United SHE Stands

In episode 131, our special guest, Alycia Asai, gives us a history lesson on the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era.

Alycia is an independent historian whose research interests center around women, labor, and the evolution of the social safety net in the United States. She is the researcher, producer, and host of the podcast, Civics & Coffee where she explores the stories of America’s past in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee.

Alycia’s Book Recommendations on the Gilded Age & Progressive Era:

* Standing at Armageddon by Nell Irvin Painter

...

In episode 130, we’re joined by our new friend, Anna Musky-Goldwyn, who talks with us about the power of Millennial and Gen Z leaders and voters.

Anna is a writer for film and television whose passion for politics led her to co-found Political Playlist, a platform that focuses on what the youngest members of Congress (under 45-years-old), across the political spectrum are doing and saying. She co-hosts the podcast Political Playlist Happy Hour, on which she and her fellow hosts discuss the news from these young politicians and bring them on for interviews to better understand who th...

We’re back from our summer break with a behind the scenes episode! Ever wonder what goes on behind the mic here at United SHE Stands? This episode is for you!

Connect with USS:

* Substack

* Instagram

* TikTok

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram

Missed this gem of an episode the first couple of times we dropped it? You’re in luck! Here’s one of our favorite episodes EVER, featuring THE Sharon McMahon, AKA @SharonSaysSo on Instagram.

After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon took her passion for education to Instagram, where more than a million people (who affectionately call themselves “Governerds”) rely on her for non-partisan, fact-based information as “America's Government Teacher.” In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic.Original...

You think we’d go digging through the vault and NOT re-release this episode?! Think again and thank us later ;)

For this episode, we’re joined by April Ajoy, the author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. We chat with her about her book and her journey of breaking free from Christian Nationalism. We also talk about the threat it poses to our country and our political system.

April is also a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird trai...

Y’all loved this episode so much the first time, we just KNEW you’d want to hear it again!

This episode dives into the intersections of nutrition, public health, and misinformation with Dr. Jessica Knurick. The conversation addresses the complexities of the Make America Healthy Again movement, the dangers of the misinformation, the harm in oversimplifying complex issues, and the influence of social media on public perception around food safety and nutrition.• Exploration of how the MAHA movement oversimplifies complex health issues • Examination of the societal factors influencing America’s nutritional challenges• Guidance on navigating misinformation and amplifyi...

In episode 125, we sit down with Katie Gatti Tassin, one of our DREAM guests, to talk about the intersection of money and politics. Tune in - you won’t regret it!

Katie Gatti Tassin is the host of the Money with Katie podcast and author of the newsletter of the same name, both acquired by Morning Brew in 2022. Providing fresh personal finance advice that tackles the subject at hand with a unique outlook, her casual approach—coupled with deep, self-taught knowledge—speaks directly to followers who want to take their finances to the next level. She is also t...

In episode 124, we are joined by Congressman Greg Landsman, who helps us break down Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” AKA the “Big Bullshit Bill”. Shoutout to the Congressman for being the FIRST federal-level elected official to be on United SHE Stands!

Representative Greg Landsman is a father and husband who is proud to call Southwest Ohio home. Before joining the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, Greg served on the Cincinnati City Council for five years where he led investments in public safety and core services. Greg also led the effort to establish the City of Cincinnati’s first-ever...

In episode 123, we talk about the horrors of Senate Bill 1 in Ohio and its negative impact on higher education in the state. We couldn’t do this without our guest, Dr. Karla Hamlen-Mansour, who goes through the details of the bill with us. Karla has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and is a Professor at Cleveland State University in the School of Education and Counseling. She has been at CSU for 16 years and has held various leadership roles including, currently, chairing the Faculty Affairs Committee in the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. She teaches graduate courses in...

For episode 122, we welcome back our friend, Liz Minnella! We talk about the current vibes of the democratic party, the significant changes they’ve made in the past four months, and Liz’s PAC - Connect Forward.

