Today’s episode is all about money! What is the debt ceiling? Why does it matter? Why is poverty such an issue in America? And what can we do about it? Amanda, our resident economist, explains the debt ceiling, the deal that was just reached, how we're underinvesting in our communities, and why women know more about the economy than they think they do. We’re joined by Shereen Boyer, a mom in Ohio who’s worked in finance for over 30 years, to explain more about why the Democratic party aligns better with her values - not just her social values, but her economic values too.After that, Amanda sits down with Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of “Evicted” and “Poverty, By America.” Matthew explains what he learned when he walked a mile in the shoes of the people he studied and what misconceptions Americans have about poverty. He says that poverty is not a “them” problem, it’s an “us” problem - so many of us benefit from poverty in this country, but that also means that we can be part of the solution. If you’re inspired by his work and want to help be a “poverty abolitionist,” you can visit https://endpovertyusa.org. Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to kids growing up, Joe Biden, and our brave military service members in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Red Wine & Blue has been holding AMA events as a part of our Freedom To Parent 21st Century Kids campaign. AMA stands for Ask Me Anything! And on Thursday June 8th, we’re holding a special AMA event for the Gen Xers in our community. So get your 5 disc changer ready, pull on your best oversized flannel, and head down to the rec room with Jess McIntosh for a virtual conversation about gender where you can feel free to ask questions without any judgment. You can learn more and sign up here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This week, we’re celebrating libraries! Not only do librarians help kids (and adults) find the books they need, libraries are a vital “third space” in our communities. They provide resources and information, they promote inclusivity, and they’re a place where we can spend time with one another. Our hosts are joined by Carrie Wardzinski, a librarian and mom in Pennsylvania, who shares why she was drawn to the profession and what we can do to support our local libraries.After that, Jasmine gets the chance to sit down with amazing best-selling author Jodi Picoult. Many of Jodi’s books are facing bans around the country, so she and Jasmine chat about why book bans are so dangerous and what’s really behind them. Jodi also shares where she gets the ideas for her novels and why she thinks fiction is such a valuable way to tackle big issues like abortion, school shootings, and trans rights.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to powerful stories, family hikes, and new experiences in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Speaking of banned books, next month’s Banned Book Club is all about Jonathan Evison’s book Lawn Boy - one of the most commonly banned books in the country. We’d love for you to join us on June 7th at 7:30pm Eastern for this free virtual event. You can learn more and register to attend here: https://go.redwine.blue/v9n.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This week, we did something we’ve never done before: we recorded a live episode in front of our listeners! It was so fun to celebrate our 100th episode with Heather Cox Richardson, some special Troublemakers, women from Red Wine & Blue, and most importantly… all of you!Our lovely hosts - Rachel Vindman, Jasmine Clark, and Amanda Weinstein - shared some reflections about imposter syndrome, all the conversations we’ve had in the past two years, and of course the Republican Party’s “suburban women problem.” Then we chatted with everyone’s favorite historian, Heather Cox Richardson, about the origins of Mother’s Day, the connections between reproductive rights and democracy, and the history of women shaping politics and the world.After that we were joined by Julie Womack, Chief Organizing Officer for Red Wine & Blue, along with her college-aged daughter Sydney! Julie and Sydney share a love of politics and their community, and they talked about what initially inspired them to get involved. Julie also shared more about Red Wine & Blue’s new initiative The Freedom To Parent 21st Century Kids. Because right now, a small but vocal minority of parents are claiming to speak for everyone and it’s time for mainstream parents to call BS. You can learn more about Freedom To Parent, including all of the fun and informative events we’re planning, by going to go.redwine.blue/SWPF2P.And finally, before we wrapped up our event, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raised a glass to Mother’s Day, all the women who inspire them, and all the Troublemakers out there in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.” And this week, Heather joined us with a toast of her own: to finishing her brand-new book!We now have some exciting Suburban Women Problem merchandise to share with you as well! There are stickers, t-shirts, and even “Toast to Joy” champagne flutes to rep your love for the pod. You can check it out here: go.redwine.blue/SWPmerch.Thanks again for joining us for 100 episodes! We can't wait for 100 more!For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

We’re not gonna sugarcoat it - this week, we’re mad. We’re mad that every episode, there’s a new mass shooting to discuss, like some horrible version of Groundhog Day. We’re mad that politicians, even Democratic ones, don’t seem to be taking any action to fix it. We’re mad that a few extremist parents have been controlling the narrative and taking away books, lessons, and conversations from mainstream moms… like the ones who host this podcast! So Red Wine & Blue is calling BS and launching a new initiative called “The Freedom to Parent 21st Century Kids.” We’re joined by our very own Katie Paris, the founder of Red Wine & Blue, to tell us more about this Freedom to Parent program. It’s going to involve fun events, opportunities to talk to other moms and ask questions, a Banned Bookmobile, and so much more. We can’t wait for politicians to address these issues around “parents’ rights”; as usual, it’s up to moms themselves to advocate for their kids. As Katie says, the real world isn’t gonna stop being real; it’s just a matter of whether our kids are ready to thrive in it.After that, Jasmine chats with Chasten Buttigieg, our second-ever guest on the podcast! Chasten and Jasmine catch up about how they’ve been for the past two years, how much Chasten loves being a parent, and the new version of his memoir that he just released for young adult readers called “I Have Something To Tell You.” There are lots of ways to support LGBTQ kids in your community, like starting your own PFLAG chapter or just buying them a copy of Chasten’s book! You can pre-order his book or buy a ticket for his in-person book tour at ChastenWrites.com.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to the end of the semester, the future mayor of Akron Shammas Malik, and of course to women getting together to make change in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”This was the last regular episode before our 100th episode live event! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you only have a few more days. The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can find tickets here. We also have a brand-new “I’m Part of The Suburban Women Problem” t-shirt for purchase! You can rep your love for the pod here. Thanks so much for joining us and we can’t wait to celebrate 100 episodes with you.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

“America is a melting pot” gets said a lot. But that implies that we’re all melting down our differences and becoming the same thing. Instead, we might think of America as a salad: many different cultures, all existing together in the same bowl. Our diversity is our strength, and that’s what we’re celebrating today.Our Troublemaker of the day is Erika Marquardt, a high school student in Ohio who helped plan her school’s diversity event called “Many Cultures, One Bison.” Erika shares why it was important to her to celebrate diversity, what the response was like from the adults in her community, and why it’s important to start these discussions at home. Just like adults taking DEI trainings at their workplaces, the work doesn’t begin and end on one day; it’s a mindset and a lifetime of learning.After that, Rachel sits down with Liz Sohyeon Kleinrock, an anti-racism and anti-bias educator. She and Rachel chat about some misconceptions about DEI trainings, what it really means to be an ally, and how her own personal experiences and identities have shaped her work. They also talk about AAPI Heritage Month and celebrate some amazing Asian-American women in history. To learn more about Liz’s work, you can visit her website at teachandtransform.org.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to community events, Sherrod Brown, and The Renew Democracy Initiative in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”It’s hard to believe, but we’ve recorded almost 100 episodes of The Suburban Women Problem. So to celebrate, we’re hosting a live virtual event with our very first guest, rockstar historian Heather Cox Richardson! The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can purchase tickets here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

We all want to do our part to change the world, and little changes add up. But sometimes we get inspired to pivot and make a big change… and that’s what today’s episode is all about! After a dive into the news (seriously, how is there so much breaking news every week?), Amanda, Jasmine, and Rachel are joined by Jill Jonassen. Jill creates videos and hosts Twitter Lives for Red Wine & Blue, but she didn’t always work in politics. After Trump’s election, she went on a journey that started with getting more involved with school boards and brought her to the work she does today. You can read Jill’s Op-Ed here and learn more about her Live conversations here.And after that, Amanda sits down for a chat with Adeline Koh. While on sabbatical from her job as a race and gender studies professor, Adeline started a beauty company called Sabbatical Beauty. Like Jill, she was nervous to quit her job and start something new, but she knew she wanted to dedicate her work to the causes she believes in. Sabbatical Beauty has supported many progressive causes and now they’re partnering with Red Wine & Blue on their “Beauty Is Political” line.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to unexpected but necessary conversations, husbands, Hawaii, and moms supporting moms in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”It’s hard to believe, but we’ve recorded almost 100 episodes of The Suburban Women Problem. So to celebrate, we’re hosting a live virtual event with our very first guest, rockstar historian Heather Cox Richardson! The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can purchase pre-sale tickets here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

April is Earth Month, which makes this the perfect time to talk about the environment and climate change. Justice and democracy are so important, and we can’t stop talking about them, but at the end of the day, we all need a planet to live on if we want that justice and democracy to thrive. So this week, Rachel and Jasmine are joined by guest host Malynda Hale to discuss the news, climate change, and why talking to our friends – and our elected representatives – about our values is so important.We’re joined by Felice Stadler, the Vice President of Government Affairs with the Audubon Society. Felice shares why she’s made a career out of working for climate justice, the overlaps between bird conservation and environmentalism, and why suburban women are the perfect people to get loud about Mother Earth.And after that, Jasmine has an amazing chat with Nivi Achanta, the founder of The Soapbox Project, a newsletter and media platform that helps busy people take action on climate change. It can be hard to know where to start on an issue as big as climate change, but Nivi’s newsletter breaks it into bite-sized pieces that anyone can do. She and Jasmine also talk about the really important concept of the Values/Perception Gap. Basically, most of us walk through life thinking that we’re the only one who cares about the climate, social justice, or our communities. But research shows that actually, most people do care! So don’t be afraid to start a conversation about the climate… chances are, you have more in common with others than you think.Finally, Rachel, Malynda and Jasmine raise a glass to finished projects, New Orleans and meeting other elected officials, and finding connections beyond politics in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”It’s hard to believe, but we're almost at 100 episodes of The Suburban Women Problem! So to celebrate, we’re hosting a live virtual event with our very first guest, rockstar historian Heather Cox Richardson. The event will be happening on Monday May 15th and you can purchase pre-sale tickets here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Today, we're talking about hunger and school lunch. Right wing extremists want to distract us, but what’s more damaging to a kid’s health and education... the gender of one of their friends, or going hungry?  Free school lunches are so important to make sure that students are fed, healthy, and ready to learn. Feeding kids shouldn't be a partisan issue - in fact, as Jasmine says, it should be a no-brainer.So this week, we are so excited to chat with Marc Jacobson and Ellie Agar from Hunger Free Colorado. They helped write Proposition FF to provide every student in Colorado a free school lunch. Marc and Ellie share how that ballot measure came about, how prevalent the issue of hunger really is, and how we can talk to our friends and neighbors about the issue.And after that, Amanda sits down with Admiral Rachel Levine, the Assistant Secretary for Health with the Department of Health and Human Services. She also happens to be our nation’s first openly transgender four-star officer and the first to be confirmed to an appointment by the Senate. Amanda and Admiral Levine talk about the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the difference between food insecurity and nutrition insecurity, and how her identity as a transgender woman isn’t her weakness - it’s her superpower.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to museums, making connections and building community, and the people of Wisconsin in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”We invite you to join us for a virtual Troublemaker Training on Thursday April 13th to hear more about the work that school boards do, and again on Thursday April 20th to learn how you can speak out a school board meeting like a pro. You can learn more and RSVP here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Today Jo Carducci is filling in for Rachel Vindman. In this episode, Jo, Jasmine, and Amanda chat about how right-wing extremists are trying to distract us and exhaust us. Whether it’s refusing to focus on anything but the trans identity of the recent school shooter in Nashville, or pretending that a children’s book about Rosa Parks is “pushing Critical Race Theory on kids,” we can’t let our focus waver from the things that really matter: standing up for equity in our schools and communities.This week, we hear from Revida Rahman, a mom in Tennessee who co-founded OneWillCo, an organization that supports students of color. Revida shares some of the troubling racial incidents that led her and her friend Jen to found their organization, why book bans are so dangerous, and what white parents can do to stand up for racial equity in their school systems. And after that, Jasmine gets the chance to talk to Angie Thomas, the award-winning author of books like “The Hate U Give” and “Concrete Rose.” Angie chats about writing a novel about Black Lives Matter from the perspective of a teenage girl, and how she wanted to approach writing the book not just from anger, but also from love. We’re very excited about her new book for middle-grade readers, “Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy.” It’s so important not for young girls of color and for everyone to see some Black Girl Magic. Finally, Amanda, Jo and Jasmine raise a glass to awards, historic downtowns, and supportive co-workers in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”If you want to hear more from authors of banned books, you can check out our Banned Book Club events on Instagram Live. And if you aren’t able to join us live, you can always watch the interviews later on our YouTube channel. We also carry those banned books in our online bookshop, because one of the best ways you can support authors is to buy their books!For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Last week, a House Judiciary Committee held a hearing called “Free Speech: The Biden Administration’s Chilling of Parents’ Fundamental Rights,” with conservative speakers from Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education. But where were the moms who support diversity? And what about the students themselves? Where were their voices? With yet another tragic school shooting this week, we have to ask ourselves… when will we listen to kids and value their lives more than we value guns?This week, we hear from Claire Mengel, a young activist from Cincinnati who organized against the cancellation of Diversity Day in their high school. Claire shares why their school board canceled the event in the first place and why they felt it was so important to stand up for diversity. And even more importantly, Claire shares why it’s so crucial to listen to students about their own lived experiences and what adults can do to help.Then Rachel sits down with Porsche Joseph, an activist, educator, and co-author of the book Better Than We Found It: Conversations To Help Save the World. The book is aimed at young adults, but anyone can get so much out of its explorations of topics like gun violence, immigration, and health care. Rachel and Porsche chat about supporting young people, what it was like to write a book with her husband, and what Elizabeth Warren is like in real life!Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to birthdays and passing bills in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4th could decide the future of abortion rights in Wisconsin, as well as redistricting and voting rights, which could have a huge impact on the 2024 election. So if you or anyone you know lives in Wisconsin, please be sure to vote before April 4th! And if you want to learn more about the election and what it means, you can check out our social media live events with Politics Girl and some amazing moms from Motherhood For Good on YouTube.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

We’ve been talking a lot lately about all the dangerous bills and bans that extremists have been pushing. And like we always say, one of the best ways we can fight these things is by having honest conversations. Our friends or family or neighbors might be on the fence about some of these issues, and by talking to them, we just might change some hearts and minds.We’re joined by Crystal Lett, a mom in Ohio who’s gone on an amazing journey from growing up in an ultra-conservative religious community to a career in progressive politics. Crystal and the hosts chat about what that journey was like, what prompted her to change her mind, and strategies for talking to the people in our lives about politics. It’s all about compassion, listening, and realizing that we have more in common than what divides us. Then Rachel sits down with Roberta Blevins, a mom who became an anti-MLM advocate after joining – and then getting out of – LuLaRoe. Roberta shares the vulnerabilities that led her to join a multi-level marketing company in the first place and how a supportive community helped her escape. She also discusses how we can change the minds of people in our lives; like Crystal, Roberta says that listening with compassion is the best way to meet people where they are.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to brand-new bikes and kids excelling in their sports and recitals in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”On Thursday March 30th, Red Wine and Blue is hosting a virtual event with a guest who knows all about the power of changing your mind. Dr. Ellen Gaddy is the granddaughter of the late Republican Senator Jesse Helms and she’ll share her journey of freeing herself from a family legacy that doesn't reflect her values. You can learn more and sign up for this exciting event here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This year alone, over 400 bills have been introduced to block transgender people from receiving basic healthcare, education, and the right to publicly exist. These bills not only harm individual trans people, they’re also an attack on our freedom and our democracy. Just like with reproductive rights, it all comes down to extremist politicians inserting themselves into a conversation that should be between a person and their doctor. Or between a kid and their parents!We’re joined by Elliott Kozuch, who shares their thoughts as the Senior Communications Strategist for NARAL Pro-Choice America and a person who’s trans and non-binary. Elliott talks about what the fight for trans rights and reproductive rights have in common, and what we can do to band together and stand up against extremism. Then Jasmine sits down with Danica Roem, a Virginia state delegate, a journalist, and the first openly trans person to be elected as a state representative. Jasmine and Danica chat about authenticity, trans rights, and what people get wrong about the suburbs. Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to high school theater, 100 Women Strong Ohio, and Junior’s Cheesecake in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”If you want to stay in the loop about the pending ban on the abortion pill, we encourage you to join us in our Emergency Trouble Huddle on Monday, March 20th. We’ll be joined by Skye Perryman, the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, and Dr. Colleen McNicholas, a board-certified OB-GYN and the Chief Medical Officer of Planned Parenthood Missouri. You can learn more and sign up here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On today's episode, we're celebrating Women's History Month! Of course we celebrate women every single week on the pod, but this week, we wanted to take a closer look at the political power of moms. We’re joined by North Carolina organizer Tonya Martin, who’s filling in for Jasmine this week while she’s hard at work in the Georgia legislature. We’re joined by Kate Duffy, a mom in Wisconsin who started a group to support Mandela Barnes called Moms For Mandela. And after the election, Kate turned her group into a community called Motherhood For Good. Kate shares her super relatable journey into politics and what’s so special about moms. And after that, Amanda sits down with Julie Kohler of the podcast White Picket Fence. Amanda and Julie chat about “parents’ rights,” how moms have been involved in politics throughout history, and how misogyny hurts everyone.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Tonya raise a glass to brave daughters, amazing teams, and last-minute get-togethers in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”We celebrate women every day on this podcast, but today’s episode is coming out on International Women’s Day, so we want to encourage everyone to listen to the stories of all the amazing women in this country. And one great way to do that is to follow Red Wine and Blue on social media, where we share women’s stories and voices every single day.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

One Trump-appointed judge in Texas is likely about to ban an abortion pill used by millions of Americans. And the ban won’t just affect women in Texas… it’ll affect all of us across the country, even in blue states. The ruling was expected to be released as early as Friday the 24th, so we wanted to make sure we talked today about this case and why it’s so important. This isn’t the first attack on our reproductive freedoms, and it won’t be the last, which is why it’s so important to pay attention and to talk to our friends. We're saving the world, one brunch at a time! We’re joined by Representative Dr. Anita Somani, who shares her wisdom and knowledge both as an OB-GYN and a state representative in Ohio. Dr. Anita talks about why this ban is dangerous, what we can tell our friends and neighbors about the pill, and how reproductive rights inspired her to run for office. And after that, Amanda sits down with Angela Vasquez-Giroux of NARAL Pro-Choice America. Angela and Amanda chat about what exactly is going on with this case in Texas, what we can do about it, and what gives her hope.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to the people of Ukraine, to community support after a hard week, and to celebrating birthdays by giving back in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Here at Red Wine & Blue, we believe in the power of conversations. And now you can listen in on some of those conversations live every week on social media. Every Monday morning at 11 Eastern, Jo and Jill chat about the news of the day, what to look for in the weeks ahead, and what stories you might've missed. They’re often joined by special guests like Shannon Watts, Alex Vindman and Fred Guttenberg. You can tune in live on Twitter by following us @redwineblueusa, and you can check out our past conversations on YouTube.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

