerk to ever issue a same sex marriage license in the US.

Tina’s Story
The Army of God is an underground American anti-abortion group BUT after claiming involvement in several anti-abortion acts of violence, they are now listed as a domestic terrorist group.

Hillary's Sources
Anchor:The Amber Live! Interviews
Clela Rorex, the first person to issue a gay marriage license in the USA in 1975

Boulder
Boulder’s LGBT history has many lessons to teach, including that backlash often follows progress--by Carol Taylor and Glenda Russell

Daily Camera
Man and horse ride into sunset as Boulder County updates photo collage--by Charlie Brennan

Esquire
How One Woman Married Gay Couples Forty Years Ago--by Jack Holmes

Wikipedia
Clela Rorex
Same-sex marriage in Colorado

Photos
Cleala Rorex--via Get Boulder
McCord and Zamora applying for marriage licsense--from Clela Rorex via Esquire
Marriage Liscenses issued by Rorex--from Boulder County Clerk's Office via Esquire
Ros Howard and his horse, Dolly--via Daily Camera

Tina's Sources
ABC 7 Chicago
Feds: Indiana man linked to "anti-abortion extremist organization" threatened clinic attacks--by Chuck Goudie and Ross Weidner

CBS News
Court Orders Robert Dear To Involuntarily Take Meds

Daily Kos
“Army of God” Kidnapper Released After Abducting Abortion Care Provider 24 Years Ago

Feminist Majority
Extremist “Army of God” Group Takes Credit for Atlanta Bombings, Promises to Attack Again

France 24
Suspect in Colorado clinic shooting said 'no more baby parts'

History
Doctor is killed by anti-abortion radical

Justice
OREGON WOMAN CHARGED IN ARSON, ACID AND NAPALM ATTACKS ON NINE ABORTION CLINICS
ROBERT WEILER SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTING TO BOMB AN ABORTION CLINIC IN GREENBELT

Ms. Magazine
The Anti-Abortion Movement Has a Long History of Terrorism. A Roe Repeal Will Make It Worse--by Kathy Spillar

National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism
Army of God

The New York Times
[3 are dead in Colorado Springs Shootout at Planned Parenthood Center]((https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/28/us/colorado-planned-parenthood-shooting.html)--by Julie Turkewitz and Jack Healy

Abortion Doctor and Wife are Freed--by Nathaniel Sheppard, Jr.

Has Trump’s White House ‘resurrected’ Army of God anti-abortion extremists?--by Lara Whyte

Reveal
Abortion Providers Ask for Protection as They Prepare for Post-Roe Harassment and Violence--by Laura C. Morel

Sanganmon County
‘Army of God’ kidnappings (1982)

Southern Poverty Law Center
ANTI-ABORTION MOVEMENT MARCHES ON AFTER TWO DECADES OF ARSON, BOMBS AND MURDER--by Frederick Clarkson

UPI
Dr. Hector Zevallos, who last summer was held captive

Washington Post
FROM PRISON BACK TO P.G. PULPIT--by Sue Anne Pressley

Kidnaping Focuses Tensions and Fears On Abortion Clinic--By Bill Peterson

Wikipedia
Paul Jennings Hill
Shelley Shannon

Photos
Acts of Anti-Abortion Violence--from National Abortion Federation via Ms. Magazine

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Li'l Muck Episode 44: Jennifer Driver Jul 01, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina interview Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at the State Innovation Exchange.

Jennifer Driver is an award-winning reproductive health, rights, and justice policy and advocacy leader with nearly 15 years in the field. Her work centers on addressing systems that add burdens or barriers to accessing full reproductive health information and services— paying particular attention to communities of color, immigrants, system involved youth, and LGBTQ communities.

A dynamic trainer, presenter, and spokesperson on reproductive health, rights, and justice, Jennifer has been featured and quoted in national media, including The Washington Post, Vogue, The New York Times, Rewire, The Hill, CNN, The Harvard Political Review, MSNBC, and Politico. She was also recognized in 2019 as one of 50 impactful creators, artists, and activists by B*TCH Media.

Jennifer speaks to us about abortion access, the future of reproductive health, and more.

For more information visit State Innovation Exchange.

And be sure to follow Jennifer Driver and the State Innovation Exchange online:

Jennifer Driver on Twitter: @jenniferdriver
State Innovation Exchange on Twitter: @stateinnovation

Special Guest: Jennifer Driver.

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Episode 130: Post Roe World Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Tina and Hillary discuss the overturn of Roe vs. Wade and life in a post Roe America.

Sources:
National Network of Abortion Funds

Photos:
SCOTUS judges who overturned Roe--screenshot via EWTN
States where abortion access would be banned--via The New York Times
States where abortion access would be prohibited/restricted--via The New York Times
States where abotion access is uncertain--via The New York Times
States where abortion access is safe--via Aljazeera

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Episode 129: That's the Situation | Larry Kramer and George Rekers Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina cover AIDS activist Larry Kramer and anti-gay activist George Rekers.

Hillary’s Story
Larry Kramer started his career as a writer. BUT when the government failed to act, he sounded the alarm on the AIDS crisis.

Tina’s Story
George Rekers made a name for himself through his controversial theories and studies on homosexuality. BUT when he returns from vacation in 2010 with a young man in tow, he’s got some explaining to do.

Hillary's Story
ACT UP
"Larry--The WORD"--by Timothy Lunceford-Stevens

Biography
Larry Kramer Captured His Seemingly Hopeless Fight for HIV/AIDS Victims in 'The Normal Heart'--by Rachel Chang

Britannica
Larry Kramer

Brooklyn Museum
In Conversation: Larry Kramer and Jonathan Katz--via YouTube

History
AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home

Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Larry Kramer, the gay community’s ‘Old Testament figure wrapped in righteous fury’--by Steve Martin

Making Gay History
Larry Kramer

The New Yorker
The Benevolent Rage of Larry Kramer--by Michael Specter

The New York Times
Larry Kramer, Playwright and Outspoken AIDS Activist, Dies at 84--by Daniel Lewis

NPR
Larry Kramer, Pioneering AIDS Activist And Writer, Dies At 84

Vanity Fair
In One of His Final Interviews Larry Kramer, 84 and Infirm, Still Roared--by Michael Shnayerson

Wikimedia
Larry Kramer

Photos
Larry Kramer--by Robert Giard, via Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs at NYPL
Larry Kramer at podium--by Ellen Shub/HBO via Los Angeles Times
Condom on Jesse Helms Home--via LGBT_History Facebook Page

Tina's Story
ACLU
HOWARD V. ARKANSAS - GEORGE REKERS FACT SHEET

The Advocate
Escort Revealed in Rekers Scandal

BuzzFeed News
George Alan Rekers' Rent-Boy Scandal--by Jack Shepherd

CNN
Reporters find tragic story amid embarrassing scandal--By Penn Bullock and Brandon K. Thorp
Therapy to change 'feminine' boy created a troubled man, family says--by Scott Bronstein and Jessi Joseph

Constantine Report
Second "Rent Boy" Emerges in Prof. George Rekers (Family Research Council) Gay Sex Scandal

Daily News
Anti-gay activist, Christian minister George Rekers caught in gay escort scandal resigns from NARTH--By Michael Sheridan

Dangerous Minds
DR. GEORGE REKERS: AMERICAN MENGELE?

Equality Florida
Bill McCollum Still Paying for George Rekers

Falls Church News Press
George Rekers Delusional Downfall Is A Familiar Tale--by Wayne Besen

GLADD
"Ex-gay" group NARTH rebrands with dangerous mission--by By Joeli Katz

Go Pride Chicago
George Rekers steps down from ex-gay board

Miami New Times
Christian right leader George Rekers takes vacation with "rent boy"--by PENN BULLOCK AND BRANDON K. THORP

The New York Times
Scandal Stirs Legal Questions in Anti-Gay Cases--by John Schwartz

Newsweek
Left Wing: When Gay Bashers Are Gay, Why Do People Just Mock and Turn Away?--BY EVE CONANT

PFLAG
Ex-Gay Leader’s Male Escort: Actually, We Did Have Sex--by Rachel Slajda

Queerty
The Gay Rentboy Scandal That Should Sink Bigot Baptist Minister George Alan Rekers

Sacramento Post
(Gay Escort Scandal) George Rekers (a gay Tiger Woods?) Second Man has come forward

Sun Sentinel
Male escort says he gave 'sexual' massages to anti-gay leader--By Steve Rothaus and The Miami Herald

Think Progress
How The Rekers ‘Rent Boy’ Scandal Could Undermine Prop. 8 Supporters’ Court Battle--by AMANDA TERKEL

Towleroad
Florida AG Bill McCollum Paid George ‘Rentboy’ Rekers $87,000 to Be Star Witness for State’s Gay Adoption Ban--by Andy Towle

The Week
Rekers rentboy scandal: The fallout continues

Wikipedia
George Rekers
Howard v. Arkansas

Photos
George Rekers--screenshot via The Advocate
Jo-Vanni Roman--screenshot via The Advocate
Rekers caught at airport--via CNN

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Li'l Muck Episode 43: Wesley Davis Jun 17, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina interview Wesley Davis, Equality Florida Field Director.

Wesley Davis is Equality Florida’s Field Director, responsible for helping to lead Equality Florida’s Pride and outreach programs and supporting Equality Florida’s member mobilization and voter engagement programs in priority legislative and electoral campaigns.

Wesley brings a diverse perspective to the Equality Florida team, having managed Democratic and Republican campaign programs throughout the country. He brings extensive experience as a Grassroots Coordinator and a Regional Director to the Equality Florida field team. As a former aide in the Florida House of Representatives he oversaw priority policy topics and putting constituents' needs first.

Wesley has devoted his career to developing winning strategies, boosting community awareness, and positively impacting communities.

Wesley speaks to us about Equality Florida, his background in politics, and his fight for LGBTQ rights.

For more information visit Equality Florida.

And be sure to follow Wes and Equality Florida online at:

Wes on Instagram and Twitter: @wrkwithwes
Equality Florida on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @equalityfl

Special Guest: Wesley Davis.

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Episode 128: Macchiato with a Side of Rifle | Kathleen Kane and Matthew Shepard Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Tina and Hillary cover former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane and the murder of Matthew Shepard.

Tina’s Story
In 2012, Kathleen Kane became the first democrat and woman to win as attorney general in Pennsylvania. BUT an email scandal jeopardizes her career.

Hillary’s Story
Matthew Shepard’s horrific murder shocked America. BUT the gay-hate that fueled the attack led to the passing of the Hate Crime Preventions Act.

Sources
Tina's Story
Action 4 News
Timeline: The Kathleen Kane investigation

Billy Penn
Kathleen Kane, feminist icon? Supporters love her war on 'cretins' in PA government - On top of Philly news
The revenge texts Kathleen Kane sent before the alleged leak - On top of Philly news

Chicago Tribune
The attorney general who straight-up lied

CNN
Kathleen Kane: Pennsylvania attorney general resigning

Laws in Texas
Kathleen Kane: From Citizen Kane to KaneVille to Kane Penned in Prison

LeHigh Valley Live
Kathleen Kane ordered to stand trial in grand jury leak

Morning Call
Sources: Kathleen Kane shut down probe of Philly Democrats

PBS
Former Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane is disbarred

Penn Live
'I misspoke' about child pornography prosecutions, AG spokeswoman says
Kathleen Kane's twin sister bounced from AG's office: report
Kathleen Kane charged with perjury, obstruction, abuse of office
Kathleen Kane's twin sister awarded raise, cash in labor complaint settlement: report
Retractions lead only to more questions for Kathleen Kane

Philadelphia Inquirer
Former Attorney General Kathleen Kane ordered to undergo alcohol treatment after a DUI arrest

Slate
Kathleen Kane trial: Pennsylvania attorney general, charged with grand jury leaks and perjury, used her twin sister to trick the press Monday

Tribune Democrat
State attorney general's twin sister being sued over $200K loan | State

WESA
Attorney General Kathleen Kane Says Charges Against Her Are Tied To Porn Emails

WNEP
A Look at Kathleen Kane Case | wnep.com

Photos
Kane Mugshot--from Montgomery County Prison via PennLive
Sample Email--via Local 21 News

Hillary's Story
Associated Press
Matthew Shepard’s murder still haunts Wyoming after 20 years--by Mead Gruver

Britannica
Matthew Shepard

CNN
Matthew Shepard finally laid to rest 20 years after he was killed for being gay--by Dakin Andone

Famous Trials
Matthew Shepard Murder: A Chronology

History
Matthew Shepard, victim of anti-gay hate crime, dies

Investigation Discovery
5 Facts About The Life, Murder & Legacy Of Matthew Shepard

The Matthew Shephard Foundation
Mission

Vanity Fair
THE CRUCIFIXION OF MATTHEW SHEPARD

Wikipedia
Matthew Shepard
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Wyoming History
The Murder of Matthew Shepard

Photos
Matthew Shepard--by Gina van Hoof via Matthew Shepard Foundation
Henderson and McKinney--via Famous Trials
Fence where Matthew was killed--via US News
Angels at funeral--from Getty via BBC

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Episode 127: Tag Team | Jesse Helms and Michael Francke Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

Hillary and Tina cover US Senator Jesse Helms and Oregon Department of Corrections Director Michael Franke.

Hillary’s Story
Jesse Helms was known for his racism and bigotry. BUT despite that, he maintained his seat for over 30 years allowing him to pass harmful legislation impacting marginalized communities in the US.

Tina’s Story
Michael Francke had a solid legal career in the criminal justice system in New Mexico and was appointed as director of the Oregon department of corrections in 1987. BUT when he’s found dead at work, it sparks decades of conspiracy theories.

Hillary's Story
60 Minutes
From the "60 Minutes" archives: Sen. Fritz Hollings--via YouTube

ABC News
BTS joins Karine Jean-Pierre at the White House press briefing--via YouTube

Britannica
Jesse Helms

CNN
Commentary: Don't sanitize Helms' racist past--by Roland Martin

History
AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home

The Jesse Helms Center
Home Page

Los Angeles Times
Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies at 86--by Johanna Neuman

Mother Jones
On the Record--by Eric Bates

The Nation
Jesse Helms, American Bigot--by Lisa Duggan

NPR
Remembering Sen. Jesse Holms

The New York Times
Jesse Helms Dies at 86; Conservative Force in the Senate--by Steven Holmes

Richard Burr
Senate Approves Resolution Honoring Jesse Helms

Wikipedia
Helms AIDS Amendments
Jesse Helms
National Congressional Club

Photos
Jesse Helms--by Manny Ceneta via NPR
Helms and Bono--via Jesse Helms Center
Screenshot from Helms’ Racist Ad--from YouTube via NPR

Tina's Story
CaseText
Gable v. Williams, Civil No. 3:07-cv-00413-AC

Coffee or Die
Who Killed Michael Francke?

Correctional Leaders Association
Francke Award

KOIN 6
Interactive: Who’s who in the Francke-Gable case
Oregon DOJ makes case to re-jail Frank Gable

MotherJones
What You Need to Know about Jesse Helms

The New York Times
PRISONS' DIRECTOR IS SLAIN IN OREGON

The Oregonian
Brothers of slain Oregon prisons chief both want release of man convicted in case, but disagree on next step

Portland Tribune
Pamplin Media Group - Francke murder: Gable's attorneys fight to keep him free
Pamplin Media Group - Oregon tries to re-jail Gable on Monday

Prison Legal News
Wrongfully Convicted Man Freed for Murder of Oregon DOC Director, But State Wants Him Back In Prison

Statesman Journal
Judge orders Frank Gable released from prison Friday in Oregon murder
Timeline of Michael Francke's murder, Frank Gable's possible release

United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Microsoft Word - JUSTICE-#6912532-v1-Gable_0413_PLD_RESPONSE_(ALL_PARTS_COMPILED).doc

University of Virginia
Francke, J. Michael, 1971 - Our History: Featured Alumni/ae - Law Library Guides at University of Virginia Arthur J. Morris Law Library

Unsolved Mysteries
Michael Francke

Unsolved Mysteries Wiki
Michael Francke

Wikipedia
Michael Francke

Willamette Week
Should You Believe This Man?
For Years, the Murder of Michael Francke Has Been Oregon’s Biggest Mystery. Last Week, It Took a New Twist.

Photos:
Micheal Francke—via Wikipedia (fair use)
The Dome Building—by Katr67
Map of Francke's Attack--screenshot via Statesman Journal
Frank Gable, alleged killer--screenshot from KWO8

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Episode 126: Horse Life | Rita Crundwell and The Boys of Boise Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

Tina and Hillary cover former Dixon treasurer Rita Crundwell and The Boys of Boise scandal.

Tina’s Story
Rita Crundwell served as Dixon comptroller and treasurer for almost 30 years beginning in 1983. BUT Curndwell bankrupts her career when a city clerk discovers suspicious account activity.

Hillary’s Story
In the 1950s Boise Idaho officials started an intensive investigation to supposedly protect children. BUT it soon became clear that this was an orchestrated witch hunt against gay men.

Sources
Tina's Story
ABC7 Chicago
Former Dixon, Illinois Comptroller Rita Crundwell, convicted of stealing $50M, released early from Pekin prison

All the Queens Horses
Home Page

Auburn
Fraud in Dixon Illinois: Who’s to Blame Fraud in Dixon Illinois: Who’s to Blame

Chicago Sun-Times
Rita Crundwell, who stole nearly $54 million from Dixon, released from federal prison

Chicago Tribune
Rita Crundwell, comptroller who bilked Dixon, should complete the remainder of her sentence

CPA Hall Talk
Rita Crundwell Story: Why Some Ranches Stink

Department of Justice
Former Dixon Comptroller Rita Crundwell Sentenced To Nearly 20 Years In Federal Prison For $53.7 Million Theft From City

Dixon Gov
Microsoft Word - Document1

The FCPA Blog
Want to buy Rita Crundwell's belt buckles?

Find Law
UNITED STATES v. CRUNDWELL

Flickr
USMS Rita Crundwell Auction

Forbes
Fmr Dixon, IL Comptroller, Rita Crundwell, Sentenced to 19 1/2 Years In Prison