How To Not Lose Your Sh!t

On today’s episode, Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark, and Amanda Weinstein talk about how they keep finding the energy and joy in activism. They discuss some of the many battles worth fighting⁠—for example, the undemocratic shenanigans happening last week in Jasmine’s own Gwinnett County or the fact that the right wing actually wants to ban books. The hosts discuss how they rely on small victories and the energizing feeling of helping people in their community to keep them going. Then suburban mom Marla Zwinggi stops by the pod to discuss the work she’s doing in her own Ohio community, how she felt burned out after the election, and what she did to bounce back.After that, Amanda sits down with Karen Walrond, an activism coach and author of “The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy.” They talk about personal transformation, adoption, how to find the joy in activism, and what activism even is. They also talk about Karen’s friendship with Brené Brown (we promise we’re not jealous!) and her cameo in the movie “Wine Country” (... okay, maybe we’re a little jealous).Finally, Amanda, Jasmine, and Rachel raise a glass to sports victories, taking a vacation, and getting their kids vaccinated in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On today’s episode, Jasmine Clark, Amanda Weinstein and guest host Beverly Batte unpack last week’s election. We had some big disappointments in statewide races (looking at you, Virginia!) but there are so many victories to celebrate on the local level. So many progressive women won their races for school board and a big reason why is that they didn’t shy away from discussing right-wing issues like CRT. Instead they listened, they came up with thoughtful responses that incorporated their personal values as moms, and they won their elections.And speaking of CRT, we want to bang the drum yet again for Heather McGhee’s incredible book The Sum Of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone And How We Can Prosper Together. If the right wing thinks that “CRT” means anything that involves thinking critically about race, like teaching Heather’s book, then sign us up!Losses like what we experienced in Virginia can be frustrating, but we don’t need to wait for elections to take action. There are so many ways to get involved… like craftivism! Women across the world have been using their creativity and skills—often traditionally “feminine” skills like sewing, baking, and knitting—to create change for centuries. So Jasmine sits down with Kristina Wong, a performer and activist who created a squad to sew masks during the pandemic. You can learn more about it in her book, The Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine, and Beverly raise a glass to sports victories, Diwali, and getting our kids vaccinated in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This is a big week! Not only was there an important election on Tuesday, but we got to talk to Alyssa Milano! We also got some disappointing news... it looks like paid leave is going to be cut from the spending bill. So on this episode, hosts Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark and Amanda Weinstein talk about turning our disappointments and frustrations into positive action. To quote Alyssa, we want to build, not burn! The hosts are then joined by Red Wine and Blue founder Katie Paris, who chats all about the incredible work that suburban women have been doing across the country in the lead-up to Election Day. After that, Amanda gets the opportunity to talk to the one and only Alyssa Milano. In addition to being an actor, Alyssa has always used her platform for activism and elevating the voices of others. She just released a brand-new book called “Sorry, Not Sorry” about her life in the public eye, getting Covid, her activism and humanitarian work, MeToo, and much more. Tune in to hear the inside scoop on her favorite on-screen witch, her pets, and the best on-screen kisser.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to lawn care goats, seeing the results of long term projects, vaccines for kids, and new takes on trick-or-treating during this week’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Today’s episode is about the importance of the upcoming elections on November 2nd. So if you live in Virginia (or anywhere that has an election next week), please vote and make your voice heard!On this episode, Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark and Amanda Weinstein talk about how important it is for Democrats to turn out for their local elections. Jasmine announces that she’s begun her re-election campaign, Rachel gushes about the uplifting energy at a recent campaign event she attended in Virginia, and Amanda compares the Democratic platform to her fave… HGTV!They’re joined by Deborah Morbeto, a suburban mom in Loudoun County, Virginia. Deb explains how frustrated she’s been that a handful of right-wing extremists acting out at school board meetings has been giving her whole district a bad name and how she’s fighting back—with kindness. She organized a school supplies drive for teachers in her district to show them that parents do appreciate and support their hard work.Then Amanda gets the chance to sit down with Hala Ayala about her campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Hala reiterates the importance of the Nov 2nd election  and chats about how much caffeine it takes to run for office and what is more political, the PTA or the VA House of Delegates.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to sweater weather, sports victories, and launching a new opinion column in USA Today during this week’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On today’s episode, Jasmine Clark, Amanda Weinstein and guest host Beverly Batte discuss the struggles (and successes!) of parenthood. They get real about their own parenting conundrums, talk about mistakes they’ve made (and what they’ve learned), and chat about how to have hard conversations with your kids.They’re then joined by Gina Heumann, a suburban mom with adopted kids who founded Trauma Drama University to help other parents who have kids dealing with trauma.Then Jasmine sits down with Melinda Wenner Moyer - author of the aptly named book ‘How To Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes.’ They discuss the research behind parenting and how to talk to your kids about racism, sexism and even screentime, to help shape them into honest, kind, generous, confident, independent, and resilient people.