With Friends Like These

Friend Goals: W/ Rhett Miller and Murry Hammond Dec 17, 2021

Old 97’s band members and old time friends, Rhett Miller and Murray Hammond, join us for a conversation about songwriting, falling into friendship love and how a band is like an open marriage.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Sound of Nashville Dec 10, 2021

Rising artist, Ciara Rae shares her experience of living in Nashville as a songwriter and musician. She tells us about the ups and downs of surviving in a forever evolving industry, staying true to her music and how songwriting helped her into recovery from an eating disorder.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

What Was Going on with the Go-Go's with Kathy Valentine Dec 03, 2021

The Go-Go's made history as one of the most successful all-female bands ever. Bassist Kathy Valentine's new memoir puts their story in context and highlights her own rocky path to recovery, success, and serenity.. The author of ‘All I Ever Wanted’ joins us to talk songwriting, booze, and sex.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Is a bar a bar without booze? On sober socializing with Chris Marshall Nov 19, 2021

The creator of Sans Bar, the bar without booze, Chris Marshall joins us for a conversation on recovery, community and how to make the perfect mocktail.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Why you eat what you eat on Thanksgiving Nov 12, 2021

This week is the 400th anniversary of what America knows as Thanksgiving. Join us as food historian Linda Civitello takes us through how the traditional meal has evolved through the decades and what items we love to indulge in owe their existence to indigenous people. We explore the good, the bad and ugly that comes along with this beloved holiday. From the food racism to legacy of the indigenous people and everything in between!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Andrew Zimmern: The Road to Recovery Nov 05, 2021

Emmy and James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and teacher, Andrew Zimmern joins the show to talk about Food politics, the restaurant industry post pandemic, and his journey with sobriety.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Adam Serwer: What Texas Can Teach Us Oct 29, 2021

Writer for the Atlantic and Author of the book The Cruelty is the point: The Past, Present and Future of Trump’s America, Adam Serwer, joins the show to talk about Texas’ politics, the misconceptions about the state and how to create a better America using Texas as our teacher.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Daisy Haggard on Female Felons: From Villain to Human Oct 15, 2021

Comedic writer and actress Daisy Haggard joins the show to talk about her work creating the Showtime series “Back To Life,” which follows an underdog female character who returns to her hometown after serving an 18 year prison sentence.

Daisy talks about why she wanted to humanize people struggling for redemption, and what she learned about writing, forgiveness and herself.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Sophie Santos on Lesbian Identity: From Denial to Pride Oct 08, 2021

Comedian Sophie Santos joins the show to talk about her memoir -- “The One You Want to Marry ---and Other Identities I've Had.”

It details Sophie’s life growing up as an Army brat in the South, while also being white, Hispanic, Asian, and gay - and the bumpy (and often hilarious) moments that led her to finding herself as an adult.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Eric Garcia on Autistic Self-Advocacy: From Patients to Citizens Oct 01, 2021

Reporter Eric Garcia's new book -- “We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation” -- springs from his experience as a political correspondent and autistic person. Frustrated with the myths and stereotypes about autism found in the media, he set out to report on what autism really looks like and to ask autistic people what they really want and need.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Lizz Winstead: From Comedy Writer to Pro-Abortion Activist Sep 24, 2021

Lizz Winstead is best known as the co-creator of The Daily Show, a program that reinvented late-night, and showed a new generation of comedians how to combine news with satire and activism. Her next act was founding Lady Parts Justice, now known as Abortion Access Front, an organization that travels the country, supporting abortion clinics and the people who work there.

She sits down to offer some practical suggestions for what we all can do about the new Texas anti-abortion law, and what to look out for as other states try to pass similar legislation.

To learn more about Abortion Access Front, go to aafront.org

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

How to Craft A Life Worth Living Sep 17, 2021

After enduring what she calls “700 bad days” in a row, author Kelly Williams Brown realized that simple rituals and crafty projects were often what got her through her most difficult days. In her new book “Easy Crafts for the Insane” she explains the practical, fun, and do-able activities that offer an escape from a chaotic world.

Note: This week is National Suicide Prevention Week. This conversation offers a set guardrails to activate in moments of deep crisis. If you need to talk to someone right now, please call the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or try the Crisis Text Line, 741-741

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Power Struggle Behind Who Does The Dishes with John Hodgman Sep 10, 2021

For the past 10 years, actor, author and humorist John Hodgman has hosted the podcast “Judge John Hodgman” where he helps friends, roommates and romantic couples negotiate their long-standing quibbles: Things like: “Which one of us is loading the dishwasher right?” Throughout the years, John’s discovered some deeper throughlines about gender roles and power dynamics. He also talks about his animated show on FXX called “Dicktown” which is a surprising window into male sensitivity and forgiveness.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Anti-Black History of the Second Amendment w/Carol Anderson Aug 27, 2021

Best-selling author of "White Rage" Carol Anderson explores the anti-Black history of the Second Amendment. There is structural racism built into our Bill of Rights! The story of white Americans' fear of black Americans with guns starts with the enslaved people who fought against the British and runs all the way to the killing of legal gun owner Philando Castile - and beyond. Her new book is The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Lawsuit About the Indian Child Welfare Act That Isn’t About the Children Aug 20, 2021

Fellow Crookedian Rebecca Nagle joins us to talk about Season Two of “This Land.” From the “boarding schools” of the 19th century to the good intentions of the Indian Child Welfare Act — and the big money campaign to repeal it.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Everything You Thought You Knew About the Alamo Is Wrong Aug 13, 2021

The co-author of “Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth,” Bryan Burroughs, debunks the Anglo-centric fables surrounding Texas’ founding myth — with a cameo appearance from Phil Collins. (In the myth, not as a guest on the show.)

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Brian Broome Is His Own Man with Brian Broome Aug 06, 2021

Brian Broome’s dad used to threaten to hit him so hard he’d go to heaven — “punch him up to the gods” — if he didn’t conform to the ideal of Black masculinity. Broome joins to discuss his memoir, “Punch Me Up to the Gods, and rising above that threat, finding himself, and finding recovery. Then on this week's Adorables segment, comedian (and fake judge) John Hodgman joins to tell us about his cat Lolo.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Growing Up Girl with Melissa Febos Jul 30, 2021

Former young girl and memoirist Melissa Febos joins to discuss the pressures and paradoxes in how society treats female children. Her most recent book is called “Girlhood.”

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Straight Up Fangirling Simone Biles with Alyssa Roenigk Jul 23, 2021

This podcast is now a Simone Biles stan account. ESPN’s Alyssa Roenigk joins to talk about the Olympics as a problematic fave and Biles as an unproblematic one. Women’s gymnastics did a number on a lot of us as young people — the unrealistic body expectations, the idea of “tough love” as the best way to coach. That culture is changing and let’s celebrate that! On Adorables Like These, time to talk to the “sensitive one” in the Pod Save America boy band, Tommy Vietor, who tells us about his bath mat with a pulse, Lucca. (CW for gymnastics conversation: sexual abuse and eating disorders.).

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Ask What Kind of Help People Want with Ruby Welch Jul 16, 2021

Restorative justice advocate Ruby Welch brings the perspective of a previously incarcerated person to policy. She’s not a fan of how most people (even well-meaning people!) prioritize the needs of the recently released. Find out what it means to be really heard. On this week’s Adorables Like These: Sora, the grumpy-faced kitty companion of Crooked intern Mari Cardenas.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Science of Online Outrage with Molly Crockett Jul 09, 2021

Yale psychologist Molly Crockett joins the show to talk about the latest research on online outrage and how it affects us all. Then on this week's Adorables segment you'll hear from Rutherford Falls star Jana Schmieding about the two cats who came into her life during the pandemic.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

The Secret to Talking About Hard Things Is to Listen, with Anna Sale, PLUS Moby's #adorable Jul 02, 2021

On her podcast, “Death, Sex and Money,” Anna Sale has delved into topics most people avoid, but what she learned has to do with the questions you ask and not the answers you want. We also discuss her book, “Let’s Talk About Hard Things.” ALSO: Musician Moby introduces his #adorables nominee, Candace Bergen Bagel.

Andy Richter Needs a New Job Jun 25, 2021

Andy Richter’s relationship with Conan O’Brien has extended over decades; overall, it’s lasted longer than most marriages (the average US marriage ends after eight years, sadface). The Conan show on TBS comes to an end on June 25 and we got Andy on the line to reflect on how to make relationships work, how to do comedy as woke white guy, and what he’s going to do next. After that, an “Adorables” interview about Brussel Sprout and why he looks like the Google image result for "dog.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Greenwood After the Tulsa Race Massacre with Carlos Moreno Jun 18, 2021

We’ve begun to recognize the tragedy that happened in Greenwood a hundred years ago, but Greenwood is more than a memorial. It had a bustling past, an amazing recovery, and, sadly, a second ransacking — and it’s recovering again. Carlos Moreno, author of The Victory of Greenwood, joins us to talk about the full story of this amazing community.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

That’s Not Funny, THIS Is Funny, with Negin Farsad Jun 11, 2021

Negin Farsad calls herself a “social justice comedian” and she’s been using her skills to leverage entertainment into opening minds for years now – both in her book, “How to Make White People Laugh,” her documentary, “The Muslims Are Coming!” and on a regular basis on her podcast, “Fake the Nation.” Want to know how to turn a master’s degree into a podcasting career? What about how to respond to people Being Mad Online? Oh, and, how DO you make white people laugh? Negin has some answers.

After Negin, stay tuned for a visit from Jolene, the tiny canine companion of Crooked’s Matt DeGroot.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

“When Statues Do Pratfalls” with Jana Schmieding Jun 04, 2021

"Rutherford Falls" writer and actress Jana Schmieding joins to talk about Indigenous humor, being a "person of size" playing a romantic comedy lead, and the best way to make fun of podcasters, racist, snobs, small-town reactionaries, and academics. And on "With Adorables Like These" our first official two cat segment - featuring Laszlo, Jackie and their human Alison Falzetta.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Filling Your Existential Portfolio with Moby May 28, 2021

Ground-breaking musician Moby joins to discuss his sobriety and all that comes with it: humility, serving others, and looking somewhere else beside fame to fill the emptiness inside. His new auto-bio-pic, “Moby Doc,” is in limited release to theaters now. Then, on this week's "With Adorables Like These" Mina Kimes joins with her dog (and podcast co-host) Lenny.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Doing what’s in your pleasure with Andrew Gillum May 21, 2021

Former mayor of Tallahassee and Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum joins to talk how about recovery influenced his perspective on politics and his own sense of self as a former politician, bi-erasure, and what Matt Gaetz’s behavior can tell us about projecting. Then on “With Adorables Like These” Pod Save America co-host Jon Favreau tells us how his dog Leo made him a better flyer.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

More Than the Worst Thing He’s Done with Vince Granata May 14, 2021

Vince Granata starts his book, “Everything Is Fine,” with the truth: His brother, in the midst of a schizophrenic episode, murdered his mother. The rest of the book tells the story of how and why Vince never stopped loving him.

And on "With Adorables Likes These" this week - Penny and her human Leo Duran.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese

OFF-FIELD ISSUES WITH Mina Kimes May 07, 2021

ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes comes on to give her hot take on how analysts should and shouldn’t talk about sexual assault and institutional bad behavior.

One idea: Never again utter the phrase “off-field issues.”

And introducing "With Adorables Like These" - interviews with Crooked staff and guests about the animal companions they love. This week's guest is Scooter and his human Dayanita Ramesh.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

Unf*ck the Police with W. Kamau Bell Apr 30, 2021

“United Shades of America” host W. Kamau Bell joins to discuss the miserable job performance of the police, who are our employees! Also: how trauma can make you funnier and why marginalized folks have to have bigger and better imaginations than others.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

“Boys State” Star Isn’t Ready to Run Again Apr 23, 2021

Documentary “Boys State” was short-listed for an Oscar for its engrossing portrayal of Texas teenagers’ cutthroat politics. One of its stars, Steven Garza, stops by to discuss if the kids are alright. Spoiler alert: Maybe not!

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

How to Be Fearless with Tig Notaro Apr 16, 2021

Stand-up Tig Notaro comes by to talk about being free and fearless, and how that makes you a better person and funnier comedian.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

If It’s Not Fixed, Don’t Break It (with Elizabeth Kolbert) Apr 09, 2021

New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert’s new book, “Under a White Sky,” explores the damage to the planet humans have done (or could do) in trying to fix the damage they’ve done: everything from electrocuting carp and to sprinkling the sky with diamond dust.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/withfriendslikethese.

When Your Parents Don’t Know You (with Rebecca Carroll) Apr 02, 2021

Rebecca Carroll grew up as the only Black person in her adopted family, and in her small town. Her memoir, “Surviving the White Gaze,” is about exactly what it says.

Debts to Society Mar 26, 2021

Harvard Law professor Martha Minow has an idea: what if we forgive debts to society with the same generosity that we forgive the debts of corporations?

Toxic Avenger Mar 19, 2021

New York Magazine's Rebecca Traister expands on her reporting about Andrew Cuomo's reckoning and suggests broadening our understanding of what sexual harassment and abuse look like.

Love and Death in the Time of Covid Mar 12, 2021

Intercept senior writer Liliana Segura has been reporting on the death penalty for years, including the Trump administration’s lame-duck killing spree. She comes on to discuss the legacy of putting people to death during a pandemic — and to share stories about the heroes she’s found in the darkness.

Sympathy for the Executioner Mar 05, 2021

Maurice Chammah, author of the NYT Editor’s Pick “Let the Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty,” joins us to talk about how enforcing the death penalty poisons everyone who is a part of it.

Forgiveness & Reconciliation (New Season Trailer) Mar 04, 2021

On this season of With Friends Like These, host Ana Marie Cox looks at post-Trump America and tries to find models for how we forgive people, and if we should.

These Friends Feb 26, 2021

To celebrate With Friends Like These 200th episode, we talk with Rolling Stone senior writer Jamil Smith about how he helped inspire the show, what the pandemic has taught us about grief, and being careful about who you call a friend.

Who Watches the Weight Watchers? Feb 19, 2021

CW: Eating disorders, dieting.

Aubrey Gordon, of Maintenance Phase and “Your Fat Friend,” joins to take us through the twisty history of Weight Watchers and its founder, Jean Nidtech. Stops on the tour include Heinz ketchup and Maya Angelou! Aubrey’s new book is “What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat.”

The Sheraton Experiment Feb 12, 2021

After the National Guard descended on Minneapolis to enforce an 8PM curfew on the streets, advocates for those living on the streets bought a block of rooms at a shuttered Sheraton to house them. The volunteers decided to impose as little authority as possible, hoping that a radical approach to harm reduction would empower the residents. But their experiment went terribly wrong.

The Berkeley Socialist Behind Mass Incarceration (with Heather Ann Thompson) Feb 05, 2021

Robert Martinson was a radical anti-racist activist in the 1960s: He ran for mayor in Berkeley as a socialist. He was arrested in Mississippi for participating in Freedom Summer. And then he authored the academic paper that became the political justification for “tough on crime” policies. He’s forgotten; can he be forgiven? Pulitzer Prize-winning author Heather Ann Thompson guides us through his tragic story.

“Hope Is a Strategy" Jan 29, 2021

New York Magazine senior writer and Friend of the Pod Rebecca Traister joins to talk us through how Biden’s missteps around issues of gender and race made him the white guy who could win in 2020.

The Future Reminds You of Your Responsibility Jan 22, 2021

The Atlantic's Adam Serwer comes on to talk about the inauguration and the future of this fragile democracy.

Mothers of Invention Jan 15, 2021

We love to love mothers, except when we don’t — like when they’re Black, or queer, or too thin, or too fat, or want to end their pregnancy, or do it alone, or have a glass of wine. Friend of the pod Lyz Lenz joins to discuss her new book, “Belabored: A Vindication of the Rights of Pregnant Women."

You Can’t Change the World If You Hate Yourself Jan 08, 2021

“The only sustainable foundation for a changed world is internal transformation” — that’s the message of Sonya Renee Taylor, author of “The Body Is Not an Apology.” Her mission is to take us out of the realm of mere “body positivity” or “self-acceptance” and into a place of “radical self-love.” That means not just creating a world where all bodies are celebrated, but also embracing who we are, exactly as we are. Which part of that mission sounds harder to you?

When Denouncing White Nationalism Isn’t Enough (Encore) Jan 01, 2021

Derek Black thought he was done with the white nationalist movement when he wrote a public letter renouncing the ideology he grew up in. Then he realized that white nationalism wasn’t just the racists that used to listen to his white nationalist radio show and read his white nationalist website — white supremacy was everywhere, people just weren’t talking about it. (With a new introduction; this episode originally aired 06/12/20.)

“Scared to Believe” (Encore) Dec 25, 2020

Santa isn’t the only myth we use to keep children in line! In the 1990s, evangelical churches bought and gave away thousands of copies of the book, “Left Behind,” hoping its overwrought depiction of the End Times would frighten unbelievers into the arms of Christ. That is not what happened. Amy Frykholm, author of “Rapture Culture: Left Behind in Evangelical America,” explains what did. Originally aired 8/7/2020.

A Little White Christmas Lie Dec 18, 2020

What, exactly, are parents accomplishing when they encourage their children to believe in the idea of an extravagently-dressed stranger breaking and entering into their homes on Christmas Eve? Is Santa a well-meaning myth or the beginning of the end of filial trust? CW: The truth about Santa.

Their Libertarians Attract Bears! Dec 11, 2020

Welcome to Grafton, New Hampshire, a not-very-picturesque town where the streets are dark, the fires are unregulated, the cats are missing, and the camps are armed. Oh, and there are bears. Smart, dangerous bears. Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling tells us the story of “When a Libertarian Walked Into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (and Some Bears).”

Don’t Accentuate the Positive Dec 04, 2020

NYU and University of Hamburg psychology professor Gabriele Oettingen explains why positive thinking can backfire, and offers a method that might work better. She is the author of “Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation."

Evangelical Christians’ Lesbian Poster Girl Nov 27, 2020

Julie Rodgers was raised in a conservative evangelical home, so she knew they’d be horrified when she came out as a lesbian in her teens. To please her family and community, she first tried to change who she was, then she tried to deny it. We talk about how she went from being a star on the “ex-gay” speaker circuit to believing that God delights in all aspects of LGBTQ people, including their sexuality. Her forthcoming memoir is “Outlove: A Queer Christian Survival Story.”

