2. Shmashmortion Breakdown

In this (second!) episode of A Special Place In Hell, the girls/women discuss the use of the word “girls” in the show’s tagline and whether it’s anti-feminist. Meghan describes visiting the set (well, sitting on a patio outside the set) of Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday to watch Blocked and Reported co-host Katie Herzog’s debut appearance on the show, alongside Andrew Sullivan. Sarah recalls her own guest appearance on Real Time (also with Andrew Sullivan!) and both agree that going on that show is a traumatic experience that most media people will nonetheless kill for. The girls/women then move on to the obvious main topic: the long-anticipated yet still shocking news of the SCOTUS overturning of Roe v. Wade. They break down the political and practical ramifications of this decision while also assessing the collective nervous breakdown that’s playing out on social media and elsewhere. Sarah explains why she thinks the ruling will cause many years—even decades—of pain but might ultimately pave the way for wider pro-choice legislation across the country. Meghan asks why politically conservative women, from Phyllis Schlafly to Amy Coney Barrett, seem able to balance big families and big careers better than liberal women. This leads into a conversation about the “trad” trend and why so many young people seem to be fetishizing pioneer life.  Other highlights:*  Can you be a “trad furry?” *  If Amy Coney Barrett were on the political left, would she be a Badass Boss B***h Earth Mama She-ro?*  Sarah gives a sneak preview of her latest article in Hold That Thought. *  Meghan does some psychological processing of a tweet she sent Friday evening that went viral. It was a high quality joke. But naturally it was “weaponized!” * Meghan and Sarah both try to take the high road on social media, but are they kidding themselves? (Yes.)  Relevant links:* Sarah’s Substack newsletter Hold That Thought * Meghan’s May 8 Unspeakable Podcast interview with legendary abortion rights activist Frances Kissling * This week’s Unspeakable Podcast two-part series on guns* Meghan’s new project-in-progress The Unspeakeasy, a community for heterodox-minded women.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com