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine, and Beverly raise a glass to eye opening television, inspiring parents, and the Real Housewives in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On today’s episode, Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark and Amanda Weinstein discuss what the heck is going on in Washington. What’s the debt ceiling? Should we eliminate the filibuster? What’s the difference between the infrastructure bill and reconciliation? Are Democrats really in disarray? And most importantly… why should we care?After a quick primer on the debt ceiling from economist Amanda and an explanation of the filibuster by state rep Jasmine, Democratic strategist Adrienne Elrod joins the pod to help explain what is going on inside the Beltway. How can Democrats unite and fight against the right wing? If you want to reach out to your representatives to make sure they know you support the child tax credit, paid leave, and other legislation that will help American families, you can find your representative here or call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.Then Rachel sits down with Sarah Longwell to chat about her podcast The Focus Group. Sarah’s focus groups are a wild ride through the minds of MAGA voters, swing voters, and everyone in-between. She and Rachel talk about misinformation, suburban women, and what might keep swing voters from going back to the GOP. Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to being intentional, birthdays, hard conversations, and beautiful fall weather in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community. Our next training will be on Thursday October 14 at 8PM Eastern.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Women across the country were shocked and horrified when Trump was elected. But we didn’t let that feeling paralyze us—we sprang into action! On today’s episode, Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark and Amanda Weinstein discuss how the 2016 election spurred them into getting politically involved. They also chat with Janice Robinson, a suburban woman in North Carolina who was activated by Trump’s election and has been organizing for candidates in her area ever since.Then Rachel sits down with Jennifer Rubin to discuss her new book, “Resistance: How Women Saved Democracy from Donald Trump.” Much like Rachel, Jennifer used to consider herself a Republican. But Jennifer realized that she could no longer consider herself part of a party that would choose Trump as a candidate. She and Rachel discuss leaving the GOP, the Women’s Marches, Edie Falco’s Hillary Clinton, and how we can continue to fight for democracy.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to good news, great dresses, democracy, grandmothers, and the power of music in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community. For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Today’s episode of the pod is a little different... Amanda Weinstein, Rachel Vindman, and guest host Katie Paris focus on real suburban moms who have been attending school board meetings in their communities. Katie discusses the “Read In” that Red Wine and Blue recently organized at the Ohio Board of Education, while Amanda and Rachel share their frustrations about the right wing’s latest “boogeymen” to scare suburban moms. Then we brought on not one, not two, but four suburban moms who have been stepping up and getting involved in their local school board meetings. Moms Marla, Rachel, Kelly and Meredith tell us all about how they didn’t give in to the fear-mongering of the anti-mask crowd. Instead, they organized, showed up early (like moms!), and spoke out to protect their kids and the kids in their communities.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to vaccines for kids, getting together with other moms for Red Wine and Blue’s “Read In,” and going to therapy in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community. For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Maternal mortality, especially Black maternal mortality, is a real crisis in this country. So on today’s episode, Amanda Weinstein, Jasmine Clark and Rachel Vindman cover some of the shocking statistics and share some personal stories from their own life and the lives of their friends. They’re joined by Veranda Rodgers, a suburban mom from Ohio who founded Pregnant With Possibilities Resource Center, an organization dedicated to creating positive outcomes for Black moms and babies in her community.Then Jasmine gets the chance to interview Representative Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse and the youngest Black woman ever to serve in Congress. Lauren tells Jasmine all about why she ran for office, what inspired her to tackle this issue of maternal mortality head-on, and the importance of the Momnibus Act. They even find a little time to share their teenage heartthrob crushes and their love for Whitney Houston.Then Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to Pfizer’s announcement that they’re seeking approval for the Covid vaccine for kids 5-11, getting teenagers to smile, and Pregnant with Possibilities’ recent “Mommy and Me” ball in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Do you feel like you could use some support figuring out how to respond to anti-mask, anti-vax, or anti-CRT messaging in your community? We invite you to sign up for one of our Troublemaker Trainings! They’re fun events where you can meet other women who are facing this stuff too and learn strategies to stand up for the kids in your community. Our next meeting is Wednesday September 22, at 7:30 Eastern.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On today’s episode, Amanda Weinstein, Jasmine Clark and Rachel Vindman get real about mental health. Covid may have made everything worse, but we’ve had a mental health crisis in this country for a long time and we’re only just now starting to talk about it. After they discuss their own mental health and what policy changes could help us address this crisis, child therapist Deborah Paris joins the pod to answer their parenting questions and give some tips on how to talk to our kids about mental health.Then Rachel sits down with Dr. Andrea Bonior, a clinical psychologist and the voice behind “Baggage Check,” the mental health advice column in The Washington Post. Dr. Andrea is such a wise and calming presence, her chat with Rachel almost feels like 20 minutes of free therapy! She and Rachel discuss how we can keep engaging with politics while still prioritizing our mental health, how the epidemic of loneliness is dangerous for our country, and why “just calm down!” is never a useful thing to say.Then Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to big birthdays, different perspectives, and making it through a rough parenting week in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”If you’re outraged over the latest attack on women’s rights in Texas, let’s make sure our elected officials know that suburban women will not accept this attack on our rights. Take our No Bans No Bounties pledge here and commit to never voting for a candidate who supports criminalizing abortion.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA