

Hysteria
Crooked Media
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2020 • 1h 11min
Ruth-less w. Susan Rice & Sen. Mazie Hirono
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are fired up! First they chat with BFF of the pod Sen. Mazie Hirono about the Senate fight over Ruth Bader Ginburg’s Supreme Court seat. Then, they’re joined by Alyssa’s ride or die Ambassador Susan Rice to break down how we prioritize and keep fighting when confronted with non-stop chaos. Next, Megan Gailey and Tien Tran join to discuss what RBG’s loss means. Finally, get high and watch an octopus, and other recommendations in Sanity Corner.

Sep 17, 2020 • 1h 17min
The Revolution is Not Glam w. Sen. Tammy Duckworth
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Senator Tammy Duckworth about the military’s sexual harassment response program and Trump’s non-stop shit talk of our troops. Then, Erin and Alyssa unpack the disturbing news from ICE detention camps, and check-in on the state of the suburbs. Next, Michaela Watkins and Naomi Ekperigin join to work out our complicated feelings as we approach the apocalypse. Are we ok? Should we be? Finally, who’s got a plan to haunt Trump alumni like a living ghost? Find out in this week’s I Feel Petty.

Sep 10, 2020 • 1h 6min
Ring the Alarm w. Jane Fonda & Annie Leonard
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco tackle the latest GOP attack on abortion rights (cc Ted Cruz). Then Jane Fonda and Executive Director of Greenpeace Annie Leonard join to discuss their Fire Drill Fridays initiative and why climate change is a feminist issue. Plus, how to avoid “jam hand” and other fruit related advice in Sanity Corner.

Sep 3, 2020 • 1h 32min
"Teach!" w. Rep. Ayanna Pressley
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Rep. Ayanna Pressley about how joy can propel us to November 3rd and beyond. Plus Erin and Alyssa check in with students, teachers and parents who are grappling with back to school season. Then, Kiran Deol joins to reflect on our favorite teachers and what British slang is wholly unnecessary.Show Notes:Do we have an Alopecia resource?Support Donors Choose teacher projects.

Aug 27, 2020 • 1h 17min
Hope v. Fear w. Sherenté
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Democratic Kansas legislature candidate Aaron Coleman and his history of abusing women. Plus: Don Jr’s oily eyes, and other unsettling sights of the RNC. Then, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and special guest Sherenté Mishitashin Harris (@sherente) join to ask the following question: what’s more powerful--hope or fear? Then, we explain what happens when facial injections go wrong in I Feel Petty.Show Notes:Donate to the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, which is assisting protestors in Kenosha. hyperlink website https://supportwomenshealth.salsalabs.org/mkefreedomfund/index.htmlSupport Jacob Blake and his family.https://www.gofundme.com/f/justiceforjacobblakeAAS Weekend of Action: There are only a few weekends left between now and the election, so make them count. This weekend Crooked’s Adopt A State program is hosting a special weekend of action to help Democrats take back the Senate. Sign up to adopt a state at votesaveamerica.com/adopt and they’ll send you details about what you can do to help from home.

Aug 20, 2020 • 56min
Cardi B. Anthony w. Shaniqua McClendon
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco break down Night 1 and 2 of the Democratic National Convention, from the unexpectedly good, and frustratingly bad. Then, Crooked Media’s Political Director Shaniqua McClendon joins to discuss the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment and what we can do right now to ensure all women—and all citizens!—the right to vote. Plus, Alyssa shares a little string theory in I Feel Petty.The vote. It’s important. It’s powerful. Michelle Obama keeps telling you to do it. But the vote is facing a lot of problems this year — big structural ones. Here’s how to help make sure every last vote is counted, including yours. https://votesaveamerica.com/everylastvote/

Aug 13, 2020 • 1h 3min
Sexism is Boring
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco react to Kamala Harris’ nomination for Vice President, from the historic nature of the ticket to the surprising news that she’s 5’2. Then, Grace Parra and Dana Schwartz join to discuss conspiracy theories, and why believers are such a crucial part to the Republican voting block. Then, why Joan of Arc isn’t a badass in I Feel Petty.

Aug 6, 2020 • 1h 7min
Unfollow the Leader w. Rep. Abby Finkenauer
This week Erin Ryan is joined by Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer to discuss her successful push for endometriosis funding and her personal story attached to the cause. In news, Megan Gailey and Naomi Ekperigin talk low standards for the highest office in the land and why colleges opening to students just isn’t very smart. Then, fresh off the Ellen Degeneres news, the crew breaks down why we let some bosses off the hook, but demand accountability from others. Plus, is Baba Yaga the best monster in folklore? We unpack in I Feel Petty.Show Notes:Take action and spread awareness for Endometriosis:Endometriosis Foundation of AmericaEndowhatUse and search hashtag #upendo

Jul 30, 2020 • 1h 19min
"Sup, Lady-dogs?"
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco breakdown Joe Biden’s VP candidates and the ensuing sexist media coverage of said contenders. Plus, they examine why there’s such an effort to protect extremely non-essential athletes and so little effort to protect extremely essential school and nursing home workers. Then Michaela Watkins joins to answer the question: are we bitches? Lastly, Erin dares question the deliciousness of a Dodger Dog in I Feel Petty.

Jul 23, 2020 • 1h 12min
Exceptional Bitches w. Rep. Ilhan Omar
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to breakdown why men think it’s okay to call a colleague a “fucking bitch”. Then Grace Parra stops by to debate the difference between being special and exceptional. Then what you definitely shouldn’t be telling someone on their period in I Feel Petty.