Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle

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

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) talked with journalist Eli Saslow (@elisaslow) and Derek Black (@RDerekBlack) about Derek Black’s transformation from a white nationalist to an antiracist activist. They began with current news and what Trump means for the rise of white nationalism into everyday life. Derek then talked about his background growing up as a white nationalist, and what it took for him to change his ideology. They continued with mistakes made by the media and within American culture that contributed to the normalization of white supremacy. They ended with a discussion of what it takes to change someone’s mind, and a sense of hope that it is possible. Thanks to our sponsors! This episode of With Friends Like These is brought to you by Ritual. 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 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. Go to Stamps.com, before you do anything else, click on the Radio Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. With Friends Like These is brought to you by the upcoming film The Front Runner, from Oscar-nominated director Jason Reitman who brought us Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up In The Air. Two things to do November 6th—vote! And see The Front Runner. Text FRONT RUNNER to 26797 to find your nearest polling place and buy your tickets to see The Front Runner. Most bedding is marked up as much as 300%. But by taking the middleman out of the equation and delivering directly to the customer, Brooklinen is able to give you luxury sheets without that luxury markup. Get $20 off AND free shipping when you use promo code [friends] at Brooklinen.com. Whatever you love to do, there’s a pair of Bombas that’ll add comfort to your life as you do it. They were created for runners, power walkers, power loungers, low-key fashionistas, snowboarders, business sharks, business casual sharks, people who prefer the outdoors, Netflix-and-chill-ers, and overall lovers of everyday comfort. If you go to bombas.com/FRIENDS and enter FRIENDS at checkout you’ll get 20% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s two part episode, Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) interviews Karamo Brown (@KaramoBrown) and Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy). Karamo and Ana talked about his work on Queer Eye, mental health, and what it means to be different in today’s society. Parker and Ana began with a conversation on the recent memo about legal status of Trans people released by the Trump administration. They moved onto what identity means to them, and what the term identity politics has come to mean. They closed by talking about the future of rights for the Trans population worldwide. Content Warning: Suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline either online or at 1-800-273-8255, or The Trevor Project online or at 1-866-488-7386. It’s never too late to reach out for help. Thanks to our sponsors! TripActions takes the pain out of corporate travel management with a complete solution that helps businesses SAVE and keeps employees happy. Go to TripActions.com/FRIENDS, attend a 30-minute demo, and you’ll get a hundred dollar Amazon gift card. 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! Today’s show is sponsored by Talkspace, the online therapy company that lets you message a licensed therapist from anywhere, at anytime. All you need is a computer with Internet connection, or the Talkspace mobile app. That means you can improve your mental health even if you’ve had trouble making time for it in the past. 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. No more sorting through the wrong resumes. No more waiting for the right candidates to apply. try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ZipRecruiter.com/friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Heather Havrilesky (@hhavrilesky) joined Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about her new book, her career, and politics. They began by discussing what 2016 meant personally and politically, and transitioned into a conversation about how feminism has changed in the era of Trump and the MeToo Movement. They ended by talking about their hopes for the 2018 midterm elections. Thanks to our sponsors! Listening to audiobooks inspires us, motivates us, even brings us closer. And there’s no better place to listen, than Audible. Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks on the planet. Try it free for 30 days by visiting audible.com/friends or by texting FRIENDS to 500500. Third Love 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. With cup sizes ranging from A through H and bands up to 48, Third Love has the most sizes of any brand. Get 15% off your first purchase by going to thirdlove.com/friends. 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. Get up to $55 Free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial by going to Stamps.com, and entering FRIENDS. 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 two-month VIP membership and bonus gift by going to Grove.co/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Disability Rights Activist Alice Wong (@SFdirewolf) to talk about what ableism looks like today and responses from the disabled activist community. They began with a discussion on language and how being disabled is perceived. They moved onto how the modern political landscape affects people who are disabled, and what Trump and Kavanaugh mean for healthcare decisions. Wong ended with a call to action and hope. Interested in Alice Wong’s work? Preorder her new book on Amazon. Thanks to our sponsors: Listening to audiobooks inspires us, motivates us, even brings us closer. And there’s no better place to listen, than Audible. Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks on the planet. And now, Audible members get more than ever before: each month they get 3 titles of their choice; 1 audiobook, 2 Audible Originals, and fitness programs that they can’t get anywhere else. Try it for free by visiting audible.com/friends or text friends to 500500 to start your 30 day free trial. Third Love 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. With cup sizes ranging from A through H and bands up to 48, Third Love has the most sizes of any brand. Just find your fit, order, and try it on at home. If you don’t love your bra, returns and exchanges are free and easy. Go to thirdlove.com/friends for 15% off your first order. 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. Use promo code friends for up to $55 Free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial. 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. Grove selects only the best non-toxic products that are good for you, your family, and your planet. Go to grove.co/friends to try a two-month VIP membership Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with author and Council of Foreign Relations fellow Max Boot (@MaxBoot). Max Boot described his reasons for leaving the Republican party. He mentioned the issues of Trump, as well as the deeper problems within the Conservative movement itself. Next, they talked about how identity plays into politics, and why as a Jew and an immigrant Boot could no longer be a part of his former party due to their treatment of minorities. They ended with a discussion on what was next for the Republican party, and what needs to happen in order for American politics to no longer move towards extremism. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to ubiome.com/friends to order a quick and easy at-home test that screens for microbes associated with IBS, IBD, pre-diabetes, and many other chronic conditions. Brooklinen gives you luxury sheets without that luxury markup. Visit brooklinen.com for sheets that don’t just feel great, but look great too. Use promo code FRIENDS for a special deal on shipping. There's a battle going on with the future of the internet and your right to privacy. ExpressVPN secures and anonymizes your internet browsing by encrypting your data and hiding your public IP address. Visit expressvpn.com/friends to keep hackers and spies from seeing your data. Framebridge makes 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 listeners will get 15% off their first order at Framebrige.com when they use my code FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TW: Sexual Assault If you’re not in a place where it’s ok to think about sexual assault, come back when you are! And if you have ever experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. If you’re ready to talk to someone about it, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or contact the Rape Abuse Incest National Network at online.rainn.org. This week Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) sat down with Republican writer Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson). They delved into the recent testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and the reactions from people across the country. The conversation shifted to the relationship between Democrats and Republicans and mistrust and miscommunication between the parties. They also discussed the women who have come forward with their own personal stories and the culture of sexual assault within this country. They ended by predicting the results of the confirmation and the future of the GOP’s message and direction. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at [email protected]. Thanks to our sponsors! Go to ubiome.com/friends to order a quick and easy at-home test that screens for microbes associated with IBS, IBD, pre-diabetes, and many other chronic conditions. Visit QUIP.com/FRIENDS to order a a better electric toothbrush created by dentists and designers and get your first refill pack for free. Head over to stichfitch.com/friends for a new online personal styling service and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all 5 items in your box! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Travon Free (@Travon), the star of the new HBO show Him or Her. They started things off by delving into the show’s premise: it’s largely based on Travon’s dating experiences as a black, bisexual male in America. That transitioned to a conversation about the importance of representation, something personal to Travon specifically because he hasn’t ever seen himself represented in popular movies or tv shows. Ana then shifted the conversation, asking Travon about his journey to realizing and accepting his sexuality. Growing up in a conservative Christian church made things more difficult, and eventually led him to stop attending and eventually led him to stop attending before adopting a new approach. Toward the close of the show, Travon continued on, and explained the ways he’s found acceptance of his sexuality later in life. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Check out CBS’ Murphy Brown, returning to the air Thursday, September 27th. Go to stamps.com, click on the radio microphone at the top of the homepage and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 Free postage, a digital scale, and a 4 week trial. Head to everlane.com/friends to check out Ana’s personalized selection and get free shipping on your first order. Visit squarespace.com/friends for a free trial and use the offer code FRIENDS when you’re ready to launch for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princeton University professor Robert Wuthnow (@RobertWuthnow), author of the book The Left Behind: Decline and Rage in Rural America, joined Ana (@anamariecox) this week to talk about his research. He and Ana began by exploring common misconceptions of rural America, and how rural Americans often conceive of themselves. Although he often found a perceived sense of “we-ness” within rural communities, that dynamic broke down when people shared their true opinions about things like marriage equality or a woman’s right to choose. Although many people held similar beliefs, the group was much less homogenous than they may have thought. Ana asked Robert about how the group dynamic can change, and he explained that the boundaries of the groups get complicated, because the divide between us and them is never as obvious as people may think it is. Ana also asked whether Robert had foreseen the rise of Donald Trump (spoiler alert: he hadn’t). Yet, he wasn’t surprised that people in rural America supported a Republican, as it merely continued a pattern established by the anti-abortion movement. Then, former Mayor of Minneapolis Betsy Hodges (@BetsyHodges) joined Ana to answer a listener question about allyship from Teresa, a listener who joined them on the line. You can find Robert’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email the show at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Visit thirdlove.com/friends for 15% off your first order. Get clean ingredients, backed by science at ritual.com/friends. Check out framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS for an additional 15% off your first order. Head to sunbasket.com/friends to get $35 off your first order.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick), author of the New York Times bestseller I Can’t Date Jesus. Their conversation kicked off with an exploration of Michael’s experience as a queer black man, how it is inherently political, and what that means in his daily life. They then talked about his work as a writer, and why he chose to write the book he wanted to rather than one craved by editors, that would have catered to a white audience. That turned the conversation towards representation, and what it takes for a black person to succeed in traditional media, namely an ability to speak to white people. Ana and Michael also dove into how he discovered his sexuality, and the ways that lack of representation not just of gay men, but black, Latino, and Asian men made that more difficult. They finished things off by talking about Michael’s family, and the influence they have not just on who he is, but on the book itself. His mother, a devout Catholic, still has issues with his sexuality, and he explained that despite them maintaining a relationship it remains a wedge. You can find Michael’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Visit Talkspace.com/WFLT and use the code WFLT for $45 off your first month of online therapy. Check out getquip.com/friends and get your first refill pack free with a quip electric toothbrush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s pod, Ana (@anamariecox) checked back in with Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to do something different: answer questions from listeners. Their wide-ranging conversation kicked off with Ana asking Rick to put on his strategist hat, and analyze the governor’s races in Florida and Georgia, and the Senate races in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. Ana then asked Rick how he will vote in the Florida gubernatorial election, before going deeper on how/when Never Trumpers will vote for Democrats. They then changed course, and talked about Rick’s future career prospects as well as what a Never Trumper needs to do for liberals and progressives to trust them. Rick and Ana closed things out by talking about their memories of John McCain, from the perspective of someone who worked for a pro-McCain super PAC and a journalist who covered him, and what they like about each other. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Visit stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 in free postage, a four-week trial and a free digital scale. Check out Ana’s personal collection and get free shipping on your first order at everlane.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s pod, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Robin DiAngelo, author of the book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. To kick things off, Robin explained what white fragility is, and the impact that it has not just on white people, but white progressives in particular. Ana and Robin then talked about the need for people who recognize racism’s ills not to get complacent or arrogant, but rather be actively anti-racist, and continue educating themselves. They then switched gears, and explored why white women often fail to be allies for people of color before probing the ways de facto segregation and tokenizing minorities are so deeply problematic. Ana and Robin also put forth a series of suggestions for what well-meaning white people should do when they put their foot in their mouths and say something racist. You can find Robin’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/White-Fragility-People-About-Racism/dp/0807047414 Robin referenced an article she wrote, which you can find here: https://libjournal.uncg.edu/ijcp/article/viewFile/249/116 Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit ritual.com/friends to choose clean ingredients, backed by science. Get 25% off when you keep all five items in your box at stitchfix.com/friends. Head to framebridge.com and use the promo code “friends” for an additional 15% off your first order.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whitney Phillips (@wphillips49) joined Ana (@anamariecox) to talk about her recent work, The Oxygen of Amplification, which chronicles the battle journalists face to report on extremism without amplifying it. Early in their conversation, Ana and Whitney dove into the central paradox of that battle: that it’s almost impossible to report on extremism without normalizing and spreading it. Another part of that paradox is that for an uninitiated journalist, it is all too easy to get duped into spreading misinformation. They also explored one of the central problems of this reporting and reporting in general: newsrooms are overwhelmingly white, male, Christian, cis, and able-bodied. Because those people are the ones least at risk from white supremacists, they’re (*shocker*) who white supremacists will talk to, and the most likely to downplay threats from those same white supremacists. Lastly, after touching on Unite The Right 2.0, Ana played assignment editor and suggested different directions to take a Nazi Next Door™story. You can find Whitney’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, or email the show at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit thirdlove.com/friends for 15% off your first order today. Check out getquip.com/friends and get your first refill pack free with a QUIP electric toothbrush. Go to grove.co/friends for a two-month VIP membership and a bonus gift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the one and only Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) stopped by to talk with Ana (@anamariecox) about his new book, Everything Trump Touches Dies. Ana kicked things off by asking Rick about things he regrets from his past as a political consultant. That led to a conversation about the reaction he’s received from past colleagues and clients to the book, and why he decided to move from working in the political shadows to the light. After Ana called Rick out for the way he uses mental illness and drug addiction in the book to mock Trump supporters, they discussed the people that have disappointed Rick in the Trump era. At the top of the list: Rudy Giuliani. Afterwards, friend of the pod Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) joined Ana to answer a listener question from Alex, a Spanish teacher at a conservative, largely homogenous school who wants to reach her students and help them learn that discrimination isn’t ok. You can find Rick’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Try Chameleon Iced Coffee anywhere you shop. Get free shipping on your first order when you visit everlane.com/friends. For up to $55 in free postage, a four-week trial, and a free digital scale, visit stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top, and enter FRIENDS. Visit sunbasket.com/friends for $35 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arjun Singh Sethi (@arjunsethi81), author of American Hate: Survivors Speak Out, joined Ana (@anamariecox) on this week’s pod. Over the course of their conversation, Arjun explained why he wrote the book: to center the perspectives of hate survivors, who live with the everyday hate not just of Trump’s America, but that -- shocker -- has always been present in American life. He and Ana talked about the general erasure of hate survivors in no less a setting that prosecution of hate crimes, and why hate crime legislation, restorative justice, and listening to survivors is so important in the first place. Their conversation also touched on the role social media does, and should, play in tackling hate. Lastly, they talked about how Arjun’s two German Shepherds help him continue to do this work, and the most important thing he learned through this project. You can find Arjun’s book here. A clip from Taylor Dumpson’s TED Talk is included in the show’s intro. If you’re interested in the full version, you can find it here. Arjun referenced an SPLC report. Get in touch with the show on twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Get one FREE month of unlimited Victorious fitness classes when you sign up at victorious.com/friends. Check out Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant. Go to Framebridge.com and use the promo code “Friends” to save 15% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) talked with Sarah Jones (@onesarahjones), a staff writer for The New Republic who covers social inequality and religion. Their conversation began with Sarah’s religious upbringing, and her journey from Christian fundamentalist to secular activist. Ana asked about what influence -- if any -- her parents’ teaching still has on her, as well as what the dearth of religious news outlets means for coverage of religion moving forward. Finally, at the end of the show, Sarah explained what she wishes people understood about white evangelicals. At the end of the show, Ana answered a listener question about reckoning with depression as a person of privilege. Sarah mentioned this New York Times piece. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, or email the show at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit stitchfix.com/friends and get 25% off when you keep all five items in your box. Head to squarespace.com/friends and use the offer code FRIENDS when you’re ready to launch to save 10% on your first purchase of a website or domain name. Get one FREE month of unlimited Victorious fitness classes when you sign up at victorious.com/friends. For your first refill pack free, visit getquip.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) talked with Teresa P Mateus (@teresapmateus), trauma specialist, professor, and founder of The Mystic Soul Project. They began their conversation talking about Teresa’s journey to become a trauma specialist, and explored what her work looks like in practice. Ana also asked her to explain how well meaning white people can fit into the people of color centered approach Teresa espoused. They then closed out the show talking about how this moment is similar and different to what came before, and why we can be hopeful things will get better. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to thirdlove.com/friends to find your perfect fitting bra and get 15% off your first order. Check out Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant. Go to stamps.com, click on the radio microphone at the top of the page and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 in postage, a four-week trial and a free digital scale. Get free shipping on your first order when you visit everlane.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down for her regular check in with WFLT’s favorite Never Trumper Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson). They talked about what Rick expects from President Trump’s upcoming summit with Vladimir Putin, and why the international order upheld by NATO is so important. Rick then offered his verdict on Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, and what could push him to work for a Democratic Presidential candidate in 2020. Rick’s book, Everything Trump Touches Dies, comes out next month! You can find it here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to sunbasket.com/friends and get $35 off your first order. Check out Chameleon Cold Brew, purveyors of delicious, organic cold-brew iced coffee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Amy Chozick (@amychozick), New York Times writer at large and the author of the new book Chasing Hillary. Over the course of a wide-ranging conversation, they dove into some of the threads within Amy’s book that the national political press has overlooked. In addition to examining the Hillary that Amy felt voters often didn’t see, they discussed the lessons learned by Amy and the press corps writ large from the 2016 election, and how that press corps can win people’s trust back. You can find Amy’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Give Oatly, a milk alternative made from oats, a shot at oatly.com. Get your first refill pack free with a Quip electric toothbrush at getquip.com/friends. Visit framebridge.com and enter the code FRIENDS for 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) welcomed Lilliana Mason (@LilyMasonPhD), an assistant professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland and the author of Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity, to the show. They talked about Lilliana’s research into the power of partisan identity, and how it affects people’s daily behavior as well as the difference in manifestation between Democrats and Republicans. After probing the issue itself, they dove into the problems that it poses, as well as potential solutions. You can find Lilliana’s book here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Try a 7-day free trial at texture.com/friends. Go to stamps.com, click the radio microphone at the top and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 in free postage, a digital scale and a 4-week trial. Get free shipping on your first order when you go to everlane.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) to talk about the Trump Administration’s inhumane policy of separating children from their parents detained at America’s southern border. Adam wrote a story in The Atlantic about how this policy is the realization of Trumpism, and laid out the argument he makes in the piece: that this policy is the natural byproduct of Trump’s political appeal, and builds off an American tradition of doing horrible things to black and brown children. He and Ana proceeded to examine the central importance of cruelty to this policy, and to much of what else Trump does. Ana covered Trump’s rally in Duluth on Wednesday for Rolling Stone, and shared some of her reflections on it at the end of the show. You can find Ana’s story from Duluth in full here. Ana referenced another piece of Adam’s in The Atlantic, “The Nationalist’s Delusion,” which you can find here. Adam cited this Atlantic piece from his colleague, and friend of the pod, Vann Newkirk II. Ana and Adam also mentioned a Vanity Fair piece about Stephen Miller. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends and email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to thegreatcourses.com/friends to try a free month of unlimited access. Visit thirdlove.com/friends now to find your perfect-fitting bra and get 15% off your first purchase. Check out sunbasket.com/friends today to learn more and get $35 off your first order! Head to havenly.com/friends for twenty-five percent off your design package. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Ana (@anamariecox) sat down with Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer), the Press Secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign. They started their conversation by talking about the Trump Administration’s decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military, which Charlotte, as a transgender woman and a veteran, is uniquely able to analyze. Charlotte then shared the story of her own transition, and talked about what it means to see transgender people actually be represented. She and Ana then talked about one of the most important aspects to being an ally with a platform: lifting up other voices. Charlotte talked about one of her favorite activists, Ruby Corado, a transgender woman who is the founder and executive director of Casa Ruby (@CasaRubyDC), a bilingual, multicultural community and resource center for LGBTQ+ people and immigrants in Washington, DC. Finally, to close out the show, Ana and Charlotte answered a listener question from a white, cis, heterosexual woman who wants her students to feel safe and respected while teaching at a rural, white, conservative school. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, and email us at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Visit getquip.com/friends to get your first refill pack free with a QUIP electric toothbrush. Get 25% off your first order and a free 30-day trial when you go to thrivemarket.com/friends. For 25% off your first box when you keep all five items in your box, go to stitchfix.com/friends. Check out new TedTalks Daily podcast WorkLife hosted by Adam Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) stopped by for his monthly check-in with Ana (@anamariecox). They began their conversation by talking about how to cope with the constant distraction posed by Donald Trump’s Twitter account and stay focused on the real issues. Afterwards, they dove into Rick’s own political evolution, and the issues he’s willing to compromise on to gain allies against Trump leading into the midterms. Ana also asked Rick for an insight into what Republican lawmakers and staffers on Capitol Hill are thinking as they head towards November. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or at [email protected] Thank you to our sponsors! Get your body moving in your workspace at fully.com/friends. Start your 7-day free trial at texture.com/friends. Go to stamps.com, click on the radio microphone at the top and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 in free postage, a digital scale, and a 4-week trial. Receive free shipping on your first order when you visit everlane.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, comedian and host of CNN’s United Shades of America W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) joined Ana (@anamariecox) to talk about the racial bias training Starbucks workers across the country had this past week. They spoke about the hypocrisy in trying to take on racism while relying on euphemisms like “racial profiling” and “color brave” without being able to say the word “racist,” as well as how many anti-racism trainings only encompass racism against black people, and leave out other people of color. They also discussed the ways racism actively harms people of color in their daily lives, and Kamau shared one of the ways he physically alters himself when entering white spaces: crouching, so his height appears less intimidating. Get in touch with us at [email protected] or on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to sunbasket.com/friends to get $35 off your first order. Get $20 off your purchase at theblacktux.com/friends. Visit getquip.com/friends for your first refill pack FREE with a QUIP electric toothbrush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Diana Butler Bass (@DianaButlerBass), historian and author of the new book Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Grace, joined Ana (@anamariecox). Diana wrote the book during the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, and she talked about how the act of practicing gratitude helped her to deal with the myriad ways the Administration was making the country worse. She also talked about how that conception of gratitude is different than the transactional practice many -- including the President, who constantly asks for thanks after doing anything -- believe it is. She and Ana dove into how thinking of gratitude and grace as something that is simply done out of thanks, and makes life better for you and those around you, helps people deal with whatever problems they may face in their daily lives. You can find Diana’s book here: http://dianabutlerbass.com/books/grateful-the-transformative-power-of-giving-thanks/ Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, or email us at [email protected]. Thank you to our sponsors! Go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the page and enter FRIENDS for up to $55 in free postage, a digital scale and a four-week trial. Visit texture.com/friends for a 7-day free trial. Get 25% off your first order and a 30-day free trial at thrivemarket.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rewire.News’ Senior Legal Analyst Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) joined Ana (@anamariecox) this week for a wide-ranging conversation. They began by exploring the differences between the reproductive rights and reproductive justice movements before discussing what it’s like to receive abuse on Twitter. After talking about how people of privilege can use it for good, the conversation got more serious when Imani proposed that the real reason so much time and energy is focused on the Trump/Russia scandal is that it’s easier and less scary to think about than the tangible ways the Administration is making life worse for people. After that, Pod Save America co-host Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) sat down with Ana to answer a listener question about intraleft fighting. They discussed some of the problems with talking about political differences (be they about policy or political tribalism) is to have real-life conversations about what people want, and how we can get there. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or via email at [email protected]. You can find Imani’s Twitter thread referenced on the show here: https://twitter.com/AngryBlackLady/status/985921568810270720 Thank you to our sponsors! Visit stamps.com, click the microphone at the top and enter FRIENDS for $55 in free postage, a digital scale and a four-week trial. Go to texture.com/friends to try a 7-day trial! Receive 25% off your first offer plus a free, 30-day trial at thrivemarket.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times op-ed columnist Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) joined Ana this week to continue the discussion they started in columns last week. Ross wrote an op-ed in the Times about the prospect of sex robots as the answer for people who can’t fulfill their sexual desires, to which Ana responded with a lengthy critique. To take that debate off the computer screen, they conducted a wide-ranging conversation that encompassed Ross’ argument, Ana’s problems with it, and what it’s like writing in the age of Trump. After the conversation with Ross, the New Yorker’s Doreen St. Felix (@dstfelix) joined Ana to talk about Childish Gambino’s music video for “This is America.” Doreen analyzed the new video, and they tried to parse through who it was actually made for as well as what makes Glover so compelling. You can find Ross’ sex robot piece here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/opinion/incels-sex-robots-redistribution.html Here’s Ana’s response to Ross’ piece: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/robot-sex-w519788 You can find Ross’ Hefner piece mentioned in the episode here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/opinion/hugh-hefner.html Here’s Doreen’s analysis of “This is America”: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-carnage-and-chaos-of-childish-gambinos-this-is-america Get in touch with the show at [email protected] and on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Thank you to our sponsors! Get your body moving in the workspace at fully.com/friends. Get 25% off your design package at havenly.com/friends. Receive free shipping on your first order at everlane.com/friends. For $35 off your first order, visit sunbasket.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, WFLT’s favorite Never Trumper joined the show for his first check in since February. Over the course of a wide-ranging conversation, he and Ana dove into the way that attitudes regarding the FBI and the rule of law have undergone a remarkable transformation in the age of Trump. They also talked about how Democrats should run on accountability rather than impeachment in 2018, North Korea, and *that* Rudy Giuliani interview. After that, Ira Madison III, host of Crooked Media’s Keep It!, joined the show to answer a listener question about how to -- or how not to -- have a conversation with a racist who doesn’t want to admit it. Get in touch with us at [email protected] or on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Check out our sponsors! Start your free month of unlimited access to more than 10,000 fascinating lectures at thegreatcoursesplus.com/friends. Get your first refill pack free at getquip.com/friends. Receive $20 off your purchase at theblacktux.com/friends. Try a free trial at squarespace.com/friends and use the offer code convos to save 10% off your first website or domain name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alex Wagner, co-host of Showtime’s The Circus, contributing editor at The Atlantic, a CBS News contributor and the author of the new book Futureface: A family mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging, sat down with Ana. They discussed her family history and how the writing process facilitated her own search for belonging. They also addressed the white privilege inherent in DNA testing, and the what it means for Alex to replace Mark Halperin on The Circus during this unique political moment. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @crooked_friends or at [email protected]. Check out our sponsors! Get a free sample box at kindsnacks.com/friends. You can try a 7-day free trial at texture.com/friends. For up to $55 in free postage, a four-week trial and a digital scale, visit stamps.com, click on the radio microphone at the top and enter FRIENDS. Go to thirdlove.com/friends for 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Humanist chaplain and community activist Chris Stedman joined Ana to discuss the unique relationship between movement atheism and the Alt-Right. Chris wrote a piece on the trend from prominent atheists like Bill Maher, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins to promote some liberal social policies while putting forth critiques of social justice policies that amount to an “alt-light.” Ana and Chris delve deep into the atheist movement, investigating why and how atheists have found common ground with Christian white nationalism in the broader Trump coalition. Historian Diana Butler Bass joins Chris and Ana to answer a listener question about finding forgiveness for Christians in the age of the Trump, as well as for a discussion about the many roads that compassion and forgiveness can lead down. https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3k7jx8/too-many-atheists-are-veering-dangerously-toward-the-alt-right Get in touch with us at [email protected], and @crooked_friends on Twitter. Check out our sponsors! Go to sunbasket.com/friends for $35 off your first order. Get free shipping on your first order at everlane.com/friends. You’ll get 25% off your first box when you keep all five items in your box at stitchfix.com/friends. Visit thrivemarket.com/friends for 25% off your first order plus a 30-day free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, writer, journalist, and disability rights activist Keah Brown joins Ana for a difficult conversation about disability, ableism, and body positivity. Their wide-ranging conversation begins with Keah detailing how she’s worked to find self love and body positivity and a discussion on the lack of representation disabled people face in movies and popular culture writ large. They then turn to Keah’s desire not to be pigeonholed as a writer, and the pro’s and con’s of using Twitter to connect with other people. The conversation ends on an important note, when Ana apologizes for using ableist language, and the importance of looking at disability as something that is not static, but that comes in a variety of forms, as well as the need for privileged people to leave their comfort zones and be willing to make mistakes to expand their own horizons. Then, Crooked Contributor Erin Ryan stops by to answer a listener question about navigating romantic relationships across a political divide. Ana and Erin come to the consensus that debating from similar source material, and talking to rather than past each other is essential. Sometimes to hear someone, you have to accept that you might not convince them you’re right. Ana referenced several pieces Keah has written on the pod, which you can find below. On the erasure of Stephen Hawking’s disability On the importance of filters, and lipstick On the lack of representation of disabled people Get in touch with us at [email protected] and on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Check out our sponsors! Get your body moving in your workspace at fully.com/friends. Check out squarespace.com/friends for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain name with the offer code “friends.” Turn your Pinterest board into reality with 25% off your design package at havenly.com/friends. Go to getquip.com/friends to get your first refill pack free with a Quip electric toothbrush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ana’s journey at CPAC continues this week. Despite the conference’s overt racism and embrace of President Trump, she found young people who don’t like where their party is going. They want to see it go in a different, more principled direction, holding elected officials accountable for their treatment of women and the need to respect LGBTQ+ rights. But are there enough of them to matter? Find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends, and get in touch with us at [email protected]. Check out our sponsors! Access thousands of 30-minute lectures with a free month of unlimited access to The Great Courses at TheGreatCoursePlus.com/Friends. Visit TheBlackTux.com/Friends for $20 off your first purchase. Go to Stamps.com, click the microphone at the top of the page and enter FRIENDS for a four-week trial, a free digital scale and up to $55 in free postage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Season 2 premiere, Ana traveled to CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, to try and see the world through someone the eyes of conservative activists. Ana has attended