With Friends Like These

We revisit a very honest conversation between Ana and writer Rembert Browne (@rembert) about Colin Kaepernick, America, and why it’s imperative we talk about race, especially when it makes us feel uncomfortable. You can read Rembert’s profile on Kap here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2732670-colin-kaepernick-anthem-race-in-america Send us an email with a question and we’ll get our #friendsofthepod to answer it in the new year: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Tweet us at @crooked_friends. Happy holidays to our sponsors! National Endowment for Financial Education: visit NEFE’s new financial literacy website SmartAboutMoney.org/friends to learn how to make a financial plan. Stamps.com: Get a four-week trial plus postage by visiting stamps.com with promo code Friends. Everlane: Free shipping on your first order at Everlane.com/friends Texture: Get a free trial when you go to texture.com/FRIENDS and save 30 percent a month on the regular price if you choose to continue your subscription. Learn more

WNYC’s Rebecca Carroll [2:58] gives us her perspective on an aspect of #MeToo we should be talking about more: the denigration of black women. Also, if you thanked black women on Twitter for Doug Jones’ win in Alabama, you might want to listen in for some tips on how to put that support into concrete action.  Then, [36:28] writer Amy Sullivan helps us unpack a listener question about abortion, religion and politics. Specifically: why hasn’t the Left followed the Right’s lead in framing abortion as a religious issue? Ana and Amy reaffirm that, yes, it is possible to be pro-choice and a person of faith. Rebecca’s Esquire piece can be read here: http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a13978884/charlie-rose-sexual-harassment-accuser-story/ Our guests have pods, too! Stay tuned for Rebecca’s upcoming show Black Folk, which will air on WNYC.  Amy has a podcast about politics and religion, called Impolite Company, which you can find on iTunes. Please keep sending us your questions to withfriendslikepod@gmail.c

First, [3:17] author and theologian Diana Butler Bass (@dianabutlerbass) drops by to give us an explainer on the really long theological history behind Trump’s decision to proclaim Jerusalem the capital of Israel, and how that decision appeals specifically to members of his conservative evangelical base who believe in dispensational premillennialism (more popular than one might think). Diana and Ana conclude it is possible to change people’s minds on Armageddon. Then, [43:50] Ana checks in with GOP media guy Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) for his insight on how his party is (mis)handling Roy Moore. The main question: can the Republican Party get any lower than standing behind a pedophile?  Listeners, direct emails to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com, or find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Thank you sponsors! The Great Courses Plus: sign up for your free month by visiting thegreatcoursesplus.com/Friends. Hello Fresh: Get $30 off your first week by going to HelloFresh.com and using promo code WithFriends30.

Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer), senior editor at The Atlantic, joins Ana this week [5:43] to discuss his latest piece unpacking the white nationalism of Trump voters. He argues a lot more people believe in white supremacy in America than we want to talk about, but says having that conversation is unavoidable. The discussion also draws parallels between white supremacy and patriarchy. Then, [52:11] Lizzy O’Leary (@lizzieohreally) of Marketplace talks sexual harassment and bad behaviour — that “grey area” — in the media, including her own encounters with men she shrugged off as a young reporter, but now horrify her. She wrote about those experiences here: https://www.thecut.com/2017/11/lizzie-oleary-describes-sexual-harassment-in-journalism.html.  A link to Adam’s piece, The Nationalist’s Delusion, is here: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/the-nationalists-delusion/546356/ Send us an email! Thoughts and questions to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com, or find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. If y

In this special episode, Ana takes a field trip to Chicago to visit with a group of voters long misunderstood by the coastal elites but who played a pivotal role in the 2016 election: that’s right... Hillary voters. What makes them tick? Why do they have such affection for her? Will they continue to support her, no matter what? Also, we try to humanize them a bit: Hillary voters may seem different, but really, they’re just like you or me! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Moe of “The Hilarious World of Depression” podcast (@johnmoe) returns to the show for a special Thanksgiving episode dedicated to self care. Ana and John share some coping mechanisms for those tough days, like setting boundaries and giving your anxiety a name. Two important reminders: you have worth, and it gets better. If you missed John last time he was on the pod, find that episode here: https://crooked.com/podcast/the-help-is-coming-from-inside-the-house/ You can also listen to John’s podcast, right here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hilarious-world-of-depression/id1181589175?mt=2 If you are struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK. Be well. You are loved. We read every email we get! Please send us a message: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com Or tweet us at @crooked_friends on Twitter. Thanks to our sponsors! Framebridge: Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS for 15% off your first order. TrackR: Re