Liz is a mom of two toddlers, an advocate, fundraiser and Instagram demfluencer. She gained an audience on Instagram following the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park by posting short actionable steps for fellow activists to take to advance gun violence prevention legislation and she helped lead the grassroots push to pass the IL Assault Weapons Ban. During the 2024 elec...

In episode 121, we dive into:

* Socialism vs Communism & Socialism vs Democratic Socialism

* The Progressive Platform in the U.S.

* The media coverage of Bernie Sanders & his messaging

* The media coverage of AOC & her messaging

Sources:

* Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and socialism, explained

* Socialism - Definition, Origins & Countries

* How Did 'Socialism' Become a Dirty Word in America? | History

* How Are Socialism and Communism Different? | HISTORY

* Socialist vs. Capitalist Political Systems: Ideologies, Operations, and Impact on Society

* Understanding the Political Spectrum...

In episode 120, we are joined by the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters! We talk about how became so passionate about politics, the biggest challenges Democrats face in Ohio, and how to turn Ohio into a swing state again. You don’t want to miss this conversation!

In January of 2021, Liz was unanimously elected as Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. She is the first woman elected to this role and was re-elected in 2022 to a four year term. Throughout her career Liz has worked with people and organizations that support progressive values, including official of...

In episode 119, we talk with Cameron Hilaker, who was recently fired from his job at USAID as part of DOGE cuts. Tune in to hear his story and how he’s turned into a fierce advocate for other fired federal employees.

Cameron worked at USAID as an Emergency Manager responding to domestic and international crises. As a leader of the Readiness Team, his role was to ensure that as a crisis developed, USAID was able to keep its people and families safe and continue the crucial life saving assistance. He has supported over 20 responses, including evacuations, disruptions, an...

In episode 118, we talk about super fun and light-hearted things…like fascism!! Our guest, Craig Johnson, is a researcher and educator focused on stopping the rise of the extreme right-wing. He’s the host of Fifteen Minutes of Fascism podcast, runs a YouTube series celebrating the deaths of right-wing figures throughout history, and is the author of How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism, a guide for parents and educators on keeping young men out of the right-wing.

Craig’s Book: How to Talk to Your Son About Fascism

Craig’s Podcast: Fifteen Minutes of Fasci...

In episode 117, Amanda Becker, author and The 19th News’ Washington correspondent, joins us to talk about how we should still be paying close attention to reproductive and abortion rights in this country - even if your state has protections.

Her first book, “You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America,” was published by Bloomsbury in September 2024.

Becker has been on the beat for nearly two decades, covering the White House, the Supreme Court, Congress, multiple presidential elections, and scores of House and Senate campaigns. Before joining The 19th in April 2020, Becker spent...

In episode 116, we talk about how the oligarchy owns the media in the U.S. and if that makes the press truly “free”.

References

* It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism a book by Senator Bernie Sanders and John Nichols - Bookshop.org US

* Free press: definition and role in democracy I liberties.eu | liberties.eu

* Overview of Freedom of the Press | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

* Public Media Can Improve Our ‘Flawed’ Democracy | Annenberg

* About Public Media | CPB

* Democracy Index 2024 - Economist Intellig...

In episode 115, we sit down with Eloisa Perard, CEO and President of Gracelight Community Health in Los Angeles, to talk about all things healthcare advocacy and federally qualified health centers. Don’t know what those are? No worries, we didn’t either! Listen to this episode to learn more about the amazing work they do.

Gracelight Community Health is a non-profit, Federally Qualified Community Health Center organization. In partnership with the executive management team, Ms. Perard creates strategies in support of the organization’s mission and goals while accelerating and deploying technologies that improve patient care and operat...

In episode 114, we talk about the Learning Space. Have you ever been in that frustrating place where you want to understand something, but you just… don’t? Where your brain is stuck between “not knowing” and “knowing,” and all you want to do is quit? Well, according to Dr. Becky Kennedy, that frustration isn’t a sign that you’re failing—it’s a sign that you’re learning. And today, we’re talking about why that matters—not just for personal growth, but for politics, society, and the way we navigate tough conversations.

Resources

* Dr. Becky’s Original Post<...

In episode 113, we sit down with author, historian, and founder and co-host of the Hashtag History podcast, Rachel Lee Perez. She was kind enough to give us a history lesson on the Reconstruction Era and how it compares to what’s happening in the world today.

Resources:

* Hashtag History Website

* Remedial Herstory Project

* The Hashtag History episode mentioned: Episode 117: The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

Connect with USS:

* Substack

* Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services he...

In episode 112, we spend some time chatting with Anderson Clayton who serves as the current chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. We talk through what she’s currently fighting in NC, how to be a successful democrat in the state, and more.

Elected at 25 years old, Clayton is the youngest chair of a state democratic party. Chair Clayton grew up in Roxboro, North Carolina and graduated from Appalachian State University. She worked on Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s congressional campaign, in Iowa as a field organizer for the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, and then...

In episode 111, we have a conversation about the book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth-Century by Timothy Snyder. You don’t want to miss this episode OR this short and informative read!

Resources

* Timothy Snyder | Penguin Random House

* On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century: Snyder, Timothy

* Democratic FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub says Trump fired her. She says it's not legal. - CBS News

* Opinion | How a German Thinker Explains MAGA Morality - The New York Times

Connect with USS:

* Substack

* In...

In episode 110, we break down dehumanizing rhetoric by exploring how it has been used throughout history to justify violence, discrimination, and different atrocities. We also discuss the psychological and societal impacts of such rhetoric, and how it creates mob mentality and enables authoritarian regimes. Buckle up!

Resources

* The Cause and Effect of Language: Understanding Its Impact on Communication and Behavior – PsychWeb

* The Dark Side of Scrolling: How Social Media Impacts Radicalization - SEAN-CSO

* 'Less Than Human': The Psychology Of Cruelty : NPR

* Excerpts from Mein Kampf

* Rwanda genocide of...

In this week’s episode, we chat with Liz Minnella about how the Democrats need to invest in and build a digital strategy, as well as focus on the class war instead of the culture war.

Liz is a mom of two toddlers, an advocate, fundraiser and Instagram demfluencer. She gained an audience on Instagram following the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park by posting short actionable steps for fellow activists to take to advance gun violence prevention legislation and she helped lead the grassroots push to pass the IL Assault Weapons Ban. During the 2024 election cy...

In this episode, we sit down with Allie Phillips, a 29-year-old mother, advocate and Tennessee native who recently ran for the TN State House. She walks us through her tragic abortion story and how her experience led her to run for state legislature. Her priorities include ensuring that other women in Tennessee did not have to go through the experience she did and can access health care, improving the quality of public education, & working for common sense gun safety laws. Allie testified in front of the US Senate & was invited to the White House’s Women’s History Month Conf...

In this week’s episode, we dive deeper into a Substack post Ashley wrote about the paradox of tolerance and when we need to/when it's appropriate be intolerant. We provide an overview of the paradox and answer some reflective questions about tolerance and intolerance in today’s political landscape.

References

* Tolerance Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

* Paradox of Tolerance - Philosophy Terms

* Paradox of Tolerance: To Tolerate or Note to Tolerate? - YouTube

* It's Time for the Tolerant Left to be Intolerant - Ashley’s Substack Post

Connec...

For this week’s episode, we’re joined by April Ajoy, the author of Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith. She is also a content creator and podcast host who uses humor to shine light on harmful, toxic, and sometimes just weird traits of American Evangelicalism. After growing up an evangelist’s kid entrenched in Christian Nationalism and working in conservative Christian media, she saw the harm caused firsthand. Still a Christian, she uses her platform to expose the dangers of Christian Nationalism while promoting a more inclusive faith. April has been featured on Buzzfeed, CNN, N...

This episode dives into the intersections of nutrition, public health, and misinformation with Dr. Jessica Knurick. The conversation addresses the complexities of the Make America Healthy Again movement, the dangers of the misinformation, the harm in oversimplifying complex issues, and the influence of social media on public perception around food safety and nutrition.

• Exploration of how the MAHA movement oversimplifies complex health issues 

• Examination of the societal factors influencing America’s nutritional challenges

• Guidance on navigating misinformation and amplifying credible scientific voices

• Emphasis on understanding the difference between correlation and causation

• Insi...

In episode 104, our first episode of 2025, we emphasize the importance of maintaining political engagement and activism beyond the electoral season. We discuss methods for building resilience, defeating the temptation to disengage, and actionable ways to support democracy through time and financial donations.

Resources

The sacred pause between the election and what comes next

Linda McMahon - Wikipedia

Why we choose to financially support these organizations - Instagram

United SHE Stands | Substack

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner...

In episode 104, our first episode of 2025, we emphasize the importance of maintaining political engagement and activism beyond the electoral season. We discuss methods for building resilience, defeating the temptation to disengage, and actionable ways to support democracy through time and financial donations.

Resources

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his...

Re-RE-releasing this episode about Ranked Choice Voting with our friend Kyle Herman because this effort is underway in Ohio!

Original Air Date: May 2, 2023

Resources

* Rank the Vote Ohio's website

* Rank the Vote Ohio's Action Page (for volunteering, donating, events, etc)

* Rank the Vote Ohio's Online Petition (to join our supporter list)

* Rank the Vote USA's coalition page (to find partners in other states)

* FairVote's state allies coalition page

* History of Ranked Choice Voting in Ohio

* RepresentWomen's report on how Ranked Choice...

For episode 102, we're re-releasing our interview with THE Sharon McMahon, AKA @SharonSaysSo on Instagram. Enjoy!

Original Air Date: October 22, 2024

Connect with Sharon:

* Instagram

* Website

* Podcast - Here's Where It Gets Interesting

* Newsletter - The Preamble

* Buy the book!

Re-RE-releasing this episode about Ranked Choice Voting with our friend Kyle Herman because we love it so much! We hope you do too.

Original Air Date: May 2, 2023

Resources

For episode 101, we're re-releasing our episode about the threat of another Trump term... since we are now, unfortunately, in that reality.

Original Air Date: July 23, 2024

Sources

* Study Classifies U.S. Democracy as ‘Backsliding’

* When democracies falter, they rarely recover

* Democratic decline in the US

* Myth of Voter Fraud

* 2016 Lie of the Year: Fake news

* 15 most notable lies of Trump’s presidency

* What Republicans said when Obama tried to confirm a Supreme Court judge

* How US Supreme Court Has Shifted Over T...

For episode 102, we're re-releasing our interview with THE Sharon McMahon, AKA @SharonSaysSo on Instagram. Enjoy!

Original Air Date: October 22, 2024

Connect with Sharon:

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

If you purchase from any links to resources or products, the show may m...

For episode 101, we're re-releasing our episode about the threat of another Trump term... since we are now, unfortunately, in that reality. 

Original Air Date: July 23, 2024

Sources

Can you believe it? We've hit the 100-episode mark of the United SHE Stands podcast! It's been an incredible journey and we're celebrating this milestone with reflections on our evolution and memorable moments!

Can you believe it? We've hit the 100-episode mark of the United SHE Stands podcast! It's been an incredible journey and we're celebrating this milestone with reflections on our evolution and memorable moments!


Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

If you purchase from any links to resources or products, the show may make a small commission.

In episode 99, we sit down with Elizabeth Jarosz, a trailblazer in qualitative market research, for an enlightening conversation about the mysteries of voter dynamics in the 2024 election. Connect with Elizabeth and her work:

Behind The Glass Website

YouTube Channel

Instagram

Facebook

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/

Instagram: @kevwyxin

In episode 99, we sit down with Elizabeth Jarosz, a trailblazer in qualitative market research, for an enlightening conversation about the mysteries of voter dynamics in the 2024 election.

Connect with Elizabeth and her work:

Connect with USS: United SHE Stands Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

If you purchase from any links to resources or products, the show may make a small commission.

In episode 98, we walk you through our emotions on Election Day and the following days. We will get through this together!