

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

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 11min
Anarchy in the GOP w. Rosie Grant
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: Sen. Tommy Tuberville doesn’t want the military to have abortion access; the House will soon vote on its new Speaker; RFK Jr. is running as an independent; and Ohio needs your votes. Then, Rosie Grant (@ghostlyarchive) joins to talk about baking recipes printed on gravestones — and eating them in cemeteries! Finally, Sani-Petty (pharmacies are swamped, and a couple lesbians are acting…racist). 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. Show NotesDoctors Without BordersPalestine Children's Relief FundAFNATALWomen Wage PeaceWomen of the SunAbout Vivian Silver: NBC, Global News, CBC, The Globe and Mail

Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 14min
White Guy Makes History w. Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the news with Crooked’s VP of Politics, Shaniqua McClendon, diving into the Kevin McCarthy shutdown and ousting ordeal, Banned Books Week, and the Supreme Court returning to session. Then, California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom came on to discuss the work she does for gender equality and children. Finally, Sani-Petty (shoutout, Laphonza Butler! Katy Perry, what are you doing?). 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. Show NotesJennifer Siebel Newsom: Instagram / TwitterThe Representation ProjectCalifornia Partners ProjectKaty Perry’s Mansion Battle Against 84-Year-Old Inspires ‘Katy PERRY Act’ to Protect Elders (Jezebel)

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 21min
Yes, Virginia, There Is An Election w. Tram Nguyen & Kendra James
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco answer the following questions in this week’s news: Why is business reporting so corporate-centric? Are Alabama’s Congressional district maps still racist? Why do women pay billions more for healthcare compared to men? Then, Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority joins to discuss Virginia’s November election and its high stakes for abortion, 2024, and more. Next, Alyssa gets into a back-to-school mood with Crooked’s own Kendra James, author of Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School. Finally, Sani-Petty — an Erin and Alyssa takeover.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.Show NotesNew Virginia Majority Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School by Kendra JamesJPMorgan to pay $75 million over claims it enabled Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking [NPR 9/26/23]

Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 28min
“Join My Commune!” w. Sen. Lindsey Port and Anna Drezen
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the Russell Brand bullshit, the GOP’s obsession with Vice President Harris, and more in news. Minnesota state Senator Lindsey Port then joins to talk about the status of progressivism in her state, from getting people’s records expunged for silly cannabis crimes to starting her state’s Reproductive Freedom Caucus. Next, Anna Drezen (creator of Praise Petey, now on Freeform and Hulu) and Tien Tran talk about the art of the girlboss, loving your job and also feeling like you’re dying, and the desire for communes. Finally, Sani-Petty (Jann Wenner and random dog poop suck).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.Show NotesSen. Lindsey PortPraise Petey by Anna DrezenOKAY, WOW! with Tien TranSmartLess - "Matthew McConaughey"Jann Wenner Defends His Legacy, and His Generation’s (NYT)Passenger Planes Nearly Collide Far More Than You Know (The Daily)

Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 18min
Masterson of None
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco get into John Kennedy’s horny speech at a Senate hearing, the United Auto Workers union, the impending end of federal child care funding from the pandemic and the Virginia legislature race. Then, Michaela Watkins and Megan Gailey join to discuss the Danny Masterson sentencing, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher’s character letters, and the church of Scientology. Plus, Sani Petty! 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.

Sep 7, 2023 • 42min
Listen Now: Choice Words with Samantha Bee
Today as a special treat, we’re sharing an episode of Choice Words with Samantha Bee from Lemonada featuring our very own Alyssa Mastromonaco! Each week on Choice Words, Samantha Bee sits down with people she admires to examine the biggest choices they’ve made in their lives and the ripple effects those decisions have had. Sam’s made a lot of choices, too. She may have to interview herself about starting this podcast.In the episode you’re about to hear, Alyssa joins Sam Bee to reminisce on a time when she was Deputy Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration and was averaging two hours of sleep per night. Sam asks Alyssa what it was like to go from that high-stakes environment to watching HGTV all day, what made her decide that she’s never wearing Spanx again, and how she got deep into the world of jam making. Keep up with Samantha Bee @realsambee on Instagram and Twitter. 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.

Sep 4, 2023 • 11min
Recovery in Maui w. Mazie Hirono (from Pod Save America)
Alyssa guest hosts on Pod Save America and speaks with Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono about recovery efforts in Maui, and what we can do to help Hawaiians as they recover and rebuild. Listen to Pod Save America wherever you get your podcasts

Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 19min
The Patriarchy is Coming For You w. Shannon Watts & Zarna Garg
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco give the latest round of abortion news, from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court race, Ohio Issue 1 fuckery, and Michigan’s fight to undo its current abortion regulations. Then Shannon Watts stops by to discuss the latest episodes of violence, and white women’s role in the fight for gun safety. Plus, Julissa Arce and comedian Zarna Garg join to explore how leaving the workforce to provide care impacts your mental health. Finally we get petty about The Idol was canceled, Suits being the number #1, and Luis Rubiales lunatic mother.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.Show NotesShannon Watts’ substackMoms Demand Action

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 24min
On My Flowers w. Jenni Nuttall
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco use their news witch powers to make predictions about the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate (since we recorded this episode before it happened) before diving into all the places that loathe (Indiana, we’re looking at you) and love (Illinois, thank you for this) abortion in news. Then, University of Oxford professor Jenni Nuttall comes on to talk about her new book Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words — so we OBVIOUSLY asked her about the word “hysteria”! Next, Dana Schwartz and Megan Gailey close out Taylor Swift summer with a discussion on parasocial relationships and how they can be either helpful or potentially unhealthy. Finally, we close out with Sani-Petty: Alyssa discovered TikTok, and Sha’Carri Richardson is a track star! 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.Show NotesMother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words by Jenni NuttallHoosier Abortion FundAbortionFinder.orgPlanned Parenthood

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 19min
Dressing Up for Nature w. Alexis Nikole
TikTok's favorite forager Alexis Nikole discusses her relationship with nature and the foods she wants to pick next. The hosts also delve into the lack of moral education in contemporary society and frustrations with billionaires. They share personal anecdotes about iPhone issues and critique the exploitative nature of 'The Blind Side' movie.