
Hysteria
Political commentator and comedy writer Erin Ryan and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by a bicoastal squad of funny, opinionated women to talk through everything from reproductive rights to romcoms. They break down the political news of the week, plus the topics, trends, and cultural stories that affect women’s lives.
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 1h 21min
Will You Accept This Rosary? w. Parker Molloy
Erin and Alyssa are together IN PERSON to discuss the latest news from the Texas bill that would mandate wastewater testing for mifepristone, to how Janet Mills’ resistance to funding cuts paid off, to a preview of the papal conclave. Then Parker Molloy, author of The Present Age newsletter, joins for a conversation about the problems with the mainstream media’s coverage of the Trump administration’s attacks on transgender youth. Finally, in Sani-Petty they discuss podcasts that are keeping them sane. 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.The Debt GalaAssigned MediaErin in the Morning 'We won': Maine Gov. Mills celebrates state's legal settlement with USDA over funding freeze (WMTW 5/2)NIH cancels participation in Safe to Sleep campaign that decreased infant deaths (Stat 4/30)Former Vice President Pence defends Constitution after getting Profile in Courage Award (AP 5/5)Bizarre Texas Bill Wants to Test the Water for Birth Control, Abortion Pills (Jezebel 4/23)Major News Outlets Can't Bring Themselves to Call Conversion Therapy What It Is (The Present Age 5/5)Who are the main contenders to be the next pope? (Al Jazeera 5/5)Vatican to deactivate mobile phone signal ahead of secret meeting to elect new pope (CNN 5/6)

May 1, 2025 • 1h 26min
A Very Domestic B*tch w. Katherine LaNasa
Erin and Alyssa unpack how the suspension of the de minimis exemption will affect our shopping habits, Trump’s exploitation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conservative women’s media desire to “make America hot again.” Then the Pitt’s Katherine LaNasa, aka Nurse Dana, joins to talk about the making of America’s favorite TV show and where she drew inspiration from for her kick ass character. They finish up with a very petty examination of Bill Belichick’s age-gap relationship.Trump is ending this tariff loophole for low-cost packages. Here’s what that could mean for consumers (PBS 4/24)Trump’s Tariffs Prompt Wave of Lawsuits as States and Businesses Fight Back (NYT 4/27)The Women Who Want to Make America Hot Again (Glamour 4/25)Now comes the ‘womanosphere’: the anti-feminist media telling women to be thin, fertile and Republican (Guardian 4/24) 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.

17 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump’s War on Moms w. Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani, a lawyer and activist, leads Moms First, advocating for affordable childcare and equal pay for moms. In this engaging discussion, she illuminates how recent policies under Trump adversely affect motherhood and children. They delve into alarming trends such as the potential demise of the Head Start program and RFK Jr.'s harmful autism comments. The conversation emphasizes the need for urgent reforms to support families, critiquing inadequate political responses to motherhood's challenges, and calling for long-lasting systemic changes.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 27min
Fashion Police in the Trade War
RFK Jr. is gutting the CDC, Elon Musk has a breeding fetish, Speaker Mike Johnson does not want new mothers to vote in Congress, and Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to break it down. They also dive into how Trump’s tariffs are impacting the luxury goods economy and whether anyone wants to buy a Louis Vuitton bag made in Texas. They wrap up in the Sanity Corner with some petty commentary about Cheryl Hines and JD Vance.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.The Tactics Elon Musk Uses to Manage His ‘Legion’ of Babies—and Their Mothers (WSJ 4/15)Rep. Pettersen says it was 'difficult' decision to bring infant son to House floor to fight for proxy voting (ABC 4/2)CDC's cruise ship inspectors laid off amid bad year for outbreaks (CBS News 4/10)HHS taps anti-vaccine activist to look at debunked links between autism and vaccines, sources say (NBC NEWS 3/26)'A pretty stark moment for us,' Milwaukee health officials denied federal assistance in ongoing lead crisis (ABC Wisn 4/14)

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 28min
The New Tariff in Town w. Samantha Bee & Jasmine Crockett
Samantha Bee joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss the latest on Trump’s tariffs, I.C.E. 's partnership with the I.R.S., and Laura Loomer in the Oval Office. They also have an honest conversation about their journey through menopause, which is a struggle for everybody, even Oprah. Then Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins for some real talk about D.O.G.E., the stock market, and Elon Musk. 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.Listen to Samantha Bee’s How To Survive Menopause special hereI.R.S. Agrees to Share Migrants’ Tax Information With ICE (NYT 4/8)Between tariffs and survival, American business owners are doing alarming math (NPR 4/7)Trump Family’s Cash Registers Ring as Financial Meltdown Plays Out (NYT 4/5)White House advisers have kept Laura Loomer at bay for months. Then, Trump invited her in (CNN 4/5)‘I screamed and the world listened’: how astronaut Amanda Nguyen survived rape to fight for other victims (The Guardian 3/5)

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 22min
Reproductive Health & Unserious Cabinet Members w. Samantha Bee & Kiran Deol
Samantha Bee, the sharp-witted comedian known for her political satire, joins forces with Kiran Deol, who brings hope and humor. They dive into hot topics like reproductive health funding and give a humorous take on political figures, including Kristi Noem's fashion choices. Kiran shares her uplifting comedy special, highlighting the healing power of laughter. The duo also reflects on the absurdity of current events and the power of small political victories, blending insightful commentary with their unique comedic styles.

10 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
Monica Lewinsky & Mallory McMorrow on Reclaiming, Education, and Group Chats
Join Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow, known for her impactful work in education policy, and Monica Lewinsky, who has embraced her narrative through her podcast, as they tackle pressing political issues. They discuss the ramifications of recent executive orders on education, share insights on civic engagement, and reflect on the importance of reclaiming personal stories. With a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, they explore the challenges of modern media consumption and the significance of community connections.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 15min
March Madness w. Errin Haines & Megan Gailey
Errin Haines, a political commentator for The 19th News, and Megan Gailey, a sports commentator and host of Sports Bitches, dive into pressing issues like federal budget cuts and abortion legislation. They spice up the discussion with insights into March Madness, focusing on standout players like Juju Watkins and Paige Bueckers. The conversation also touches on fashion nostalgia, the fall of Forever 21, and the entertaining chaos of filling out basketball brackets. Their blend of sports and societal commentary offers a fresh perspective on current events.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 31min
America in Retrograde w. Errin Haines & Dr. Karen Tang
America is in retrograde, and Errin Haines of The 19th* News and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to talk about it. They discuss the latest on the dismantling of the Department of Education, Kamala Harris’s next political move, and the consequences of resistance under Trump. Then, internationally recognized leader in reproductive health and board-certified gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang joins to talk about perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy and answer listener questions. They wrap up with their honest review of Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show and their other current TV favorites.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.Menopause practitioner database Breonna Taylor’s mother remembers (The 19th 3/12)Democrats unveil bill to reinstate veterans fired in Trump workforce cuts (The Hill 3/10)USDA pauses funding to University of Maine after Trump clash with governor (The Hill 3/11)D.C.'s Black Lives Matter mural will be erased. Look back at the iconic street painting (NPR 3/8)‘She is evil’: Amy Coney Barrett under attack by right wing after USAid ruling (The Guardian 3/8)Tony Hinchcliffe, comedian who sparked controversy at Trump rally, lands Netflix deal (CNN 3/10)Kamala Harris sets a deadline for her next move (Politico 3/7)Education Department prepares to lay off roughly half its staff (NBC 3/11)

9 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 19min
Toxic Silver Lining w. Sami Sage
Sami Sage, co-founder of Betches Media and host of American Fever Dream, joins the conversation to critique Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, highlighting its hypocrisy and the exploitation of personal tragedies for political gain. They discuss the fierce backlash faced by politician J.D. Vance during a ski trip, share their love for Kate Hudson's new show, and delve into the ongoing protests for national park protection. The impact of federal funding freezes on farmers also comes into focus, showcasing the broader ramifications of political decisions.
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