Turning Grief into Action With Allie Phillips

Allie Phillips is a working mom of two, a Tennessee native, and a first-time political candidate turned relentless advocate. After being denied lifesaving reproductive care under Tennessee's abortion ban following a devastating diagnosis at her 20-week anatomy scan, Allie was forced to leave the state to terminate a pregnancy her doctors confirmed was not compatible with life. She documented her experience publicly in real time — and the response changed everything.Allie went on to co-file a landmark lawsuit against the state of Tennessee with the Center for Reproductive Rights, challenging the narrow scope of the state's medical exceptions. She's now running for Tennessee House District 75 to fight for working families, public schools, healthcare access, and the kind of leadership that actually gives a damn.This episode covers:00:00 - Introductions + Tea & Crumpets06:04 - Allie's story and the insane battle for reproductive rights21:54 - Finding Purpose in Loss29:42 - Challenges in Education and Advocacy35:01 - Affordable Housing and Childcare Crisis43:25 - Introduction to Political Identity51:14 - The Impact of Patriarchy and Social Interactions...but for REAL: Why aren't y'all voting?! Montgomery County had a 6% turnout in the last primary. 6%. Your vote matters more at the local level than almost anywhere else — these are the people deciding your schools, your roads, your healthcare, and your judges. August 6th and November 3rd. Get there.Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This EpisodeAllie Phillips for Tennessee House District 75Center for Reproductive Rights — the organization behind Allie's lawsuit against the state of TennesseeZurawski v. Texas — the similar Texas case Allie referencesParadise on Hulu (Val's rec)Euphoria on Max (Allie's rec)Pura Smart Home Diffuser (Em's birthday gift obsession)"The Man" by Taylor Swift — Allie's campaign anthemTennessee's Abortion Ban — SB 1257 — the trigger ban referenced throughoutNashville Star commuter rail — the model Allie references for a Clarksville-Nashville railKHS America Musical Petting Zoo at CMA Fest (Em's Fire Dumpster Phoenix pick)Nashville Zoo Night Owl Program — where Allie's daughter's Girl Scout troop spent the weekendConnect with Allie Phillips:Allie's campaign website@allie4tn on IGConnect with Us:More about the pod / past episodesWatch us on YouTubeNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistSend us a story for The Lore segmentSend in a request for advice for our Step Into My Office segmentConnect with us on IG: @butforrealpodThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @existentiallyvalThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.coDISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.