Hearsay podcast

Hearsay

Welcome to Hearsay, where we deep dive into the cultural moments that live rent free in our heads—and probably yours too. Each episode, join our multigenerational hosts Jessica, Hilary, and Lark as they discuss how gender, power, and the law impact pop culture. From the early days of MTV to the latest TikTok discourse, they’re here to debrief each other on what’s happening in their own corners of the Internet—and learn more about what it means for society as a whole. National Women’s Law Center employees by day, culture aficionados by night, Jessica, Hilary, and Lark will talk to experts who help us connect the dots between the issues they work on and the moments you can't stop thinking about.

Welcome to Hearsay, where we deep dive into the cultural moments that live rent free in our heads—and probably yours too. Each episode, join our multigenerational hosts Jessica, Hilary, and Lark as they discuss how gender, power, and the law impact pop culture. From the early days of MTV to the latest TikTok discourse, they’re here to debrief each other on what’s happening in their own corners of the Internet—and learn more about what it means for society as a whole. National Women’s Law Center employees by day, culture aficionados by night, Jessica, Hilary, and Lark will talk to experts who help us connect the dots between the issues they work on and the moments you can't stop thinking about.

 

#17

Equal Pay in the WNBA ft. Aliyah Boston, Alysha Clark, and Terri Carmichael Jackson

As our country has collectively decided to rally around women athletes, the stark racist and sexist wage gaps of professional basketball players has taken center court. Black women have been the backbone of entire industries—including sports leagues—and it is essential that they be fairly compensated for their work, so why aren’t they? WNBA stars Alysha Clark and Aliyah Boston and Executive Director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association Terri Carmichael Jackson join us to talk about the intersectionality of it all and how we can really support Black women. Resources ---More information on the [WNBPA] (https://wnbpa.com/) --- [Resources ] (https://nwlc.org/issue/equal-pay-and-the-wage-gap/) on the wage gap ---You can follow Aliyah Boston [here] (https://www.instagram.com/aliyah.boston/?hl=en) ---You can follow Alysha Clark [here] (https://www.instagram.com/alyshaclark/?hl=en)   ... Read more

28 Aug 2024

40 MINS

40:54

28 Aug 2024


#16

Death to Girlboss: How Girlbossing Is Capitalism In Cursive Font. Ft. Lola Kolade

The rise and fall of the girlboss movement was swift—and thank goodness for that. From LinkedIn hustlers to overly positive Instagram posters and Trad wives, a movement that was supposed to empower the “sHero” and “goal digger” in all of us has become the butt of every joke on the internet but still has such a hold over our lives. We talked with Lola Kolade about how we can truly overcome the girlboss within all of us. Read Lola’s substack [The New New | Lola Kolade | Substack] (https://lolaokola.substack.com/) Follow Lola’s tiktok [lola | nyc writer (@lolaokola) | TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@lolaokola?lang=en) ... Read more

21 Aug 2024

38 MINS

38:10

21 Aug 2024


#15

Tax the Patriarchy With Abby Disney and Amy Matsui

Your favorite billionaire might pay less in taxes than you do. And that’s by design! The U.S. tax code has sexism and racism baked right into it. But if we taxed the patriarchy, we’d have enough money for the things that really matter—from child care and health care to education and housing. We talked to activist, philanthropist, and filmmaker Abby Disney and NWLC tax genius Amy Matsui about why it’s past time for Taylor, Jay-Z, Elon, and Jeff to pay their fair share. Resources: ---Learn more about Abby’s latest movie, [The American Dream and Other Fairytales] (https://abigaildisney.com/film/the-american-dream-and-other-fairy-tales/) ---Try out [NWLC’s Tax the Patriarchy calculator] (https://nwlc.org/resource/ttp/) , where you can tax the rich and decide how to invest that money to benefit our country ---Learn more about the [Patriotic Millionaires] (https://patrioticmillionaires.org/) ---See the [Tax Justice Is Gender Justice series of reports] (https://nwlc.org/resource/gender-and-the-tax-code/) ---Read [The Faulty Foundations of the Tax Code: Gender and Racial Bias in Our Tax Laws] (https://nwlc.org/resource/the-faulty-foundations-of-the-tax-code-gender-and-racial-bias-in-our-tax-laws/) ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

36 MINS

36:37

14 Aug 2024


#14

Union Girl Summer: Why Unions Are Good For Women and Everyone

With the SAG-AFTRA and Writers’ Guild of America strikes, 2023 was the year of the union. While the media buzzed about the solidarity and popularity of unions, we have known for a while that unions have always been beneficial for all workers, but especially women workers. What caused the resurgence in support for unions? How do unions play a major role in the fight for equal pay? Why should you seek unionized workplaces when job searching? We talked with Liz Schuler and Jesica Bush about the importance of unions in creating workplaces that at minimum keep us safe and at maximum allow us to thrive. Resources: 1--Info from the AFL-CIO on how to start a union: [https://aflcio.org/formaunion] (https://aflcio.org/formaunion) 2--NWLC Fact Sheet on Why Unions Are Good for Women: [https://nwlc.org/resource/unions-are-good-for-women/] () ... Read more

07 Aug 2024

37 MINS

37:43

07 Aug 2024


#13

Oh, How I Love Being a Woman in Politics ft. Rep. Barbara Lee

Even as Black women reach the highest levels of our political system, they’re still faced with racist, sexist attacks we’d like to think are ancient history. Yet, we still depend on Black women to “save” us. No one knows the paradox of what it means to be a woman in politics better than Barbara Lee—who joins us for a special live episode as she reflects on her early days with Shirley Chisolm, her political career, and what the future holds. ---You can stream [Shirley on Netflix] (https://www.netflix.com/title/81473752) ---Barbara Lee’s floor speech can be found [here] (https://lee.house.gov/news/videos/watch/speech-on-9/14/01) ---You can stream [Mrs. America on Hulu] (https://www.hulu.com/series/mrs-america-96f330fe-878d-412e-949f-fd8b69b3adf2) ... Read more

31 Jul 2024

27 MINS

27:10

31 Jul 2024


#12

Drake, Kendrick, and Megan Thee Stallion: What Will It Take to Protect Black Women?

The experience of all sexual violence survivors is not created equal—why are Black women’s experiences not taken seriously? From #MuteRKelly to Tory Lanez, we’ve seen Black women used as scapegoats and blamed for the harm caused to them. We talk with Tarana Burke and Jamilah LeMieux about Drake vs. Kendrick, protecting Black women, and what it means to keep us safe. For more information and ways to support survivors, visit the [metoo. Movement website ] (https://metoomvmt.org/) Resources: 1--You can stream Surviving R. Kelly on [Netflix] (https://www.netflix.com/title/81069393) 2--The book Lark mentioned is [Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly] (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soulless-jim-derogatis/1130333191) 3--The book Jessica mentioned is [Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall] (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586743/hood-feminism-by-mikki-kendall/) 4-- [Here ] (https://metoomvmt.org/the-work/gotv/) is the metoo. Movement and Black Voters Matter Survivor Justice Voter Guide 5-- [More on Tarana Burke] (https://metoomvmt.org/get-to-know-us/tarana-burke-founder/) 6-- [More on Jamilah LeMieux] (https://www.jamilahlemieux.com/)   ... Read more

24 Jul 2024

34 MINS

34:00

24 Jul 2024


#11

Freedom Doesn't Have to Be Scary: On Trans Joy and Living Fully

We think it’s obvious that trans women are women, but our Twitter mentions say otherwise. In an election year full of dog-whistling, we have grown disgusted by the dehumanization of trans people from all sides of the political spectrum. Trans people deserve to live their lives, play sports, and be themselves. On this episode, we talked with Anya Marino and Gillian Branstetter about why TERFs are not feminists, how transphobes have become emboldened to spread their hatred in our politics and schools, and why it is more important than ever to protect trans adults and trans children. Resources: ---NWLC Blog - [Once and For All: This Is Why We Support Trans Women and Girls in Sports] (https://nwlc.org/once-and-for-all-this-is-why-we-support-trans-women-and-girls-in-sports/) ---Read about SCOTUS granting cert to one of the ACLU’s challenges against an anti-trans health care ban in Tennessee with arguments coming this fall. [U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge from United States, Families, and Doctors Against Transgender Health Care Ban | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org)] (https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/u-s-supreme-court-will-hear-challenge-from-united-states-families-and-doctors-against-transgender-health-care-ban) ---ACLU Protect Trans Care action [Protect Trans Care Now | American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org)] (https://action.aclu.org/send-message/protect-trans-care-now) ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

38 MINS

38:19

17 Jul 2024


#10

Tennis Is Taking Over! From Battles of the Sexes to Challengers, Featuring Billie Jean King

On the season two premiere of Hearsay, we’re joined by two incredible advocates: Billie Jean King and Fatima Gross Graves. We discuss the groundbreaking Battle of the Sexes, equal pay, Title IX, and how tennis and women’s sports are at the center of how society views—and values—women athletes. And don’t worry, Lark, Hilary, and Jessica all saw Challengers to prepare for this episode. Learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation: [https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/] (https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/) Learn more about Title IX: [https://nwlc.org/issue/education-title-ix/] (https://nwlc.org/issue/education-title-ix/) ... Read more

10 Jul 2024

38 MINS

38:07

10 Jul 2024


#9

The Radical Power of the Happily Ever After: Why You Should Read Romance Novels

Romance as a genre has been historically dismissed as unserious, very likely because women make up its core audience. But it’s always been popular and lucrative. Romance has also been at the forefront of inclusive fiction and driving social change. With our guests, Tia Williams, an acclaimed author, and Kelsey Grimes, a reproductive rights lawyer at NWLC, we unpack the genre and how it’s inextricably linked to conversations about contraception, abortion, and freedom. We’ve got romance recommendations for you! Tia’s rec: This Could Be Us by Kennedy RyanKelsey’s rec: Any book by Courtney MilanHilary’s rec: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and for historical, A League of Extraordinary Women series by Evie DunmoreJessica’s rec: Act Your Age, Even Brown by Talia Hibbert ... Read more

03 Apr 2024

32 MINS

32:46

03 Apr 2024


#8

Dads Are Just Babysitters: Debunking the Myths of Child Care

Why is child care so expensive and impossible to find? And why are child care providers paid so little? And how come when TV shows depict child care, if they do at all, it’s completely unrealistic—full of super nannies and hapless dads? Child care is the backbone of our entire country and is traditionally women’s work—which is why it’s frustrating, but maybe not surprising, that it’s so often invisible. In this episode, we talk to NWLC experts Jasmine Tucker and Julie Vogtman about who to blame for our child care crisis, how to help child care workers and parents alike, and the child care myths that are hurting all of us, whether you have kids or not. We have so many resources for you! Julie’s Undervalued report: [https://nwlc.org/resource/undervalued-a-brief-history-of-womens-care-work-and-child-care-policy-in-the-united-states/] (https://nwlc.org/resource/undervalued-a-brief-history-of-womens-care-work-and-child-care-policy-in-the-united-states/) Jasmine and Julie’s report on what happened to women after COVID-19: [https://nwlc.org/resource/resilient-but-not-recovered-after-two-years-of-the-covid-19-crisis-women-are-still-struggling/] (https://nwlc.org/resource/resilient-but-not-recovered-after-two-years-of-the-covid-19-crisis-women-are-still-struggling/) Child care provider Merline A. Gallegos explains what would help her: [https://nwlc.org/on-child-care-worker-appreciation-day-what-we-really-need-is-action/] (https://nwlc.org/on-child-care-worker-appreciation-day-what-we-really-need-is-action/) An interactive map that shows how each state would benefit if Congress stabilized the child care system with $16 billion: [https://nwlc.org/resource/cc-map/] (https://nwlc.org/resource/cc-map/) Data that shows child care workers are being left behind in terms of their pay: [https://nwlc.org/press-release/nwlc-releases-data-revealing-child-care-workers-wage-growth-lags-behind-other-low-paid-occupations/] (https://nwlc.org/press-release/nwlc-releases-data-revealing-child-care-workers-wage-growth-lags-behind-other-low-paid-occupations/) ... Read more

27 Mar 2024

42 MINS

42:26

27 Mar 2024


#7

Bottom of the Pyramid: The Misogyny Behind How Society Treats Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders are a big part of our culture, from halftime performances at school football games to the longevity of Bring It On. They’re incredible performers and such an integral part of the gameday experience, and yet society often treats them like mere objects. We’ve seen so much progress in the ways jobs traditionally held by women are respected, but why are we still discounting cheerleaders, even the ones who work in the NFL? We talk with Melanie, a former NFL cheerleader, and Lizzy, a sexual harassment lawyer who helped take down Dan Snyder, the former owner of the Washington football team. For more information on the case involving the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund and Dan Snyder: [https://nwlc.org/how-survivors-prevailed-against-dan-snyder-and-the-washington-commanders/] (https://nwlc.org/how-survivors-prevailed-against-dan-snyder-and-the-washington-commanders/) The Oversight Committee Report Melanie mentioned can be found here: [https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/oversight-committee-releases-final-report-on-investigation-into-the-nfl-s] (https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/news/press-releases/oversight-committee-releases-final-report-on-investigation-into-the-nfl-s) If you have experienced sex harassment or other sex discrimination at work, the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund may be able to help. For more information visit: [https://nwlc.org/times-up-legal-defense-fund/legal-help-for-sex-discrimination-and-harassment/] (https://nwlc.org/times-up-legal-defense-fund/legal-help-for-sex-discrimination-and-harassment/) ... Read more

20 Mar 2024

32 MINS

32:23

20 Mar 2024


#6

The One Where Friends Ripped Off Living Single: Co-opting Black Women's Work

Living Single, a sitcom featuring six Black roommates in New York was a hit when it debuted on Fox in 1993. But in 1994, NBC created an eerily similar show with a white cast called Friends. They aired in direct competition, and the rest is history. We explore Living Single’s legacy and the repercussions of co-opting and devaluing the work of Black women. Living Single vs. Friends: Erika Alexander Speaks Out: [https://zora.medium.com/why-the-friends-vs-living-single-twitter-beef-really-matters-ce54d9559457] (https://zora.medium.com/why-the-friends-vs-living-single-twitter-beef-really-matters-ce54d9559457) Erika Alexander says the 'Living Single' and 'Friends' needs 'a larger conversation': [https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/erika-alexander-says-living-single-friends-needs-larger-conversation-rcna83757] (https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/erika-alexander-says-living-single-friends-needs-larger-conversation-rcna83757) ... Read more

13 Mar 2024

38 MINS

38:28

13 Mar 2024


#5

Stronger Than Yesterday: #FreeBritney and the Broader Fight Against Conservatorships

#FreeBritney! Britney Spears has been a lightning rod since the moment she appeared on MTV. We discuss the ways in which she’s been a model of how it’s impossible to be a woman in the public eye, at every age, and how her conservatorship shed a light on the way the legal system can be weaponized, especially against people with disabilities. And then, NWLC lawyer and disability justice advocate Ma'ayan Anafi joins us to make the connection between Britney Spears and the larger fight against forced sterilization and conservatorships. Ma’ayan’s report, Forced Sterilization of Disabled People in the United States can be found here: [https://nwlc.org/resource/forced-sterilization-of-disabled-people-in-the-united-states/] (https://nwlc.org/resource/forced-sterilization-of-disabled-people-in-the-united-states/) ... Read more

06 Mar 2024

35 MINS

35:32

06 Mar 2024


#4

Justice for Janet: Policing the Bodies of Black Women and Girls

Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t hers alone, but she sure took the blame. We rewrite history on what really happened with Janet and draw the connection to how Black women and girls’ bodies are still policed, especially through dress codes in school. And then, we talk with Dr. Monique Couvson, a scholar and expert on school pushout, about how Janet’s treatment mirrors what happens to Black girls in schools all across the country.Check out Grantmakers for Girls of Color here: [https://g4gc.org/] (https://g4gc.org/) Learn more about Dr. Couvson and her work here: [https://drmoniquecouvson.com/] (https://drmoniquecouvson.com/) NWLC’s Dress Coded reports can be found here:  [https://nwlc.org/resource/dresscoded/] (https://nwlc.org/resource/dresscoded/) ... Read more

28 Feb 2024

33 MINS

33:29

28 Feb 2024


#3

Reality Check: Worker's Rights in the Genre You Love to Hate

What happens when reality TV gets too real? Jessica, Lark, and Hilary discuss two instances of how sexual harassment and assault were handled on reality TV, first on Survivor, then on Below Deck: Down Under. Then we talk to our guest Hannah Finnie, an expert on the intersection of employment law and reality TV, about why reality TV stars need workers’ rights too, especially in a genre of entertainment that’s too often discounted as “trash.” If you have experienced sex harassment at work, at school, or when receiving health care, the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund may be able to help. For more information visit: [https://nwlc.org/times-up-legal-defense-fund-/] (https://nwlc.org/times-up-legal-defense-fund-/) .More information on Kellee Kim’s case and TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund’s involvement can be found here: [https://nwlc.org/surviving-survivor-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-includes-reality-tv/] (https://nwlc.org/surviving-survivor-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-includes-reality-tv/) ... Read more

21 Feb 2024

40 MINS

40:04

21 Feb 2024


#2

Abortion: We’re Talking About It. We Wish More TV and Movies Did Too

Unlike some movies and TV shows, we’re comfortable talking about abortion. Yes, we’re naming names. On this episode of Hearsay, we explore how abortion has been depicted over the decades in the media, from Maude to Jane the Virgin and (nearly) everything in between. And then Leila Abolfazli, a lawyer and abortion expert at NWLC, talks to us about why these depictions are so important, and the three movies that motivated her to join the fight for abortion access. For more information on abortion in media: We Testify - Abortion Onscreen Awards [Abortion Onscreen — WE TESTIFY] (https://www.abortion.shop/abortion-onscreen-awards) ANSIRH - Abortion on TV and Film [Abortion on TV and Film | ANSIRH] (https://www.ansirh.org/research/ongoing/abortion-onscreen) Glamour article about abortion representation in TV: [Here's Why the Abortion Storylines on Jane the Virgin and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Matter | Glamour] (https://www.glamour.com/story/abortions-on-tv-scandal-crazy-ex-girlfriend-jane-the-virgin) Our watchlist of TV episodes with abortion plots and subplots: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: “When Will Josh and His Friend Leave Me Alone?” (Season 2, Episode 4) Euphoria: “And Salt the Earth Behind You” (Season 1, Episode 8) Jane the Virgin: “Chapter Forty-Six” (Season 3, Episode 2) Maude: “Maude’s Dilemma” (Season 1, Episodes 9/10) Scandal: “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” (Season 5, Episode 9)  Sex and the City: Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda (Season 4, Episode 11) ... Read more

21 Feb 2024

35 MINS

35:21

21 Feb 2024


#1

Introducing: Hearsay

 Introducing Hearsay, the podcast that unpacks pop culture with a purpose. In each episode, our multigenerational hosts Jessica, Hilary, and Lark, invite you to join their candid conversations, backed by insights from experts who bridge the gap between their professional expertise and the cultural zeitgeist. Episode 1 premieres February 21st, 2024. ... Read more

11 Feb 2024

02 MINS

02:24

11 Feb 2024