Suicide Is a Public Health Issue Nov 20, 2020

Trigger warning: This episode is about suicide and suicide prevention.

While the pandemic has made mental health a part of the national conversation, policy makers and the public still tend to think of suicide as a matter of intervention at the point of crisis. Stephanie Wittels is on to explain why that is not the case. The second season of her podcast, “Last Day,” explores individual stories as a way of illustrating that true suicide prevention isn’t about intervening when someone’s life is at risk, it’s about making life worth living from the start.

If you feel at risk in any way, please text "START" to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). As we point out in the episode: If you’re thinking of reaching out but asking yourself if your situation is “bad enough” to deserve help, that means you definitely deserve help. We all do.

Are We Overstating Abuse? Nov 13, 2020

CW: Sexual violence

Author Sarah Schulman joins the show to discuss her provocative and influential book, Conflict Is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of Repair. She argues that both the right and left can needless escalate mere conflicts into accusations of abuse, creating victims where there are none and blaming and shaming those who might be simply misunderstood.

IN PRAISE OF MAGICAL THINKING Nov 06, 2020

Oxford University professor of anthropology Chris Gosden joins us to discuss his book: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present. Also: We make politics disappear! Which is to say, there is NO DISCUSSION OF THE 2020 ELECTION IN THIS EPISODE. You’re welcome!

Cable News Is Bad for America Oct 30, 2020

This week, a deep dive into how political enthusiasts’ default background noise is ruining our country. First, we hear from a former MSNBC producer who left the network after feeling like she was part of the problem. Then media critic Jay Rosen warns us about how the habits formed in covering Trump might warp coverage of whatever administration comes next. Lastly, CJR columnist Maria Bustillos helps us ponder why it is journalists who start out meaning well wind up making things worse.

How Not to Cover a Conspiracy Theory Oct 23, 2020

QAnon! What a *wild* conspiracy theory! Blood-drinking! Pedophilia! JFK Jr.! Pretty fascinating stuff! I bet you want to listen to this episode! Which is exactly why we need to rethink how the media covers conspiracies and how we think about them. George Mason University disinformation researcher John Cook helps explain how we can keep toxins out of the media bloodstream.

Julián Castro Had Trouble Smiling Oct 16, 2020

Why do people enter public service? How do they keep going when times get hard — or they wind up not lasting long in a presidential primary? Julián Castro talks about injustice, strategic voting, and his new podcast, “Our America.”

Hating on the Hiker Bro Evangelist Oct 09, 2020

It’s easy to feel superior to John Allen Chau, the evangelical Christian who died attempting to bring the Bible to the North Sentinelese. We should ask ourselves if maybe it’s a little too easy.

Just Say No to Politics Oct 02, 2020

You might think being obsessed with politics — watching cable news, reading political blogs, and, er, listening to political podcasts — is a good thing! Historian Claire Bond Potter isn’t so sure. She joins us to talk her book, Political Junkies: From Talk Radio to Twitter, How Alternative Media Hooked Us on Politics and Broke Our Democracy

The Empathy Engine Sep 25, 2020

We begin our “Good Intentions” series exploring the origin of the impulse to help. The good news is that empathy and altruism appear to be instinctive reactions to the pain of others! The bad news is that it’s super-easy to divert or suppress that instinct (hint: the President does it all the time!). USC neuroscientist Leo Christov-Moore explains.

The Friend Zone Sep 18, 2020

Eva Hagberg thought she knew who she was: a smart, overachieving loner on her way to literary fame. Then her brain went boom (technical term), and she had to reevaluate her relationship to achievement, to herself, and to the people that loved her.

Dark Arts Professors Against Trump Sep 11, 2020

Two founders of the Lincoln Project on their “psychological warfare” campaign against Trump, why Susan Collins must go, and how those viral ads are just the tip of the iceberg.

What We Have Learned Aug 21, 2020

In this final episode of our “Converts” edition, we revisit some past episodes to see exactly what we’ve learned about how people do (and don’t) change their minds. What have we picked up from the a cop-turned-activist, a scientist who embraced mysticism, a conservative climate change advocate, and a onetime white nationalist who marched to say Black Lives Matter? The answers may surprise you.

Can You Convert a Conversion Therapist? Aug 14, 2020

You may know about the ways that “conversion therapy” has played out when it comes to religion. But what about the once-mainstream, secular professionals who refused to give up on the idea that their work wasn’t just necessary, but also the truly scientific approach to homosexuality? This is their story.

“Scared to Believe?” Aug 07, 2020

In the 1990s, evangelical churches bought and gave away thousands of copies of the book, “Left Behind,” hoping its overwrought depiction of the End Times would frighten unbelievers into the arms of Christ. That is not what happened. Amy Frykholm, author of “Rapture Culture: Left Behind in Evangelical America,” explains what did.

The Science Writer Who Became a Mystic Jul 31, 2020

Julie Rehmeyer is a science writer who studied math at MIT. She also lives with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a disease that many doctors treat with skepticism bordering on derision. So when traditional medicine couldn’t help her, she had to try treatments science couldn’t support.

Julie’s book is Through the Shadowlands: A Science Writer’s Odyssey into an Illness Science Doesn’t Understand

America Is a Nation of Converts, with Thomas Kidd Jul 24, 2020

Thousands of people crowding public venues to hear the word of the Lord. Men fainting, women claiming to be healed, all rejoicing at being “born again.” When you think of “converts,” this may be what you picture, because it’s a familiar scene — more familiar than you may realize. The quintessentially American revival meeting was born before the country itself, in the mid-1700s, during what we call today “The First Great Awakening.” Our guest this week is Thomas Kidd, a historian at Baylor University of The Great Awakening and colonial society. I brought him on to walk us all through the specifics of it, and to speculate on how the American thirst for spiritual change reverberates today.

The Moment You Realize You’re White Jul 17, 2020

Former mayor of Minneapolis Betsy Hodges comes on to talk about how the Rodney King uprisings started her journey to anti-racist activism — and what happened when, in 2015, her anti-racist ideals ran up against the realities of governing a city rocked by the shooting of a black man by white police officers. Her piece on the King uprisings is here. Her op-ed in the New York Times about how white liberals stand in the way of progress on police violence is here.

From Feminist to Fascist Jul 10, 2020

What would turn a passionate, witty feminist into a xenophobic white nationalist? This week’s episode tells the story of Cordelia Scaife May, the eccentric heiress whose fortune underwrote both the Pittsburg Children’s Museum and the most influential network of immigration restrictionists in American history.

Our episode owes much to the New York Times’ investigative report on Scaife May last year, [“Why an Heiress Spent Her Fortune Trying to Keep Immigrants Out”]

“The Cop Who Realized The Bad Apple Was Him” Jul 03, 2020

In his 34 years in law enforcement, Norm Stamper participated in — or approved of — the gassing of protesters “hundreds” of times. Yet, he thought of himself as a reformer. He was, he thought, one of the “good guys.” His first book was intended to pull back the curtain and expose those *other* cops. Five years into retirement, he realized he was one of those other cops all along. Today, he’s advocate for not just changing policing policy, but resetting the whole system. Find out how he got there.That first book is Breaking Rank: A Top Cop’s Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing (2005). The one that reflects who he is now is To Protect and Serve: How to Fix America’s Police (2016).

”The Heart Decides and Reason Justifies”: A conservative climate activist’s evolution Jun 26, 2020

Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) was proud of his Tea Party bona fides, until his son said he couldn’t vote for a climate change denier. Inglis wound up changing his mind, and gained one vote but lost a lot more — he’s now a former congressman, on a mission to recruit more conservatives to the climate cause.

You can find out more about Inglis’ organization at RepublicEN.org.

How White Light Moments Change Your Brain, with Andrew Newberg Jun 19, 2020

How White Light Moments Change Your Brain, with Andrew Newberg

If you’ve listened to the show at all this season, you’ve learned that the brain doesn’t want to change. And when it does change, it’s usually a slow process of erosion or evolution. So... what about the white light moments we’ve all heard of, if not experienced? Throughout history, there are accounts of people who undergo an instantaneous conversion of some kind: a flash of insight or comprehension that changes their lives forever. “Neurotheologian” Andrew Newberg joins us to talk about his research into what’s behind the white light, and what it does to us when it shines.

You can find out more about Andrew and his research on his website

His book about white light experiences is How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain

If you’d like to hear Ana talk about her own white light experience, that discussion is here

When Denouncing Racism Isn’t Enough Jun 12, 2020

Derek Black thought he was done with the white nationalist movement when he wrote a public letter renouncing the ideology he grew up in. Then he realized that white nationalism wasn’t just the racists that used to listen to his white nationalist radio show and read his white nationalist website — white supremacy was everywhere, people just weren’t talking about it.

When Protests Changed Minds Jun 05, 2020

You can’t escape the images of protest and unrest happening in our country this week. But what will be their lasting impact on Americans’ — especially white Americans’ — views? We look back to the 1960s civil rights movement for clues. Princeton political science professor Omar Wasow work focuses on how the two different waves of protest in that era effected both voting patterns and Americans’ interest in cause of ending racial discrimination.

SHOW LINKS

How 1960s Black Protests Moved Elites, Public Opinion and Voting

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/agenda-seeding-how-1960s-black-protests-moved-elites-public-opinion-and-voting/136610C8C040C3D92F041BB2EFC3034C

If you’re able to donate, here’s how to support people and groups protesting police violence and working to combat racism and injustice: Go tocrooked.com/bailfundsto support community bail funds around the country, and go tocrooked.com/changefundsto support 11 groups fighting racism and police brutality.

When Your Thoughts Are Not Your Own May 29, 2020

So far this season of “WFLT: Converts Edition,” we’ve focused on why the brain resists change — but that doesn’t mean that people give up on trying. Previous episodes have taught us that arguing doesn’t work and that people’s beliefs can be impervious to facts. But what about the blunt force approach? What about… brainwashing?

We'll talk to science writer Kathleen Turner, author of the book, "Brainwashing: The Science of Thought Control.”

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Why Your Brain Doesn't Want You to Change May 22, 2020

What happens when someone tells you something that challenges a deeply held belief? On the surface, it may feel annoying or uncomfortable, but according to research from the University of Southern California by Jonas Kaplan and Sarah Gimbel, it’s more than that.

When people are presented with information that runs contrary to what they already believe, “The response in the brain that we see is very similar to what would happen if, say, you were walking through the forest and came across a bear.”

On this episode, Kaplan joins the show to talk about this research, and how that instinctive, adverse reaction is the brain trying to protect itself — an attempt to keep your idea of yourself stable and whole. Oh, and Crooked Media fans should know: Kaplan and Gimbel figured this out by studying the stubborn brains of a bunch of liberals.

Sources:

Kaplan and Gimbel were guests on this episode of the You Are Not So Smart podcast (which was one of the inspirations for this whole season!). The paper about their study is here.

The study on how even split-second decisions are hard to change gets a write-up here.

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Why (Most) People Don’t Convert May 15, 2020

Welcome to our first themed season, “With Friends Like These: Converts.” We’ve always been interested in why and how people change their minds about what they believe — mostly because it just doesn’t happen that often.

Once we we make a choice about who we are or what we want to do, we start ignoring the evidence that might prove us wrong: that’s what “confirmation bias” is.

Social psychologist Carol Tavris joins us to discuss the phenomenon, offer examples of it, and delve into the mystery of why some people seem capable of resisting the habit of rationalization and some people don’t.

Further reading and sources:

“Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me),” by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson

Ezra Klein discusses confirmation bias and how the self-reinforcing effect of polarization this previous episode about his book, “Why We’re Polarized.”

We discussed the ways we push each other into further and further away once we decide what we believe in this episode with Lilliana Mason, “When Ideology Is Identity”, about her book, “Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity.”

One of the most influential accounts of extreme rationalization in action: “When Prophecy Fails: A Social and Psychological Study of a Modern Group the That Predicted the Destruction of the World,” which tells the story of a doomsday cult whose members’ certainty about their beliefs only increased after the apocalypse failed to occur.

It’s My Body and I’ll Live if I Want To with Alice Wong Mar 27, 2020

This week friend of the pod Alice Wong (@SFDirewolf) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about what it means to be a part of the disabled community during a pandemic. Spoiler: the world seems to get a little too cavalier about whether or not you deserve to live anymore. They talk about the grassroots activism being done within the community, and what able bodied folks can do to listen and be better. Remember, we are staying inside and quarantining for the good of everyone, not just those we deem worthy of surviving capitalism.

Learn more about Alice’s work with the Disability Visibility Project here.

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Welfare for White People with Eduardo Porter Mar 20, 2020

Want to listen to anything NOT about COVID-19? We got the episode for you! Eduardo Porter (@portereduardo) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about a much lighter subject: the history of racism in class divides and how it still affects us today. They talk about the hopes we’ve had in the past for a racially diverse working class coalition and how it’s been destroyed time and time again by exclusive language. Afterwards, they talk about how our social welfare will probably not cut it for everyone over the coming weeks as we all lose our jobs to this virus. Finally, they talk about what we can do to stay positive when tackling seemingly unsolvable issues.

Learn more about Eduardo’s book, American Poison.

Looking for a way to help out during this time from your isolation? Donate to the Coronavirus Relief Fund Here.

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A Whole Other Level of Disaster (with Dan Drezner) Mar 14, 2020

This week Dan Drezner joins Ana Marie Cox to talk about the likelihood of Trump handling COVID-19 responsibly (you guessed it, not well). Dan argues in his book, Toddler in Chief, that not only is Trump a toddler, power in American politics has shifted to the executive, making this more dangerous than ever.

They discuss the treacherous tales of badger-related attacks on staffers in the White House to the genuine concerns of friends and family members about Trump’s behavior. Finally, Dan gives us some reasons not to freak out: we still have some power.

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The Hopeful Feminist (with Rebecca Solnit) Mar 06, 2020

CW: Sexual assault and violence against women. If you, or someone you know, has experienced sexual violence, please call the RAINN hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673). It’s never too late to get help.

It’s no secret that most women live in fear of violence. Nearly every week, there’s a news story showcasing the most gruesome examples of it, like the woman who was killed for jogging in Queens, or the countless number of ‘Rejection Murders’ men commit after a woman says “no.”

This week, author of Men Explain Things to Me, Rebecca Solnit, joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her new memoir: Recollections of My Nonexistence. Together, they dream of a world where we don’t have to sit our daughters down and give them a never ending list of safety tips. They talk about what it’s like to grow up in our patriarchal culture, where giving those warnings seems more effective than stopping men from committing acts of violence. Finally, Rebecca reminds us that as much as violent and powerful men want to stop our voices, they will not be able to hold us down forever.

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The Psychological Abyss (with Ezra Klein) Feb 28, 2020

This week we'll answer our number one question: why are we so polarized? Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to answer it. His new book is called, Why We’re Polarized, and they talk about how a lot of divisiveness stems from racism and problems beyond “political disagreements.” Finally they ask, can we bring unconditional love into politics, and more importantly, should we? Join us for another epistemologically exciting episode of With Friends Like These!

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All Doom And Bloomberg (with Rick Wilson) Feb 21, 2020

Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sits down with Lincoln Group founder Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to discuss what the soft Republican stance is on everything happening around us right now. Will Trump stop an election from happening? As Rick agrees: Yikes all around.

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Listen To Your Heart (with Kate Murphy) Feb 14, 2020

Want to learn some spicy new tricks just in time for Valentine’s Day? This week Kate Murphy joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about this season’s hottest tip: mindfully listening to those around you.

Kate Murphy, author of You’re Not Listening, talks about why listening is so important, and how it can save your life in the long term. Afterward, they discuss being comfortable with silence and working through disagreements.

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We Can Be Heroes (with Susan Neiman) Feb 07, 2020

In Germany, studying the Holocaust — and the part everyday Germans played in it — is part of the school curriculum. There are memorials to the Jewish lives lost throughout the country, but they do not memorialize Nazis who died. Contrast this with the American South.

This week Susan Neiman, author of the book, Learning From the Germans, joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to explain what we can learn from the Germans about regret and repentance.

They talk about the inspiration for writing the book, how a museum exhibit helped change German opinion, and why language matters when we talk about monuments on an international scale. These are not normal times and we all have the ability to make change. What should our next steps be?

Want to help fight voter suppression? Click here to learn about Fair Fight.

Find out more about Susan Neiman’s book here.

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Feels Like We Only Go Forward (with Lori Gottlieb) Jan 31, 2020

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined by Lori Gottlieb (@lorigottlieb1), author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. They talk about the route Lori took to become a therapist, how it's informed her practice and the common misconceptions of mental health.

They'll also unpack why many are surprised that therapists have their own therapists! Join us for a mindful discussion on the mind, and don’t forget to call your therapist. (Turns out, like the rest of us, they don’t love being ghosted.)

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The Ledge is Always There Jan 24, 2020

This week Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about impeachment and our favorite Cover(up) girl Mitch McConnell. They begin by contrasting their political differences, and eventually get to where they agree, all through the lens of abortion. Afterwards, they cover our current political moment, despair, and panic regarding the impeachment process. Put in your earbuds, get under a blanket, and make a cup of tea: trust us, you’re gonna need it for this one.

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Where the Boys Are (with Peggy Orenstein) Jan 17, 2020

CW: Sexual Assault

If you or a loved one is experiencing sexual violence, please reach out to the national sexual assault hotline. You are not alone. Please call 1-800-656-4673.

This week With Friends Like These goes live and catches some feelings about Peggy Orenstein’s (@peggyorenstein) new book Boys and Sex. Host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and Peggy cover why we need to understand boys to try and help them, hookups/hookup culture, and what we can do to make our reality a little less terrifying. Take off your emotional condom, put in your earbuds, and join us for a meaningful discussion on the sexual landscape of college-aged men.

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Feel the Burn with Anne Helen Petersen Jan 10, 2020

Anne Helen Petersen (@annehelen) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) this week to talk about exactly what you fear when you return to work or school after the holidays: burnout. They discuss what burnout is doing to Millenials (and younger generations) and why the root of the problem is, you guessed it, capitalism. Finally, they examine what one church has done to combat burnout at its economic root, and how their own relationship to religion has healed their burnout.

