Hysteria

Erin and Alyssa are joined by their producer, Caroline Reston, for a Hysteria Thanksgiving special. They answer juicy questions from the conversation tin, dish out solicited advice on holiday woes, and do an extra petty edition of Sanity Corner. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Erin and Alyssa unravel the chaotic saga of Alex Jones, revealing his bizarre early life and outrageous self-mythologizing. They dive into his conspiracy roots, from the Waco incident to the infamous 9/11 claims that skyrocketed his popularity. Listen in as they dissect his failed predictions, iconic rants about 'chemicals in the water,' and the dark monetization of fear through questionable products. The duo also covers his personal turmoil, courtroom dramas, and the staggering $1.4 billion judgment related to the Sandy Hook controversy. It's a wild ride through the mind of a real-life man-baby.

Abby Phillip, a political journalist and CNN anchor, joins the conversation to discuss her book, *A Dream Deferred*, which explores Jesse Jackson's fight for Black political power. She highlights Jackson's activism in the 1970s and his approach to coalition-building, revealing lessons for modern Democrats. The discussion also touches on parallels between Jackson and Bernie Sanders, and the impact of Jackson's efforts on Obama and the Democratic Party. Abby shares her experiences reporting under Trump, introducing a fascinating mix of politics and media insights.

Tara McGowan, founder of Courier Newsroom, emphasizes the challenge of creating engaging truth amid misinformation. Stephanie Valencia, co-founder of Equis, highlights effective media strategies for reaching Latino audiences, combining digital and radio. Jessica Valenti, prominent writer and activist, advocates for focused coverage on critical issues like abortion, stressing the need for authentic narratives. Together, they explore the gaps in progressive media and the urgency to innovate to engage and mobilize audiences effectively.

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal shares her insights on how Democrats can transition from being merely an opposition party to proposing positive policies on healthcare and childcare. She discusses the importance of grassroots organizing and the impact of her Resistance Lab on empowering activists. Comedian Suzanne Lambert adds her comedic flair, offering hilarious dating advice for navigating D.C. and tackling workplace fashion dilemmas. Their witty banter culminates in a light-hearted roast of Republican hairstyles and political antics.

Join U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride and Janelle Bynum, along with political strategists Ben Wikler and Anderson Clayton, as they tackle effective strategies for Democrats to reclaim power everywhere. They discuss the importance of authentic local candidates and grassroots volunteerism. McBride highlights rebuilding trust with voters, while Bynum emphasizes campaign discipline. Wikler shares insights on multi-layered political strategy, and Clayton talks about engaging both urban and rural communities. Together, they explore bridging divides for a broader coalition.

Delving into the controversial life and career of Pam Bondi, the discussion reveals her questionable rise in Florida politics and ties to Trump. Listeners learn about her dog controversy, alleged favoritism toward major donors, and lack of action on key cases like Epstein's. The hosts critique her stance on LGBT rights and her media missteps after the Pulse shooting. With a mix of political drama and personal anecdotes, the examination paints a vivid picture of an attorney general whose loyalty often overshadowed legal integrity.

Recent Democratic victories in off-year elections bring a glimmer of hope. The hosts dissect local wins and significant political shifts, including a surprising upset in New York City. They also critique Trump’s latest policy moves, juxtaposed with community kindness amidst SNAP delays. Plus, there's a bizarre discussion about an awkward hug between J.D. Vance and Erika Kirk. Don't miss their candid advice on tackling workplace bitterness and achieving pushup goals, along with reflections on a new Bruce Springsteen biopic and Jennifer Aniston’s latest romance.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul responds to the end of SNAP benefits and shares how her state tackles issues like ICE raids and healthcare cuts. She also discusses her cooperation with the Biden administration while advocating for New York's needs. Astrologer Chani Nicholas dives into planetary shifts, highlighting significant changes for 2025 and their potential impact on society and politics. She offers forecasts for 2026, including astrological warnings about power dynamics and personal grounding practices amid uncertainty.

Dive into the scandalous life of Jerry Falwell, the founder of white Christian Nationalism. Discover how he exploited pregnant teens and fueled homophobia to gain power. Explore his shift from a pastor to a political operator, uniting conservatives through the Moral Majority. Uncover the dark side of his fundraising tactics, including using fear during the AIDS crisis. Investigate his controversial remarks post-9/11 and the legacy he left behind. Was he a schemer or a true believer in his harmful ideologies?