It's Been a Minute

Imara Jones, a journalist and founder of TransLash Media, joins the conversation to unpack the alarming connections between figures like Trump and JK Rowling and the roots of transphobia. They delve into the inspiring journey of Sandy Stone, a trailblazer in the music industry who faced backlash for her identity. The discussion also highlights the dangers of anti-trans rhetoric from far-right groups and the ongoing fight for trans rights, emphasizing the critical role of community, representation, and historical context in understanding today's debates.

Jamila Michener, a professor and author, dives into the implications of proposed Medicaid cuts targeting 83 million low-income individuals. She debunks stereotypes about Medicaid recipients, arguing that these misconceptions affect everyone. The discussion highlights the urgent need for Medicaid as essential health insurance, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and seniors. Michener emphasizes that cuts not only jeopardize individual health but also strain community well-being, illustrating the broader ripple effects of health policy on society.

Kelsey McKinney, a writer at Defector Media, and Sarah Hagi, co-host of Scamfluencers, dive into the chaotic world of the latest season of Love Island USA. They explore how the show reflects modern dating woes, criticizing the disconnect between contestants and the lack of genuine romance. The guests discuss the impact of reality TV on viewers' perceptions of love, emphasizing the psychological toll on participants from public scrutiny. Through laughter and insight, they tackle the complex dynamics of attraction and emotional vulnerability in today’s dating scene.

Kelly McEvers, host of NPR's Embedded, dives into Brazil's complex landscape of reproductive health. She shares the inspiring story of grassroots networks empowering women to access safe abortions despite legal obstacles. The conversation highlights the historical struggles of Brazilian feminists during a dictatorship and the impact of Catholicism on women's health. Listeners are also introduced to the grim realities faced by women in Recife seeking unsafe abortions, contrasting that with improved practices that significantly reduced maternal mortality rates.

In this discussion, Max Rivlin-Nadler, a local news site co-publisher, and Christian Paz, a senior politics reporter at Vox, tackle the surprising primary victory of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani over centrist Andrew Cuomo in New York City. They analyze the rising progressive energy, the generational divides in voter support, and how grassroots movements are reshaping strategies within the Democratic Party. The conversation explores potential parallels to the Republican Tea Party moment and what it could mean for future elections.

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins to discuss the intriguing trend of declining birth rates. He explores how societal fears have shifted from overpopulation to a pressing need for higher fertility. The conversation digs into cultural influences on family size and critiques current pronatalist policies, such as financial incentives. Gideon advocates for a more optimistic view of humanity's future, emphasizing the value of individual creativity and diversity as key components in addressing these demographic challenges.

Khiara Bridges, a UC Berkeley law professor and expert on reproductive rights, breaks down the gripping case of Adriana Smith, a pregnant woman declared brain dead. The conversation dives into the ethical quagmire created by strict abortion laws and the implications of fetal personhood. Bridges highlights systemic biases in healthcare, especially affecting marginalized communities, and calls for addressing these injustices. The discussion also critiques how race impacts maternal health outcomes for Black women, illustrating the urgent need for reform.

As Millennials hit their 40s, they're rethinking midlife amidst financial pressures and changing definitions of success. The discussion dives into how their lives differ from previous generations, facing higher debt and shifting milestones like homeownership. A playful trivia segment brings back fond memories of 90s culture and iconic trends, while humorous tales of reckless youth add a lighthearted touch. Ultimately, it’s about reframing narratives for hope and fulfillment in an evolving landscape.

Emily Henry, a celebrated romance author known for her engaging stories, joins the conversation to share her summer book recommendations. She discusses her latest novel, "Great Big Beautiful Life," about competitive journalists, sparking a lively debate on the balance of romance and rivalry in literature. Joined by Bolu Babalola, they explore a range of titles from classic to contemporary, emphasizing the thrill of escapism and the emotional depth found in books like "Casanova LLC" and "The Four Winds." Summer reading has never sounded so enticing!

In this discussion, Kate Clancy, a professor of anthropology and author, and Lindsay Gellman, a health and science reporter, delve into the tangled relationship between menstruation and social media trends like cycle syncing. They expose myths surrounding menstrual health and the need for individualized understanding, critiquing the promotion of unverified coaching practices. The conversation also highlights the skepticism towards traditional contraceptives, the limited options for Gen Z women, and the importance of community support in navigating diverse experiences in reproductive health.