

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

May 7, 2020 • 1h 3min
K-hole
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco comb through Biden’s women fantasy league of VP contenders. Plus, CA-25 Congressional candidate Christy Smith stops by to discuss her campaign, and her priorities if she wins the seat. Then Naomi Ekperigin joins to breakdown the “Karen”. Who is she? And why is she always calling the cops? And as always, Sanity Corner.

Apr 30, 2020 • 1h 13min
Beauty In The After Times
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the Tara Reade allegations against Joe Biden, and try to reconcile handling sexual assault claims when they’re against somebody who is suppsoed to be your guy. Then, Michaela Watkins and Grace Parra join to discuss their new quarantine routines, and challenge America to not give a shit about their roots. Plus, sanity corner!

Apr 23, 2020 • 58min
"We ALL Want Haircuts, Karen"
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the string of “reopen America” protests and their shameless ties to the Koch Brothers. Then Ziwe Fumudoh joins to discuss the rule followers, breakers and quarantine shamers. Plus, very special guest, writer Samantha Irby joins us for Sanity Corner and to thank God for Fiona Apple’s sanity-saving new album.

Apr 16, 2020 • 1h 8min
Las Lonely Ladies
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Emergency Physician Esther Choo about the stark reality of working inside a hospital and how she manages watching the daily Trump briefings. Then Dana Schwartz joins to discuss loneliness: how do deal, stay connected and even date! Plus a much needed Sanity Corner.

Apr 9, 2020 • 1h 12min
She-Hulks of the Pandemic
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco bid a sad adieu to Bernie Sanders’ campaign for president, then speak with Wisconsin Congressional candidate Tricia Zunker on the democratic fight to reclaim the badger state. Then Rheeqrheeq Chainey joins the group to reflect on their own internalized and maybe not so internalized misogyny. Do we judge women because we have high standards or because we’re the real sexists? Then special guest Alex Wagner (Six Feet Apart) joins us for a Sanity Corner you won’t want to miss.

Apr 3, 2020 • 46min
Lean Out
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the staggering number of unemployment claims since COVID-19 hit the US, and protections, or lack thereof, employers are taking to protect their workers. Then Tien Tran joins them to relive some of their best and most traumatizing roommate experiences. Plus, a much needed Sanity Corner.

Mar 26, 2020 • 1h 16min
F*ckery Afoot w. Senator Mazie Hirono
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco go in on GOP fuckery and the Senate’s new COVID-19 aid package with Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono. Then Kiran Deol joins to talk about the economic effects the pandemic has had on regular people— from overworked nurses to underworked entertainers. And! A check in on those quarantine creatives masterpieces they promised themselves they would definitely start. And for dessert: a much needed Sanity Corner!

Mar 19, 2020 • 1h 6min
The Good Hysteria
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco react to the political response to COVID-19. Then Megan Gailey joins them to discuss how they’re staying safe, sane and how not to drive your partner mad while we’re all confined in our homes. Then, a little Sanity Corner. Plus, Erin calls Naomi Ekperigin to check-in!

Mar 12, 2020 • 1h 6min
Balls & Strikes
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Elizabeth Warren’s exit from the race and Bernie Sanders’ crusade forward. Then Megan Gailey and Hall of Shame hosts Rachel Bonnetta and Rachna Fruchbom join in-studio to tackle (pun intended!) the following questions: How do you reconcile being a sports fan and a feminist? Why is “stick to sports” a ridiculous thing to demand of athletes? Then as always our hills.

Mar 5, 2020 • 1h 23min
Enemy Of The Perfect w. Katie Hill
This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco wonder if Tuesday was all that Super and try to solve the mystery of the disappearing Elizabeth Warren. Then Grace Parra, Michaela Watkins and very special guest former California congresswoman Katie Hill join in-studio to discuss why Americans demand perfection from our politicians and how to keep moving forward when it feels like you’re in the middle of your worst case scenario. Then, a much needed Sanity Corner.