We’ve been talking about right-wing extremists' push for “parents’ rights” all year and there are so many ways that manifests: banning books, banning sex ed classes, banning rainbow flags in the classroom... and another thing they don’t want our kids learning about is race. This week we’re discussing equity in education, and in particular what school boards can do about it.The hosts are joined by Maya Guy, who was elected to school board in Virginia. Maya shares some work she’s done to ensure equity for all students in her district, both as a mom and as a school board member. Then Jasmine sits down with Carrie Douglass and Ethan Ashley, school board members and the founders of School Board Partners, an organization that helps connect, inspire and support anti-racist school board members across the country. You can read their groundbreaking report Empty Seats At Powerful Tables or learn more by following them on social media.Finally, Amanda, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to a big move, the Cincinnati Holocaust Museum, and raising the next generation of leaders in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Extremist politicians and outside groups are attacking our kids’ education with book bans. They’ve even tried to ban books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. One way you can stand up to these book bans is by reading and discussing frequently banned books like The Bluest Eye and The Hate U Give - and if you buy them through our new affiliate shop on Bookshop.org, you can support books, independent bookstores, AND the work of Red Wine and Blue. You can find our shop here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Note: This episode was recorded before the news broke about Monday’s shooting at Michigan State University. But despite that, we talk extensively about gun violence in this episode, because any conversation about mental health, particularly the mental health of young people, necessarily includes discussing gun violence.  The news has felt even harder than usual lately, between the earthquake in Turkey, the train disaster in Ohio, threats to reproductive freedom, our ongoing epidemic of gun violence, and more. This month, we’ve been talking about young people and how we can support them… and one key piece of that puzzle is supporting their mental health.We’re joined by one of our favorite therapists (and favorite mother-in-laws) Debby Paris to talk about how we can talk to our kids in age-appropriate ways about what they’re seeing in the news and in their schools. Then Amanda sits down for a chat with one of our OTHER favorite therapists, Dr. Andrea Bonior of the podcast “Baggage Check”! Andrea and Amanda chat about how young people are feeling (not great!), how we can support them, and how we can protect our own mental health as moms.Finally, Amanda and Jasmine raise a glass to secret admirers, organizing a legislative retreat, and to the SuperBowl (okay, mostly to Rihanna) in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Earlier this week, we hosted a conversation with Rachel Vindman and Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action. They talked about the power of moms to effect change on gun violence prevention. If you're feeling overwhelmed and want to know what you can do, we encourage you to check out that conversation on Red Wine and Blue's YouTube channel: https://go.redwine.blue/sw2.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Jess McIntosh is filling in for Amanda Weinstein this week as we do another deep dive on Gen Z. This week, we’re focusing on an issue that has unfortunately galvanized and inspired so many Gen Z activists: gun violence. As young people have watched adults fail to take action on gun violence prevention, they’ve stepped up and led the way themselves. They’re not held back by decorum or politeness; they’re taking action without asking for permission. We’re joined by Lauren Jasinski, a teacher in Michigan who had worked in gun violence prevention for years before a school shooting happened in her very own high school. Lauren shares the amazing work that her students are doing, like an organization called No Future Without Today. She also recommends Be Smart, which raises awareness about safe gun storage. We’re so grateful to Lauren for sharing her perspective as a teacher, an advocate, and a gun violence survivor.Then Rachel sits down with another incredible Gen Z activist, Eve Levenson. Eve has worked with The Jewish Democratic Council of America, Grassroots Dem HQ, Voters Of Tomorrow, and she co-founded the Youth In Gov Coalition. Relevant to our topic of gun violence this week, she also worked with March For Our Lives, founded by high school students after the school shooting in Parkland. Eve shares how her Jewish identity has inspired her activism, what issues are important to Gen Z, and the best advice she ever received (hint: it was from Ruth Bader Ginsburg!!).Finally, Jess, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to kids' birthdays, to organizing all year round, and to leaning in to what inspires us in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”You don’t have to be Gen Z to be a social media queen! Sharing information and inspiring people to action is how we bring change to our communities and our country. If you want to learn how to use social media to defeat right-wing extremism, join us for a special Troublemaker Training on Thursday February 9th. You can sign up here or by going to redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Suburban women are an important voting block and we made a big difference in last year’s midterms. But we’re not alone: Gen Z also played a key role in the midterms, changing the narrative that “young people don’t vote.” We’re so happy to band together with Gen Z to defeat right-wing extremism. So that’s what we’re talking about this week: young people. The hosts even share what they were like when they were young!We're then joined by Judge Juanita Boger-Allen and her daughter Mya. Juanita was the first Black District Court Judge to be elected in her North Carolina community. And through working on her campaign, both she and Mya were so inspired by each other. They’re living proof that working together across generations isn’t just good for the cause - it also brings us closer together.After that, Rachel sits down with Annie Wu, the young woman who ran John Fetterman’s social media during his Senate campaign and earned the moniker “Fetterman’s TikTok Whisperer.” Annie shares how she got into politics (and why campaign work is inaccessible to many young people), why Gen Z is more involved than young people in previous generations, and the best parts about working with Gisele and John.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to Representative Emilia Sykes, kids growing up, and the importance of political organizing even in red rural areas in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Are you starting to see attacks on sex education in your newsfeeds? Do you believe sex ed is important but you have questions about what your kids should learn and when? Do you want to be prepared to handle discussions around sex ed within your school district and with friends? We got you covered! Join us on Thursday, February 2nd for a special Troublemaker Training. You can sign up here or by going to redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

We’re not afraid to tackle any topic on this podcast, and this week that topic is drag. It’s a new year, but right-wing extremists keep reading from the same old playbook, trying to find boogeymen to scare us… especially suburban women. Armed right-wing extremists have been showing up to protest drag storytime events, which seems far more traumatizing for a child than a princess reading them a book could ever be. So much for the party of personal choice.The hosts are joined by Cress Barnes, a mom in North Carolina who’s had to deal with threats and calls to shut down her restaurant because she hosts family-friendly drag events. Cress talks about why it’s important to provide inclusive spaces, some misconceptions about drag, and how she always tries to lead with kindness. When she threw a "not a protest" party to celebrate diversity in her town, hundreds of people showed up to support her and the LGBTQ community... and the right-wing extremists were nowhere to be found.Then Jasmine interviews Tara Hoot, a drag queen who regularly hosts storytime events for kids. Tara is a teacher and a parent, so events that bring joy to kids and parents alike has always been a passion. They discuss what exactly drag is, why drag events have become such a popular target, and why it’s so important for kids to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the books they read and the events they attend. Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to not-so-expensive eggs, favorite flowers, and moms standing up for inclusive playgrounds in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”First Ron DeSantis passed "Don't Say Gay." Then he banned discussions about racism with the "Stop Woke Act." Now he’s banned AP African American History in the state of Florida. If you want to stand up for education, we encourage you to sign our letter to the Florida Board of Education here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Season 3 of the podcast is here and we are so happy to be back with you all! On today’s episode, Amanda Weinstein, Jasmine Clark and Rachel Vindman catch up on everything that’s happened since they last sat down together: from Jasmine and Casey being sworn in to Republicans in disarray in Ohio and Washington. Chaos is looming around every corner, but we can counter it by continuing to have authentic conversations with our friends, family, and neighbors. The hosts are joined by Sherry Luce, an organizer in Pennsylvania. They chat with Sherry about how her state was able to swing blue in last year’s midterms, her unconventional approaches to politics (pajama party, anyone?), and what she's seeing in the coming year for Pennsylvania.Then Amanda gets the chance to sit down with Gisele Barreto Fetterman, whose kindness, authenticity, and style are truly one of a kind. Amanda and Gisele chat about her charities, immigration, how running for office is a family affair, Brazil’s recent “January 6th” riot, how Gisele stays positive in the face of criticism, and even her long-time celebrity crush.Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to Jasmine’s 40th birthday, some unexpectedly positive experiences on Twitter, and to Rachel’s daughter Sarah and the importance of reaching out for support in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”Troublemaker Trainings are back! Our next Training is Thursday, January 19th and it’s all about school boards. Join us to learn more about how to fight against book bans, how to make your voice heard at school board meetings and join together with your friends and neighbors. You can learn more and sign up here.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSA Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSA Facebook: @RedWineBlueUSA YouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA