With Friends Like These

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

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 tradit

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

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 a

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 designe

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 si

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/FRIEN

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

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

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 ye

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 d

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 Tri

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.

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

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 withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. 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 fo

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 sh

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 withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Thank you to our sponsors! Check out CBS

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,

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, an

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 withfriendslikepod@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors! Visit stamps