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Red-Pilling Grandma (Holiday Edition) with Eli Saslow Dec 27, 2019

We’re doing a re-run this week, from one of our favorite WFLT episodes of 2019. Back in April, journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss to radicalization of older people, and how to deal with that one uncle at family gatherings who constantly brings up birtherism of whatever. One of our listeners is a NASA rocket scientist who reached out because she lost a parent to Russian troll-farm memes. There are plenty of success stories for those willing to fight back, and that there is hope yet.

The Giant Negging Pick-Up Artist in the Sky Dec 20, 2019

This week Chrissy Stroop (@C_Stroop) and Lauren O’Neal (@laureneoneal) join Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about their childhood fears of hellfire and their new book, Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church. They discuss how they left their churches, why they did it, and the need for ex-believers to have a seat at the table. Afterwards, they talk about the implications of evangelical Christianity in the public sphere (and how our policies have terrifyingly reflected that). Join us this week for a conversation on what is feels like to have some crazy religious cognitive dissonance.

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Whoever Cheats Hardest Wins with Rick Wilson Dec 13, 2019

This week Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about how we’ve got political nuclear winter, just in time for Christmas. The Impeachment process has not gone… the best. That we can all agree on. Rick and Ana dive into why, and why you should perhaps not cut deals with a racist crook. Mr. Wilson delivers a heartfelt appeal for voter outreach. It’s not as bleak as it could have been.

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Death Cab for Acutely with Esme Wang Dec 06, 2019

This week Esme Wang (@esmewang) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about living with a brain you don’t always feel like you can trust. Esme Wang is the author of the New York Times-bestselling essay collection, The Collected Schizophrenias. She writes frequently about her experiences with both mental and physical chronic illnesses and advocates for eliminating stigmas surrounding them. They talk about the difficulty of “the diagnosis,” why high-functioning is a loaded term, and what it means find faith (or even spiritual guidance in your dog).

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Blame Walmart with Sarah Marshall Nov 29, 2019

This week, host of the You’re Wrong About podcast, Sarah Marshall (@Remember_Sarah) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about the only American holiday spookier than Halloween, Black Friday. Ana and Sarah discuss misconceptions about the history of the holiday, and how it turned into the capitalist dystopian hell we all know and love. Afterwards, they talked about the intersection of class and the division that the holiday creates. Finally, they talked about the science of crowd control, and why we need to pressure corporations to make ethical changes. Listen this week for some Black Friday tips on shopping and dealing with borderline angry mobs; Worst comes to worst, just start singing some Celine Dion and hopefully the crowd will calm down!

Interested in articles Sarah talked about?

Click here for Jdimytai Damour’s story.

Click here for a story on the power of crowds.

Have any questions about family and politics you want answered on the show? Email withfriendslikepod@gmail.com!

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A Very Problematic Thanksgiving with Ed Schupman Nov 22, 2019

This week Ed Schupman (manager of the Native Knowledge 360° Initiative and a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation of Oklahoma) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss Thanksgiving and the surrounding myths. Reflecting on the tragedy that underlies Thanksgiving isn’t easy or fun but Ed has made a career of using Thanksgiving as a way into a broader discussion of Native American History. To truly process the gritty, uncomfortable story of Thanksgiving will require reinventing the American educational system. Listen to Ed unpack a perspective on both the American experience and the practice of gratitude, as he argues that we should be thinking about indigeous history year-round, and practicing gratitude year-round as well.”

Resources from the National Museum of the American Indian, and Ed’s curated experience, is available at https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/

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In a world of fake news, controversy feels more contemporary than ever—but in politics, it’s a trail as old as time. Follow along from ballot to fallout in Parcast Network’s sizzling new podcast, Political Scandals. Every Tuesday leading up to the 2020 election, Political Scandals will countdown the 52 most scandalous events in American history—uncovering the ugly truth behind some of our most infamous elected officials. Follow the new limited series POLITICAL SCANDALS, free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

A Cure For Wellness with Amanda Mull Nov 15, 2019

What do Goop and Capitalism have in common? Both refuse to go away despite how much suffering they’ve caused! This week Amanda Mull (@amandamull) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss these topics and more. They begin by talking about fashion, ad-based media, and the ways that we exist within these constructs. Afterwards, they talk about identity and size, fat-phobia, and what we can do to make sure all bodies feel beautiful.

CW: Self-harm and intense discussion of body image.

Interested in Material World? Click here for Amanda’s most recent article.

Thanks to our sponsors!

This episode is sponsored by Magic Spoon, a new cereal company that’s discovered a way to recreate your favorite childhood cereals with zero sugar, 12 grams of protein, and only 3 grams of net carbs in each serving. Magic Spoon spent over a year working with the best food scientists and chefs in the world to recreate the taste and texture of classic sugary cereal, but it tastes so incredible that you'd never guess it was healthy. Go to magicspoon.com/withfriends to grab a variety pack and try it today! And be sure to use our promo code WITHFRIENDS at checkout to get free shipping.

Grove takes the guesswork out of going green. Every Grove product is guaranteed to be good for you, your family, your home, and the planet. With Grove, you don’t have to shop multiple stores or search endlessly online to get all the natural goods you need for you and your family. For a limited time, when listeners go to Grove.co/FRIENDS you will get a FREE FIVE PIECE gift set from Mrs. Meyer’s in festive holiday scents like Peppermint or Iowa Pine!

FIGS is an amazing company that is making scrubs stylish and functional for the people who deserve it most. So, whether you are one of the awesome humans that works in healthcare or someone that wants to say thanks to these deserving folks, FIGS is going to make that easy by providing you with 15% OFF your first purchase by using code FRIENDS. Head to wearFIGS.com and enter code FRIENDS at checkout.

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National Reality Disorder with Robert J. Lifton Nov 08, 2019

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sits down with Robert J. Lifton to remind you how bad things have gotten politically— but that remaining optimistic is not totally insane. They begin by drawing the parallels between Trump and other cult leaders/demagogues. Afterwards, they discuss the followers of Trump, why they remain followers, and how to get them to (hopefully) leave. Tune in for an unexpectedly hopeful episode about deathly cults!

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. You’ll quickly discover why Buzzfeed called them their “forever shoes.” Check out all the amazing styles available right now at rothys.com/wflt.

We all know how important it is to eat healthy. But the reality is, 9 out of 10 people don’t eat enough fruits and veggies. Your Super’s functional superfood and plant protein mixes are made from naturally dried, organic wholefoods/superfoods— nothing else. Get the cleanest superfood and plant protein mixes at YourSuper.com. Get 15% off your order when you use code FRIENDS at checkout.

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at Stitchfix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

Rick Wilson Halloween Spooktacular (feat. Rick Wilson) Nov 01, 2019

Fan favorite Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) returns to give Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) the Never Trumper view on culture wars, judicial festishization, and the all-important business of impeachment. Plus: a wacky game about pathological lying! Please consider checking out Rick’s new book Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump--and Democrats from Themselves; a title that we will almost certainly be fighting him about next time he joins the show.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of amazing classes covering dozens of creative and entrepreneurial skills. Join the millions of students already learning on Skillshare today with a special offer just for WFLT listeners: Get two months of Skillshare for free when you go to skillshare.com/FRIENDS.

Framebridge makes it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from kids art and concert posters to the vacation photos sitting on your phone. Instead of the hundreds you’d pay at a framing store, their prices start at $39 and ALL shipping is FREE. Plus WFLT listeners will get 15% off their first order at Framebrige.com when they use code FRIENDS

What do Jamie Lee Curtis, Tig Notaro, Victoria Beckham, Hozier, and Reza Aslan all have in common? They are guests this season on the all-new podcast from Lemonada Media, “As Me” with Sinéad. Host Sinéad Burke helps us understand what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes by talking about asking them what it’s like to be them. Subscribe now to As Me with Sinéad wherever you get your podcasts.

Band-Aids on a Broken Leg with Lyz Lenz Oct 25, 2019

Are you looking for a book on the Midwest and Christianity that doesn’t excuse racism? Good news! This week Lyz Lenz (@lyzl) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about her book God Land: A Story of Faith, Loss, and Renewal in Middle America. They start by diving into the parallels between Lyz’s divorce and the 2016 election; America is a lot like your crappy college boyfriend whose red flags you ignored. Afterwards, they discuss what our silence means, especially as white liberals. Finally, they talk about atonement and what it means to better yourself when you have harmed others.

Find Lyz’s book here and her profile on Alan Dershowitz here.

Thanks to our sponsors!

ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

Grove Collaborative is the online marketplace that delivers all-natural home, beauty, and personal care products directly to you! For a limited time, when you go to Grove.co/FRIENDS you will get a FREE FIVE PIECE Fall Gift Set from Mrs. Meyer’s and Grove, free shipping AND a free 60-day VIP trial!

Shoot First, Therapy Later with Jason Kander (feat. Sheila Bynum Coleman) Oct 18, 2019

This week Jason Kander (@JasonKander) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about his most recent work with veterans and what brought him there. They cover Jason’s political history, how he got help, and why no one should use running for president to avoid their problems. Afterwards, they discuss ways of finding hope and making change outside of the political sphere.

Later, n (@sheilaforva) joins the show to talk about her campaign for delegate in Virginia. They talk about Sheila’s motivation for running and what it would mean to flip the Virginia General Assembly (spoiler: it’s A LOT). Finally, Sheila reminds us that when we vote, we win.

Learn more about the Veteran’s Community Project here and the Coleman campaign here.

Thanks to our sponsors!

FIGS creates the highest quality medical apparel so that medical professionals look their best, feel their best, and perform at their best every day. Every set of FIGS is antimicrobial – protects from germs and bacteria, ridiculously soft, moisture-wicking and features four-way stretch. So, whether you are one of the awesome humans that works in healthcare or someone that wants to say thanks to these deserving folks, FIGS is going to make that easy by providing you with 15% OFF your first purchase by using code FRIENDS at checkout. Head to wearFIGS.com.

Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from food—all in their clean, absorbable forms. No shady additives or ingredients that can do more harm to your body than good. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today and get 10% off.

Stamps.com brings all the amazing services of the U.S. Post Office right to your computer. Right now, get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS.

A Different World (with Andrew Gillum & Shani Curry Mitchell) Oct 11, 2019

Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) live at the Texas Tribune Fest in Austin. The two non-millionaires discuss race, the gubernatorial race for Florida, HBCUs, the dream of living regular conflicts, and reserving curse words in Texas for use by Beto. Then, AMC chats with Shani Curry Mitchell (@Shanic4da) who is running for District Attorney in New York’s Monroe County. Mitchell spent thirteen years as a prosecutor and during that time lost her sister to a tragic event. She's pushing for more progressive sentencing.

Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in.

Click here to learn more about Shani’s campaign.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. They’re stylish, sustainable, comfortable, washable—really, all in one pair of shoes. They’re the perfect flats for life on-the-go. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt.

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere.Discover new styles and find unique pieces with Stitch Fix! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

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Politicon is the Unconventional Political Convention, arriving at Music City Center in Nashville, TN on October 26 & 27. It’s a full weekend of panels, debates, town halls, expos, podcasts, book signings, comedy, and more. Ana will be on a panel about the Cult of Trump, and then will be recording a live show of With Friends Like These. Tickets are available at politicon.com

Manic Investigative Phase (with Stephanie Wittels Wachs) Oct 04, 2019

Stephanie Wittels Wachs (@wittelstephanie) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her new podcast Last Day on Lemonada Media. Stephanie’s brother, comedian Harris Wittels, died in an overdose, and now she’s exploring the opiate epidemic person by person. It’s a way of both normalizing and investigating what’s happening across America with our secret pandemic. Stephanie and Ana pick apart the systems that rewire the human brain via addiction, and the new-wiring it takes to correct for these changes. It’s a painfully personal journey and we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Stories can always go a different way, and every story is worth telling.

Harris on You Made It Weird: https://archive.nerdist.com/you-made-it-weird-236-harris-wittels-returns/Training for NARCAN: https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/#homeNA: https://www.na.org/AA: https://www.aa.org/Al-anon: https://al-anon.org/Last Day: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-day/id1468896686

Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Grove.co is where you’ll find the best home and personal care products online, because Grove believes a healthy, beautiful home should be accessible to everyone. Every product at Grove has been rigorously tested for health, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Try Grove with a free five piece fall gift set from Mrs. Meyer’s and Grove, free shipping and a free 60-day VIP trial! Grove.co/FRIENDS.

Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of amazing classes in everything from photography and creative writing to design, productivity and more. Skillshare is offering our listeners two months of unlimited access to thousands of classes for free. To sign up, go to Skillshare.com/FRIENDS.

Politicon is the Unconventional Political Convention, arriving at Music City Center in Nashville, TN on October 26 & 27. It’s a full weekend of panels, debates, town halls, expos, podcasts, book signings, comedy, and more. Ana will be on a panel about the Cult of Trump, and then will be recording a live show of With Friends Like These. Tickets are available at politicon.com

Just For Today (live with Bassey Ikpi) Sep 27, 2019

Bassey Ikpi (@Basseyworld) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis for a live interview regarding her new book I’m Telling The Truth, But I’m Lying. This overwhelmingly open discussion dives into issues around mental health, the truth about Bold Introverts, the racial disparities in emotional healthcare, ranking the cultural sexiness of various bipolar disorders, and how there’s rarely a storybook happy ending for people with Different Brains.

TW: Suicidal Ideations, Depression

Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS.

ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to Thirdlove.com/friends now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS and get free shipping on your first order.

Last Day is a new podcast from Lemonada Media that takes a good, hard look at the things that are killing us — those massive epidemics we hear about constantly that are hard to comprehend and getting worse every day. Last Day zooms in on a person’s last day of life to try to figure out how they got there, and then zooms out to help all of us understand the bigger societal picture and what can be done about it. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.

Brave New Words takes listeners backstage on winning progressive campaigns from around the world with communications researcher and campaign advisor Anat Shenker-Osorio. Brave New Words is essential listening to understand the strategies and messages that win progressive victories. Learn more at BraveNewWordsPod.com and subscribe now!

Mush Love Dogs (live with Blair Braverman) Sep 20, 2019

Blair Braverman (@BlairBraverman) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) at Cap Times Idea Fest in Wisconsin in front of a live studio audience. In this wide-ranging interview, they cover Blair’s memoir (Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube), all things mushing, how to dress for cold weather, climate change, and the surprising similarities between raising dogs and cultivating a compassionate online community. They also discuss some of the more sensitive topics in her memoir, including Blair’s interactions with toxic masculinity, and how her chronic illness altered her relationship with productivity and leisure. Come join for this in-depth cultural dissection with the ally who came in from the cold.

There is brief discussion of sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs help with these issues, please contact RAINN at ‎1-800-656-HOPE.

Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Last Day is a new podcast from Lemonada Media that takes a good, hard look at the things that are killing us — those massive epidemics we hear about constantly that are hard to comprehend and getting worse every day. Last Day zooms in on a person’s last day of life to try to figure out how they got there, and then zooms out to help all of us understand the bigger societal picture and what can be done about it. The storytelling is incredible and has you holding your breath. And Stephanie, who lost her own brother, comedian Harris Wittels, to an overdose in 2015, is able to bring all of her first-hand experience to the table. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.

We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off.

When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin offers graduate degrees in domestic and global policy. We also have the unique combination of spirit, purpose and courage that sets us apart. Find out more at lbjschool.info/friends or find @thelbjschool on social media.

Cheat Codes For God with Avery Trufelman Sep 13, 2019

This week Avery Trufelman (@trufelman) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss the possibility of a better tomorrow. Avery’s new show Nice Try! Is a podcast about various failed attempts at utopias across the ages, and what our (maybe) crumbling civilization can learn from those who came before us. Good intentions aren’t enough of a foundation for our future without, you know, literal foundations.

Article referenced by Avery: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation

Thanks to our sponsors!

With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS.

Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats.

ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to Thirdlove.com/friends now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

Hot Bananapants Summer with Rick Wilson Sep 06, 2019

Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss current events and politics at large. After a game to test Ricks’s knowledge of the Trump administrations many, many attempts at spin, the two dive into a discussion regarding the future of the Republican Party. With an insider’s unique perspective, Rick shares his fears for the future of the party (spoiler alert - it’s not looking too good), and sheds some light on the prevailing feelings of Republican politicians. Ana and Rick also touch on the primaries and 2020 elections, ending on a hopeful note about the power of the voter.

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS.

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My Least Favorite Murderer with Rachel Monroe Aug 30, 2019

This week, Rachel Monroe (@rachmonroe) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to break down the lack of truth in true crime. Using Rachel’s book, Savage Appetites, Rachel and Ana explore stories of women totally consumed by true crime to draw larger conclusions about the cultural phenomenon. They also delve into the genre’s rise in times of uncertainty, and what its popularity reflects about the current political and social climate. Then, they touch on the dicey racial dynamics within true crime communities, which often prioritize white, female victims, even though most crimes in America don’t fit that narrative. Rounding out the discussion, they detail more harmful and toxic aspects of crime fandom, including the dangers of online vigilante detectives and obsessive online fan pages. Let’s all agree we want to see Despair: The Musical!

CW: Mild descriptions of violent crime that may be disturbing to some listeners.

Not by Rachel, but a marvelous companion essay about Ted Bundy by the incomparable Sarah Marshall, The End of Evil: https://believermag.com/the-end-of-evil/

Rachel’s review of Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: https://www.bookforum.com/print/2602/how-true-crime-became-self-help-21996

Thanks to our sponsors!

Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. They even have men’s and kid’s boxes, too! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout.

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Stage Four Metastatic Racism with Arjun Sethi and Ibram X. Kendi Aug 23, 2019

This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sits down with human rights lawyer, activist, and author Arjun Sethi (@arjunsethi81) to discuss the one year anniversary of his book, American Hate: Survivors Speak Out —as relevant as ever after the massacres in El Paso… and, in the short time since, the arrests of six white men on charges related to mass violence. Arjun and Ana also discuss their frustration with how hate crimes are typically depicted in the media, and how the average American can get involved in the fight against white supremacy.

Then, Ibram X. Kendi (@DrIbram) from The Atlantic discusses his bestelling new book, How to Be an Antiracist. In soft-spoken, gentle urgency, Ibram guides us through the idea “there is no neutrality” in the face of racism: there is only racism and anti-racism. Ibram and Ana then discuss his various encounters with cancer; exploring a profound extended metaphor between the disease and racism in America.

You can find Arjun’s previous With Friends Like These episode here.The site for Muslim & Jewish Women of Minnesota is here. Their WFLT episode is here.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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Apocalyptic Safe Spaces with Elizabeth Bruenig Aug 16, 2019

CW: Complex discussions of Christianity, Faith, and Catholicism’s scandals.

Washington Post writer Elizabeth Bruenig (@ebruenig) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to explain the seemingly nonsensical evangelical support for Donald Trump. They delve into the suicide-pact between Trump and Jesus Country that seems rooted in apocalyptic nihilism, toxic absolutism, and a devastating cynicism about American politics. With a warmth and sympathy stemming from their own familial connections, Ana and Elizabeth explore this version of Christanity that seems disconnected from their own understanding. Elizabeth and Ana then share the ways they’ve learned to cope in the midst of these turbulent times, and ironically, how their faith helps them face the hopelessness of the headlines.

Thanks to our sponsors!

ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout.

Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/friends and get free shipping on your first order.

Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats.

Real Friends Argue with Betsy Hodges Aug 09, 2019

After the horrifying massacre in El Paso, host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and former Minneapolis mayor Betsy Hodges (@BetsyHodges) navigate a complex discussion about race in America that’s all too relevant. Together, they break down the many ways in which racist structures diffuse and reinforce white supremacy. They also tackle the merits (or lack thereof) of calling someone ‘racist,’ and enter into a profound discussion centering around whether white people are “deserving of love.” For their answers on all these topics and much more, join us today.

Show references: Diana Butler Bass - All I Need Is Right Here

Betsy Hodges was the 47th mayor of Minneapolis. Mayor Hodges currently serves as an advisor to cities and mayors to improve equitable outcomes for people of color, she is a Fellow with the Atlantic Fellowship for Racial Equity (AFRE), and the Aspen Institute. Recently, she served as a Residential Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. She has written about politics and race for CNN and the Huffington Post.

Thanks to our sponsors!

It’s time for spring cleaning. Quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to getquip.com/friends right now, you can get your first refill pack for free.

With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and type in FRIENDS.

Honey is a free browser add-on that finds discounts and coupons across 37,000 sites! Amazon, Sephora, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and more. Not bad for something that’s completely free and takes just two clicks to install. Get Honey for free at JoinHoney.com/friends.

Consequences Waiting To Happen with E. Jean Carroll Aug 02, 2019

Content Warning: Sexual Assault. In this week’s episode, E. Jean Carroll (@ejeancarroll) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to answer the age old question: do women really need men? E. Jean tells us about the road trip through femme-named towns and surprise interviews that forms the center of her new memoir, What Do We Need Men for: A Modest Proposal. In this frank conversation, E. Jean speaks about her rape at the hand of the President of the United States, and the coping mechanisms she used to survive. Ana reveals a complicated history of similar experiences, and both women discuss the enormous scrutiny victims face when they come forward, but lose their narrative to the media.

If you can, please donate to RAINN.

Thanks to our sponsors!

ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Answer a few simple questions to find your perfect fit in 60 seconds. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

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There Is Alt-Lite That Never Goes Out with Alexandra Minna Stern Jul 26, 2019

In this week’s fascinating episode, Alexandra Minna Stern joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss how white supremicst and white nationalist ideologies became so entrenched in our current political landscape. We’re now in the age of Proud Boys running for office and Alexandra’s new book, Proud Boys and the White Ethnostate: How the Alt-Right Is Warping the American Imagination is the perfect launching pad into the deep, dark underbelly of modern white supremicist media and ideology. Together, they tackle several key issues including how to cover these groups without inflating them and the oft underreported emphasis these groups place on transhophic and misogynist ideologies.

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS.

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This podcast is made possible by you, the listeners! But who are you...? We know that somewhere in the world you downloaded this podcast but we know literally nothing else about you. If you have a few minutes, you can help us make this show a better by telling us more about you and what you want to hear. Just go to (http://go.crooked.com/survey)

All Along The Watchtower with Amber Scorah Jul 19, 2019

This week Amber Scorah (@amberscorah) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) discuss Amber’s new book - Leaving the Witness: Exiting a Religion and Finding a Life. Together, they break into Amber’s former faith with the Jehovah's Witnesses, her complicated marital affair, and a subsequent exit from the church. Amber opens up about her current outlook on religion, and explains how she came to terms with her son’s sudden death. It’s more heartwarming than it sounds, we promise!

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Cats are natural born predators - that's why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout.

Mussolini's Valet with Rick Wilson Jul 12, 2019

Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) meet for their monthly airing of grievances. Rick and Ana discuss how America is quickly becoming dismissed on the world stage, why a White House social media summit is the pinnacle of dum-dum behavior, how fetishization of normalization is unpleasant, and how the executive order overreaches of the Obama administration (which once caused Republicans to self-immolate) seem quaint in retrospect. Also: A New Game! (What? We can have new games. Lovett doesn’t have a trademark on new games. Lovett, come play our games!)

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If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS to save an additional 15% off your first order.

Boulevard of Woken Dreams with Shannon Watts Jul 05, 2019

This week Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss how she built the anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action from the ground up. Shannon’s new book Fight Like A Mother is both a memoir, but also a handbook for replicating these triumphs, as a sort of Activism for Dummies. Ana and Shannon honestly examine MDA’s origins, successes, goals, failures, and how to forge intersectional relationships with surprising allies.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Answer a few simple questions to find your perfect fit in 60 seconds. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

Infiltrating UFO Culture with Anna Merlan Jun 28, 2019

This week Anna Merlan (@annamerlan) helps us Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) parse America’s increasingly conspiratorial culture. Anna spent eight years covering conspiracy groups and just came out with a book, Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and Their Surprising Rise to Power. Join us as we discuss vaccinations, UFOs, spying on Quakers, and finding a path forward. Also, check out our bonus mega-mix of Anna Merlin, Will Sommer, Heather Armstrong, Tommy Orange, Will Sommer again, and Vann Newkirk and their most ridiculous secret beliefs. (We had to end Conspiracy Month in the strangest way possible.)

Thanks to our sponsors!

Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condense them down into just 15 minutes that you can read or listen to. Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial.

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Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS

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Paranoia Is Just Having All The Facts with Vann Newkirk Jun 21, 2019

This week Vann Newkirk (@fivefifths) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss conspiracy and its complex relationship with marginalized groups. Why does conspiratorial thinking appeal to those who feel “othered” within their society? Vann walks us through how the historic mistreatment of people of color has created a baseline of skepticism that can grow into full-on conspiracy. As Vann says: “Black Americans’ belief in conspiracy theories is like the Farmers’ Almanac: accurate enough to keep using.”

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Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt.

Did you know that millennials have 3 times as much student debt as their parents?

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A Conspiracy Of Dunces with Will Sommer Jun 14, 2019

This week Will Sommer (@willsommer) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for a discussion of his work in exploring the wide-spread radicalization of mostly middle-aged people who think a shadowy cabal is going to take revenge on everyone they don’t like. And also make other people (including the still living JFK Jr.) like them and support their cause? QAnon, it turns out, is a bit of a mess. Which you might expect from an ideology founded on the belief that Donald Trump is out here playing three-dimensional chess to save the world. Our conspiracy theory theme month plows ahead into dangerously confusing territory, so come play 17 Questions with The Daily Beast’s specialist on all things pizza and pedophiles!

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS.

Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial.

If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order.

In League With Witches with Jesse Walker and Parker Molloy Jun 07, 2019

This week Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for an exciting round of “Who’s Right and Who’s a Nut?” Jesse Walker reminds us that you don’t need a tinfoil hat to believe in conspiracy theories, and that they have surrounded us for centuries. Afterwards they talk about when conspiracy theories have been based in malice, versus when they have actually been true. This is your periodic reminder that the CIA is still terrifying!

Afterwards, Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) joins Ana to discuss the contemporary issues that face Trans individuals in Trump’s America. Parker and Ana break down the ways the Trump administration slowly and gradually peeled back the few systemic protections that protected Trans individuals. They then shift to discuss the role the ways the media fails trans individuals by not addressing the gradual implementation of anti-Trans policies. While they navigate this modern landscape, they discuss issues that trans individuals have felt before Trump - including access to medical care, fair employment, amd access to housing.

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Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt.

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Go Screw Yourself with Adam Savage (feat. Rebecca Nagle) May 31, 2019

This week Adam Savage (@donttrythis) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about his new book “Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It.” They talk about glue, principles of metal working, and how to forgive yourself when you mess up. Afterwards, they talk about why we are going to need radical empathy in order to make it through these troubling times. Finally, they discuss the myths that refuse to die, including the voices in your head telling you that you are not enough. Ana is then joined by new Crooked Host Rebecca Nagle (@rebeccanagle) who talks about her new show This Land. The first episode premieres June 3rd. Subscribe now at thislandpodcast.com and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Native American Imposter Syndrome- Tommy Orange on There, There May 24, 2019

When you think of a Native American person what comes to your mind? Is it a sports decal? Is it Tonto on the Lone Ranger? Did you just think of all of the White people you know who claim to have Native ancestry? This week writer Tommy Orange (@thommyorange) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to unpack those stereotypes and talk about his book, There, There. They begin with a conversation on the violence Native people have suffered, and why resilience is not the right word. Afterwards they talk about why Native Americans are not a monolith. Finally they talked about the complexity of Thanksgiving, what schools need to change about teaching Thanksgiving, and advice for having a more mindful dinner that was originally about a land deal.

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If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify.

Polar Oppositions (feat. Rick Wilson and Jordan Klepper). May 17, 2019

Y’all ever create a constitutional crisis to own the libs? This week, Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk Ana down after another week of neverending bad news. They discuss light topics such as the recent pro-forced birth laws in Alabama and Georgia, the need for democrats to campaign in the Midwest, and the future of our country. Afterwards, Jordan Klepper (@jordanklepper) comes on to talk about the formation of his new show Klepper, and what it means to weaponize your privilege when your show is based on a flawed premise. Jordan reminds us that there are people working for good, and that the world is not ending quite yet-- at least not without a fight.

Want to help that fight for good? Follow this link to make sure all people with uteri have access to safe abortions: https://abortionfunds.org/

We care about facts on this show! Click here for one article about Obama voters who switched to Trump. Click here for an article about Obama voters that stayed home. Click here for a map of that switch.

Thanks to our sponsors!

It’s time for spring cleaning. quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GET QUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE.

When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? With Stitch Fix, a stylist will do all the work for you! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!

Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS.

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Sweet Nothing(ness)- Heather Armstrong on Her New Book, The Valedictorian of Being Dead May 10, 2019

CW: Depression and Suicide. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. You are worthy of love and you deserve to be alive.

This week Heather Armstrong (@dooce) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to discuss family, a changing work world-- and also going into several medically induced comas to cure her depression. They begin by unpacking that depression and why going to the extreme to find solutions seemed like the only option. They talk about what contributed to her depression spiral, and how she climbed her way out of it. Finally they talk about how climbing out of the hole changed her familial relationships, sometimes for the better. Tune in for a meaningful discussion on coming back from the brink.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial.

ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase!

If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify.

Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS

If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order.

Down Ass White Boy Bingo: A Conversation with Author Damon Young May 03, 2019

CW: Suicide and Sexual Assault

What does it mean to be a well meaning white person? What does it mean to have to deal with well meaning white people? This week Damon Young (@DamonYoungVSB) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to grapple with those questions and more. They start with a conversation on vulnerability, and eventually move onto a broad discussion on race and intersectionality. Tune in for a meaningful conversation, and remember: it’s okay to be uncomfortable.

Thanks to our sponsors!

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Disrespected By the Toilet: Stephanie Land on her Book, Maid Apr 26, 2019

There are many misconceptions surrounding poverty in America. Author Stephanie Land (@stepville) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her experiences as a maid and how those myths affect policy and perceptions of low income people. They talked about what government should be doing, and what individual people can do to make other’s lives easier. Afterwards they dive into the psychological effects of poverty and coping mechanisms. Stephanie leaves us with some tangible advice: offer to babysit, and flush your damn toilet.

Interested in Stephanie’s book? Click here to purchase a copy.

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Have you heard about this company making stylish shoes for women and girls out of recycled plastic water bottles? Oh, and they’re insanely comfortable and machine washable. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. Go to Rothys.com and enter wflt to get your new favorite flats and free shipping.

Sticking to a weight loss plan can be hard, especially when you don’t know how to handle the thoughts and obstacles that hold you back from making progress. Most people who lose weight gain it all back. Why? Because most weight loss plans just tell you what to do while you’re on the plan, not after. With Noom you’ll lose the guilt and learn how to develop a new relationship with food. What do you have to lose? Visit noom.com/FRIENDS to start your trial today.

No one really has time to go to the post office. You’re busy. Who’s got time for all that traffic, parking, lugging all your mail and packages? It’s a real hassle! That’s why you need Stamps.com – one of the most popular time-saving tools for small businesses. Stamps.com eliminates trips to the Post Office AND saves you money with discounts that you can’t even get at the Post Office! Right now, my listeners get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS.

An Iceberg of Sh*t: Rick Wilson on the Mueller Report Apr 19, 2019

CW: Sexual Assault

Got Mueller Madness? Join Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) as they get up from a fetal position and debrief the Mueller Report. They begin with a quick review of the day from the perspective of the White House and various media outlets. Afterwards they talk about what it will take to defeat Trump in 2020, and which candidates they think can make it in this reality tv-esque election cycle. Turn off that NPR coverage and tune in.

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If you guys don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Every Monday and Thursday, you can catch her and her two co-hosts, Michael Arceneaux and Cole Wiley, with their insightful and entertaining hot takes on the day’s top stories in news, sports, politics, music and other important issues...like why the best parties are the ones you sneak in to. The podcast’s guest list will also include some of the biggest names in culture and entertainment. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify.

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Are You Smart or Just Cynical? With Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Jay Rosen Apr 12, 2019

This week host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined by Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) to talk about why scrolling down your news feed has become such a painful and depressing chore. Kathleen Hall Jamieson breaks down the rise of cynicism in the last 25 years and what the American media consumer can do to turn things around. Later, Jay Rosen joins Ana to talk about why political journalists need to stop trying to outsmart each other constantly. Jay tells us, we can’t critique a bullet as it comes towards us. We promise you, there are solutions.

Read more about Jay Rosen’s work here

P.S. Ana would like to attribute her line, dystopia is here, it’s just unequally distributed, to writer William Gibson.

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Red-Pilling Grandma with Eli Saslow Apr 05, 2019

Need some advice on how to deal with that one uncle who brings up the Birther Conspiracy at every family gathering? This week journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) joins host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss to radicalization of older people.

One of our listeners, Holly Griffith, is a NASA rocket scientist. She wrote to us because she’s experienced a huge disconnect with her mother over fake news related nonsense. She called-in and discussed some of the trauma of losing a parent to Russian troll-farm memes. But that led us to asking a specialist about why 55+ is the target age for radicalizing older people with nonsense. That’s why Eli outlines how we got here and the reasons why fake news has persisted. Afterwards, there’s a discussion of the things we can do as individuals to make a difference. Although Eli tells us that you probably will not be able to straighten out your uncle by Easter or Passover dinner, he reminds us that there are plenty of success stories and that there is hope yet.

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“Teacher, Explainer, Soldier, Spy: Doing Solidarity Work with Nausheena Hussain and Beth Gendler.” Mar 29, 2019

This week Nausheena Hussain (@nausheena) and Beth Gendler (@bethgendler) join host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to remind us that asking invasive questions requires a strong relationship, and that the internet is free! Nausheena and Beth talk about how their relationship formed over a common interest in stopping gun violence, and grew into a solidarity movement known as Muslim-Jewish Women on Minnesota. Afterwards they explore how White privilege affects not just their friendship, but the way that they show up for each other and how a typical meeting looks. Finally, they talk about changing minds, and when it’s time to call out, versus when it’s time to call in. Nausheena and Beth tell us that changing minds and building coalitions may seem daunting, but when in doubt, start by sharing a meal.

Want to learn more about Nausheena’s work with RISE and Beth’s work with NCJW? Follow this link: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2019/events/PP82441

Follow this link to learn more about when to call in and when to call out: https://crooked.com/podcast/life-during-wartime-language-talking-with-a-former-white-nationalist-turned-sjw/

Thanks to our sponsors!

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“Sugar, We’re Cohen Down with Nina Burleigh” Mar 01, 2019

In the wake of the blockbuster Cohen testimony, there’s a lot to be unpacked about how the Trump family handles relationships, and in particular how Trump has spent his entire life commodifying and branding women. Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined this week by Nina Burleigh (@ninaburleigh) who is Newsweek’s national politics editor. She wrote the book “Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women” which picks apart systematic and generational issues within America’s Worst Family. Who is complicit and who is a casualty and who is a criminal and who is capitalism made manifest? Spoiler: it’s less of a straight answer than a Venn diagram.

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Produced by Brock Wilbur. Studio engineering by Chris Basil.

Hate Crimes and Crossed Lines with Jamil Smith Feb 22, 2019

Jussie Smollett. Yeah. That whole thing. Ugh. Ughhhh. This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviewed Rolling Stone journalist Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) about how to untangle this mess. There’s a rising trend in hate crime and organized hate groups across the country, and as a society we lack the tools to parse solutions to these developments. Jamil discusses the implications of this trending disaster, and how our Commander-in-chief is leading the charge towards a dangerous and divided America. And what 2020 candidates should be learning from this.

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You’ve Got Problematic Male Leads: A With Friends Like These Valentine’s Day Special! Feb 15, 2019

Whether you’re going out to dinner, or sitting at home with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, Valentine’s Day offers unique problems for everyone. This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviewed Blythe Roberson (@blythelikehappy) to talk about the modern pitfalls of dating men, when sometimes you can’t stand them. In her new book, How to Date Men When You Hate Men, Blythe Roberson covers the sexism that gets excused in the dating world, and why women often feel the need to be desirable in the eyes of the patriarchy. Afterwards, Ana interviewed Amy Chozick (@amychozick) to talk about the Lorena Bobbitt story, the way we often devalue the stories of women, and how to change her legacy to one of a tabloid feature to one of a survivor.

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#TrustWomen with Tressie Cottom and Erika Christensen Feb 08, 2019

Tune in this week for a double interview feature!

First, Dr. Tressie Cottom joined Ana Marie Cox for “the hot take superbowl.” They began by recapping the Northam debacle in Virginia and where it fits into our historical moment. They continued with a discussion of Dr. Cottom’s new book THICK: And Other Essays. From Betsy Devos to our society’s flawed concept of beauty, Dr. Cottom wrote about her personal experiences with all of it.

Ana then interviewed Erika Christensen about her experience with later abortion. They discussed what it meant to take such a private moment and make it public, as well as the real life implications of policy decisions surrounding a women’s right to choose. Follow the links to hear more about Erika’s Story.

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More than Flyover Country: Sarah Smarsh on her book Heartland Feb 01, 2019

This week proud Kansas native Sarah Smarsh (@Sarah_Smarsh) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her new book Heartland: A Memoir of Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth. From not knowing you’re poor, to feeling shame about your social class, Sarah Smarsh covers what growing up white and working class is like. Next, they discussed the intersection of public policy and private life, and why accurate media portrayal of poverty matters. Sarah ended by adding onto the call for representation amongst journalists and other media figures: “If we don’t know who we are, and we’re just going by these reductive and simplistic narratives, then how can we ever solve the problem?”

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Bonkerpalooza! With Rick Wilson Jan 25, 2019

This week Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about the government shutdown, and the newest implications of the Trump presidency. They covered how Trump’s decisions have affected everyone from Congress to the average American citizen. Afterwards, they talked about coping; teaching that taking care of yourself can be macro and take the form of activism, or micro and just involve sitting on the couch with a loved one, or a loved pet. Tune in for your weekly reminder that none of this is normal!

Thanks to our sponsors!

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The Witching Hour with Dianna E Anderson Jan 18, 2019

Have you ever cancelled a celebrity? Do you believe you can separate the art from the artist? Do Twitter arguments and trending hashtags matter in the real world? This week Dianna Anderson (@diannaeanderson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to answer all these questions and more. In her new book, Problematic: How Toxic Callout Culture is Destroying Feminism, Dianna Anderson ponders the strive towards perfectionism in the feminist movement and the positive and negative implications of that struggle, as it seeps into mainstream culture. Together, Ana and Dianna talk about what it means to be called out, what it’s like to experience it, and where to go from there.

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"Real Shit with Ashley Nicole Black" Jan 11, 2019

This week Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about her own experiences as a writer and an academic and pass out some advice along the way. They began by talking about the changes in comedy in the age of widespread “wokeness.” They covered broader social issues, and eventually got on a more personal level: the pressure to become a mother and what it means to reject it. Ashley offered a potential solution to the jealousy and resentment women sometimes feel when they’re pitted against each other. Finally, Ashley had a suggestion for white people who think they need to have some black friends.

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"Amateur Hour with Mina Kimes" Jan 04, 2019

The typical American family holiday can be characterized by the three F’s: food, family, and football. This week Ana Marie Cox (@amc) and Mina Kimes (@minakimes) talked about the intersections of sports and politics, and why football isn’t the safest dinner table topic anymore. They began with the importance of football both personally and politically, and continued by talking what it’s like to be a woman covering a traditionally masculine subject. Finally, they covered the NFL’s non reaction to domestic violence, and the activism done by female athletes before and during the #MeToo movement.

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"Split and Knitted Back Together: Amanda Carpenter on the GOP" Dec 28, 2018

Nearly 30% of registered voters are Republican, but almost half of them don’t support Trump as of 2018. What happens to the other half? This week Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about being in the other half, and the split in the Republican party. They began with a conversation on being conservative and the state of the GOP. They focused in on being a woman in a party that supported an overtly sexist president. Afterwards they debated the rise of Trump and the role of the Tea Party. Finally they talked about what gaslighting means and why it’s important in our current political context.

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“Not Leaving on a Jet Plane: Eric Holthaus on Climate Change and Activism” Dec 21, 2018

This week Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about being a meteorologist in a time where climate change has reached both a critical point scientifically and politically. From making small personal decisions, to fighting for large scale societal changes, Eric and Ana cover the activism being done and why we can’t give up yet. Tune in to see how you can fight your existential dread concerning global warming and come up with your own solutions.

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“Stand Up and Disrupt: Live from the Women Rule Summit with Anna Palmer and Piper Perabo” Dec 14, 2018

This week With Friends Like These is coming to you live from the 6th Annual Women Rule Summit in D.C. In this episode Anna Palmer (@apalmerdc) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) talked to Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) about going from actress to activist. Piper shared her journey from simply wanting to help, to being willing to get arrested for what she believed in. They talked about what it means to really be an ally, and how to listen and help those who are marginalized without taking over their causes. They reflected on the privilege of having such a large platform, and how to use it for good. They ended by talking about what’s next and how we can keep the momentum of political involvement going.

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"Back to Selma and Beyond: Dr. Carol Anderson on Her Book One Person, No Vote" Dec 07, 2018

CW: Gore, Violence

This week Dr. Carol Anderson (@ProfCAnderson) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about current events in the context of her new book, One Person, No Vote. They covered an intensive history of voting rights and the violence in those battles. Dr. Carol Anderson clarified the lie that is the American dream, and talked with Ana about the work that needs to be done by White people to stop the onslaught of violence that People of Color face day in and day out. They ended with a discussion of where our battles are today, and what we need to do truly create change in a country that was built on White Supremacy.

Want to read more about the data and stories talked about in this episode? Click these links to read about why Obamacare enrollees voted for Trump, the murder of Mary Turner, why Democrats shouldn’t reach out to Trump voters, the reality of the Trump demographic, and the reality of the working class demographic.

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"Dive Into the Deep End: Kiese Laymon on His New Book" Nov 30, 2018

CW: Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Suicide. If you are struggling with any of these issues, please click the link in the content warning. You are loved and there is help available.

This week Kiese Laymon (@KieseLaymon) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to have a meaningful and intimate conversation about his new book, Heavy: An American Memoir. They talked about what it’s like deal with other people’s difficult stories, as well as how they cope with their own. Afterwards, they connected the concept of the body to struggles that we face internally with our own issues and externally with political and social issues. They ended with the idea, that despite the heavy things we face, we have the ability to learn to love ourselves and others.

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“All I Need is Right Here: Being Thankful with Diana Butler Bass.” Nov 23, 2018

CW: Sexual Assault. If you are struggling with sexual assault, there is help available. Please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673

This week Diana Butler Bass (@dianabutlerbass) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about gratefulness, and the contradictions that ensue. They asked what it means to celebrate Thanksgiving, when you’re on stolen land. Afterwards, they talked about being grateful when there appears to be nothing to be grateful for, especially in the face of injustice. Finally, they made a distinction between optimism and hopefulness, attempting to change the paradigm on what effective gratitude looks like.

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“Maximum Man-Baby Mode: Rick Wilson on What the 2018 Midterms Mean for Trump” Nov 16, 2018

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to talk about the 2018 Midterms. They began with a broader analysis of the Blue Wave that narrowed down into a discussion about Florida, Georgia, and voter suppression. They moved onto what they struggled with in the election, and what will happen next in terms of the White House, investigations, and potential policy.

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"White Women: Foot Soldiers of the Patriarchy" Nov 09, 2018

This week Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to recap the 2018 midterm elections, and the work that led up to them. They began with a conversation on the demographic of White women and their voting patterns. They went into the history of why White women continually vote conservative, and the changes that were made this election to reach out to other marginalized and often disenfranchised communities. Finally, they talked about the work of intersectional feminist coalitions that were often devalued, and the importance of the diverse candidates who won.

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“Life During Wartime Language: Talking with a former white nationalist turned SJW” Nov 02, 2018

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) talked with journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) and Derek Black (@RDerekBlack) about Derek Black’s transformation from a white nationalist to an antiracist activist. They began with current news and what Trump means for the rise of white nationalism into everyday life. Derek then talked about his background growing up as a white nationalist, and what it took for him to change his ideology. They continued with mistakes made by the media and within American culture that contributed to the normalization of white supremacy. They ended with a discussion of what it takes to change someone’s mind, and a sense of hope that it is possible.

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With Friends Like These is brought to you by the upcoming film The Front Runner, from Oscar-nominated director Jason Reitman who brought us Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up In The Air. Two things to do November 6th—vote! And see The Front Runner. Text FRONT RUNNER to 26797 to find your nearest polling place and buy your tickets to see The Front Runner.

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Where the Personal and Political Meet: In Conversation with Karamo Brown and Parker Molloy Oct 26, 2018

On this week’s two part episode, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviews Karamo Brown (@KaramoBrown) and Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy).

Karamo and Ana talked about his work on Queer Eye, mental health, and what it means to be different in today’s society.

Parker and Ana began with a conversation on the recent memo about legal status of Trans people released by the Trump administration. They moved onto what identity means to them, and what the term identity politics has come to mean. They closed by talking about the future of rights for the Trans population worldwide.

Content Warning: Suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline either online or at 1-800-273-8255, or The Trevor Project online or at 1-866-488-7386. It’s never too late to reach out for help.

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Today’s show is sponsored by Talkspace, the online therapy company that lets you message a licensed therapist from anywhere, at anytime. All you need is a computer with Internet connection, or the Talkspace mobile app. That means you can improve your mental health even if you’ve had trouble making time for it in the past. To match with a perfect therapist for a fraction of the price of traditional therapy, go to Talkspace.com/WFLT, and use the code WFLT to get $45 off your first month and show your support for this show.

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“The Pied Piper of Feminism” Oct 19, 2018

This week Heather Havrilesky (@hhavrilesky) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about her new book, her career, and politics. They began by discussing what 2016 meant personally and politically, and transitioned into a conversation about how feminism has changed in the era of Trump and the MeToo Movement. They ended by talking about their hopes for the 2018 midterm elections.

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“Resisting Power, Oppression, and Inequality with Alice Wong.” Oct 12, 2018

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Disability Rights Activist Alice Wong (@SFdirewolf) to talk about what ableism looks like today and responses from the disabled activist community. They began with a discussion on language and how being disabled is perceived. They moved onto how the modern political landscape affects people who are disabled, and what Trump and Kavanaugh mean for healthcare decisions. Wong ended with a call to action and hope.

Interested in Alice Wong’s work? Preorder her new book on Amazon.

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“A Recovering Republican: How Max Boot Left His Party.” Oct 05, 2018

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with author and Council of Foreign Relations fellow Max Boot (@MaxBoot). Max Boot described his reasons for leaving the Republican party. He mentioned the issues of Trump, as well as the deeper problems within the Conservative movement itself. Next, they talked about how identity plays into politics, and why as a Jew and an immigrant Boot could no longer be a part of his former party due to their treatment of minorities. They ended with a discussion on what was next for the Republican party, and what needs to happen in order for American politics to no longer move towards extremism.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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“Far Too Normal: An Update on the Kavanaugh Confirmation with Rick Wilson” Sep 28, 2018

TW: Sexual Assault

If you’re not in a place where it’s ok to think about sexual assault, come back when you are! And if you have ever experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. If you’re ready to talk to someone about it, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or contact the Rape Abuse Incest National Network at online.rainn.org.

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Republican writer Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson). They delved into the recent testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and the reactions from people across the country. The conversation shifted to the relationship between Democrats and Republicans and mistrust and miscommunication between the parties. They also discussed the women who have come forward with their own personal stories and the culture of sexual assault within this country. They ended by predicting the results of the confirmation and the future of the GOP’s message and direction.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

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“The Jackie Robinson of Bisexuals w/ Travon Free” Sep 21, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Travon Free (@Travon), the star of the new HBO show Him or Her. They started things off by delving into the show’s premise: it’s largely based on Travon’s dating experiences as a black, bisexual male in America. That transitioned to a conversation about the importance of representation, something personal to Travon specifically because he hasn’t ever seen himself represented in popular movies or tv shows. Ana then shifted the conversation, asking Travon about his journey to realizing and accepting his sexuality. Growing up in a conservative Christian church made things more difficult, and eventually led him to stop attending and eventually led him to stop attending before adopting a new approach. Toward the close of the show, Travon continued on, and explained the ways he’s found acceptance of his sexuality later in life.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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"White Fragility in the Wild" Sep 14, 2018

Princeton University professor Robert Wuthnow (@RobertWuthnow), author of the book The Left Behind: Decline and Rage in Rural America, joined Ana (@anamariecox) this week to talk about his research. He and Ana began by exploring common misconceptions of rural America, and how rural Americans often conceive of themselves. Although he often found a perceived sense of “we-ness” within rural communities, that dynamic broke down when people shared their true opinions about things like marriage equality or a woman’s right to choose. Although many people held similar beliefs, the group was much less homogenous than they may have thought. Ana asked Robert about how the group dynamic can change, and he explained that the boundaries of the groups get complicated, because the divide between us and them is never as obvious as people may think it is. Ana also asked whether Robert had foreseen the rise of Donald Trump (spoiler alert: he hadn’t). Yet, he wasn’t surprised that people in rural America supported a Republican, as it merely continued a pattern established by the anti-abortion movement.

Then, former Mayor of Minneapolis Betsy Hodges (@BetsyHodges) joined Ana to answer a listener question about allyship from Teresa, a listener who joined them on the line.

You can find Robert’s book here.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

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“Why Pleasure Is Political w/ Michael Arceneaux” Sep 07, 2018

Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick), author of the New York Times bestseller I Can’t Date Jesus. Their conversation kicked off with an exploration of Michael’s experience as a queer black man, how it is inherently political, and what that means in his daily life. They then talked about his work as a writer, and why he chose to write the book he wanted to rather than one craved by editors, that would have catered to a white audience. That turned the conversation towards representation, and what it takes for a black person to succeed in traditional media, namely an ability to speak to white people. Ana and Michael also dove into how he discovered his sexuality, and the ways that lack of representation not just of gay men, but black, Latino, and Asian men made that more difficult. They finished things off by talking about Michael’s family, and the influence they have not just on who he is, but on the book itself. His mother, a devout Catholic, still has issues with his sexuality, and he explained that despite them maintaining a relationship it remains a wedge.

You can find Michael’s book here.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

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"ARA: Ask Rick Anything!" Aug 31, 2018

On this week’s pod, Ana (@anamariecox) checked back in with Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to do something different: answer questions from listeners. Their wide-ranging conversation kicked off with Ana asking Rick to put on his strategist hat, and analyze the governor’s races in Florida and Georgia, and the Senate races in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. Ana then asked Rick how he will vote in the Florida gubernatorial election, before going deeper on how/when Never Trumpers will vote for Democrats. They then changed course, and talked about Rick’s future career prospects as well as what a Never Trumper needs to do for liberals and progressives to trust them. Rick and Ana closed things out by talking about their memories of John McCain, from the perspective of someone who worked for a pro-McCain super PAC and a journalist who covered him, and what they like about each other.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

Thank you to our sponsors!

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"White Fragility 101" Aug 24, 2018

On this week’s pod, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Robin DiAngelo, author of the book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. To kick things off, Robin explained what white fragility is, and the impact that it has not just on white people, but white progressives in particular. Ana and Robin then talked about the need for people who recognize racism’s ills not to get complacent or arrogant, but rather be actively anti-racist, and continue educating themselves. They then switched gears, and explored why white women often fail to be allies for people of color before probing the ways de facto segregation and tokenizing minorities are so deeply problematic. Ana and Robin also put forth a series of suggestions for what well-meaning white people should do when they put their foot in their mouths and say something racist.

You can find Robin’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0807047414

Robin referenced an article she wrote, which you can find here: https://libjournal.uncg.edu/ijcp/article/viewFile/249/116

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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“Funny Is How We Got Here: When Journalists Amplify Hate” Aug 17, 2018

Whitney Phillips (@wphillips49) joined Ana (@anamariecox) to talk about her recent work, The Oxygen of Amplification, which chronicles the battle journalists face to report on extremism without amplifying it. Early in their conversation, Ana and Whitney dove into the central paradox of that battle: that it’s almost impossible to report on extremism without normalizing and spreading it. Another part of that paradox is that for an uninitiated journalist, it is all too easy to get duped into spreading misinformation. They also explored one of the central problems of this reporting and reporting in general: newsrooms are overwhelmingly white, male, Christian, cis, and able-bodied. Because those people are the ones least at risk from white supremacists, they’re (*shocker*) who white supremacists will talk to, and the most likely to downplay threats from those same white supremacists. Lastly, after touching on Unite The Right 2.0, Ana played assignment editor and suggested different directions to take a Nazi Next Door™story.

You can find Whitney’s book here.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, or email the show at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Visit thirdlove.com/friends for 15% off your first order today.

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“Almost Bravery w/ Rick Wilson” Aug 10, 2018

This week, the one and only Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) stopped by to talk with Ana (@anamariecox) about his new book, Everything Trump Touches Dies. Ana kicked things off by asking Rick about things he regrets from his past as a political consultant. That led to a conversation about the reaction he’s received from past colleagues and clients to the book, and why he decided to move from working in the political shadows to the light. After Ana called Rick out for the way he uses mental illness and drug addiction in the book to mock Trump supporters, they discussed the people that have disappointed Rick in the Trump era. At the top of the list: Rudy Giuliani.

Afterwards, friend of the pod Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) joined Ana to answer a listener question from Alex, a Spanish teacher at a conservative, largely homogenous school who wants to reach her students and help them learn that discrimination isn’t ok.

You can find Rick’s book here.

Get in touch with us on Twitter @crooked_friends or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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“A Country Built On a Hate Crime w/ Arjun Sethi” Aug 03, 2018

Arjun Singh Sethi (@arjunsethi81), author of American Hate: Survivors Speak Out, joined Ana (@anamariecox) on this week’s pod. Over the course of their conversation, Arjun explained why he wrote the book: to center the perspectives of hate survivors, who live with the everyday hate not just of Trump’s America, but that -- shocker -- has always been present in American life. He and Ana talked about the general erasure of hate survivors in no less a setting that prosecution of hate crimes, and why hate crime legislation, restorative justice, and listening to survivors is so important in the first place. Their conversation also touched on the role social media does, and should, play in tackling hate. Lastly, they talked about how Arjun’s two German Shepherds help him continue to do this work, and the most important thing he learned through this project.

You can find Arjun’s book here.

A clip from Taylor Dumpson’s TED Talk is included in the show’s intro. If you’re interested in the full version, you can find it here.

Arjun referenced an SPLC report.

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“Evangelism’s God Complex w/ Sarah Jones” Jul 27, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) talked with Sarah Jones (@onesarahjones), a staff writer for The New Republic who covers social inequality and religion. Their conversation began with Sarah’s religious upbringing, and her journey from Christian fundamentalist to secular activist. Ana asked about what influence -- if any -- her parents’ teaching still has on her, as well as what the dearth of religious news outlets means for coverage of religion moving forward. Finally, at the end of the show, Sarah explained what she wishes people understood about white evangelicals.

At the end of the show, Ana answered a listener question about reckoning with depression as a person of privilege.

Sarah mentioned this New York Times piece.

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“Contemplative Activism” with Teresa P Mateus Jul 20, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) talked with Teresa P Mateus (@teresapmateus), trauma specialist, professor, and founder of The Mystic Soul Project. They began their conversation talking about Teresa’s journey to become a trauma specialist, and explored what her work looks like in practice. Ana also asked her to explain how well meaning white people can fit into the people of color centered approach Teresa espoused. They then closed out the show talking about how this moment is similar and different to what came before, and why we can be hopeful things will get better.

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“Spiteful and Shortsighted” with Rick Wilson Jul 13, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down for her regular check in with WFLT’s favorite Never Trumper Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson). They talked about what Rick expects from President Trump’s upcoming summit with Vladimir Putin, and why the international order upheld by NATO is so important. Rick then offered his verdict on Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, and what could push him to work for a Democratic Presidential candidate in 2020.

Rick’s book, Everything Trump Touches Dies, comes out next month! You can find it here.

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"Amy Chozick on Hillary and Humility" Jul 06, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Amy Chozick (@amychozick), New York Times writer at large and the author of the new book Chasing Hillary. Over the course of a wide-ranging conversation, they dove into some of the threads within Amy’s book that the national political press has overlooked. In addition to examining the Hillary that Amy felt voters often didn’t see, they discussed the lessons learned by Amy and the press corps writ large from the 2016 election, and how that press corps can win people’s trust back.

You can find Amy’s book here.

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"When Ideology is Identity with Lilliana Mason" Jun 29, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) welcomed Lilliana Mason (@LilyMasonPhD), an assistant professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland and the author of Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity, to the show. They talked about Lilliana’s research into the power of partisan identity, and how it affects people’s daily behavior as well as the difference in manifestation between Democrats and Republicans. After probing the issue itself, they dove into the problems that it poses, as well as potential solutions.

You can find Lilliana’s book here.

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"Cruelty is as American as Thanksgiving with Adam Serwer" Jun 22, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) to talk about the Trump Administration’s inhumane policy of separating children from their parents detained at America’s southern border. Adam wrote a story in The Atlantic about how this policy is the realization of Trumpism, and laid out the argument he makes in the piece: that this policy is the natural byproduct of Trump’s political appeal, and builds off an American tradition of doing horrible things to black and brown children. He and Ana proceeded to examine the central importance of cruelty to this policy, and to much of what else Trump does.

Ana covered Trump’s rally in Duluth on Wednesday for Rolling Stone, and shared some of her reflections on it at the end of the show.

You can find Ana’s story from Duluth in full here.

Ana referenced another piece of Adam’s in The Atlantic, “The Nationalist’s Delusion,” which you can find here.

Adam cited this Atlantic piece from his colleague, and friend of the pod, Vann Newkirk II.

Ana and Adam also mentioned a Vanity Fair piece about Stephen Miller.

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"Hurting Unit Cohesion with Charlotte Clymer" Jun 15, 2018

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer), the Press Secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign. They started their conversation by talking about the Trump Administration’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military, which Charlotte, as a transgender woman and a veteran, is uniquely able to analyze. Charlotte then shared the story of her own transition, and talked about what it means to see transgender people actually be represented.

She and Ana then talked about one of the most important aspects to being an ally with a platform: lifting up other voices. Charlotte talked about one of her favorite activists, Ruby Corado, a transgender woman who is the founder and executive director of Casa Ruby (@CasaRubyDC), a bilingual, multicultural community and resource center for LGBTQ+ people and immigrants in Washington, DC. Finally, to close out the show, Ana and Charlotte answered a listener question from a white, cis, heterosexual woman who wants her students to feel safe and respected while teaching at a rural, white, conservative school.

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"Rick Wilson Is Giving Up on Corporate Christians" Jun 08, 2018

This week, Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) stopped by for his monthly check-in with Ana (@anamariecox). They began their conversation by talking about how to cope with the constant distraction posed by Donald Trump’s Twitter account and stay focused on the real issues. Afterwards, they dove into Rick’s own political evolution, and the issues he’s willing to compromise on to gain allies against Trump leading into the midterms. Ana also asked Rick for an insight into what Republican lawmakers and staffers on Capitol Hill are thinking as they head towards November.

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"Tall Decaf, Implicit Bias, No Whip with W. Kamau Bell" Jun 01, 2018

This week, comedian and host of CNN’s United Shades of America W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) joined Ana (@anamariecox) to talk about the racial bias training Starbucks workers across the country had this past week. They spoke about the hypocrisy in trying to take on racism while relying on euphemisms like “racial profiling” and “color brave” without being able to say the word “racist,” as well as how many anti-racism trainings only encompass racism against black people, and leave out other people of color. They also discussed the ways racism actively harms people of color in their daily lives, and Kamau shared one of the ways he physically alters himself when entering white spaces: crouching, so his height appears less intimidating.

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"Grateful (in Trump-adjusted terms) with Diana Butler Bass" May 25, 2018

This week, Diana Butler Bass (@DianaButlerBass), historian and author of the new book Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Grace, joined Ana (@anamariecox). Diana wrote the book during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, and she talked about how the act of practicing gratitude helped her to deal with the myriad ways the Administration was making the country worse. She also talked about how that conception of gratitude is different than the transactional practice many -- including the President, who constantly asks for thanks after doing anything -- believe it is. She and Ana dove into how thinking of gratitude and grace as something that is simply done out of thanks, and makes life better for you and those around you, helps people deal with whatever problems they may face in their daily lives.

You can find Diana’s book here: http://dianabutlerbass.com/books/grateful-the-transformative-power-of-giving-thanks/

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Imani Gandy on the Road to Gilead May 18, 2018

Rewire.News’ Senior Legal Analyst Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) joined Ana (@anamariecox) this week for a wide-ranging conversation. They began by exploring the differences between the reproductive rights and reproductive justice movements before discussing what it’s like to receive abuse on Twitter. After talking about how people of privilege can use it for good, the conversation got more serious when Imani proposed that the real reason so much time and energy is focused on the Trump/Russia scandal is that it’s easier and less scary to think about than the tangible ways the Administration is making life worse for people.

After that, Pod Save America co-host Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) sat down with Ana to answer a listener question about intraleft fighting. They discussed some of the problems with talking about political differences (be they about policy or political tribalism) is to have real-life conversations about what people want, and how we can get there.

Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or via email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

You can find Imani’s Twitter thread referenced on the show here: https://twitter.com/AngryBlackLady/status/985921568810270720

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"Sex Robots Titillate and Childish Gambino Provokes with Ross Douthat and Doreen St. Felix" May 11, 2018

New York Times op-ed columnist Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) joined Ana this week to continue the discussion they started in columns last week. Ross wrote an op-ed in the Times about the prospect of sex robots as the answer for people who can’t fulfill their sexual desires, to which Ana responded with a lengthy critique. To take that debate off the computer screen, they conducted a wide-ranging conversation that encompassed Ross’ argument, Ana’s problems with it, and what it’s like writing in the age of Trump.

After the conversation with Ross, the New Yorker’s Doreen St. Felix (@dstfelix) joined Ana to talk about Childish Gambino’s music video for “This is America.” Doreen analyzed the new video, and they tried to parse through who it was actually made for as well as what makes Glover so compelling.

You can find Ross’ sex robot piece here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/opinion/incels-sex-robots-redistribution.html

Here’s Ana’s response to Ross’ piece: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/robot-sex-w519788

You can find Ross’ Hefner piece mentioned in the episode here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/opinion/hugh-hefner.html

Here’s Doreen’s analysis of “This is America”: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-carnage-and-chaos-of-childish-gambinos-this-is-america

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Rick Wilson Says Don’t Campaign on Impeachment May 04, 2018

This week, WFLT’s favorite Never Trumper joined the show for his first check in since February. Over the course of a wide-ranging conversation, he and Ana dove into the way that attitudes regarding the FBI and the rule of law have undergone a remarkable transformation in the age of Trump. They also talked about how Democrats should run on accountability rather than impeachment in 2018, North Korea, and *that* Rudy Giuliani interview.

After that, Ira Madison III, host of Crooked Media’s Keep It!, joined the show to answer a listener question about how to -- or how not to -- have a conversation with a racist who doesn’t want to admit it.

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"Alex Wagner knows the secret to belonging (spoiler alerts!)" Apr 27, 2018

This week, Alex Wagner, co-host of Showtime’s The Circus, contributing editor at The Atlantic, a CBS News contributor and the author of the new book Futureface: A family mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging, sat down with Ana. They discussed her family history and how the writing process facilitated her own search for belonging. They also addressed the white privilege inherent in DNA testing, and the what it means for Alex to replace Mark Halperin on The Circus during this unique political moment.

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“Atheism and the Alt-Right, with Chris Stedman and Diana Butler Bass” Apr 20, 2018

This week, Humanist chaplain and community activist Chris Stedman joined Ana to discuss the unique relationship between movement atheism and the Alt-Right. Chris wrote a piece on the trend from prominent atheists like Bill Maher, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins to promote some liberal social policies while putting forth critiques of social justice policies that amount to an “alt-light.” Ana and Chris delve deep into the atheist movement, investigating why and how atheists have found common ground with Christian white nationalism in the broader Trump coalition.

Historian Diana Butler Bass joins Chris and Ana to answer a listener question about finding forgiveness for Christians in the age of the Trump, as well as for a discussion about the many roads that compassion and forgiveness can lead down.

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3k7jx8/too-many-atheists-are-veering-dangerously-toward-the-alt-right

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"Talking Ableism, Hashtag Appropriation and Rom-Coms with Keah Brown" Apr 13, 2018

This week, writer, journalist, and disability rights activist Keah Brown joins Ana for a difficult conversation about disability, ableism, and body positivity. Their wide-ranging conversation begins with Keah detailing how she’s worked to find self love and body positivity and a discussion on the lack of representation disabled people face in movies and popular culture writ large. They then turn to Keah’s desire not to be pigeonholed as a writer, and the pro’s and con’s of using Twitter to connect with other people. The conversation ends on an important note, when Ana apologizes for using ableist language, and the importance of looking at disability as something that is not static, but that comes in a variety of forms, as well as the need for privileged people to leave their comfort zones and be willing to make mistakes to expand their own horizons.

Then, Crooked Contributor Erin Ryan stops by to answer a listener question about navigating romantic relationships across a political divide. Ana and Erin come to the consensus that debating from similar source material, and talking to rather than past each other is essential. Sometimes to hear someone, you have to accept that you might not convince them you’re right.

Ana referenced several pieces Keah has written on the pod, which you can find below.

On the erasure of Stephen Hawking’s disability

On the importance of filters, and lipstick

On the lack of representation of disabled people

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The other side has a resistance too, reporting from CPAC Apr 06, 2018

Ana’s journey at CPAC continues this week. Despite the conference’s overt racism and embrace of President Trump, she found young people who don’t like where their party is going. They want to see it go in a different, more principled direction, holding elected officials accountable for their treatment of women and the need to respect LGBTQ+ rights. But are there enough of them to matter?

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“They’re standing at the podium” w/ Dave Weigel Mar 30, 2018

On the Season 2 premiere, Ana traveled to CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, to try and see the world through someone the eyes of conservative activists. Ana has attended CPAC for many years, but this time discovered a different conference -- rather than idealistic conservatism, she encountered overt, explicit racism. Over the course of the conference, she talked to attendees of different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and genders, only to find nativism and racism time and again.

The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel joins the pod to discuss their past experiences at CPAC. He and Ana dive into how attitudes towards President Trump have rapidly evolved over the last few years, and how that has changed priorities within the conservative movement.

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“The Average American White Racist” with Christian Picciolini Mar 09, 2018

On the Season 1 finale, reformed extremist Christian Picciolini [4:02] joins Ana to talk about his experience as a white supremacist, how his mind changed, and the work he does today to show people that there is life after hate. They discuss the rise and shifts in white supremacy within the United States and the way that white supremacists have softened their image by using coded language and racial dog whistles. The conversation turns to the ways in which white supremacy is like an addiction, and the possibilities of treating them both through recovery, kindness, and empathy. He also shares his own perspective on how to confront white supremacy: not with violence, but by helping people identify and fill in the holes in their lives, and showing how they can change. Later on, Ana and Christian touch on one of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with not just white supremacy but ordinary interactions with people in everyday life: everybody is going through something we can’t see. The conversation ends with what makes Christian worried, and hopeful, about the society we now live in.

Afterward, [58:43] Ana revisits last week’s episode about Black Panther, acknowledging the ways her own whiteness makes it impossible to fully grasp Wakanda’s decision to not take back Killmonger.

Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this podcast in some way for making it a wonderful first season. We’ll be back soon.

You can find Christian’s book here: https://www.christianpicciolini.com/book

Here’s the Kevin Love piece Ana referenced in the show: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something/

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“Black Future Month” with Jamil Smith Mar 02, 2018

Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) joins Ana to talk about what makes Black Panther different from other Marvel movies and so important. They discuss the power of the movie’s metaphors to talk about colonization and the black experience in America as well as how this movie can prompt white people to think differently about white supremacy. Ana and Jamil also consider the active decision by the movie’s creators to make a movie for black audiences, and what that choice could mean for the future of movies and TV.

Jamil wrote the Time cover story on Black Panther, which you can find here.

There is a lengthy digression about "Atlanta" and the Donald Glover profile in the New Yorker, and whether superhero movies always fight the last war while comedy confronts the future.

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“Mormon Pundit Mode” with McKay Coppins Feb 23, 2018

On this week’s pod, The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) joins Ana to talk about Mitt Romney’s return to politics and what it was like covering Romney’s Presidential run as the other Mormon on the bus. From there, the conversation turns to Mormon conservatism and its unique attitude towards Donald Trump, the history of the LDS Church, and Ana and McKay’s respective relationships with faith. They also talk a lot about prayer, which they both love and both feel a little weird talking about in public.

You can find McKay’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Republican-Combative-Contentious-Chaotic/dp/0316327417

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"Wear Your Hair Shirt More Properly" Feb 16, 2018

Ana talks with Linda Tirado (@KillerMartinis), [2:00] activist and author of Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America, about the Trump Administration’s awesome idea to turn the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program into a shitty version of Blue Apron. The conversation also turns to the hypocrisy of policymakers on both sides of the aisle when it comes to poverty, and how no onein power actually wants to listen to poor people.

Vox’s Senior Politics Reporter Jane Coaston (@cjane87) joins Ana [33:22] to discuss what the Rob Porter scandal tells us about the Trump Administration that we didn’t already know, the problems with White House security background checks, and to answer a listener question.

Ana also reflects on her own journey with mental illness [54:22] in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and how imperative it is mentally ill people aren’t stigmatized after a mass shooting.

You can find Linda’s book here:https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Mouth-Living-Bootstrap-America/dp/0425277976

Jane’s story with the latest on Rob Porter:https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/13/17007892/rob-porter-white-house-story-what-we-know

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, abuse, or harassment, know you are not alone. For help, callRAINN at (800) 656-HOPE or you can chat with someone at their online hotline: https://hotline.rainn.org/online/terms-of-service.jsp.

If you or someone you know is having mental health issues or thinking of self-harm and needs help, know that you are not the problem, you are never alone, and you are loved. To get help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255or text them at 1-800-799-4889.

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Not Your Mama's Interracial Relationship with Melissa Febos and Quinta Brunson Feb 09, 2018

Rebecca Carroll (@rebel19) fills in for Ana this week to discuss interracial relationships — and Black Panther — in the Trump era. Rebecca, whose husband is white, is joined by writer/professor Melissa Febos (@melissafebos) [7:42] and writer/performer Quinta Brunson (@quintabrunson) [47:14] to talk about how everyone’s doing in their own interracial relationships these days, in this very particular moment we’re having in America.

Send emails to the podcast at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We are also on Twitter: @crooked_friends.

“A Party of Men and Mobs” with Rick Wilson Feb 02, 2018

It’s that time again: Ana’s monthly check-in with WFLT’s favorite Never Trumper Rick Wilson (@RickWilson). [2:58] Find out what three-years-ago Rick would have been most surprised by about Trump’s first year, plus hear his thoughts on the future of a Republican Party he says is paralyzed by fear of a mean tweet. Also, we get some insight into what Rick’s been telling Republican elected officials when they call him up for advice.

Send emails to the podcast at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We are also on Twitter: @crooked_friends.

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“If You Can’t Vlog It, It Didn’t Happen” with Katie Notopoulos and Jemar Tisby Jan 26, 2018

BuzzFeed News tech reporter Katie Notopoulos (@katienotopoulos) drops by [3:46] to tell Ana what she learned from watching YouTube star Jake Paul’s educational video series on social influencing, which apparently involves a lot of trickery and grifting. Sound familiar?

Then, [28:35] Jemar Tisby (@JemarTisby) of the The Witness joins Ana to discuss the hypocrisy of white Evangelicals who support Donald Trump, which leads to a broader discussion about racism and white supremacy in America.

Ana refers to a piece Jemar wrote responding to comments made by Rod Dreher, which can be read here: https://thewitnessbcc.com/shtholes-section-8-response-rod-dreher/

Jemar also has a podcast called Pass The Mic.

Read Katie’s piece on Jake Paul here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/katienotopoulos/i-took-jake-pauls-educational-series?utm_term=.fj84YOaN7#.wdzQ0286j

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“Foot Servants of Wokeness” with Ijeoma Oluo and Parker Molloy Jan 19, 2018

Writer Ijeoma Oluo (@IjeomaOluo) stops by to discuss her new book “So You Want To Talk about Race,” which as Ana points out, is an especially essential read for white people to check out. Using her tips, Ijeoma helps Ana workshop a particular conversation Ana’s been trying to have with a person in her own life.

Then, Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) helps answer a listener question about what we can be hopeful about as we head into 2018.

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”At Least the Obama People Felt Bad" with James Risen and Jamil Smith Jan 12, 2018

James Risen, senior national security correspondent for The Intercept, joins Ana [01:14] to discuss the rocky relationship between journalists and the government, reminding us that Trump’s threats to press freedom are not unprecedented — and Risen would know, since both the Bush and Obama administrations took him to court over his reporting. He wrote about the experience, in a must-read piece, here: https://url.emailprotection.link/?a_64gq3nIS1JTwoUCTzOU0BEMTal24kTbYv7SAHyApgJQTz-aCpiV2hC7thv5GP8w02qq0C-KqxmYADRSi1AbGq7pH-WmboNGJquZv8onY911DoZFz7SDZ2btaA_DPEZ5rnHm7ZagZ2YiROhPXq0k6Z6_X0goiPm1nsOEo3icOF4~

Then, Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) drops by [51:15] to make a case for why the term “guys” is problematic as a default when addressing each other. Ana and Jamil conclude it really, truly doesn’t take much to consider someone else’s perspective in every day interactions.

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“Two Rats In a Sack” w/ Rick Wilson and Scaachi Koul Jan 05, 2018

We kick off 2018 with our monthly Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) check in. [00:57] On the agenda: what we *should* be paying attention to in all this Bannon-Trump drama — like, say, nuclear war. And, we find out how the Never Trump movement is doing.

Then, we talk with BuzzFeed writer and author Scaachi Koul (@Scaachi) [38:14] about the controversy over Youtube star Logan Paul’s posting of a video from Japan’s “suicide forest,” where we draw familiar parallels to the Trump era.

Read Scaachi’s piece about Paul here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/scaachikoul/even-when-he-loses-logan-paul-wins?utm_term=.pe5Y1zNJn#.uw2LjkYR1

She also has an essay collection, out now, called One Day We’ll All Be Dead And None Of This Will Matter: https://www.amazon.com/Well-Dead-None-This-Matter/dp/1250121027)

Ana mentioned another BuzzFeed piece about child exploitation on Youtube, here: https://www.buzzfeed.com/charliewarzel/youtube-is-addressing-its-massive-child-exploitation-problem?utm_term=.wndwD2dEr#.xkMplYmjL

Send us an email with a question and we’ll get our #friendsofthepod to answer it: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com Tweet the show at @crooked_friends.

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Winter Break Encore Part II with Ben Howe and Adam Savage Dec 29, 2017

First, [3:05] we revisit Ana’s interview with Red State contributor and Never Trump stalwart Ben Howe (@benhowe) about what the Left can learn from the Tea Party. Ben also discusses how leaving the conservative movement has changed his thinking on social issues like abortion. Then, [56:41] another throwback to when Adam Savage (“Mythbusters,” Tested.com) joined the pod to help a WFLT listener whose sister has embraced right-wing conspiracy theories.

BONUS: join Ana on a journey through the editor’s comments on Milo Yiannopoulos’ pulled manuscript, which Simon & Schuster submitted to court as evidence the book was bad.

You can read the manuscript here: https://iappscontent.courts.state.ny.us/NYSCEF/live/EXHIBIT_B.pdf

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Winter Break Encore with Rembert Browne Dec 22, 2017

We revisit a very honest conversation between Ana and writer Rembert Browne (@rembert) about Colin Kaepernick, America, and why it’s imperative we talk about race, especially when it makes us feel uncomfortable.

You can read Rembert’s profile on Kap here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2732670-colin-kaepernick-anthem-race-in-america

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“Turning Off The Gaslight” w/ Rebecca Carroll and Amy Sullivan Dec 15, 2017

WNYC’s Rebecca Carroll [2:58] gives us her perspective on an aspect of #MeToo we should be talking about more: the denigration of black women. Also, if you thanked black women on Twitter for Doug Jones’ win in Alabama, you might want to listen in for some tips on how to put that support into concrete action.

Then, [36:28] writer Amy Sullivan helps us unpack a listener question about abortion, religion and politics. Specifically: why hasn’t the Left followed the Right’s lead in framing abortion as a religious issue? Ana and Amy reaffirm that, yes, it is possible to be pro-choice and a person of faith.

Rebecca’s Esquire piece can be read here: http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a13978884/charlie-rose-sexual-harassment-accuser-story/

Our guests have pods, too! Stay tuned for Rebecca’s upcoming show Black Folk, which will air on WNYC.

Amy has a podcast about politics and religion, called Impolite Company, which you can find on iTunes.

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“Karma Is A Magnificent B*tch” w/ Diana Butler Bass and Rick Wilson Dec 08, 2017

First, [3:17] author and theologian Diana Butler Bass (@dianabutlerbass) drops by to give us an explainer on the really long theological history behind Trump’s decision to proclaim Jerusalem the capital of Israel, and how that decision appeals specifically to members of his conservative evangelical base who believe in dispensational premillennialism (more popular than one might think). Diana and Ana conclude it is possible to change people’s minds on Armageddon.

Then, [43:50] Ana checks in with GOP media guy Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) for his insight on how his party is (mis)handling Roy Moore. The main question: can the Republican Party get any lower than standing behind a pedophile?

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"Scale of Awfulness" with Adam Serwer and Lizzie O’Leary Dec 01, 2017

Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer), senior editor at The Atlantic, joins Ana this week [5:43] to discuss his latest piece unpacking the white nationalism of Trump voters. He argues a lot more people believe in white supremacy in America than we want to talk about, but says having that conversation is unavoidable. The discussion also draws parallels between white supremacy and patriarchy.

Then, [52:11] Lizzy O’Leary (@lizzieohreally) of Marketplace talks sexual harassment and bad behaviour — that “grey area” — in the media, including her own encounters with men she shrugged off as a young reporter, but now horrify her. She wrote about those experiences here: https://www.thecut.com/2017/11/lizzie-oleary-describes-sexual-harassment-in-journalism.html.

A link to Adam’s piece, The Nationalist’s Delusion, is here: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/the-nationalists-delusion/546356/

Send us an email! Thoughts and questions to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com, or find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends.

If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available: - RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org - The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with a wide variety of problems, including sexual assault and mental health or just an emotionally difficult time: 741741.

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BONUS EPISODE: “Sometimes a Loss is More Powerful than a Win” Nov 28, 2017

In this special episode, Ana takes a field trip to Chicago to visit with a group of voters long misunderstood by the coastal elites but who played a pivotal role in the 2016 election: that’s right... Hillary voters. What makes them tick? Why do they have such affection for her? Will they continue to support her, no matter what? Also, we try to humanize them a bit: Hillary voters may seem different, but really, they’re just like you or me!

“Families Are a Bag of Triggers” with John Moe Nov 24, 2017

John Moe of “The Hilarious World of Depression” podcast (@johnmoe) returns to the show for a special Thanksgiving episode dedicated to self care. Ana and John share some coping mechanisms for those tough days, like setting boundaries and giving your anxiety a name. Two important reminders: you have worth, and it gets better.

If you missed John last time he was on the pod, find that episode here: https://crooked.com/podcast/the-help-is-coming-from-inside-the-house/

You can also listen to John’s podcast, right here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hilarious-world-of-depression/id1181589175?mt=2

If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK. Be well. You are loved.

We read every email we get! Please send us a message: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

Or tweet us at @crooked_friends on Twitter.

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“You’re Gonna Feel a Pinch” with Ira Madison III and Bob Inglis Nov 17, 2017

First, [3:35] newest Crooked Media pod host Ira Madison III (@ira) drops by to talk about why “good men” should be prepared to lose something when it comes to facing and assessing their past behaviour, which includes acknowledging a system that has afforded white men so much success. Ira and Ana start by asking: should Al Franken resign?

Then, [36:00] former South Carolina Republican congressman Bob Inglis (@bobinglis) is back to help us make sense of why many Evangelical Christians in Alabama continue to stick by Roy Moore even after numerous women have accused him of sexual misconduct, which leads to a discussion about identity politics.

You can tweet us at @crooked_friends on Twitter or send us your thoughts via email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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What about Bill? Nov 10, 2017

This week, New York Mag writer and author Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) stops by to mark one year since the election of Donald Trump with an episode dedicated to Hillary Clinton.

No, we don’t re-litigate her campaign or make jokes about Wisconsin. We do put in context the first female presidential candidate ever nominated by a major party, her life and her feminism — and help Ana, a self-described Hillary skeptic, make sense of some complicated feelings about the historic figure that is HRC.

In the face of mounting scandals regarding sexual predators, Ana and Rebecca also take on the question that haunts many modern feminists: “But what about Bill?”

If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available: - RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org - The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with a wide variety of problems, including sexual assault and mental health or just an emotionally difficult time: 741741.

Find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends and email your questions and comments to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

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“Platoon of Chicken$**t$" Nov 03, 2017

First, [3:55] we check in with our pal Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to discuss what the Mueller indictments mean for the future of Trump’s administration, the big question being: how much longer will Congressional Republicans continue to protect this president in the face of mounting evidence? Rick has a somewhat sunnier view than Ana on how things will play out.

Then, [38:29] Elizabeth Bruenig (@ebruenig) stops by for a discussion about poverty and morality in relation to the GOP tax plan, which is in essence an attack on the nation’s poorest people.

Find the pod on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Have a question? Send an email to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

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“Post Office With Guns” with Jon Lovett and Nate Bethea Oct 27, 2017

First, [3:10] Crooked Media’s Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) stops by to answer a listener’s question about the role of gay men in #metoo, which leads to an honest discussion about female vs. male leadership.

Then, [19:40] we sit down with Afghanistan war veteran Nate Bethea (@inthesedeserts) to explore how progressives should situate themselves in relation to the military (spoiler: plenty of people who serve are leftists, if not as overtly so as right-leaning troops). We also ask, is it OK to criticize the military, and who should be doing the criticizing? Finally, we acknowledge that standing for troops at airports can be uncomfortable for all parties, and settle on saying hi one-on-one instead.

Tweet the pod at @crooked_friends and email us your questions at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Check out crooked.com for a full reading list and sources.

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“Look In The Mirror” with Vann R. Newkirk II and Helen Rosner Oct 20, 2017

We sit down with friend of the pod Vann R. Newkirk II (@fivefifths) to discuss how white people in America can do more to fight white supremacy, The System (tip: go out and talk to people who don’t look and sound like you).

Helen Rosner (@hels) also joins us to help answer a listener question from a man who admits he’s committed a sexual assault of his own, where we ask, what's the other half of #metoo? Finally, we end with some positive musings about ethical porn.

Find the pod on Twitter at @crooked_friends and reach us on email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Head to crooked.com for a full reading list and sources.

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“The Human Shock Doctrine hits Puerto Rico” w/ Naomi Klein and Jamil Smith Oct 13, 2017

“The Human Shock Doctrine hits Puerto Rico” w/ Naomi Klein and Jamil Smith

With a friend like the United States, does Puerto Rico need enemies? Naomi Klein (@NaomiAKlein) stops by to discuss how the U.S. government created the preconditions for the island’s unnatural (very much man-made) disaster. And Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) helps answer a listener question about an awkward conversation at the office. Bonus mini-essay for listeners that make it all the way to the end.

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“A Novel and Disturbing Place” w/ Sam Sinyangwe and Rick Wilson Oct 06, 2017

First, [4:10] Sam Sinyangwe (@samswey) joins us to talk about how media coverage of the Las Vegas massacre largely ignored America’s long history of mass shootings, including the deadliest mass shooting ever, perpetrated by white supremacists. You can read Sam’s tweets about the topic here: https://twitter.com/samswey/status/914963280501858304. We also discuss why gun control policies need to be conscious of race and racism, and why mixing sports and politics continues to be a good thing.

Next, [40:16] regular friend and ally of the pod Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) is back to point out the irony in the Right not being more alarmed by Trump’s expansion of federal power — in particular ICE and Homeland Security. We also discuss voting rights and Rick responds to a listener seeking advice on how to have productive conversations with conservatives about gun control in the wake of Vegas. Rick and Ana try and don't entirely fail in modeling that conversation.

We love hearing from you! Tweet the pod at @crooked_friends and email questions and thoughts to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

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Facts about guns and suicide: https://www.vox.com/2015/6/3/8721267/gun-suicide-gun-control

More gun facts: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/10/2/16399418/us-gun-violence-statistics-maps-charts

Voter suppression facts: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/02/15/do-voter-identification-laws-suppress-minority-voting-yes-we-did-the-research/?utm_term=.639b69b17053

Voter fraud facts: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/10/31/13478134/voter-fraud-id-2016-trump

“Can’t Countenance the Bullshit Anymore” w/ Michael Steele Sep 29, 2017

Former RNC chairman Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) joins us for a live conversation from the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Tx. We discuss why Steele no longer recognizes the Republican party [10:00], whether he sees Trump as an existential threat to American democracy [43:00], and why those three words “We The People” mean so much to him [50:40].

Another genuine With Friend Like This, Steele is also the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and a current political analyst on MSNBC.

Say hello! Tweet the pod at @crooked_friends, or shoot us an email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We read all your letters and will get a future guest to answer your questions.

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“A Brick Through The Overton Window" w/ Timothy Faust Sep 22, 2017

This week we get more Weedsy than The Weeds about America’s uniquely fucked up health care system with single-payer activist and Chapo wonk Timothy Faust (@crulge), an incredibly fun and energetic tour of health care with two people who curse a lot.

First, how we got here (Otto von Bismarck comes up); then, why the latest GOP attempt to repeal Obamacare is their worst yet; and finally, an examination of Bernie Sanders’ “refreshingly ambitious” Medicare For All bill — prefaced with a friendly reminder that the most socialist-y parts of the ACA were the most popular.

Relevant to the discussion: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/06/trumpcare-obamacare-repeal-ahca-single-payer

And check out Tim’s podcast “Heavy Medical” (https://www.blubrry.com/heavyxmedical/) and newsletter (http://tinyletter.com/error). You can also find him on the Chapo Trap House podcast, or catch him touring fifteen cities between NYC and Minneapolis in mid-October to talk single-payer with local DSA chapters, open to the public.

Get in touch! Follow the pod on twitter at @crooked_friends, or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com with questions, thoughts, just to say Hi.

THIS WEEKEND is our LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX: 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival

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"Too Tired to be Angry" w/ Rembert Browne Sep 15, 2017

A conversation with writer Rembert Browne (@rembert) [1:21]on how his “write-around” profile of football player Colin Kaepernick (Bleacher Report) became a piece about this moment in America — and why the stakes are too high to avoid the uncomfortable conversations needed to change it.

You can read that very good piece here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2732670-colin-kaepernick-anthem-race-in-america

Also relevant to the discussion: http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/my-desk-rescue-jon-taffer-of-bar-rescue-stages-a-cubicle-intervention/

Send us questions to be answered on the pod waves! Email withfriendslikepod@gmail.com, and tweet at @crooked_friends.

A REMINDER: our LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX is on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival

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“Nothing messier than sex” with Kim Cavill Sep 08, 2017

This week, sex education instructor Kim Cavill (@sexposparenting) is back on the pod to answer your (adult) questions about perhaps the messiest coalition of all: sex. We discuss when and how to talk to your kids about porn [2:46], what to do if a friend tells you they’ve experienced a sexual assault [56:13], plus the importance of asking for what you want [64:57].

Kim’s website, Tea and Intimacy, is at https://www.teaandintimacy.com/.

If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available: - RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org - The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with a wide variety of problems, including sexual assault and mental health or just an emotionally difficult time: 741741. For men, specifically, 1in6.org is here to help, as well.

Get in touch! Tweet us at @crooked_friends, or send us a question through email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

Relevant to the discussion —

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ is a resource to help parents navigate their kids’ devices, including info about sexting.

https://sexetc.org/, a website for teens; and http://answer.rutgers.edu/page/sexetc, its companion site for adults.

Those sex ed videos that teens and parents can watch together are at http://amaze.org/.

Dan Savage's podcast https://www.savagelovecast.com/ and his column http://www.thestranger.com/ are worth a listen and read.

Books! Aziz Ansari’s book Modern Romance (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZ0TMYG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1) and Sex and the Constitution by Geoffrey R. Stone (https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Constitution-Religion-Americas-Twenty-First-ebook/dp/B01N95KFBS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1504723631&sr=1-1&keywords=sex+and+the+constitution).

And, of course, there’s always https://www.plannedparenthood.org.

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“We Act Like It’ll Never Happen” w/ Neena Satija and Jon Lovett Sep 01, 2017

First, [2:15] a conversation with Neena Satija (@neenareports) from Houston, about Harvey and the choice to not prepare for catastrophic events. Second, [32:04] Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) helps field a listener question! And then [47:18] we talk about Game of Thrones as a metaphor for climate change. Lastly: [57:18] A short reflection on the Nashville Statement and attempts by Christians to dehumanize and deny our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

We want to hear from you! Tweet us at @crooked_friends, or email us a question at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com and we’ll get a future guest to answer it. A reminder that we are still taking your adult sex ed questions for next week’s show.

And don’t forget about our LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival/

Relevant to the discussion — Neena and team's March 2016 piece on Houston (from The Texas Tribune and Reveal/ProPublica): https://projects.propublica.org/houston/; a little more about the Nashville Statement and the progressive Christian response to it: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hundreds-of-christian-leaders-release-lgbtq-affirming-response-to-nashville-statement_us_59a71bcee4b0a8d14572cf35; and for GOT fans: https://www.vox.com/videos/2017/7/14/15969034/game-of-thrones-theory-climate-change

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One God, Under Trump w/ Jack Jenkins and Parker Molloy Aug 25, 2017

First [5:35], why aren’t evangelicals turning on the decidedly ungodly Trump? Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins), religion editor at Think Progress, explains how Christian nationalism has fused with Trumpism to create an unbreakable (?) bond. Second [43:06], Parker Molloy, (@ParkerMolloy), from Upworthy, joins to talk about the re-animation of the “trans ban” and why it matters beyond the military. Also, responding to a listener who asked about the ways one can help in the fight against bigotry *besides* going to protests and rallies.

Reach the pod at @crooked_friends on Twitter and email us your questions (for our new weekly segment!) at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We’re also taking your adult sex-ed questions for an upcoming show, so email us those, too. We welcome audio questions, using a recording app.

And LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival/

Relevant to the discussion — Jack’s Christian nationalism series, part 1: https://thinkprogress.org/trumps-christian-nationalism-c6fe206e40cc/ and part 2: https://thinkprogress.org/history-christian-nationalism-e3303b46c3bc/

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"Are you going to join the fight?” Aug 18, 2017

The aftermath of Charlottesville, considered from the right and the left. First [4:36] , Naval War College professor Tom Nichols (@radiofreetom) helps us understand how our enemies and allies abroad will interpret Charlottesville and Trump’s response to it. We also argue about whether it’s helpful, politically speaking, to connect the modern GOP to white supremacy. Then Jane Coaston (@cjane87, MTV NEWS FOREVER!) hops on the line [48:46] to argue that Trump’s defense of white supremacy was a tactical error — but still terrifying. We respond to an email from a listener (a new weekly segment!). Finally [1:23:55], some personal thoughts on what happens next.

That email for submitting a question: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

AND feel free to submit an audio question using a recording app, if you are so technically inclined.

Relevant to the discussion:

Tom on how Trump’s Twitter feed undermines national security (it’s not that he’s revealing state secrets, it’s what he reveals about himself): http://thefederalist.com/2017/05/09/president-trumps-tweets-gold-mine-foreign-intelligence/
Jane on “virtue signalling”: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/08/magazine/virtue-signaling-isnt-the-problem-not-believing-one-another-is.html?_r=0

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“Keep it” with Kat Rosenfield and Ira Madison III Aug 11, 2017

This week’s episode is a dive into the intra-left culture wars: Who is sufficiently woke, and who gets to tell what stories (about whom)? Segment A [1:31]: New York magazine writer Kat Rosenfield (@katrosenfield) discusses her piece on “The Toxic Drama on YA Twitter” (link below). Segment B [30:32]: Culture critic for The Daily Beast and GQ and #friendofthepod Ira Madison III (@ira) joins to help us figure out what parts of the YA debate are helpful, and how it is and isn’t like the parallel debates over “Confederate” and “Detroit.” There are some digressions.

Kat’s piece: http://www.vulture.com/2017/08/the-toxic-drama-of-ya-twitter.html

Ira on “Confederate”: http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-game-of-thrones-creators-next-show-sounds-stupid-as-hell

Ta-Nehisi Coates on “Confederate”: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/08/no-confederate/535512/

Ira on “Detroit”: http://www.thedailybeast.com/how-kathryn-bigelows-detroit-erases-black-women

The story I sent Ira about how the Confederate flag is back: https://www.buzzfeed.com/henrygomez/the-confederate-flag-fight-is-back?utm_term=.wsBVL9Z6y#.dkwK10mPQ

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"Enormous waste and loss": What it's like to report on the death penalty Aug 04, 2017

First [1:24], Montgomery Advertiser reporter Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) joins to discuss covering the criminal justice system in Alabama -- including being present at the most recent execution conducted in the state. Also, what can the Alabama senate race tell us about the country at large? Second [40:50], #friendofthepod Jamil Smith (@jamilsmith) talks about the moment his life intersected with the question of capital punishment.... and stays for an extended chat about what the future of criminal justice looks like at this moment in American history.

Show twitter: @crooked_friends

Show email: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“A President Who Makes Us Less Safe” with Greg Howard and Rick Wilson Jul 28, 2017

After an intro in which I acknowledge the numerous categories of people who have *some idea* of what it’s like to live with an oppressor in the White House, I am joined by New York Times Magazine writer Greg Howard (@greghoward88) to discuss the aftermath of his essay about white women ignoring his existence. [4:29] Then Rick Wilson (@therickwilson), Never Trump stalwart, stops by to talk about Trump’s short-sighted and cruel Twitter declaration banning trans people from the military. I plead with him to not call it a distraction. [49:55]

Read Greg's essay here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/19/us/was-that-racist.html?_r=0

Some of the backlash is here: http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/07/21/new-york-times-white-women-new-york-racist-reporter-says

And here: http://thehill.com/homenews/media/343073-ny-times-reporter-accuses-white-women-of-racism-on-city-sidewalks

Send show feedback to @crooked_friends or withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“A Daily Insult” with Kim Cavill and Michelle Goldberg Jul 21, 2017

Last week, without warning, the Trump administration cancelled over $200m in funding for research into teen pregnancy prevention (https://www.revealnews.org/article/trump-administration-suddenly-pulls-plug-on-teen-pregnancy-programs/). Sex education instructor Kim Cavill found out she was out of a job from reading about the funding cut on Twitter. She joins [3:52] to talk about the ramifications of the administration’s short-sightedness, and the importance of speaking truthfully and frankly about sex. Her blog, the Sex Positive Parent is at : http://www.chicagonow.com/sex-positive-parent/

Michelle Goldberg (@michelleinbklyn) is a writer for Slate and New York Times who has kept an unrelenting focus on what it means to have an admitted sexual assailant as our Commander in Chief — it’s a conversation no one ever wanted to have, something we don’t like to think, but that we have to talk about [51:10]. You can find her work here: http://www.slate.com/authors.michelle_goldberg.html and here: https://www.nytimes.com/column/michelle-goldberg

Her book, The Means of Reproduction, is as relevant as ever: https://www.amazon.com/Means-Reproduction-Power-Future-World/dp/0143116886

If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available:

RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org
The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with a wide variety of problems, including sexual assault and mental health or just an emotionally difficult time: 741741

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“Health Care Is a Civil Right” with Anita Cameron and Vann Newkirk Jul 14, 2017

We talk to ADAPT activist Anita Cameron (@adaptanita) [2:53] about the history of the disability rights movement and its recent success raising awareness about what TrumpCare would do to Medicaid. (She also has a few pointers for reporters covering the protests on how to not infantilize the activists.) Vann Newark (@fivefifths) [23:40] joins to talk about the intersection of health policy and civil rights, both philosophically and historically. Easter egg [46:15]: A mini-op-ed on how to correctly insult Donald Trump, Jr.

You can reach the show via Twitter at @crooked_friends or email: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“An existential crisis happening to America every day” w/ Neera Tanden Jul 07, 2017

We sit down with Neera Tanden (@neeratanden), CEO of the Center for American Progress and friend of the pod, to discuss why we should stop debating the election — it’s everybody’s fault! — and the reasons she’s optimistic the Trump presidency will build a progressive majority.

We were remiss in letting you know about the podcasts recommended by Jon Ward in last week’s pod. They are:

Truth’s Table: “Black Christian women who love the truth and seek it out wherever it leads us.” https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/truths-table/id1212429230?mt=2

Pass the Mic: “Every month Jemar and Tyler sit down with voices from across the reformed movement with the mission of addressing the core concerns of African Americans biblically.” http://www.podasterynetwork.com/category/passthemic/

The Benjamin Dixon Show https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCioqY4zblWt7Uw0E0VTGA

You can reach the pod at @crooked_friends on Twitter or email us your comments at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“Typical white dude attitude” Jun 30, 2017

Jon Ward (@jonward11) was one of the people I had in mind when we came up with "With Friends Like These": A seriously smart and dedicated reporter who doesn't see the world the same way I do, but with whom I have found fertile common ground. He joins to discuss his reporting and his faith, and what it means to embrace the evangelism of racial reconciliation.

Jon is a Political Correspondent for Yahoo News and is writing "a narrative history of Ted Kennedy's decision to challenge Jimmy Carter." He has a new podcast, "The Long Game," about "the lost art of solving problems through the lens of institutions," it is available here: https://medium.com/jon-ward/soft-launch-of-my-podcast-the-long-game-e3e728ccea3

The podcasts Jon mentions in the show are:

Truth’s Table: “Black Christian women who love the truth and seek it out wherever it leads us.” https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/truths-table/id1212429230?mt=2

Pass the Mic: “Every month Jemar and Tyler sit down with voices from across the reformed movement with the mission of addressing the core concerns of African Americans biblically.” http://www.podasterynetwork.com/category/passthemic/

The Benjamin Dixon Show https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCioqY4zblWt7Uw0E0VTGA

You can reach the pod at @crooked_friends on Twitter or email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“It’s not who we’re supposed to be, but it is who we are” Jun 26, 2017

A bonus pod about the Philando Castile verdict and what happens next, with Greg Doucette (@greg_doucette) and Jane Coaston (@cjane87).

Jane is a political correspondent at MTV News, you can browse her content here: http://www.mtv.com/news/author/coastonj/

Greg is a criminal defense attorney and criminal justice reform advocate, and is also known as Durham’s “Weed lawyer.” He now has his own podcast, Fsck ‘Em All: https://www.fsckemall.com/

Greg and Jane have appeared on the pod before, on the same episode but different segments. It’s here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/being-called-racist-is-white-peoples-kryptonite/id1207507389?i=1000384636264&mt=2 This is their first time in conversation with each other.

“I have no regrets” Jun 23, 2017

We take a field trip to Iowa to interview Trump supporters in line for his don’t-call-it-a-campaign rally. Our main question: Have any of your relationships suffered because of political differences? Their answers will probably not surprise you. Their attitudes might.

You can contact the show with questions or comments at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

“Surprised you called me a feminist” Jun 16, 2017

A Very Special Father’s Day episode.

First, some words on saying the wrong thing. Then at 4:40, Anil Dash (@anildash) explains why he doesn’t retweet men, and we discuss the (incredibly light) burden of being a woke person with relative priviledge. Next at 31:26, New York Times writer Claire Cain Miller (@clairecm) joins me and my dad (@samcox) to talk about how to raise a feminist. Lastly at 50:46, Some words on words, and shout-out to a hero from the GOP congressional baseball shooting in Alexandria, VA: Crystal Griner.

You can reach the show on Twitter: @crooked_friends or via email: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Let us know if you have a question or situation you’d like to be featured on the show.

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“Justice is a mechanical duck” Jun 09, 2017

— Trump agoniste Rick Wilson (@therickwilson) sheds some light on the chasm between how Trump loyalists and Trump skeptics will receive the Comey testimony. — Quinta Jurecic (@qjurecic), associate editor at Lawfare, elaborates on the insight that gripped many Comey observers: His story parallels that of anyone who’s been the target of a sexual predator. — Commentary editor Noah Rothman (@noahcrothman) helps field a listener question about a relationship that’s soured since the election.

Quinta brings up two relevant pieces: Alexandra Petri’s imagined transcript of Comey/Sessions chats https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2017/06/07/james-comey-is-this-man-bothering-you/?utm_term=.3006acd4459e

And this piece from Slate, about Comey’s written testimony as pulp fiction: http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/06/07/james_comey_s_testimony_about_trump_and_the_russia_investigation_shows_off.html

(I also wrote my column on this subject, and you may hear me quote myself a bit: http://www.mtv.com/news/3019180/comeys-testimony-reminds-us-that-trump-is-a-predator/)

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“Proud pigheadedness” Jun 02, 2017

W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell), of CNN’s United Shades of America, joins to help a listener puzzle through how (and if) to have a relationship with her Trump-supporting parents. As he put it: Do they deserve the privilege of her children’s company? Also: What Kamau’s TV show has taught him about a post-election America, and a primer on the *good* kind of white pride.

Kamau’s new book! The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZXZK2F/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

He is on tour! http://www.wkamaubell.com/calendar/

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Got a question or comment? @crooked_friends if it’s 140 characters or less, withfriendslikepod@gmail.com if it’s not. Got an experience or problem to share relating to politics and relationships? Let us know if you want us to try to address it on the show.

The theme song is by Ross Flournoy (@ApexManor) and we know that it sounds like the 90s. That’s exactly what we asked for.

“You can’t build things with pitchforks and torches” May 26, 2017

Segment 1: Bob Inglis (of RepublicEN.org) is a conservative climate change denier turned conservative climate change activist. We talk about what he’s learned about how to approach those who disagree with him — there are some concrete tips! Lots of Greek and Roman references! Segment 2: We dive into the power and powerlessness of prayer with Washington Post writer and editor Elizabeth Stoker Bruenig. (TRIGGER WARNING: CONTAINS JESUS.)

Bob on Twitter: @bobinglis
Liz on Twitter: @ebruenig
The show: @crooked_friends

Here’s a profile of Bob that gets into his conversion experience: http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2016-6-november-december/feature/bob-inglis-takes-stand-climate-change

(And here’s an interview we did for my day job: http://www.mtv.com/news/3007121/a-republican-evangelizes-for-action-on-climate-change/)

Liz’s essay on prayer during a period of personal troubles: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2016/12/24/my-husband-lost-his-job-his-sister-was-murdered-heres-what-it-did-to-my-faith/?utm_term=.7f18875fbedd

We’re still collecting listener questions for an upcoming call-in show! Send you comments and heartfelt queries to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com

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“Poetic justice and justice are not the same thing” May 19, 2017

This episode wound up being about the limits and costs of empathy. First up: Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh), creator and star of the hilarious social justice (really, all of that!) series, “Decoded.” We discuss about what she still feels uncomfortable talking about and who she feels uncomfortable talking to. Second segment: National correspondent for The Atlantic Graeme Wood (@gcaw), whose profile of honest-to-god Nazi and high school classmate Richard Spencer wound up being closer to his usual beat — ISIS — than Wood ever thought it would be.

Wood is also the author of “The Way of the Strangers: Encounters with the Islamic State”: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Strangers-Encounters-Islamic-State-ebook/dp/B018PD2HIG/

Decoded: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnvZ3PbKApGM-hHuQ9lNc5oSKsusjn0Z6

“His Kampf: Richard Spencer is a troll and an icon for white supremacists. He was also my high-school classmate”: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/06/his-kampf/524505/

Sponsors this week:
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You can follow the show on Twitter! @crooked_friends
Got a comment or a question about politics and relationships (or relationships and politics?) write us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com.

“Women in power are always complicit” May 12, 2017

Red State contributor and Never Trump stalwart (who made the Trump doc “The Sociopath”) Ben Howe (@benhowe) comes on to talk about what the Left can learn from the Tea Party’s successes and mistakes. We also dive into how leaving the conservative movement has changed how he thinks about social issues such as abortion. In the second segment, Brandy Jensen (@BrandyLJensen) helps us dispose of the question, “Is Ivanka a feminist?” Instead, we wonder if neoliberal feminism is itself the problem.

“More of a Fetish Than a Mission” May 10, 2017

HuffPost’s Jason Linkins (@dceiver) guests on a special non-awkward, non-boundary-challenging episode in which we play some serious inside-DC media-criticism baseball! If that is the kind of thing you like, you will love this. Consider it a kind of ironic palate cleanser from last week’s intense earnestness. We’ll be back next week with your regularly scheduled discomfort.

“The Help Is Coming From Inside the House” May 05, 2017

John Moe, of “The Hilarious World of Depression” and @johnmoe, joins for a special crossover pod about depression, suicide, and stigma. This is an intense episode and those who might be sensitive to this discussion, take care of yourselves. If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK. Be well. You are loved.

“I always assume everyone knows” Apr 28, 2017

Upworthy writer Parker Molloy has been unapologetically out and feisty as both a trans person and someone who struggles with depression and anxiety; we chat about why she’s chosen that path and what it means for her in real life. (Next time she’s on we will talk about the Cubs.) Doreen St. Felix of MTV News joins the show to discuss the latest in Clinton campaign autopsies, and the aesthetics of the Trump presidency (and why it’s so important that Michelle’s not wearing J. Crew anymore).

"Being Called Racist is White People's Kryptonite" Apr 21, 2017

Criminal Defense Attorney Greg Doucette discusses how he went from traditional Republican to racial justice warrior. MTV political reporter Jane Coaston helps field a call from Marcus in California, who wants to know what to do when your friends say racist stuff they don't realize is racist. Also watch out for a cameo from #husbandofthepod.

“Let’s create messy coalitions” Apr 14, 2017

Can’t make it to church this weekend? Get your God and hellfire here! First, a talk with @JeffChu, author of “Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America,” about squaring faith and real life. Then official #friendofthepod @TheRickWilson joins to discuss the Republicans’ thirst for a “presidential” Trump (aint happening, we’re all going to die).

“Contentment is a professional risk” Apr 07, 2017

Author of “Listen, Liberal” and genuine, actual, #friendofthepod, Tom Frank, stops by to answer the specific question, “With friends like the professional class, does the working class need enemies?” There is much discussion of how much music used to matter, damnit, and how Tom stays angry despite having a lovely family and beautiful life.

“No one cries, no one gets asked to prom” Mar 31, 2017

Disability rights activist Alice Wong jumps right in with the awkward as we discuss who can even say “#cripthevote.” We discuss the coming deluge of #inspiring #promposals involving disabled people, and why she hopes they go away eventually. David Perry, a journalist covering disability issues, talks about avoiding able-ism and best practices for reporters.

“If you’re worried about the future, look at the past” Mar 24, 2017

Disagreeing about facts is one thing, what if you disagree about reality? Adam Savage (“Mythbusters,” Tested.com) joins to help a WFLT listener whose sister has embraced right-wing conspiracy theories. MTV’s Ezekiel Kweku comes by to discuss how America’s dystopian future could be based on its dystopian past.

"Police violence didn't just stop happening" Mar 17, 2017

Washington Post reporter Wesley Lowery talks about reporting on police killings while black, and political consultant Jessica Byrd speaks about how Michael Brown’s death drove her to try to change the world. Ana’s fellow MTV News correspondent, Jamil Smith, fills in this week.

"Too soon to start shooting" Mar 10, 2017

#NeverTrump diehard Rick Wilson discusses his past as an attack ad maker, and whether he helped create the post-truth era. MTV writer Jane Coatson joins to ponder when violence against the government is justified.

"Discomfort is a tool of oppression" Mar 03, 2017

Culture critic Ira Madison III (@ira) joins the show for a very meta conversation about white people and what it's like to be "the black friend."

"Hope and Trust in Trump." The first episode! Feb 24, 2017

Ana Marie Cox talks with Pastor Christopher Jackson about why his Wisconsin community voted for Obama... before voting for Trump. She's then joined by Jamil Smith of MTV News for a conversation about the big stories this week.

With Friends Like These: Converts Feb 18, 2017

We're debuting an all new direction for "With Friends Like These," looking at how and why people change their minds about what they believe.

All new episodes start Friday, May 15th!

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