First, [3:35] newest Crooked Media pod host Ira Madison III (@ira) drops by to talk about why “good men” should be prepared to lose something when it comes to facing and assessing their past behaviour, which includes acknowledging a system that has afforded white men so much success. Ira and Ana start by asking: should Al Franken resign? Then, [36:00] former South Carolina Republican congressman Bob Inglis (@bobinglis) is back to help us make sense of why many Evangelical Christians in Alabama continue to stick by Roy Moore even after numerous women have accused him of sexual misconduct, which leads to a discussion about identity politics.  You can tweet us at @crooked_friends on Twitter or send us your thoughts via email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com Thanks a bunch to our sponsors! KIND: Find your free sample box at KindSnacks.com/friends HELIX: Go to HelixSleep.com/Ana and get $50 off your order. EVERLANE: Free shipping on your first order at Everlane.com/friends PARACHUTE: Visit ParachuteHome.com/

This week, New York Mag writer and author Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) stops by to mark one year since the election of Donald Trump with an episode dedicated to Hillary Clinton. No, we don’t re-litigate her campaign or make jokes about Wisconsin. We do put in context the first female presidential candidate ever nominated by a major party, her life and her feminism — and help Ana, a self-described Hillary skeptic, make sense of some complicated feelings about the historic figure that is HRC. In the face of mounting scandals regarding sexual predators, Ana and Rebecca also take on the question that haunts many modern feminists: “But what about Bill?” If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available: - RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org - The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with

First, [3:55] we check in with our pal Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) to discuss what the Mueller indictments mean for the future of Trump’s administration, the big question being: how much longer will Congressional Republicans continue to protect this president in the face of mounting evidence? Rick has a somewhat sunnier view than Ana on how things will play out. Then, [38:29] Elizabeth Bruenig (@ebruenig) stops by for a discussion about poverty and morality in relation to the GOP tax plan, which is in essence an attack on the nation’s poorest people. Find the pod on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Have a question? Send an email to withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Go to crooked.com for more info. And check out our sponsors!  The ACLU’s Let People Vote Campaign: Help defend the right to vote by visiting vote.peoplepower.org. Hello Fresh: Get $30 off your first week by going to HelloFresh.com and using promo code WithFriends30. TrackR: Receive 20% off any order at TheTrackR.com/friends. Stamps.com: Get a four

First, [3:10] Crooked Media’s Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) stops by to answer a listener’s question about the role of gay men in #metoo, which leads to an honest discussion about female vs. male leadership. Then, [19:40] we sit down with Afghanistan war veteran Nate Bethea (@inthesedeserts) to explore how progressives should situate themselves in relation to the military (spoiler: plenty of people who serve are leftists, if not as overtly so as right-leaning troops). We also ask, is it OK to criticize the military, and who should be doing the criticizing? Finally, we acknowledge that standing for troops at airports can be uncomfortable for all parties, and settle on saying hi one-on-one instead. Tweet the pod at @crooked_friends and email us your questions at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Check out crooked.com for a full reading list and sources. Thanks to our excellent sponsors! The Better Off podcast, where Emmy-nominated Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger takes on uncomfortable and sometimes controversial mo

We sit down with friend of the pod Vann R. Newkirk II (@fivefifths) to discuss how white people in America can do more to fight white supremacy, The System (tip: go out and talk to people who don’t look and sound like you). Helen Rosner (@hels) also joins us to help answer a listener question from a man who admits he’s committed a sexual assault of his own, where we ask, what's the other half of #metoo? Finally, we end with some positive musings about ethical porn. Find the pod on Twitter at @crooked_friends and reach us on email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Head to crooked.com for a full reading list and sources. Please check out our sponsors!  HELIX: Go to HelixSleep.com/Ana and get $50 off your order. ZIPRECRUITER: Post jobs for free at  ZipRecruiter.com/friends PARACHUTE: Visit ParachuteHome.com/friends for free shipping and returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Human Shock Doctrine hits Puerto Rico” w/ Naomi Klein and Jamil Smith With a friend like the United States, does Puerto Rico need enemies? Naomi Klein (@NaomiAKlein) stops by to discuss how the U.S. government created the preconditions for the island’s unnatural (very much man-made) disaster. And Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) helps answer a listener question about an awkward conversation at the office. Bonus mini-essay for listeners that make it all the way to the end. Find us on Twitter at @crooked_friends. Email us at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!   TrackR: Receive 20% off any order at TheTrackR.com/friends   Stamps.com: Get a four-week trial plus postage by visiting stamps.com with promo code FRIENDS.   Helix: Go to HelixSleep.com/Ana and get $50 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, [4:10] Sam Sinyangwe (@samswey) joins us to talk about how media coverage of the Las Vegas massacre largely ignored America’s long history of mass shootings, including the deadliest mass shooting ever, perpetrated by white supremacists. You can read Sam’s tweets about the topic here: https://twitter.com/samswey/status/914963280501858304. We also discuss why gun control policies need to be conscious of race and racism, and why mixing sports and politics continues to be a good thing. Next, [40:16] regular friend and ally of the pod Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) is back to point out the irony in the Right not being more alarmed by Trump’s expansion of federal power — in particular ICE and Homeland Security. We also discuss voting rights and Rick responds to a listener seeking advice on how to have productive conversations with conservatives about gun control in the wake of Vegas. Rick and Ana try and don't entirely fail in modeling that conversation. We love hearing from you! Tweet the pod at @crooked_fr

Former RNC chairman Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) joins us for a live conversation from the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Tx.  We discuss why Steele no longer recognizes the Republican party [10:00], whether he sees Trump as an existential threat to American democracy [43:00], and why those three words “We The People” mean so much to him [50:40]. Another genuine With Friend Like This, Steele is also the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and a current political analyst on MSNBC. Say hello! Tweet the pod at @crooked_friends, or shoot us an email at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We read all your letters and will get a future guest to answer your questions. Also check out our wonderful sponsors! KIND: Get a free sample box at KindSnacks.com/friends FRAMEBRIDGE: Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS for 15% off your first order. ZIPRECRUITER: Post jobs for free at  ZipRecruiter.com/friends MM.LAFLEUR: Try a free Bento Box of wardrobe staples and accessories at MMBento.com Learn more

This week we get more Weedsy than The Weeds about America’s uniquely fucked up health care system with single-payer activist and Chapo wonk Timothy Faust (@crulge), an incredibly fun and energetic tour of health care with two people who curse a lot.  First, how we got here (Otto von Bismarck comes up); then, why the latest GOP attempt to repeal Obamacare is their worst yet; and finally, an examination of Bernie Sanders’ “refreshingly ambitious” Medicare For All bill — prefaced with a friendly reminder that the most socialist-y parts of the ACA were the most popular. Relevant to the discussion: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/06/trumpcare-obamacare-repeal-ahca-single-payer And check out Tim’s podcast “Heavy Medical” (https://www.blubrry.com/heavyxmedical/) and newsletter (http://tinyletter.com/error). You can also find him on the Chapo Trap House podcast, or catch him touring fifteen cities between NYC and Minneapolis in mid-October to talk single-payer with local DSA chapters, open to the public. Get in t

A conversation with writer Rembert Browne (@rembert) [1:21]on how his “write-around” profile of football player Colin Kaepernick (Bleacher Report) became a piece about this moment in America — and why the stakes are too high to avoid the uncomfortable conversations needed to change it. You can read that very good piece here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2732670-colin-kaepernick-anthem-race-in-america Also relevant to the discussion: http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/my-desk-rescue-jon-taffer-of-bar-rescue-stages-a-cubicle-intervention/ Send us questions to be answered on the pod waves! Email withfriendslikepod@gmail.com, and tweet at @crooked_friends. A REMINDER: our LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX is on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival Please check out our fantastic sponsors! UPSIDE: Go to Upside.com and use promo code FRIENDS for $100 gift card to Amazon.com.  TEXTURE: get a 14 day free trial when you go to texture.com/FRIENDS HELIX: Go

This week, sex education instructor Kim Cavill (@sexposparenting) is back on the pod to answer your (adult) questions about perhaps the messiest coalition of all: sex. We discuss when and how to talk to your kids about porn [2:46], what to do if a friend tells you they’ve experienced a sexual assault [56:13], plus the importance of asking for what you want [64:57].  Kim’s website, Tea and Intimacy, is at https://www.teaandintimacy.com/. If you have had experience with any kind of sexual assault or violation, you are not alone. There is help. Two resources available: - RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): Call their hotline (800-656-4673) or use their anonymous chat feature at their website, RAINN.org - The Crisis Text Line is anonymous and available 24 hours a day to help with a wide variety of problems, including sexual assault and mental health or just an emotionally difficult time: 741741. For men, specifically, 1in6.org is here to help, as well. Get in touch! Tweet us at @crooked_friend

First, [2:15] a conversation with Neena Satija (@neenareports) from Houston, about Harvey and the choice to not prepare for catastrophic events. Second, [32:04] Jon Lovett (@jonlovett) helps field a listener question! And then [47:18] we talk about Game of Thrones as a metaphor for climate change. Lastly: [57:18] A short reflection on the Nashville Statement and attempts by Christians to dehumanize and deny our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. We want to hear from you! Tweet us at @crooked_friends, or email us a question at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com and we’ll get a future guest to answer it. A reminder that we are still taking your adult sex ed questions for next week’s show. And don’t forget about our LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival/ Relevant to the discussion — Neena and team's March 2016 piece on Houston (from The Texas Tribune and Reveal/ProPublica): https://projects.propublica.org/houston/; a little more about the Nash

First [5:35], why aren’t evangelicals turning on the decidedly ungodly Trump? Jack Jenkins (@jackmjenkins), religion editor at Think Progress, explains how Christian nationalism has fused with Trumpism to create an unbreakable (?) bond. Second [43:06], Parker Molloy, (@ParkerMolloy), from Upworthy, joins to talk about the re-animation of the “trans ban” and why it matters beyond the military. Also, responding to a listener who asked about the ways one can help in the fight against bigotry *besides* going to protests and rallies. Reach the pod at @crooked_friends on Twitter and email us your questions (for our new weekly segment!) at withfriendslikepod@gmail.com. We’re also taking your adult sex-ed questions for an upcoming show, so email us those, too. We welcome audio questions, using a recording app.  And LIVE SHOW in AUSTIN, TX on 9/23 at the Texas Tribune Festival. Find out more at https://www.texastribune.org/festival/ Relevant to the discussion — Jack’s Christian nationalism series, part 1: https://t

The aftermath of Charlottesville, considered from the right and the left. First [4:36] , Naval War College professor Tom Nichols (@radiofreetom) helps us understand how our enemies and allies abroad will interpret Charlottesville and Trump’s response to it. We also argue about whether it’s helpful, politically speaking, to connect the modern GOP to white supremacy. Then Jane Coaston (@cjane87, MTV NEWS FOREVER!) hops on the line [48:46] to argue that Trump’s defense of white supremacy was a tactical error — but still terrifying. We respond to an email from a listener (a new weekly segment!). Finally [1:23:55], some personal thoughts on what happens next.  That email for submitting a question: withfriendslikepod@gmail.com  AND feel free to submit an audio question using a recording app, if you are so technically inclined.  Relevant to the discussion: Tom on how Trump’s Twitter feed undermines national security (it’s not that he’s revealing state secrets, it’s what he reveals about himself): http://thefed