CPAC for many years, but this time discovered a different conference -- rather than idealistic conservatism, she encountered overt, explicit racism. Over the course of the conference, she talked to attendees of different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and genders, only to find nativism and racism time and again. The Washington Post’s Dave Weigel joins the pod to discuss their past experiences at CPAC. He and Ana dive into how attitudes towards President Trump have rapidly evolved over the last few years, and how that has changed priorities within the conservative movement. Check out our sponsors! Go to stamps.com, click on the microphone at the top of the page and enter “FRIENDS” to get a four-week trial and free digital scale. Visit parachutehome.com/friends for free shipping and returns on Parachute’s bedding and bath linens. Get your first refill pack for free with a QUIP electric toothbrush at getquip.com/friends. Save time and money when you travel by going to tripping.com/friends. Receive 15% off your first purchase when you go to thirdlove.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Season 1 finale, reformed extremist Christian Picciolini [4:02] joins Ana to talk about his experience as a white supremacist, how his mind changed, and the work he does today to show people that there is life after hate. They discuss the rise and shifts in white supremacy within the United States and the way that white supremacists have softened their image by using coded language and racial dog whistles. The conversation turns to the ways in which white supremacy is like an addiction, and the possibilities of treating them both through recovery, kindness, and empathy. He also shares his own perspective on how to confront white supremacy: not with violence, but by helping people identify and fill in the holes in their lives, and showing how they can change. Later on, Ana and Christian touch on one of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with not just white supremacy but ordinary interactions with people in everyday life: everybody is going through something we can’t see. The conversation ends with what makes Christian worried, and hopeful, about the society we now live in. Afterward, [58:43] Ana revisits last week’s episode about Black Panther, acknowledging the ways her own whiteness makes it impossible to fully grasp Wakanda’s decision to not take back Killmonger. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of this podcast in some way for making it a wonderful first season. We’ll be back soon. You can find Christian’s book here: https://www.christianpicciolini.com/book Here’s the Kevin Love piece Ana referenced in the show: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/kevin-love-everyone-is-going-through-something/ Send us an email at [email protected] and find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Check out our sponsors! Get 15% off your first purchase from Third Love at Thirdlove.com/friends. Try a 10 Kind Bar Sample Box for free if you pay for shipping and join Kind’s Snack Club at Kindsnacks.com/friends. Visit Parachutehome.com/friends for free shipping and returns. If you don’t love it, send it back, and Parachute will donate your used items to Habitat for Humanity. Post jobs on Ziprecruiter for free at Ziprecruiter.com/friends to find the perfect candidate for whatever you are looking for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) joins Ana to talk about what makes Black Panther different from other Marvel movies and so important. They discuss the power of the movie’s metaphors to talk about colonization and the black experience in America as well as how this movie can prompt white people to think differently about white supremacy. Ana and Jamil also consider the active decision by the movie’s creators to make a movie for black audiences, and what that choice could mean for the future of movies and TV. Jamil wrote the Time cover story on Black Panther, which you can find here. There is a lengthy digression about "Atlanta" and the Donald Glover profile in the New Yorker, and whether superhero movies always fight the last war while comedy confronts the future. Get in touch with the show on Twitter at @crooked_friends or email us at [email protected]. Check out our sponsors! Pop your political bubble with new Spotify Spotlight podcast Keep It, from friend of the pod Ira Madison III. Go to getquip.com/friends to get your first refill pack for free with a Quip electric toothbrush. Visit theblacktux.com/friends for $20 off your purchase of a stylish suit or tuxedo. Start your four-week trial of Stamps.com with postage and a free digital scale by visiting Stamps.com, clicking on the microphone at the top of the page, and typing in Friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s pod, The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) joins Ana to talk about Mitt Romney’s return to politics and what it was like covering Romney’s Presidential run as the other Mormon on the bus. From there, the conversation turns to Mormon conservatism and its unique attitude towards Donald Trump, the history of the LDS Church, and Ana and McKay’s respective relationships with faith. They also talk a lot about prayer, which they both love and both feel a little weird talking about in public. You can find McKay’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Republican-Combative-Contentious-Chaotic/dp/0316327417 Send us an email at [email protected] and find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Check out our sponsors! Get ready for Season Two of CBS’ “The Good Fight” with a free trial of CBS All Access at cbs.com/friends. Find clothes you’ll actually love with Stitch Fix, your Online Personal Stylist. Get started at stichfix.com/friends for 25% off the first time you keep all five items in your box. Visit tripping.com/friends today to save time and money as you plan your next trip with a great vacation rental. Try a free 10-snack variety pack when you sign up for Kind’s Snack Club and pay for shipping at kindsnacks.com/friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices