Hysteria

After the devastating floods in central Texas, Erin and Alyssa reflect on the tragic loss of life, what went wrong, and what it means to “politicize a tragedy.” Then, journalist T.J. Raphael joins for a discussion about her new podcast, Liberty Lost, a heart-wrenching investigation into the dystopian birthing home run out of Liberty University. They wrap up in the Sanity Corner to rave about Summer produce and Love Island USA.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Chelsea Clinton joins Hysteria to discuss health advocacy in the MAHA era and the state of reproductive healthcare under Trump 2.0. Erin and Alyssa also get into the latest on Charlie Kirk’s misogynistic agenda, the tacky Bezos/Sanchez Venetian wedding, and whether doomsday preppers are onto something.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins Hysteria to share about the tragic shootings in her state and honor the legacy of her friend and colleague, State Representative Melissa Hortman. Erin and Alyssa also discuss the latest on RFK Jr.'s vaccine quakery, new (bad) discrimination rules in VA hospitals, and their skepticism of Amy Coney Barrett’s drift to the left. They wrap up with a petty conversation about shopping cart etiquette and the atrocious styling in Ryan Murphy’s latest adaptation.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Lieutenant Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis joins Hysteria to talk about ICE, protests, and where California stands amidst threats from Trump. Erin, Alyssa, and Comedian and friend of Hysteria Kara Klenk also discuss Trump’s Super Sweet Seventy-Ninth birthday parade, the No Kings protests, and Evie Magazine’s Father’s Day gift guide.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Erin and Alyssa break down the Big Beautiful Bill, how a new change to EMTALA will threaten the lives of pregnant people, and Trump supporters' complaints about getting what they voted for. Then a conversation about how some people would like to see “modesty” come back in style– for better or worse. Then they wrap up in the Sanity Corner with their initial thoughts on And Just Like That and Love Island USA.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

The Hysteria team is off this week. But we’re excited to bring you a recent episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, we’ve watched Republicans erode American democracy with alarming speed. While this political moment may feel unprecedented, it isn’t new. America has dealt its share of far-right movements, fascist provocateurs, and anti-democratic threats. But time and again, heroes have risen to meet those moments. In this episode, Stacey unpacks how we’ve fought fascism before – and won. She’s joined by the host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Erin and Alyssa discuss the latest on the fertility clinic bombing in Palm Springs, the horrific consequences of Georgia’s strict 6-week abortion ban, and the Liver King. Then The Atlantic’s Sophie Gilbert joins to chat about her new book Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves, they talk about everything from the impact of Spice-Girls-feminism to the rise of the #girlboss.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

The new American pope is here, Trump is fast-tracking white South African refugees, the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial has begun, and Erin and Alyssa are here to break it down. They also do a deep dive into wellness influencer Casey Means, who might just be the next U.S. surgeon general. They wrap up with a conversation about Karoline Leavitt’s super mom status and Adidas’ new down syndrome accessible shoe program.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

Erin and Alyssa are together IN PERSON to discuss the latest news from the Texas bill that would mandate wastewater testing for mifepristone, to how Janet Mills’ resistance to funding cuts paid off, to a preview of the papal conclave. Then Parker Molloy, author of The Present Age newsletter, joins for a conversation about the problems with the mainstream media’s coverage of the Trump administration’s attacks on transgender youth. Finally, in Sani-Petty they discuss podcasts that are keeping them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Erin and Alyssa unpack how the suspension of the de minimis exemption will affect our shopping habits, Trump’s exploitation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conservative women’s media desire to “make America hot again.” Then the Pitt’s Katherine LaNasa, aka Nurse Dana, joins to talk about the making of America’s favorite TV show and where she drew inspiration from for her kick ass character. They finish up with a very petty examination of Bill Belichick’s age-gap relationship.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Donald Trump has waged a war on children, and activist and founder of Moms First, Reshma Saujani, joins to discuss how the administration's policies harm mothers. Erin and Alyssa also cover Pete Hegseth’s leaky group chats, RFK Jr.’s plans to create a registry of autistic Americans, and the future of the Take It Down Act. They wrap it up in the sanity corner with praise for Jack Shlossberg’s TikTok and uplifting news from the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

RFK Jr. is gutting the CDC, Elon Musk has a breeding fetish, Speaker Mike Johnson does not want new mothers to vote in Congress, and Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to break it down. They also dive into how Trump’s tariffs are impacting the luxury goods economy and whether anyone wants to buy a Louis Vuitton bag made in Texas. They wrap up in the Sanity Corner with some petty commentary about Cheryl Hines and JD Vance.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Samantha Bee joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss the latest on Trump’s tariffs, I.C.E. 's partnership with the I.R.S., and Laura Loomer in the Oval Office. They also have an honest conversation about their journey through menopause, which is a struggle for everybody, even Oprah. Then Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins for some real talk about D.O.G.E., the stock market, and Elon Musk.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Samantha Bee joins Hysteria to talk reproductive health funding, special elections, and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. They don’t feel bad for criticizing Kristi Noem’s outfits, and they do feel a little bad that Elise Stefanik lost her cabinet position. Sam also gets in touch with her Canadian roots and gives the inside perspective on how America’s craziness is affecting our neighbors to the North. Then comedian Kiran Deol chats with Alyssa about some more hopeful, uplifting news stories. They wrap up with a Sanity Corner discussion of Shen Yun and figure skating.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Monica Lewinsky and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow join for a very special episode of Hysteria. Mallory and Alyssa discuss Trump’s systematic dismantling of the Department of Education, Lisa Murkowski’s scathing read of the Republican Party, and their media diets. Then Monica shares behind-the-scenes stories from her new podcast and what reclaiming means to her. They wrap up with a petty rant about Usha Vance and a wholesome story of community coming together.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Alyssa Mastromonaco and guest host Errin Haines (The 19* News) dive into federal budget cuts, criminal abortion charges in Texas, and egg trafficking at the border. Then, Megan Gailey joins for a March Madness panel to discuss Juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and their predictions for the NCAA Basketball tournament. They also chat about The White Lotus, the fall of Forever 21, and daylight savings time.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

America is in retrograde, and Errin Haines of The 19th* News and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to talk about it. They discuss the latest on the dismantling of the Department of Education, Kamala Harris’s next political move, and the consequences of resistance under Trump. Then, internationally recognized leader in reproductive health and board-certified gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang joins to talk about perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy and answer listener questions. They wrap up with their honest review of Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show and their other current TV favorites.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Betches co-founder Sami Sage joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to dig into Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. They discuss his speech’s glaring hypocrisy, the exploitation of his guests’ trauma, and the democratic response. They also chat about the Resistance Rangers standing up for national parks, the wrath J.D. Vance faced on his ski trip to Vermont, and their love for Kate Hudson in her new show Running Point. Then, Alyssa interviews Elisa Lane, a farmer from Maryland impacted by Trump’s erratic funding freezes.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

The House passed a GOP budget framework, Elon Musk attended the first White House Cabinet meeting, and Alyssa Mastromonaco and guest host Akilah Hughes have a LOT of opinions. They also discuss the trickle-down effect of Trump’s executive orders on a state level, the Republican obsession with transgender athletes in the NCAA, and the modern resistance at town halls across the country. Luckily, Jane Fonda’s SAG Awards speech and a heartwarming story about The Metropolitan Museum of Art are keeping them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

The House passed a GOP budget framework, Elon Musk attended the first White House Cabinet meeting, and Alyssa Mastromonaco and guest host Akilah Hughes have a LOT of opinions. They also discuss the trickle-down effect of Trump’s executive orders on a state level, the Republican obsession with transgender athletes in the NCAA, and the modern resistance at town halls across the country. Luckily, Jane Fonda’s SAG Awards speech and a heartwarming story about The Metropolitan Museum of Art are keeping them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

Betches co-founder Sami Sage joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss the MAGA madness from RFK Jr.’s anti-SSRI crusade to the DOGE-fueled staffing purges. Then they have a sani-petty extravaganza with Suzanne Lambert, aka liberal Regina George, and senior producer Caroline Reston. They feel petty about the Elon Musk Ashley St. Clair baby drama and White Lotus theme music, but Jack Shlossberg’s social media return is keeping them sane!

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Alyssa Mastromonaco is joined by Errin Haines from The 19th to discuss Trump’s (obvious) failed promise to protect women, Nancy Mace’s insanity on the house floor, DOGE’s attacks on the Department of Education, and the gutting of The Kennedy Center’s board. They also are feeling petty af about Bridget Jones's Diary, but at least Martha Stewart’s revival is keeping them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

Errin Haines from the 19th News joins Hysteria to analyze the latest news from Washington, including Trump’s DEI panic, the status of Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr.’s senate confirmations, and Elon Musk’s sticky fingerprints. They also give a reproductive healthcare update discussing anti-abortion advocates' attempt to use environmental policy to their advantage, New York’s shield laws being put to the test, and the eerie foreshadowing for the future of HIPAA laws. They also balance out the horrors by sharing their love for Jalen Hurts, Beyonce, Bob Weir, and Debbie Allen.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Trump has been in office for less than two weeks, and he has already frozen (and unfrozen) essential federal funds, packed his executive orders with anti-abortion B.S., tried to push government employees out of their jobs with “buyouts,” and Erin and Alyssa are here to talk about it. They also talk about RFK Jr.’s hot mess Senate confirmation hearings, the future of NIH gender-related research, and a potential alternative to mifepristone. Then author and activist Julissa Arce joins to discuss Trump’s immigration policy, ICE raids, and the nuances of the undocumented experience.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins Hysteria to talk about the future of the Equal Rights Amendment under Trump, her goals for her role as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and honor the memory of Cecile Richards. Erin and Alyssa also review Trump’s executive orders from his first days in office and question if any of them will actually improve the economy (spoiler alert: they won’t).

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

Comedian Michaela Watkins joins Hysteria to discuss the impacts of the LA fires one week after they began and how the community has shown up to provide relief. Erin and Alyssa also recap the insanity of the Pete Hegseth confirmation hearings and Zuckerberg sucking up to Joe Rogan.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

Erin and Alyssa break down the legal saga unfolding between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the misconduct that happened on the set of It Ends With Us and the smear campaign that followed. They also discuss a historic breakthrough in the fight against medical debt, Meta’s twisted new hate speech policies, and how Democrats should deal with conservative BS in 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

The Hysteria team is off this week, but we're excited to bring you an episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. In this episode, Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025’s education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives. If you liked this episode, subscribe to Assembly Required wherever you get your podcasts: crooked.com/assemblyrequired

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco say goodbye and good riddance to 2024 with help from guest panelists Akilah Hughes and Kara Klenk. They reflect on the parts of the year that kept them sane, from the Paris Olympics to the Kendrick-Drake beef. Then, they talk about holiday traditions and read out listener submissions about odd and wholesome ways to celebrate.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco shared the latest on the TikTok ban heading to the Supreme Court and the House Ethics Committee's vote to release its report on Matt Gaetz. Then, they break down the history of the Equal Rights Amendment and Kirsten Gillibrand’s fight to make President Biden revive it. Finally, they are feeling petty af about Elon Musk’s mom’s involvement in DOGE and FedEx holiday deliveries.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

After the media storm (and internet thirsting) surrounding the UHC CEO shooting suspect, Erin and Alyssa make sense of the cultural response online and what this says about the rage Americans feel toward the for-profit healthcare industry, and whether we’re entering a new era of class solidarity… or of fame-hungry copycats. Then they discuss the rise of the Manosphere and whether the men of America are okay (spoiler alert: they’re not).

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

It’s no secret that we are angry about Trump’s win, but who and what are we angry at? Editor at Large of the 19th News, Errin Haines, joins Erin and Alyssa to discuss how racism and misogyny led to Trump’s win. They also check in on how democratic governors are bracing for Trump’s impact, and the latest news on disgraced Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth. Finally, they feel petty about the new Bridget Jones Diary, but The Later Daters on Netflix keeps them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

Erin and Alyssa are joined by producer Caroline Reston to answer your questions from the Thanksgiving mailbag. They dish on holiday recipes, strategies for navigating politics at the dinner table, and who they would cast in a hypothetical Hysteria movie.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

While Trump is busy casting his cabinet and staff picks with former reality stars, Fox News hosts, sex pests, and even some of America’s Worst Women, Alyssa and Erin are here to keep you posted. They discuss the rights and wrongs of the women Trump picked and question who will even make it to the inauguration. Then they ponder the question on a lot of our minds right now: is it time to buy a gun? Finally, they discuss the ways to prepare mentally and physically for a second Trump presidency without descending into doomsday prepping madness.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

This week, Erin and Alyssa assembled a super-panel with award-winning journalist Errin Haines, activist and author Julissa Arce, and comedian Megan Gailey. They chat about how things are settling post-election, from what it would really take for a woman to become president to the misguided logic of people who split their vote on abortion. Then, they sound off on a listener's question about whether to unfriend Trump supporters.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

After a night of very little sleep and a heartbreaking Harris loss, Erin and Alyssa come together to talk it through. They give down-ballot updates for Congress, state-level races, education, and abortion measures. Then they get into their feelings and try to navigate where this leaves us and a path forward.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

Stacey Abrams joins Hysteria to talk about Georgia voters, the final days of the Harris Campaign, and what she’ll be watching for on election day. Then Erin and Alyssa dish on Harris’ final remarks, Trump on Joe Rogan, and where the hell Usha Vance has been during the campaign. Stick around to the end to hear a clip of Alyssa’s interview with Speaker Pelosi.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

MSNBC’s Joy Reid joins Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco for the pre-election final stretch. They break down Ron DeSantis’ latest voter intimidation schemes, new data illustrating the consequences of Dobb’s decisions, and Trump’s never-ending mission to antagonize the Exonerated Central Park 5. The ladies are feeling petty about WNBA referees and JD Vance’s marriage, but luckily, Barack Obama on the campaign trail is keeping them sane.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

Are the 2024 election results written in the stars? Not quite, but Chani Nicholas joins to share what we have in store for the rest of the year from an astrological perspective. Then, a round of applause for Kamala Harris, who is nailing her media strategy and leaving no stone unturned. Meanwhile, Trump is barely functioning and abandoning his base in the desert. Finally, in Sanity Corner, Alyssa is loving Fresh Air, and Erin is feeling petty about climate change’s impact on seasonal fashion.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

OG feminist blogger Jessica Valenti joins Erin Ryan to cover the latest abortion across the country, from Ron DeSantis’ fascist abuse of government resources to fight Florida’s 4th Amendment to the dueling abortion ballot measures in Nebraska. Then, an interview with trailblazing abortion provider Dr. Warren Hern about his legacy and the future of reproductive care. Finally, a conversation with Senator Laphonza Butler about her historic term representing California in the Senate and her friendship with Vice President Harris.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

The vice presidential candidates faced off on Tuesday night, and Erin and Alyssa have thoughts about Vance’s abortion nonsense and Walz’s better-than-anticipated performance. Then Erin takes us on the final segment of our Get In Losers We Are Going Voting tour to meet some incredible ladies running down the ballot. And this week, we are feeling petty that the rats of NYC got free birth control before we did.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

Erin and Alyssa go “back to school” to discuss voucher fuckery and other education issues on the ballot at a state level. Then, activist and host of Crooked’s This Land podcast, Rebecca Nagle joins to share about her new book, By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land. Finally, Sani-Petty (Chappell Roan’s refusal to endorse a candidate and not letting Mark Robinson’s staffer get away with this).

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

Trump and Vance campaign language reflects Andrew Tate’s misogynistic word vomit; Republican Senators blocked The Right to IVF Act; and more in news. Then, Sani-Petty (Diddy is absolutely disgusting, and dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince is terribly missed). Finally, we talk to some incredible candidates that need our votes this fall: Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan, Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon, and Rep. Diamond Staton Williams of North Carolina.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris debated senile angry man Donald Trump, and Akilah Hughes joins to dish all about it. Then, Akilah tells us all about her new podcast, Rebel Spirit — required listening if you went to a school with a racist mascot. Finally, Sani-Petty (the WNBA needs kids clothes!).

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

Josie Duffy Rice of What A Day joins while Alyssa takes vacation! The Harris-Walz numbers make us cautiously optimistic, JD Vance is scared of childless teachers (...?), and Nancy Pelosi is a political chess master. Then, Megan Gailey and Kara Klenk join to discuss “sharenting,” and the ethics of parents posting their kids on social media. Finally, Sani-Petty (Trump needs glasses, and the U.S. Open and the Paralympics can cure our post-Olympics depression).

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024

In news: Trump’s counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention is a bust, and abortion’s rebrand to “reproductive freedom” is genius. Then, Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Julissa Arce join to discuss the party that is the DNC, from Chicago and the couch. Finally, Sani-Petty (JK Rowling has finally shut up, and white women can’t read the room sometimes).

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

Erin Ryan is BACK from maternity leave! She and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about American Dad Tim Walz, creep JD Vance (and his drag history), and how Trump’s relevance is getting drowned out by Democrats’ joy. Then, Lt. Gov. of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins to discuss midwestern vibes, her longtime political relationship with the new Democratic VP pick, and how she just might become the first indigenous woman to be an American state governor. Finally, Sani-Petty: Julia Child and Love Island USA are saving our souls these days.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

Samantha Bee is back to co-host with Alyssa one last time! They discuss Tim Walz joining the Harris 2024 campaign, Usha Vance’s response to her husband JD’s “childless cat lady” comment, and more in news. Then, in Sani-Petty, Sam and Alyssa ponder RFK Jr.’s dead bear in Central Park (the brain worm is real). Finally, Alyssa interviews epic down-the-ballot candidates — Anna Thomas (of PA), Sarah Henry (of FL), Eva Burch (of AZ), and Dallas Harris (of NV) — about the stakes of their local races. Next week: Erin’s back!

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” Then, Katie and Alyssa answer YOUR questions, covering romance, the idea of interviewing Melania Trump, and everything in between.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

Katie Couric co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco, diving into Biden dropping out of the race, Kamala Harris, potential VP picks, and misogynistic political media. Then, for some levity: Sani-Petty (Celine Dion! The Olympics!). Finally, Evan Kleiman of KCRW joins to talk about summer foods — fruit pies, preserves, cocktails — and cookbook favorites.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024