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Defectors from the ‘New Right’ say that sexism is a feature, not a bug of modern-day conservatism.

New York Magazine’s Sam Adler-Bell published The Young Women Leaving the New Right, detailing the experiences of conservative women who say that rampant misogyny within the space is pushing them out of a community they helped build. From demanding that women stay home and out of public life to advocating for the repeal of civil rights law - some conservative women have reached their limit. But host Brittany Luse wonders: will this change of heart stick in the voting booths? Or is this just more of the same?

To answer that question, Brittany is joined by Editor at Large of the 19th and NABJ President, Errin Haines. Errin helps unpack the link between the ‘new’ and ‘old’ right, white women checkered political history, and how searching for community can sometimes lead people down dark paths.

Want more about women and politics? Check out these episodes:
Progressive women have 'had it!' And they're fighting back.
The political power of Gen Z women
Enough is enough. Is it time to leave America?

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Are you a “high agency” person?

The tech world has been buzzing about the benefits of being a “high agency” person: someone who doesn’t wait for permission to pursue their own agendas. And that idea has been trickling out into the wider culture - for instance, posts that say things like “you can just do things,” or “when you remember you have free will.” High agency's wider appeal speaks to some of our biggest anxieties and existential questions, like: do we have control over our lives? And what do we risk to achieve the things we want?

Brittany is joined by Sophie Haigney, a journalist and critic who wrote about high agency for The New York Times, and Max Read, a journalist and editor of the Read Max newsletter, where he covers trends, tech, politics and culture.

(00:00) Are you a "high agency" person?
(03:09) High agency's appeal in Silicon Valley
(06:33) High agency people vs. agentic AI
(11:27) Do we really have control over our own lives?
(14:11) High agency and the gambler's mindset
(19:01) When high agency means logging off

For more episodes about agency in our modern world, check out:
The joy of breaking up with dating apps
The high cost of getting food delivered.
Make life harder (and better): Learn another language.

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How does it feel to be called hostile?

What about barren? Inhospitable? Geriatric? These are all words women over the age of 35 have heard in doctor's offices for decades to describe their reproductive health as they explore options for childbirth. The terminology has been changing, but for some, not quickly enough.  When the culture is pushing for more humane ways to talk about women's bodies, how long will it take modern medicine to catch up? Brittany talks with Rachel E. Gross, author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage to understand what the use of these words reveal about our cultural expectations of pregnant people.

Want more on the culture of women’s health? Check out these episodes:

Sex is pleasurable. It should feel safe too.
The key to thriving later in life: menopause

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Is social media giving you analysis paralysis? You’re not alone.

In his new book, ‘Minor Black Figures,’ novelist Brandon Taylor explores this vicious cycle and what it does to our self-worth. His characters are artists hyperaware of how social media can make or break their careers - and how it affects the art they make too.

In this episode, Brandon joins Brittany to talk through what it means to make art in a world of critics - online and off - and the beauty of giving yourself grace.

This episode originally aired on October 15, 2025.

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Political podcasting is said to be a men's game (and predominantly conservative). But two women stood up and said "I've had it!" Now they are revolutionizing political commentary in America.

The hosts of the ‘I’ve Had It’ podcast: Jennifer Welch, a lifelong atheist, and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, a former evangelical conservative, started their podcast to air petty grievances. But, as American politics got heated so did their podcast. Wine jokes became unfiltered takedowns of both Democrats and Republicans. In the process, they gained millions of followers and changed how the progressive media system works. And there's no slowing them down. 

Host Brittany Luse sits down with Jennifer and Angie to talk about the power women have for shaping politics, why women just can't let go of Trump, and how Democrats can actually listen to progressive women.

(00:00) IHIP's success as an indictment of the Democratic party
(03:16) Jennifer and Angie's personal political journey
(10:30) White women leaving the right
(15:11) Jennifer's journey to progressivism
(20:45) Why IHIP's unfiltered approach resonates
(25:00) Why Democrats like Jack Schlossberg seek out IHIP's platform
(30:28) The importance of women's voices ahead of the midterms
(35:03) Why we should pay attention to how women do their politics

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Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse

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