How To Not Lose Your Sh!t

Last week was a tough one in Georgia. After the shooting at a high school in Winder GA, Jasmine says her daughter was afraid to go to school. And she’s not the only one - every child, parent, and frankly any person who watches the news gets retraumatized each time this happens. And yet, still politicians do nothing. In fact, last week JD Vance called school shootings “a fact of life."Instead, he and other extremist Republicans have chosen something else to fixate on: the so-called traditional nuclear family. This isn’t the first time America has gone through a “marriage panic,” as our guest Julie Kohler of White Picket Fence puts it, but it’s particularly infuriating given Republicans’ unwillingness to address the lax gun laws that are actually putting our kids at risk.Julie explains exactly how extremists are trying to force their regressive version of gender roles and the “traditional family” on everyone. From banning no-fault divorce to changes to the tax code, they want to take women and LGBTQ people back to a past where we had no rights. And of course this 1950s vision of the American family has plenty of racism baked in too.We may no longer be shocked by Trump or Vance’s comments about women (“childless cat ladies” and all), but we can’t just roll our eyes at their rhetoric. They have real policies to back it up, and we have to tell everyone we know.After their interview with Julie, Jasmine and Amanda wrap up with a toast to campaign volunteers and First Serve's Day of Service in this week's Toast to Joy.If you're wondering to talk to young people in your life around voting, we invite you to join us at 7:30pm on Thursday 9/12 for a virtual Ask Me Anything event with a panel of inspiring young activists: Olivia Juliana, Sam Schwartz, and Haley Lickstein. You can learn more and RSVP here.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In the final episode of Sacred Politics, we delve into the intersection of religion and social activism. From advocating for human rights to championing environmental stewardship, we uncover how religious groups and individuals have leveraged their faith to fuel positive change.Shane Claiborne: http://www.shaneclaiborne.com/https://www.instagram.com/shane.claiborne/?hl=enRed Letter Christians: https://redletterchristians.org/https://www.instagram.com/redletterxians/?hl=enRev Karla: https://revkarla.com/ https://www.instagram.com/revkarla/https://www.tiktok.com/@revkarla?lang=enFor a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In episode 2 of Sacred Politics, we discuss the trajectory of Christian Nationalism and its looming impact on the nation's future. From the halls of Congress to grassroots movements, we examine how this ideological force is poised to influence the political agenda in the years to come with the implementation of Project 2025.Jess McIntosh: https://x.com/jess_mc?lang=enhttps://www.jessmcintosh.org/ Jemar Tisby: https://jemartisby.com/ https://www.instagram.com/JemarTisby/ The Spirit of Justice: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Justice-Stories-Faith-Resistance/dp/031014485X Talia Lavin: https://www.instagram.com/taliainteralia/?hl=en Wild Faith: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/talia-lavin/wild-faith/9780306829192/Culture Warlords: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/talia-lavin/culture-warlords/9781549127830/?lens=hachette-books For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In our limited podcast series, Sacred Politics, we reveal the dangers of Christian Nationalism in American politics amidst the 2024 election season. Through narrative storytelling and expert interviews, we uncover Christian Nationalism's role in shaping elections, legislation, and public discourse, while also exploring how faith-inspired activism can drive positive change.In episode one, we look through American history to uncover the profound influence of Christian Nationalism. From pivotal moments like its role in electing Donald Trump to its impact on the pro-life movement, this episode delves into the intricate relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Through expert analysis and historical insights, we discuss how Christian Nationalism has shaped policies and cultural attitudes, influencing debates on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. Katherine Stewart: https://kristindumez.com/ April Ajoy: https://www.instagram.com/aprilajoy/?hl=en Star-Spangled Jesus: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/april-ajoy/star-spangled-jesus/9781546006688/?lens=worthy Kristin Du Mez: https://katherinestewart.me/For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This episode is family-only as Rachel, Jasmine and Amanda tell us all about their amazing week at the DNC. In fact, they agreed that "amazing" doesn't even begin to capture how exciting and uplifting last week was.The joy was palpable, and we heartily reject a recent New York Times headline that "joy isn't a strategy." Joy IS a strategy. Hope and joy got us Obama. Fear might be a motivator as old as time, but extremists can only lie so many times before people realize they’re being manipulated. But our joy is more than an emotion - we have actual policy strategies to go with it. It’s no wonder that the US is typically polled as one of the least happy nations. It's hard to be happy when you're constantly stressed about medical bills, housing, grocery prices, and access to reproductive care. VP Harris, Coach Walz, and all of the other incredible speakers at the DNC drew the direct connection between their joy and their policies.But we can’t just sit back and hope that joy magically delivers us an election. We need to work. Democracy is a team sport and we can’t stay on the bench - we have to lace up our shoes and get in the game. There's less than 70 days now until the election, so let's make every one count.One thing you can do right now is join Rally! Rally is a simple way for you to talk to your friends and family about the importance of this election.Next week we'll be taking a short break for Labor Day and instead, we'll have another amazing limited series to share with you. It's called Sacred Politics and it's produced by the same women who brought us The Cost of Extremism last year. Sacred Politics will discuss the dangers of Christian Nationalism, so be sure to tune in to this 3-episode series.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Jasmine and Amanda are at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, so on this episode, Rachel is co-hosting with Jess Piper. And it's great timing because as of last week, abortion will be on the ballot in her home state of Missouri - something that she and other advocates have been working hard to achieve. They gathered 380,000 signatures, a full 200k more than they needed!It's important to remember that even in "red" states like Missouri, extremists are the minority. But when gerrymandering and misinformation run rampant, the far right can implement damaging policies like abortion bans and book bans. Jess even calls her state a "pilot program" for Project 2025, devastating healthcare and public education. No matter what state we live in, we have to stand up against extremism because it affects all of us.And speaking of Project 2025, this week we're also joined by Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America. Nancy walks us through the history of the Heritage Foundation and P2025, as well as where she sees the far right going in the future. Her knowledge and her joy are captivating, even if the topics she studies are anything but joyful. She’s proof that we can take this work seriously while still having fun.Finally, Jess and Rachel raise a glass to daughters and to Tim Walz in this week's Toast to Joy.Red Wine and Blue is going to be in D.C. Labor Day weekend – want to join us? Moms for Liberty will be holding their annual summit where they double down on hate and extremism. We cannot and will not let Moms for Liberty speak for us. Let’s turn out in big numbers to show that we are the majority! You can find more details here.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Every week in this political cycle feels like a decade! It’s hard to believe it’s only been a week since Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her VP pick. And if the energy was good before, now it’s downright jubilant. Governor Walz’s free school lunches program in Minnesota is exactly the kind of support we’ve been talking about throughout our Momonomics campaign.On today’s episode, we’re talking about the care economy with Dr. Jessica Calarco, the author of “Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net.” Jessica’s book is full of data and personal stories about women who, in the absence of a national safety net, have been forced to put their own health, happiness, and careers on the back burner. She tells us about how we can talk to the men in our lives (young and old alike) about how this isn’t a zero sum game… when we strengthen our safety net, it’s better for women AND men.Finally, Rachel and Amanda raise a glass to family, empathy, and the power to change your mind in this week's Toast to Joy.We’re all feeling excited by the energy of the Harris/Walz campaign and ready to talk to our friends and neighbors about voting. And there’s no better way to start a conversation than with some Red Wine & Blue merch! We have new stickers, t-shirts, and tote bags with messages like “I’m All In To Stop Project 2025” and “I’m in my Activist Era.” You can check them out at shop.redwine.blue.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

The energy we’ve been feeling since VP Kamala Harris became the candidate has been undeniable. Jasmine says she hasn’t felt this level of hope since Obama’s campaign in 2008. But the more successful Kamala’s campaign becomes, the more concerned we're getting about extremists resorting to undemocratic tactics. (It wouldn’t be the first time, after all!) In Georgia, some very concerning disenfranchisement efforts are already in the works.But as much as we need to be aware of those undemocratic tactics, we cannot let them cast a shadow on our joy. Our guest this week, Holli Holliday, was such a delight and shared some words about the importance of doubling – no, tripling – down on hope. She also had great advice about how to respond if we hear neighbors or family members repeating racist misinformation about Kamala. We know the power of real conversations and relational organizing, and we couldn’t agree more!Finally, Rachel and Jasmine raise a glass to getting back in the game after an illness and a tropical trip with elected Black women in this week's Toast to Joy.The next exciting event in our Momonomics campaign is coming up soon and you’re invited! You’ve probably heard your friends and neighbors worrying about the economy, but it can be hard to know how to talk about it. Join us on Tuesday August 13th at 7:30pm Eastern for an Ask Me Anything event that’s all about the economy. When you RSVP, you can even submit your own questions. Learn more and sign up here.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Lately there have been so many exciting organizing events on Zoom. And Red Wine & Blue is no exception - just two weeks after our incredibly successful event with Heather Cox Richardson, we held another event to talk about Project 2025… with Senator Elizabeth Warren! Here’s the audio from that call, and if you’d like to watch on video, you can see it here.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

This week, Red Wine & Blue is launching a new campaign called Momonomics. The economy has been on everyone’s mind, and Republicans present it as one of their strongest issues. But we know that Democratic policies like paid childcare and reproductive freedom are what actually help American families.So this week, we’re joined by Sondra Goldschein, the Executive Director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy. Sondra talks to us about what policies actually help working families and how Republicans like Trump and J.D. Vance are incredibly out of touch with what real families need. J.D. even called childcare “class warfare against normal people”! But amongst advanced nations, the United States has some of the worst policies for childcare and parental leave in the world.After that, we chat with Jo Carducci, also known as JoJoFromJerz, to share how economic policies have affected moms like her. Like so many single moms, during the pandemic she was put into the impossible position of choosing between childcare and her income. Moms shouldn't have to feel ashamed that they can't "do it all" when there are no systems in place to support them.Finally, Amanda and Jasmine raise a glass to community, bipartisan solutions, and the Tour to Save Democracy in this week's Toast to Joy.A few days ago, Red Wine & Blue held another incredibly successful event right on the heels of our virtual event with Heather Cox Richardson. This time, we were joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren, who shared her thoughts about Project 2025 and Momonomics. If you weren't able to join us, the video is available on YouTube.For a transcript of this episode, please email comms@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Instagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA