Pantsuit Politics

Sarah and Beth are joined by expert Kerry Anderson to discuss what's happening in Iran, US and Israeli objectives, regional implications, and potential pathways for regime change and stability.  Topics Discussed: What are the objectives in Iran?  Is regime change likely?  What might happen throughout the Middle East because of this war?  Will this war make the people of Iran better off?  Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Beth mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, examining the staggering human cost of the war, what it reveals about the changing nature of modern warfare, and whether America's military is prepared for the conflicts ahead. Outside of politics, they share their philosophies on high heels. Topics Discussed: Four Years into Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine The Changing Nature of War Outside of Politics: Listener Question: High Heels? Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Beth react to Trump's State of the Union address, Governor Abigail Spanberger's response, and what it all signals for 2028. Outside of politics, they turn inward and share their experience with Dan Pink's AI-powered self-reflection exercise. Topics Discussed: Trump’s State of the Union Looking Ahead to 2028 Outside of Politics: Brutal Truths from AI Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give President Trump the authority to impose sweeping global tariffs. Sarah and Beth discuss how the tariff case is just one piece of a bigger and more troubling economic picture: a weakening dollar, a bond market under pressure, and a private credit sector showing signs of serious stress. Plus, Beth has finally watched The Pitt, and she and Sarah make the case that an emergency room drama might be exactly what America needs right now. Topics Discussed: The Supreme Court says Trump’s Tariffs are Illegal Economic Indicators are Changing Outside of Politics: The Pitt Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a theme in today’s episode of holding the breath, which is something I’ve been doing about unrest and possible US military action in Iran. Sarah and I discuss reporting that the administration seems increasingly likely to take what they term “kinetic” action (and what Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie and Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul would call acts of war).  Then there’s the way that our guest and friend Natalia Terfa describes holding her breath in Minneapolis. Even as Operation Metro Surge “winds down,” there are still agents and agitators. There is still fear and tension. There is damage left to repair after “it’s over,” and a sense that it’s not really over yet. We’re grateful to Natalia for her leadership on the ground and her willingness to discuss it with us today.  We often talk about outside of politics as an exhale, and we hope it is today. We talk about our very-non-sports-y Winter Olympics takes, with a special shout out to all of you who participated in the Spice Cabinet Opening Ceremonies.  If you’ve listened for a long time, you know that I love yoga. One of my favorite parts of a yoga class is taking a collective breath. It reminds me that we’re here. We’re alive, right now, and that’s its own form of miracle. It reminds me that we’re not alone. I hope this episode gives you that sense, too. -Beth  Topics Discussed: Unrest in Iran and Potential Military Action  On the Ground in Minneapolis with Natalia Terfa Outside of Politics: The Winter Olympics Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re sharing today’s good news brief with all of our followers. Join us every Thursday for more good news with Sarah. You can subscribe to PantsuitPoliticsShow.com Good morning, friends. It’s Thursday, February 19th — the Good News Brief. And since we were hard on AI this week, I thought we should remind ourselves that AI is also quietly doing something extraordinary: remaking the future of human medicine. Today’s stories are a mix of awe and genuine hope.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're discussing the latest instance of large companies pre-emptively caving to the Trump Administration: Stephen Colbert's blocked interview with Texas Senate candidate James Tallarico. With that backdrop, the House of Representatives passed the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Sarah and Beth discuss why this is a conversation about voter suppression disguised as election integrity. Next, we discuss the standoff between Anthropic and the Department of Defense over the use of Claude in military operations and domestic surveillance. Outside of politics, Sarah and Beth answer a listener's question about astrology and what it means to hold those frameworks loosely in an age of data and critical thinking. Topics Discussed The Save America Act Artificial Intelligence Overwhelm  Outside of Politics: Astrology and Tarot Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When every moment could become viral fodder, what's the cost of just living your life? Sarah and Beth examine several recent news stories that address this question of privacy and surveillance. Plus, First Ladies Abby Cox and Joanna Lydgate join to discuss political violence and the mental toll of public service. Plus, outside of politics, they express finding validation away from the obsequiousness of artificial intelligence.  Topics Discussed The Glare of the Internet’s Spotlight First Ladies Abby Cox and Joanna Lydgate on Political Violence  Moment of Hope: Cecilia Giménez and the Monkey Jesus Fresco Outside of Politics: Alexa Updates Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the proliferation of prediction markets, we're sharing this premium episode of More to Say from January with the full audience. We hope this helps you understand better what's happening in this industry and why it matters.  If you enjoy this episode, we'd love for you to join us on Substack as a premium member. Go to pantsuitpoliticsshow.com for a written version of this episode (available for free) and to become a subscriber. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah and Beth discuss President Trump's racist meme-posting and why it's landing differently this time. Next, we contrast that with Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, we discuss elite incompetence at institutions like the Washington Post, the latest Epstein file releases, Super Bowl ads, and a little football. Topics Discussed President Trump Shares a Racist Meme Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show The Washington Post layoffs and Bezos’s priorities The Epstein files illustrate a moral bankruptcy Outside of Politics: The Super Bowl commercials (and a little football) Ready to go deeper? Visit our website for complete show notes, exclusive premium content, chats, and more. Get 50% Off Monarch, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarch.com/pantsuit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.