Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sits down with Robert J. Lifton to remind you how bad things have gotten politically— but that remaining optimistic is not totally insane. They begin by drawing the parallels between Trump and other cult leaders/demagogues. Afterwards, they discuss the followers of Trump, why they remain followers, and how to get them to (hopefully) leave. Tune in for an unexpectedly hopeful episode about deathly cults! Thanks to our sponsors! Candid’s aligners can help straighten your teeth faster than traditional wire braces. Treatment takes just 6 months on average. Candid’s aligners are comfortable, removable, and completely invisible. Get your “Photo Ready” smile by the holidays! Go to Candidco.com/FRIENDS and use code FRIENDS to get seventy-five dollars off. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. You’ll quickly discover why Buzzfeed called them their “forever shoes.” Check out all the amazing styles available right now at rothys.com/wflt. We all know how important it is to eat healthy. But the reality is, 9 out of 10 people don’t eat enough fruits and veggies. Your Super’s functional superfood and plant protein mixes are made from naturally dried, organic wholefoods/superfoods— nothing else. Get the cleanest superfood and plant protein mixes at YourSuper.com. Get 15% off your order when you use code FRIENDS at checkout. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at Stitchfix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fan favorite Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) returns to give Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) the Never Trumper view on culture wars, judicial festishization, and the all-important business of impeachment. Plus: a wacky game about pathological lying! Please consider checking out Rick’s new book Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump--and Democrats from Themselves; a title that we will almost certainly be fighting him about next time he joins the show. Thanks to our sponsors! Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of amazing classes covering dozens of creative and entrepreneurial skills. Join the millions of students already learning on Skillshare today with a special offer just for WFLT listeners: Get two months of Skillshare for free when you go to skillshare.com/FRIENDS. Framebridge makes it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from kids art and concert posters to the vacation photos sitting on your phone. Instead of the hundreds you’d pay at a framing store, their prices start at $39 and ALL shipping is FREE. Plus WFLT listeners will get 15% off their first order at Framebrige.com when they use code FRIENDS What do Jamie Lee Curtis, Tig Notaro, Victoria Beckham, Hozier, and Reza Aslan all have in common? They are guests this season on the all-new podcast from Lemonada Media, “As Me” with Sinéad. Host Sinéad Burke helps us understand what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes by talking about asking them what it’s like to be them. Subscribe now to As Me with Sinéad wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking for a book on the Midwest and Christianity that doesn’t excuse racism? Good news! This week Lyz Lenz (@lyzl) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about her book God Land: A Story of Faith, Loss, and Renewal in Middle America. They start by diving into the parallels between Lyz’s divorce and the 2016 election; America is a lot like your crappy college boyfriend whose red flags you ignored. Afterwards, they discuss what our silence means, especially as white liberals. Finally, they talk about atonement and what it means to better yourself when you have harmed others. Find Lyz’s book here and her profile on Alan Dershowitz here. Thanks to our sponsors! ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Grove Collaborative is the online marketplace that delivers all-natural home, beauty, and personal care products directly to you! For a limited time, when you go to Grove.co/FRIENDS you will get a FREE FIVE PIECE Fall Gift Set from Mrs. Meyer’s and Grove, free shipping AND a free 60-day VIP trial! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jason Kander (@JasonKander) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about his most recent work with veterans and what brought him there. They cover Jason’s political history, how he got help, and why no one should use running for president to avoid their problems. Afterwards, they discuss ways of finding hope and making change outside of the political sphere. Later, n (@sheilaforva) joins the show to talk about her campaign for delegate in Virginia. They talk about Sheila’s motivation for running and what it would mean to flip the Virginia General Assembly (spoiler: it’s A LOT). Finally, Sheila reminds us that when we vote, we win. Learn more about the Veteran’s Community Project here and the Coleman campaign here. Thanks to our sponsors! FIGS creates the highest quality medical apparel so that medical professionals look their best, feel their best, and perform at their best every day. Every set of FIGS is antimicrobial – protects from germs and bacteria, ridiculously soft, moisture-wicking and features four-way stretch. So, whether you are one of the awesome humans that works in healthcare or someone that wants to say thanks to these deserving folks, FIGS is going to make that easy by providing you with 15% OFF your first purchase by using code FRIENDS at checkout. Head to wearFIGS.com. Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from food—all in their clean, absorbable forms. No shady additives or ingredients that can do more harm to your body than good. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today and get 10% off. Stamps.com brings all the amazing services of the U.S. Post Office right to your computer. Right now, get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) live at the Texas Tribune Fest in Austin. The two non-millionaires discuss race, the gubernatorial race for Florida, HBCUs, the dream of living regular conflicts, and reserving curse words in Texas for use by Beto. Then, AMC chats with Shani Curry Mitchell (@Shanic4da) who is running for District Attorney in New York’s Monroe County. Mitchell spent thirteen years as a prosecutor and during that time lost her sister to a tragic event. She's pushing for more progressive sentencing. Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in. Click here to learn more about Shani’s campaign. Thanks to our sponsors! Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. They’re stylish, sustainable, comfortable, washable—really, all in one pair of shoes. They’re the perfect flats for life on-the-go. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere.Discover new styles and find unique pieces with Stitch Fix! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Your Super is on a mission to improve people’s health with the power of super plants. They make it easy for you to get the nutrients your body needs to thrive. Your Super’s functional superfood and plant protein mixes are made from naturally dried, organic wholefoods/superfoods— nothing else. Get the cleanest superfood and plant protein mixes at YourSuper.com. Get 15% off your order when you use code FRIENDS at checkout. Politicon is the Unconventional Political Convention, arriving at Music City Center in Nashville, TN on October 26 & 27. It’s a full weekend of panels, debates, town halls, expos, podcasts, book signings, comedy, and more. Ana will be on a panel about the Cult of Trump, and then will be recording a live show of With Friends Like These. Tickets are available at politicon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Wittels Wachs (@wittelstephanie) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her new podcast Last Day on Lemonada Media. Stephanie’s brother, comedian Harris Wittels, died in an overdose, and now she’s exploring the opiate epidemic person by person. It’s a way of both normalizing and investigating what’s happening across America with our secret pandemic. Stephanie and Ana pick apart the systems that rewire the human brain via addiction, and the new-wiring it takes to correct for these changes. It’s a painfully personal journey and we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Stories can always go a different way, and every story is worth telling. Harris on You Made It Weird: https://archive.nerdist.com/you-made-it-weird-236-harris-wittels-returns/Training for NARCAN: https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/#homeNA: https://www.na.org/AA: https://www.aa.org/Al-anon: https://al-anon.org/Last Day: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-day/id1468896686 Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in. Thanks to our sponsors! Grove.co is where you’ll find the best home and personal care products online, because Grove believes a healthy, beautiful home should be accessible to everyone. Every product at Grove has been rigorously tested for health, effectiveness, and environmental impact. Try Grove with a free five piece fall gift set from Mrs. Meyer’s and Grove, free shipping and a free 60-day VIP trial! Grove.co/FRIENDS. Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of amazing classes in everything from photography and creative writing to design, productivity and more. Skillshare is offering our listeners two months of unlimited access to thousands of classes for free. To sign up, go to Skillshare.com/FRIENDS. Politicon is the Unconventional Political Convention, arriving at Music City Center in Nashville, TN on October 26 & 27. It’s a full weekend of panels, debates, town halls, expos, podcasts, book signings, comedy, and more. Ana will be on a panel about the Cult of Trump, and then will be recording a live show of With Friends Like These. Tickets are available at politicon.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bassey Ikpi (@Basseyworld) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis for a live interview regarding her new book I’m Telling The Truth, But I’m Lying. This overwhelmingly open discussion dives into issues around mental health, the truth about Bold Introverts, the racial disparities in emotional healthcare, ranking the cultural sexiness of various bipolar disorders, and how there’s rarely a storybook happy ending for people with Different Brains. TW: Suicidal Ideations, Depression Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in. Thanks to our sponsors! Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to Thirdlove.com/friends now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS and get free shipping on your first order. Last Day is a new podcast from Lemonada Media that takes a good, hard look at the things that are killing us — those massive epidemics we hear about constantly that are hard to comprehend and getting worse every day. Last Day zooms in on a person’s last day of life to try to figure out how they got there, and then zooms out to help all of us understand the bigger societal picture and what can be done about it. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. Brave New Words takes listeners backstage on winning progressive campaigns from around the world with communications researcher and campaign advisor Anat Shenker-Osorio. Brave New Words is essential listening to understand the strategies and messages that win progressive victories. Learn more at BraveNewWordsPod.com and subscribe now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blair Braverman (@BlairBraverman) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) at Cap Times Idea Fest in Wisconsin in front of a live studio audience. In this wide-ranging interview, they cover Blair’s memoir (Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube), all things mushing, how to dress for cold weather, climate change, and the surprising similarities between raising dogs and cultivating a compassionate online community. They also discuss some of the more sensitive topics in her memoir, including Blair’s interactions with toxic masculinity, and how her chronic illness altered her relationship with productivity and leisure. Come join for this in-depth cultural dissection with the ally who came in from the cold. There is brief discussion of sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs help with these issues, please contact RAINN at ‎1-800-656-HOPE. Bit of housekeeping: We at Crooked Media are teaming up with Stacey Abrams for Fair Fight 2020. We’re trying to donate at least a million dollars towards her five million dollar goal. Please donate here and encourage others to join in. Thanks to our sponsors! Last Day is a new podcast from Lemonada Media that takes a good, hard look at the things that are killing us — those massive epidemics we hear about constantly that are hard to comprehend and getting worse every day. Last Day zooms in on a person’s last day of life to try to figure out how they got there, and then zooms out to help all of us understand the bigger societal picture and what can be done about it. The storytelling is incredible and has you holding your breath. And Stephanie, who lost her own brother, comedian Harris Wittels, to an overdose in 2015, is able to bring all of her first-hand experience to the table. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off. When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin offers graduate degrees in domestic and global policy. We also have the unique combination of spirit, purpose and courage that sets us apart. Find out more at lbjschool.info/friends or find @thelbjschool on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Avery Trufelman (@trufelman) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss the possibility of a better tomorrow. Avery’s new show Nice Try! Is a podcast about various failed attempts at utopias across the ages, and what our (maybe) crumbling civilization can learn from those who came before us. Good intentions aren’t enough of a foundation for our future without, you know, literal foundations. Article referenced by Avery: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation Thanks to our sponsors! With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to Thirdlove.com/friends now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss current events and politics at large. After a game to test Ricks’s knowledge of the Trump administrations many, many attempts at spin, the two dive into a discussion regarding the future of the Republican Party. With an insider’s unique perspective, Rick shares his fears for the future of the party (spoiler alert - it’s not looking too good), and sheds some light on the prevailing feelings of Republican politicians. Ana and Rick also touch on the primaries and 2020 elections, ending on a hopeful note about the power of the voter. Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. Quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to getquip.com/friends right now, you can get your first refill pack for free. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. Honey is a free browser add-on that finds discounts and coupons across 37,000 sites! Amazon, Sephora, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and more. Not bad for something that’s completely free and takes just two clicks to install. Get Honey for free at JoinHoney.com/friends Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of amazing classes in everything from photography and creative writing to design, productivity and more. Skillshare is offering our listeners two months of unlimited access to thousands of classes for free. To sign up, go to Skillshare.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rachel Monroe (@rachmonroe) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to break down the lack of truth in true crime. Using Rachel’s book, Savage Appetites, Rachel and Ana explore stories of women totally consumed by true crime to draw larger conclusions about the cultural phenomenon. They also delve into the genre’s rise in times of uncertainty, and what its popularity reflects about the current political and social climate. Then, they touch on the dicey racial dynamics within true crime communities, which often prioritize white, female victims, even though most crimes in America don’t fit that narrative. Rounding out the discussion, they detail more harmful and toxic aspects of crime fandom, including the dangers of online vigilante detectives and obsessive online fan pages. Let’s all agree we want to see Despair: The Musical! CW: Mild descriptions of violent crime that may be disturbing to some listeners. Not by Rachel, but a marvelous companion essay about Ted Bundy by the incomparable Sarah Marshall, The End of Evil: https://believermag.com/the-end-of-evil/ Rachel’s review of Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: https://www.bookforum.com/print/2602/how-true-crime-became-self-help-21996 Thanks to our sponsors! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. They even have men’s and kid’s boxes, too! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. Cats are natural born predators - that's why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sits down with human rights lawyer, activist, and author Arjun Sethi (@arjunsethi81) to discuss the one year anniversary of his book, American Hate: Survivors Speak Out —as relevant as ever after the massacres in El Paso… and, in the short time since, the arrests of six white men on charges related to mass violence. Arjun and Ana also discuss their frustration with how hate crimes are typically depicted in the media, and how the average American can get involved in the fight against white supremacy. Then, Ibram X. Kendi (@DrIbram) from The Atlantic discusses his bestelling new book, How to Be an Antiracist. In soft-spoken, gentle urgency, Ibram guides us through the idea “there is no neutrality” in the face of racism: there is only racism and anti-racism. Ibram and Ana then discuss his various encounters with cancer; exploring a profound extended metaphor between the disease and racism in America. You can find Arjun’s previous With Friends Like These episode here.The site for Muslim & Jewish Women of Minnesota is here. Their WFLT episode is here. Thanks to our sponsors: We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off. Honey is a free browser add-on that finds discounts and coupons across 37,000 sites! Amazon, Sephora, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and more. Not bad for something that’s completely free and takes just two clicks to install. Get Honey for free at JoinHoney.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Complex discussions of Christianity, Faith, and Catholicism’s scandals. Washington Post writer Elizabeth Bruenig (@ebruenig) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to explain the seemingly nonsensical evangelical support for Donald Trump. They delve into the suicide-pact between Trump and Jesus Country that seems rooted in apocalyptic nihilism, toxic absolutism, and a devastating cynicism about American politics. With a warmth and sympathy stemming from their own familial connections, Ana and Elizabeth explore this version of Christanity that seems disconnected from their own understanding. Elizabeth and Ana then share the ways they’ve learned to cope in the midst of these turbulent times, and ironically, how their faith helps them face the hopelessness of the headlines. Thanks to our sponsors! ARC is a new way to achieve professional-level teeth whitening at home for just 30 minutes a day. To help our listeners get a whiter, brighter smile, ARC is offering $15 off your purchase of a Blue Light kit when you visit Arcsmile.com and use promo code FRIENDS at checkout. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/friends and get free shipping on your first order. Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the horrifying massacre in El Paso, host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and former Minneapolis mayor Betsy Hodges (@BetsyHodges) navigate a complex discussion about race in America that’s all too relevant. Together, they break down the many ways in which racist structures diffuse and reinforce white supremacy. They also tackle the merits (or lack thereof) of calling someone ‘racist,’ and enter into a profound discussion centering around whether white people are “deserving of love.” For their answers on all these topics and much more, join us today. Show references: Diana Butler Bass - All I Need Is Right Here Betsy Hodges was the 47th mayor of Minneapolis. Mayor Hodges currently serves as an advisor to cities and mayors to improve equitable outcomes for people of color, she is a Fellow with the Atlantic Fellowship for Racial Equity (AFRE), and the Aspen Institute. Recently, she served as a Residential Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. She has written about politics and race for CNN and the Huffington Post. Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. Quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to getquip.com/friends right now, you can get your first refill pack for free. With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Honey is a free browser add-on that finds discounts and coupons across 37,000 sites! Amazon, Sephora, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and more. Not bad for something that’s completely free and takes just two clicks to install. Get Honey for free at JoinHoney.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content Warning: Sexual Assault. In this week’s episode, E. Jean Carroll (@ejeancarroll) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to answer the age old question: do women really need men? E. Jean tells us about the road trip through femme-named towns and surprise interviews that forms the center of her new memoir, What Do We Need Men for: A Modest Proposal. In this frank conversation, E. Jean speaks about her rape at the hand of the President of the United States, and the coping mechanisms she used to survive. Ana reveals a complicated history of similar experiences, and both women discuss the enormous scrutiny victims face when they come forward, but lose their narrative to the media. If you can, please donate to RAINN. Thanks to our sponsors! ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Answer a few simple questions to find your perfect fit in 60 seconds. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s fascinating episode, Alexandra Minna Stern joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss how white supremicst and white nationalist ideologies became so entrenched in our current political landscape. We’re now in the age of Proud Boys running for office and Alexandra’s new book, Proud Boys and the White Ethnostate: How the Alt-Right Is Warping the American Imagination is the perfect launching pad into the deep, dark underbelly of modern white supremicist media and ideology. Together, they tackle several key issues including how to cover these groups without inflating them and the oft underreported emphasis these groups place on transhophic and misogynist ideologies. Thanks to our sponsors! Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS and get free shipping on your first order. We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off. Bombas are made from super-soft, natural cotton, and every pair comes with arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s comfy but not too thick. With many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles, Buy your Bombas at BOMBAS.com/friends and get twenty percent off your first purchase. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. Cats are natural born predators - that's why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout. This podcast is made possible by you, the listeners! But who are you...? We know that somewhere in the world you downloaded this podcast but we know literally nothing else about you. If you have a few minutes, you can help us make this show a better by telling us more about you and what you want to hear. Just go to (http://go.crooked.com/survey) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Amber Scorah (@amberscorah) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) discuss Amber’s new book - Leaving the Witness: Exiting a Religion and Finding a Life. Together, they break into Amber’s former faith with the Jehovah's Witnesses, her complicated marital affair, and a subsequent exit from the church. Amber opens up about her current outlook on religion, and explains how she came to terms with her son’s sudden death. It’s more heartwarming than it sounds, we promise! Thanks to our sponsors! Did you know that millennials have 3 times as much student debt as their parents? That’s not right. But you can get your student loans right by refinancing your loans with SoFi. It’s a fast and easy process––all online––and only takes 2 minutes to check your rate. Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands. Check your rate in 2 minutes on sofi.com/CROOKED. Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS and get free shipping on your first order. Cats are natural born predators - that's why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) meet for their monthly airing of grievances. Rick and Ana discuss how America is quickly becoming dismissed on the world stage, why a White House social media summit is the pinnacle of dum-dum behavior, how fetishization of normalization is unpleasant, and how the executive order overreaches of the Obama administration (which once caused Republicans to self-immolate) seem quaint in retrospect. Also: A New Game! (What? We can have new games. Lovett doesn’t have a trademark on new games. Lovett, come play our games!) Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. Quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS to save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss how she built the anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action from the ground up. Shannon’s new book Fight Like A Mother is both a memoir, but also a handbook for replicating these triumphs, as a sort of Activism for Dummies. Ana and Shannon honestly examine MDA’s origins, successes, goals, failures, and how to forge intersectional relationships with surprising allies. Thanks to our Sponsors! ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Answer a few simple questions to find your perfect fit in 60 seconds. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Anna Merlan (@annamerlan) helps us Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) parse America’s increasingly conspiratorial culture. Anna spent eight years covering conspiracy groups and just came out with a book, Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and Their Surprising Rise to Power. Join us as we discuss vaccinations, UFOs, spying on Quakers, and finding a path forward. Also, check out our bonus mega-mix of Anna Merlin, Will Sommer, Heather Armstrong, Tommy Orange, Will Sommer again, and Vann Newkirk and their most ridiculous secret beliefs. (We had to end Conspiracy Month in the strangest way possible.) Thanks to our sponsors! Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condense them down into just 15 minutes that you can read or listen to. Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. Bombas are made from super-soft, natural cotton, and every pair comes with arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s comfy but not too thick. With many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles, Buy your Bombas at BOMBAS.com/friends TODAY, and get twenty percent off your first purchase. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS The New Yorker represents the best writing in America today. To get a 12 week subscription for just $6 (thats half off!), the New Yorker tote bag, home delivery of the print edition each week, unlimited access to exclusive content on newyorker.com, access to their apps, online archive, crossword puzzles, and more - go to NewYorker.com/FRIENDS We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Vann Newkirk (@fivefifths) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss conspiracy and its complex relationship with marginalized groups. Why does conspiratorial thinking appeal to those who feel “othered” within their society? Vann walks us through how the historic mistreatment of people of color has created a baseline of skepticism that can grow into full-on conspiracy. As Vann says: “Black Americans’ belief in conspiracy theories is like the Farmers’ Almanac: accurate enough to keep using.” Thanks to our Sponsors! Most of us have the best of intentions to eat better, cut back on takeout, and spend more time with the family. And then real life happens. Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS. A good night’s sleep is like a magic remedy for the brain and body. When we sleep well, we’re more focused and relaxed. And best of all, sleep makes us happier. To establish new habits that support your happiest, healthiest self. For a limited time, With Friends Like These listeners get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/FRIENDS. Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt. Did you know that millennials have 3 times as much student debt as their parents? That’s not right. But you can get your student loans right by refinancing your loans with SoFi. It’s a fast and easy process––all online––and only takes 2 minutes to check your rate. Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands. Check your rate in 2 minutes on sofi.com/CROOKED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Will Sommer (@willsommer) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for a discussion of his work in exploring the wide-spread radicalization of mostly middle-aged people who think a shadowy cabal is going to take revenge on everyone they don’t like. And also make other people (including the still living JFK Jr.) like them and support their cause? QAnon, it turns out, is a bit of a mess. Which you might expect from an ideology founded on the belief that Donald Trump is out here playing three-dimensional chess to save the world. Our conspiracy theory theme month plows ahead into dangerously confusing territory, so come play 17 Questions with The Daily Beast’s specialist on all things pizza and pedophiles! Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GET QUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for an exciting round of “Who’s Right and Who’s a Nut?” Jesse Walker reminds us that you don’t need a tinfoil hat to believe in conspiracy theories, and that they have surrounded us for centuries. Afterwards they talk about when conspiracy theories have been based in malice, versus when they have actually been true. This is your periodic reminder that the CIA is still terrifying! Afterwards, Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) joins Ana to discuss the contemporary issues that face Trans individuals in Trump’s America. Parker and Ana break down the ways the Trump administration slowly and gradually peeled back the few systemic protections that protected Trans individuals. They then shift to discuss the role the ways the media fails trans individuals by not addressing the gradual implementation of anti-Trans policies. While they navigate this modern landscape, they discuss issues that trans individuals have felt before Trump - including access to medical care, fair employment, amd access to housing. Thanks to our sponsors! Original Grain watches are absolutely beautiful, and they have an incredible selection of unique and stylish watches for both Men and Women. Visit Original Grain dot com to see for yourself, and again, be sure to use the code FRIENDS at checkout to save 30% off your order. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. They even have men’s and kid’s boxes, too! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Imagine this scenario: the surface temperature of your bed gradually adjusts to wake you up gently and naturally, without the sound of the alarm. Imagine now waking up rested and alert. Not science fiction. This is the new Pod by EightSleep. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Adam Savage (@donttrythis) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about his new book “Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It.” They talk about glue, principles of metal working, and how to forgive yourself when you mess up. Afterwards, they talk about why we are going to need radical empathy in order to make it through these troubling times. Finally, they discuss the myths that refuse to die, including the voices in your head telling you that you are not enough. Ana is then joined by new Crooked Host Rebecca Nagle (@rebeccanagle) who talks about her new show This Land. The first episode premieres June 3rd. Subscribe now at thislandpodcast.com and wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks to our sponsors! We’ve all faced this dilemma at the end of a long day... Make a healthy, homemade dinner... OR take the quick and easy route. Gobble gives us the best of both worlds. This is the meal prep service that makes it simple to cook delicious, nutritious meals ...in just 15 minutes! Get 6 Meals for just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS ZipRecruiter sends your job to over 100 of the web’s leading job boards. But they don’t stop there. With their powerful matching technology, ZipRecruiter scans thousands of resumes to find people with the right experience and invites them to apply to your job. Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ZipRecruiter.com/friends We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. But even if we try really hard to eat kale salads and drink green smoothies, we’re still most likely not getting all of the essential nutrients we need on a daily basis. Enter: Ritual, the obsessively-researched vitamin for women. Fill in the gaps in your diet with Essential for Women--a small step that helps support a healthy foundation for your body. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS for 10% your first three months. No one really has time to go to the post office. You’re busy. Who’s got time for all that traffic, parking, lugging all your mail and packages? It’s a real hassle! That’s why you need Stamps.com – one of the most popular time-saving tools for small businesses. Stamps.com eliminates trips to the Post Office AND saves you money with discounts that you can’t even get at the Post Office! Get a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS The Pod by EightSleep is a high-tech bed designed specifically to help you achieve optimal sleep fitness. And there's a reason why Time Magazine calls Eight one of the best inventions of last year. It combines dynamic temperature regulation and sleep tracking to enhance your rest and recovery. It learns your sleep habits and adjusts the temperature automatically.That means if you like the bed cool; your partner likes the bed warm - now you can have both at the same time. And no more alarm clocks. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of a Native American person what comes to your mind? Is it a sports decal? Is it Tonto on the Lone Ranger? Did you just think of all of the White people you know who claim to have Native ancestry? This week writer Tommy Orange (@thommyorange) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to unpack those stereotypes and talk about his book, There, There. They begin with a conversation on the violence Native people have suffered, and why resilience is not the right word. Afterwards they talk about why Native Americans are not a monolith. Finally they talked about the complexity of Thanksgiving, what schools need to change about teaching Thanksgiving, and advice for having a more mindful dinner that was originally about a land deal. Thanks to our sponsors! Some of the most important time we spend with our families is around the dinner table...Sharing our day... connecting...creating memories…Gobble gets that – This meal prep service makes it quick and easy to cook nutritious, delicious meals. Go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS to get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Bombas are the most comfortable socks in the history of feet. They’re made from super-soft, natural cotton, and every pair comes with arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s comfy but not too thick. With many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles, Bombas look great in the gym, at the office, and out on the town. Bombas are what feet daydream about. Bombas.com/FRIENDS Have you heard about this company making stylish shoes for women and girls out of recycled plastic water bottles? Oh, and they’re insanely comfortable and machine washable. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. Go to Rothys.com and enter “wflt” to get your new favorite flats and free shipping. The New Yorker represents the best writing in America today. Beyond publishing the best writers in the world, The New Yorker holds people in power accountable through rigorous reporting and compelling storytelling. Both online and in print, The New Yorker covers a full range of topic, including politics, news, international affairs, climate change and the environment, popular culture and the arts, and fiction. Get 12 weeks of The New Yorker for just $6, plus the exclusive tote. Go to newyorker.com/FRIENDS. Listeners save 50% when they enter FRIENDS. If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y’all ever create a constitutional crisis to own the libs? This week, Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk Ana down after another week of neverending bad news. They discuss light topics such as the recent pro-forced birth laws in Alabama and Georgia, the need for democrats to campaign in the Midwest, and the future of our country. Afterwards, Jordan Klepper (@jordanklepper) comes on to talk about the formation of his new show Klepper, and what it means to weaponize your privilege when your show is based on a flawed premise. Jordan reminds us that there are people working for good, and that the world is not ending quite yet-- at least not without a fight. Want to help that fight for good? Follow this link to make sure all people with uteri have access to safe abortions: https://abortionfunds.org/ We care about facts on this show! Click here for one article about Obama voters who switched to Trump. Click here for an article about Obama voters that stayed home. Click here for a map of that switch. Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GET QUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? With Stitch Fix, a stylist will do all the work for you! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. HASK hair care products are used on more Hollywood Film & TV sets than any other brand. HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Depression and Suicide. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. You are worthy of love and you deserve to be alive. This week Heather Armstrong (@dooce) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to discuss family, a changing work world-- and also going into several medically induced comas to cure her depression. They begin by unpacking that depression and why going to the extreme to find solutions seemed like the only option. They talk about what contributed to her depression spiral, and how she climbed her way out of it. Finally they talk about how climbing out of the hole changed her familial relationships, sometimes for the better. Tune in for a meaningful discussion on coming back from the brink. Thanks to our sponsors! Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Suicide and Sexual Assault What does it mean to be a well meaning white person? What does it mean to have to deal with well meaning white people? This week Damon Young (@DamonYoungVSB) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to grapple with those questions and more. They start with a conversation on vulnerability, and eventually move onto a broad discussion on race and intersectionality. Tune in for a meaningful conversation, and remember: it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Thanks to our sponsors! Some of the most important time we spend with our families is around the dinner table...Sharing our day... connecting...creating memories…Gobble gets that – This meal prep service makes it quick and easy to cook nutritious, delicious meals. Go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS to get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Fully’s Jarvis is the best-reviewed standing desk online. Jarvis is gorgeous, and surprisingly affordable, and it will change your relationship to work. Jarvis is adjustable, so you can switch positions, whenever your body tells you to. Fully will be your partner in reimagining what your work can feel like. To transform your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS From D3 to Omega 3, Ritual's Essential for Women helps fill gaps in a woman’s diet. Their no-nausea capsule design is gentle on an empty stomach, and there's a mint tab in every bottle to keep things fresh—so you don't get that fishy aftertaste common with most Omega-3s. Get 10% off during your first three months at ritual.com/FRIENDS HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many misconceptions surrounding poverty in America. Author Stephanie Land (@stepville) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her experiences as a maid and how those myths affect policy and perceptions of low income people. They talked about what government should be doing, and what individual people can do to make other’s lives easier. Afterwards they dive into the psychological effects of poverty and coping mechanisms. Stephanie leaves us with some tangible advice: offer to babysit, and flush your damn toilet. Interested in Stephanie’s book? Click here to purchase a copy. Thanks to our sponsors! With Gobble, your meal kit is delivered fresh to your doorstep each week. There’s no planning, shopping... or even prepping for the meal. Get dinner for two for 3 Nights – for just $36! Only available if you go to my special URL. Get this special offer now - go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS Have you heard about this company making stylish shoes for women and girls out of recycled plastic water bottles? Oh, and they’re insanely comfortable and machine washable. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. Go to Rothys.com and enter wflt to get your new favorite flats and free shipping. Sticking to a weight loss plan can be hard, especially when you don’t know how to handle the thoughts and obstacles that hold you back from making progress. Most people who lose weight gain it all back. Why? Because most weight loss plans just tell you what to do while you’re on the plan, not after. With Noom you’ll lose the guilt and learn how to develop a new relationship with food. What do you have to lose? Visit noom.com/FRIENDS to start your trial today. No one really has time to go to the post office. You’re busy. Who’s got time for all that traffic, parking, lugging all your mail and packages? It’s a real hassle! That’s why you need Stamps.com – one of the most popular time-saving tools for small businesses. Stamps.com eliminates trips to the Post Office AND saves you money with discounts that you can’t even get at the Post Office! Right now, my listeners get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Sexual Assault Got Mueller Madness? Join Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) as they get up from a fetal position and debrief the Mueller Report. They begin with a quick review of the day from the perspective of the White House and various media outlets. Afterwards they talk about what it will take to defeat Trump in 2020, and which candidates they think can make it in this reality tv-esque election cycle. Turn off that NPR coverage and tune in. Thanks to our sponsors! The Pod by EightSleep is a high-tech bed designed specifically to help you achieve optimal sleep fitness. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/friends. One of the most important things we do for our health every day is brushing our teeth, yet most of us don’t do it properly. Quip is a better electric toothbrush created by dentists and designers. quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you get your first refill pack for FREE with a quip electric toothbrush. If you guys don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Every Monday and Thursday, you can catch her and her two co-hosts, Michael Arceneaux and Cole Wiley, with their insightful and entertaining hot takes on the day’s top stories in news, sports, politics, music and other important issues...like why the best parties are the ones you sneak in to. The podcast’s guest list will also include some of the biggest names in culture and entertainment. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Article is an online-only furniture copy. By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high. No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. ARTICLE IS OFFERING OUR LISTENERS $50 OFF THEIR FIRST PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE. TO CLAIM, VISIT ARTICLE.com/FRIENDS AND THE DISCOUNT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED AT CHECKOUT. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined by Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) to talk about why scrolling down your news feed has become such a painful and depressing chore. Kathleen Hall Jamieson breaks down the rise of cynicism in the last 25 years and what the American media consumer can do to turn things around. Later, Jay Rosen joins Ana to talk about why political journalists need to stop trying to outsmart each other constantly. Jay tells us, we can’t critique a bullet as it comes towards us. We promise you, there are solutions. Read more about Kathleen Hall Jamieson’s work here Read more about Jay Rosen’s work here P.S. Ana would like to attribute her line, dystopia is here, it’s just unequally distributed, to writer William Gibson. Thanks to our sponsors! Robinhood is an investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptos, all commission-free. While other brokerages charge up to $10 for every trade, Robinhood doesn’t charge any commission fees, so you can trade stocks and keep all of your profits.With Robinhood, you can learn how to invest in the market as you build your portfolio. Discover new stocks, track your favorite companies, and get custom notifications for price movements so you never miss the right moment to invest. Robinhood is giving listeners of With Friends Like These a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at crookedfriends.robinhood.com. Article brings you beautiful, well-made furniture with a focus on Scandinavian simplicity. Article is offering our listeners $50 off their first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit Article.com/FRIENDS. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. HASK hair care products are used on more Hollywood Film & TV sets than any other brand. HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS. The Pink Tax is the extra amount of money women are charged every year for basic goods and services. And it adds up...to $1,351 every year. Yeah, for real. The Pink Tax is charging women more money on everything from baby bottles to canes! Toys, personal care products, clothes, dry-cleaning. Yes, dry-cleaning. See for yourself at AxThePinkTax.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need some advice on how to deal with that one uncle who brings up the Birther Conspiracy at every family gathering? This week journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) joins host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss to radicalization of older people. One of our listeners, Holly Griffith, is a NASA rocket scientist. She wrote to us because she’s experienced a huge disconnect with her mother over fake news related nonsense. She called-in and discussed some of the trauma of losing a parent to Russian troll-farm memes. But that led us to asking a specialist about why 55+ is the target age for radicalizing older people with nonsense. That’s why Eli outlines how we got here and the reasons why fake news has persisted. Afterwards, there’s a discussion of the things we can do as individuals to make a difference. Although Eli tells us that you probably will not be able to straighten out your uncle by Easter or Passover dinner, he reminds us that there are plenty of success stories and that there is hope yet. Thanks to our sponsors! Most of us have the best of intentions to eat better, cut back on takeout, and spend more time with the family. And then real life happens. Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS. The Pink Tax is the extra amount of money women are charged every year for basic goods and services. And it adds up...to $1,351 every year. Yeah, for real. The Pink Tax is charging women more money on everything from baby bottles to canes! Toys, personal care products, clothes, dry-cleaning. Yes, dry-cleaning. See for yourself at AxThePinkTax.com. Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from food—all in their clean, absorbable forms. No shady additives or ingredients that can do more harm to your body than good. Get 10% off during your first three months at ritual.com/FRIENDS Fully’s standing desks and collection of active chairs, give you the freedom to move, stretch, and be in healthier, more comfortable positions that work for your body’s unique and changing needs as they change throughout the day. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. And right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS. Plus, you’ll get free shipping on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Nausheena Hussain (@nausheena) and Beth Gendler (@bethgendler) join host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to remind us that asking invasive questions requires a strong relationship, and that the internet is free! Nausheena and Beth talk about how their relationship formed over a common interest in stopping gun violence, and grew into a solidarity movement known as Muslim-Jewish Women on Minnesota. Afterwards they explore how White privilege affects not just their friendship, but the way that they show up for each other and how a typical meeting looks. Finally, they talk about changing minds, and when it’s time to call out, versus when it’s time to call in. Nausheena and Beth tell us that changing minds and building coalitions may seem daunting, but when in doubt, start by sharing a meal. Want to learn more about Nausheena’s work with RISE and Beth’s work with NCJW? Follow this link: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2019/events/PP82441 Follow this link to learn more about when to call in and when to call out: https://crooked.com/podcast/life-during-wartime-language-talking-with-a-former-white-nationalist-turned-sjw/ Thanks to our sponsors! Today we are sponsored by European Wax Center’s Ax The Pink Tax campaign. The Pink Tax is the extra amount of money women are charged every year for basic goods and services. And it adds up...to $1,351 every year. Yeah, for real. See for yourself at AxThePinkTax.com Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Stitch Fix’s styling fee is only $20—which is applied toward anything you keep from your shipment! Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Once you try shoes that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable, you’re never going to wear anything else. Head to rothys.com and get free shipping with code wflt. ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the blockbuster Cohen testimony, there’s a lot to be unpacked about how the Trump family handles relationships, and in particular how Trump has spent his entire life commodifying and branding women. Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined this week by Nina Burleigh (@ninaburleigh) who is Newsweek’s national politics editor. She wrote the book “Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women” which picks apart systematic and generational issues within America’s Worst Family. Who is complicit and who is a casualty and who is a criminal and who is capitalism made manifest? Spoiler: it’s less of a straight answer than a Venn diagram. Thanks to our sponsors! Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Gobble is an easy – and delicious – way to create a healthy meal routine for your busy family. They’re offering my listeners this fantastic, limited time deal: 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Get this special offer now - go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS Fully’s standing desks and collection of active chairs, give you the freedom to move, stretch, and be in healthier, more comfortable positions that work for your body’s unique and changing needs as they change throughout the day. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS. Using millions of real women’s measurements, ThirdLove designs its bras with breast size and shape in mind for an impeccable fit and incredible feel. ThirdLove’s team of expert Fit Stylists are dedicated to helping you find your perfect fit. If you don’t love their product, returns and exchanges are free and easy. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Article is an online-only furniture copy. By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high. No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. ARTICLE IS OFFERING OUR LISTENERS $50 OFF THEIR FIRST PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE. TO CLAIM, VISIT ARTICLE.com/FRIENDS. Produced by Brock Wilbur. Studio engineering by Chris Basil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jussie Smollett. Yeah. That whole thing. Ugh. Ughhhh. This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviewed Rolling Stone journalist Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) about how to untangle this mess. There’s a rising trend in hate crime and organized hate groups across the country, and as a society we lack the tools to parse solutions to these developments. Jamil discusses the implications of this trending disaster, and how our Commander-in-chief is leading the charge towards a dangerous and divided America. And what 2020 candidates should be learning from this. Thank to our sponsors! People brush too hard and some electric toothbrushes are too abrasive. Quip’s built-in two minute timer pulses every 30 seconds to remind you when to switch sides and help you to clean your whole mouth evenly. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! Robinhood is an investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETF’s, options, and cryptos- all commission-free. It’s a non-intimidating way for stock market newcomers to invest for the first time with true confidence. Robinhood is simple and Intuitive- clear design with data presented in an easy-to-digest way. Robinhood is giving listeners a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help build your portfolio! Sign up at crookedfriends.robinhood.com. Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? Even if your 2019 got off on a rocky start, each new day brings an opportunity to start again. To establish new habits that support your happiest, healthiest self. For a limited time, With Friends Like These listeners get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription atCALM.COM/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you’re going out to dinner, or sitting at home with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, Valentine’s Day offers unique problems for everyone. This week, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviewed Blythe Roberson (@blythelikehappy) to talk about the modern pitfalls of dating men, when sometimes you can’t stand them. In her new book, How to Date Men When You Hate Men, Blythe Roberson covers the sexism that gets excused in the dating world, and why women often feel the need to be desirable in the eyes of the patriarchy. Afterwards, Ana interviewed Amy Chozick (@amychozick) to talk about the Lorena Bobbitt story, the way we often devalue the stories of women, and how to change her legacy to one of a tabloid feature to one of a survivor. Thank to our sponsors! Whether it’s a truck to help on moving day, a swishy sports car for a luxurious weekend away, or a vintage van for a picture-perfect road trip, Turo lets you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure. Listeners will get $25 off their first trip when they sign up for Turo and use promo code Friends at checkout. Terms apply. Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Gobble is an easy – and delicious – way to create a healthy meal routine for your busy family. They’re offering my listeners this fantastic, limited time deal: 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Get this special offer now - go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Instead of the hundreds you’d pay at a framing store, their prices start at $39 and ALL shipping is FREE. Plus my listeners will get 15% off their first order at Framebridge.com when they use my code FRIENDS. Rothy’s is the everyday flat for life on the go. It’s stylish, classic, comfortable and comes in four fashionable styles – The Flat, the Point, the Loafer, and The Sneaker for women AND girls. Go to Rothys.com and enter WFLT to get your new favorite flats and free shipping. Postage rates have gone up AGAIN. Thankfully, Stamps.com can ease the pain with big discounts off Post Office retail rates. Right now, my/our listeners get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale. See for yourself why over 700,000 small businesses use Stamps.com. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in this week for a double interview feature! First, Dr. Tressie Cottom joined Ana Marie Cox for “the hot take superbowl.” They began by recapping the Northam debacle in Virginia and where it fits into our historical moment. They continued with a discussion of Dr. Cottom’s new book THICK: And Other Essays. From Betsy Devos to our society’s flawed concept of beauty, Dr. Cottom wrote about her personal experiences with all of it. Ana then interviewed Erika Christensen about her experience with later abortion. They discussed what it meant to take such a private moment and make it public, as well as the real life implications of policy decisions surrounding a women’s right to choose. Follow the links to hear more about Erika’s Story. Thanks to our sponsors! Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Blinkist is made of busy people like you, who want to get the main points of the books quickly without reading the entire book. With an audio feature, Blinkist makes it so easy to finish 4 books a day while you are on the go. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/friends to start your free 7 day trial. Fully’s standing desks and collection of active chairs, give you the freedom to move, stretch, and be in healthier, more comfortable positions that work for your body’s unique and changing needs as they change throughout the day. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. There’s no subscription required. You can sign up to receive scheduled shipments, or get your “Fix” whenever you want! Stitch Fix’s styling fee is only $20—which is applied toward anything you keep from your shipment! Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from our diets—all in their purest, cleanest forms. No shady additives or ingredients that actually do more harm to your body than good. Better health doesn’t happen overnight. Start your year with Essential for Women—a small step that helps create a healthy foundation for 2019, and beyond. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week proud Kansas native Sarah Smarsh (@Sarah_Smarsh) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her new book Heartland: A Memoir of Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth. From not knowing you’re poor, to feeling shame about your social class, Sarah Smarsh covers what growing up white and working class is like. Next, they discussed the intersection of public policy and private life, and why accurate media portrayal of poverty matters. Sarah ended by adding onto the call for representation amongst journalists and other media figures: “If we don’t know who we are, and we’re just going by these reductive and simplistic narratives, then how can we ever solve the problem?” Thanks to our sponsors! ZipRecruiter finds qualified candidates FOR you. Its powerful matching technology scans thousands of resumes to identify people with the right skills, education, and experience — and actively invites them to apply to your job. So, you get qualified candidates fast. Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ZipRecruiter.com/friends Using millions of real women’s measurements, ThirdLove designs its bras with breast size and shape in mind for an impeccable fit and incredible feel. ThirdLove’s team of expert Fit Stylists are dedicated to helping you find your perfect fit. If you don’t love their product, returns and exchanges are free and easy. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Article is an online-only furniture copy. By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high. No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. ARTICLE IS OFFERING OUR LISTENERS $50 OFF THEIR FIRST PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE. TO CLAIM, VISIT ARTICLE.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about the government shutdown, and the newest implications of the Trump presidency. They covered how Trump’s decisions have affected everyone from Congress to the average American citizen. Afterwards, they talked about coping; teaching that taking care of yourself can be macro and take the form of activism, or micro and just involve sitting on the couch with a loved one, or a loved pet. Tune in for your weekly reminder that none of this is normal! Thanks to our sponsors! People brush too hard and some electric toothbrushes are too abrasive. Quip’s built-in two minute timer pulses every 30 seconds to remind you when to switch sides and help you to clean your whole mouth evenly. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. Robinhood is an investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETF’s, options, and cryptos- all commission-free. It’s a non-intimidating way for stock market newcomers to invest for the first time with true confidence. Robinhood is simple and Intuitive- clear design with data presented in an easy-to-digest way. Robinhood is giving listeners a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help build your portfolio! Sign up at crookedfriends.robinhood.com. That’s crookedfriends dot robinhood dot com. Did you know that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? Even if your 2019 got off on a rocky start, each new day brings an opportunity to start again. To establish new habits that support your happiest, healthiest self. For a limited time, With Friends Like These listeners get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/FRIENDS. Fully’s standing desks and collection of active chairs, give you the freedom to move, stretch, and be in healthier, more comfortable positions that work for your body’s unique and changing needs as they change throughout the day. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever cancelled a celebrity? Do you believe you can separate the art from the artist? Do Twitter arguments and trending hashtags matter in the real world? This week Dianna Anderson (@diannaeanderson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to answer all these questions and more. In her new book, Problematic: How Toxic Callout Culture is Destroying Feminism, Dianna Anderson ponders the strive towards perfectionism in the feminist movement and the positive and negative implications of that struggle, as it seeps into mainstream culture. Together, Ana and Dianna talk about what it means to be called out, what it’s like to experience it, and where to go from there. Thanks to our sponsors! Ritual’s Essentials have the nutrients most of us don’t get enough of from our diets—all in their purest, cleanest forms. No shady additives or ingredients that actually do more harm to your body than good. Better health doesn’t happen overnight. Start your year with Essential for Women—a small step that helps create a healthy foundation for 2019, and beyond. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today. The experts at Framebridge will custom frame your item and deliver your finished piece directly to your door, ready to hang. Instead of the hundreds you’d pay at a framing store, their prices start at $39 and ALL shipping is FREE. Go toFramebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS to save an additional 15% off your first order. Unlike other job sites, ZipRecruiter finds qualified candidates FOR you.Its powerful matching technology… scans thousands of resumes to identify people with the right skills, education, and experience — and actively invites them to apply to your job — so you get qualified candidates fast. Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ZipRecruiter.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about her own experiences as a writer and an academic and pass out some advice along the way. They began by talking about the changes in comedy in the age of widespread “wokeness.” They covered broader social issues, and eventually got on a more personal level: the pressure to become a mother and what it means to reject it. Ashley offered a potential solution to the jealousy and resentment women sometimes feel when they’re pitted against each other. Finally, Ashley had a suggestion for white people who think they need to have some black friends. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now they are offering 15% off your first order! Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra. Robinhood is an investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFS, options, and cryptos- all commission-free. Other brokerages charge up to $10 for every trade, but Robinhood doesn’t charge commission fees- trade stocks and keep all of your profits. Robinhood is giving listeners a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help build your portfolio! Sign up at crookedfriends.robinhood.com. Article is an online-only furniture copy. By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high. No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. Article is offering With Friends Like These listeners $50 off their first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit Article.com/FRIENDS and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The typical American family holiday can be characterized by the three F’s: food, family, and football. This week Ana Marie Cox (@amc) and Mina Kimes (@minakimes) talked about the intersections of sports and politics, and why football isn’t the safest dinner table topic anymore. They began with the importance of football both personally and politically, and continued by talking what it’s like to be a woman covering a traditionally masculine subject. Finally, they covered the NFL’s non reaction to domestic violence, and the activism done by female athletes before and during the #MeToo movement. Thanks to our sponsors! Calm, the #1 app to help you meditate, sleep and relax. If you head to CALM.COM/FRIENDS, you’ll get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription, which includes hundreds of hours of programs including guided meditations on issues like anxiety, stress, and focus, including a brand new meditation each day called the Daily Calm. Article is an online-only furniture copy. By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high. No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. Article is offering my listeners $50 off their first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit Article.com/FRIENDS and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. Stamps.com brings all the amazing services of the U.S. Postal Service right to your computer. Right now, you can enjoy the Stamps.com service with a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS postage AND a digital scale. Go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Ritual, the obsessively-researched vitamin for women. For obsessive label readers, all of Ritual’s vegan-friendly, sugar-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-free ingredients—and their sources—are 100% out there for the whole world to see. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 30% of registered voters are Republican, but almost half of them don’t support Trump as of 2018. What happens to the other half? This week Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about being in the other half, and the split in the Republican party. They began with a conversation on being conservative and the state of the GOP. They focused in on being a woman in a party that supported an overtly sexist president. Afterwards they debated the rise of Trump and the role of the Tea Party. Finally they talked about what gaslighting means and why it’s important in our current political context. Thanks to our sponsors! At Dropbox we’re building a home for all of your team’s work and the conversation around it, with a suite of tools that maximizes inspiration and minimizes distraction. Because when teams are in flow, everything just clicks. Visit Dropbox.com/flow ThirdLove designs its bras with breast size and shape in mind, using thousands of real women’s measurements, so that they fit perfectly and feel even better. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about being a meteorologist in a time where climate change has reached both a critical point scientifically and politically. From making small personal decisions, to fighting for large scale societal changes, Eric and Ana cover the activism being done and why we can’t give up yet. Tune in to see how you can fight your existential dread concerning global warming and come up with your own solutions. Thanks to our sponsors! The Talkspace platform has over 2,000 licensed therapists who are experienced in addressing life challenges we all face. To match with a perfect therapist for a fraction of the price of traditional therapy, go toTalkspace.com/WFLT, and use the code WFLT to get $45 off your first month and show your support for this show. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! If you head to CALM.COM/FRIENDS , you’ll get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription, which includes hundreds of hours of programs including Guided meditations on issues like anxiety, stress, and focus - and Sleep Stories, their bedtime stories for adults, designed to help you relax before you doze off. Head to the lavender fields of France with Stephen Fry or explore New Zealand with Jerome Flynn from ‘Game of Thrones.’ ExpressVPN secures and anonymizes your internet browsing by encrypting your data and hiding your public IP address. To take back your Internet privacy TODAY and find out how you can get 3 months free, go to EXPRESSVPN.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week With Friends Like These is coming to you live from the 6th Annual Women Rule Summit in D.C. In this episode Anna Palmer (@apalmerdc) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) talked to Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) about going from actress to activist. Piper shared her journey from simply wanting to help, to being willing to get arrested for what she believed in. They talked about what it means to really be an ally, and how to listen and help those who are marginalized without taking over their causes. They reflected on the privilege of having such a large platform, and how to use it for good. They ended by talking about what’s next and how we can keep the momentum of political involvement going. Thanks to our sponsors! Ritual Essential for Women is...the multivitamin, reimagined. Whether you’re living life—or creating it—why not add some good looking science into your daily routine? Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today. Squarespace provides beautiful templates created by world-class designers, Powerful eCommerce functionality lets you sell anything online and the ability to customize look and feel, settings, products, and more with just a few clicks. Go to Squarespace.com/crooked for a free trial and when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code FRIENDS to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Policygenius is the easy way to get life insurance. In minutes you can compare quotes from top insurers to find the coverage you need, at a price you can afford. If you’ve been intimidated or frustrated by insurance in the past, give Policygenius a try. Just go to Policygenius.com to get your quotes and apply in minutes. You can do the whole thing on your phone right now. Buy and print official U.S. postage for ANY letter, ANY package, ANY class of mail using your own computer and printer…then the mail carrier picks it up. No trips to the Post Office required. It couldn’t be easier. And right now, you too can enjoy the Stamps.com service with a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS postage AND a digital scale without long-term commitments. Go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Gore, Violence This week Dr. Carol Anderson (@ProfCAnderson) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about current events in the context of her new book, One Person, No Vote. They covered an intensive history of voting rights and the violence in those battles. Dr. Carol Anderson clarified the lie that is the American dream, and talked with Ana about the work that needs to be done by White people to stop the onslaught of violence that People of Color face day in and day out. They ended with a discussion of where our battles are today, and what we need to do truly create change in a country that was built on White Supremacy. Want to read more about the data and stories talked about in this episode? Click these links to read about why Obamacare enrollees voted for Trump, the murder of Mary Turner, why Democrats shouldn’t reach out to Trump voters, the reality of the Trump demographic, and the reality of the working class demographic. Thanks to our sponsors! Fully’s careful selection of active sitting chairs is what really separates them from any other furniture company. It’s just a smarter, healthier way to work. A more balanced, human way to work. To get your body moving in your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS. Sun Basket has been rated the #1 meal kit by leading publications and it’s no wonder why: they offer 18 weekly recipes with options for Paleo, Gluten-free, Mediterranean, Lean & Clean, Vegan and more! Go to Sun Basket.com/FRIENDS today to learn more and get $35 off your first order! ThirdLove designs its bras with breast size and shape in mind, using thousands of real women’s measurements, so that they fit perfectly and feel even better. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Everlane only makes premium essentials for men and women, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. And they tell you their real costs, so you know you’re never overpaying. Go to Everlane.com/FRIENDS and you’ll get free shipping on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Suicide. If you are struggling with any of these issues, please click the link in the content warning. You are loved and there is help available. This week Kiese Laymon (@KieseLaymon) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to have a meaningful and intimate conversation about his new book, Heavy: An American Memoir. They talked about what it’s like deal with other people’s difficult stories, as well as how they cope with their own. Afterwards, they connected the concept of the body to struggles that we face internally with our own issues and externally with political and social issues. They ended with the idea, that despite the heavy things we face, we have the ability to learn to love ourselves and others. Thanks the our sponsors! Ritual Essential for Women fills the gaps in a woman’s diet, all with a fresh minty flavor, and no fishy aftertaste. Whether you’re living life—or creating it—why not add some good looking science into your daily routine? Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS to start your ritual today. Framebridge makes it ridiculously easy and affordable to custom frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the photos on your phone. Here’s how it works: Just go to Framebridge.com and upload your photo. Or, they’ll send you packaging to safely mail in your physical pieces. Use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Brooklinen works directly with manufacturers and directly with customers, no middlemen – meaning they can give you 5-star hotel quality sheets that are affordable and easy to order. Get $20 off AND free shipping when you use promo code friends at Brooklinen.com. Stamps.com brings all the services of the U.S. Post Office right to your desktop. enjoy the Stamps.com service with a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS postage AND a digital scale without long-term commitments. Go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CW: Sexual Assault. If you are struggling with sexual assault, there is help available. Please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 This week Diana Butler Bass (@dianabutlerbass) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk about gratefulness, and the contradictions that ensue. They asked what it means to celebrate Thanksgiving, when you’re on stolen land. Afterwards, they talked about being grateful when there appears to be nothing to be grateful for, especially in the face of injustice. Finally, they made a distinction between optimism and hopefulness, attempting to change the paradigm on what effective gratitude looks like. Thanks to our sponsors! To match with a perfect therapist for a fraction of the price of traditional therapy, go to Talkspace.com/WFLT, and use the code WFLT to get $45 off your first month and show your support for this show. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box! ExpressVPN secures and anonymizes your internet browsing by encrypting your data and hiding your public IP address. To take back your Internet privacy TODAY and find out how you can get 3 months free, go toEXPRESSVPN.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to talk about the 2018 Midterms. They began with a broader analysis of the Blue Wave that narrowed down into a discussion about Florida, Georgia, and voter suppression. They moved onto what they struggled with in the election, and what will happen next in terms of the White House, investigations, and potential policy. Thanks to our sponsors! To listen on Spotify, just open the app, tap search, type in your favorite show name, and get streaming. Download the free app today and start listening to podcasts on Spotify. With Squarespace, the power is in your hands to really make your website your own. You can customize the look and feel, settings, products, and more with just a few clicks. Head to Squarespace.com/FRIENDS for a free trial and when you’re ready to launch, use the offer code FRIENDS to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for YOU. Buy and print official U.S. postage for ANY letter, ANY package using your own computer & printer, and the mail carrier picks it up. Right Now- use FRIENDS for this SPECIAL OFFER, which includes up to $55 Free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial. Policygenius is the easy way to get life insurance online. In just two minutes you can compare quotes from the top insurers to find the best policy for you. Just go to Policygenius.com, get your quotes, and apply in minutes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) joined host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to recap the 2018 midterm elections, and the work that led up to them. They began with a conversation on the demographic of White women and their voting patterns. They went into the history of why White women continually vote conservative, and the changes that were made this election to reach out to other marginalized and often disenfranchised communities. Finally, they talked about the work of intersectional feminist coalitions that were often devalued, and the importance of the diverse candidates who won. Thank you to our sponsors! ThirdLove designs its bras with breast size and shape in mind, using thousands of real women’s measurements, so that they fit perfectly and feel even better. Go to thirdlove.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! With just a few taps on your phone, Framebridge lets you create a one-of-a-kind gift that will win Christmas and make someone happy for years to come. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Everlane only makes premium essentials for men and women, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. And they tell you their real costs, so you know you’re never overpaying. Go to Everlane.com/FRIENDS and you’ll get free shipping on your first order. The Front Runner is based on the shocking true events that changed the path of a nation. Oscar-Nominee Hugh Jackman plays Gary Hart, the charismatic politician and overwhelming front runner for the 1988 Presidential election. Get involved and get your tickets to see The Front Runner. Text FRONT RUNNER to 26797. Message and data rates may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices