The Pink State

This is our final episode of the season, and we have the perfect end note because this politician spent her time fighting discrimination with love. This week, we sat down with Jennie Armstrong of Alaska. She is a House Representative, a mom, and identifies as pansexual. She made history when she was one of the first three out LGBTQ+ politicians elected in Alaska in 2022. While in office, she has fought against discriminatory policies, including passing an equality bill and fighting for the rights of trans girls to play sports. We would like to thank each of you for listening to this season and our guests for taking time out of their busy schedule to have these conversations. From the Pink State to your state, we'll talk to you Fall 2025. Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright Info: 1011 Now. (2023, Jan. 13). Alaska Supreme Court rules Armstrong eligible to serve in legislature. [Video]. https://www.1011now.com/video/2023/01/14/alaska-supreme-court-rules-armstrong-eligible-serve-legislature/ABC7 News Bay Area (2024, Oct. 17). SJSU becomes a target as Trump pledges to ban trans athletes. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGpGhN9frYgAlaska's News Source (2023, March 20). Protest held against Gov. Dunleavy's 'Parental Rights' bill. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmNXj4q6b-c Alaska's News Source (2024, May 11). Dozens of amendments debated, voted on as lawmakers discuss the future of transgender youth in sports. [Video].https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/video/2024/05/12/dozens-amendments-debated-voted-lawmakers-discuss-future-transgender-youth-sports/KTOO (2023, May 12). House Floor Session [Part 2 of 2]. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-floor-session-part-2-of-2-2024051179/?eventID=2024051179KTOO (2023, May 11). House Floor Session. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-floor-session-2024051151/?eventID=2024051151KTOO (2023, April 25). House Community & Regional Affairs Committee. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-community-regional-affairs-committee-2023041240/San Francisco Chronicle. (2024, Oct. 27). Who is Brooke Slusser, the SJSU volleyball player trying to ban transgender women from sports? [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W599H1wnQBITheFrozenPlantGuy. (2023, March 21). Thanks to everyone for the advocacyand support elevating HB 99! Over 1000 letters/emails have been receivedand 38 out of 40 people testifying spoke in support! [Video]. https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrozenplantguy/video/7212875775853251886The Guardian. (2024, Nov. 6). How US news networks reacted to Donald Trump's election victory. [Video]. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2024/nov/06/us-networks-react-donald-trump-election-victory-video

In honor of this week's episode falling on Election Day 2024 in the United States, we sat down with Rep. LaKeshia Myers of Wisconsin to talk about her experience as a Black woman in politics and get her take on what Kamala Harris has faced as a Black woman running for president. LaKeshia also discusses her experience as a school teacher and how that has helped her as a representative in Milwaukee with her constituents and fellow lawmakers and how she thinks it could help Tim Walz, if he becomes Vice President.  Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright Info: ABC News (2024, Aug. 21). Walz says 'never underestimate' a teacher during DNC speech. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0iEcfMUHD4 Mother Jones (2024, July 26). DEI: The Right's Main (and Very) Racist Attack on Kamala Harris. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LZ2xnXj5no Benjamin O'Hare (2013, Oct. 15). Maynard H. Jackson becomes the first black Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajkv5AWMltY Betches_news Instagram. (2024, Oct. 19). We spoke with Governor Tim Walz recently about why it’s so important that men speak out about reproductive rights, and ... [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/betches_news/reel/DBUHQC2RyGk/C-SPAN (1972, Jan. 15). 1972 Shirley Chrisholm Presidential Campaign Announcement. [Video]. https://www.c-span.org/video/?325324-2/1972-shirley-chisholm-presidential-campaign-announcementJohn F. Kennedy Library (John F. Kennedy's 1963 Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights). [Video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58O2De-iPOk SkyNews Australia (2024, July 2). ‘She’s weak’: Megyn Kelly blasts Kamala Harris. [Video]. https://youtube.com/shorts/lfj9o3BUZAc?si=V37fdPyn_ujxFuhjWBAY TV-2 (2023, Sept. 22). Fight over DEI funding in UW system continues. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKJxmCWYWoMWKYC Channel 3 (2024, Nov. 1). Kamala Harris says Trump's comment on women 'is offensive to everybody'. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjalpN5XZOs

This week’s episode takes us to the Sunshine State post-hurricanes Helene and Milton, where we talked to Barbie Harden Hall. She is a Florida native who was raised in a Republican family and is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat after the loss of her child to a rare, genetic disorder. She shares her story of transitioning into motherhood and politics. Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright Info: CNN. (2014, Sept. 28). Hillary: Grandmother in chief?. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5myQ4wCplo Forbes Breaking News. (2023, Feb. 9). Joe Biden Goes After Ron DeSantis For Blocking Expansion Of Medicaid Program In Florida. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7x2o6QzNIY Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey. (2022, Oct. 3). Florida Republicans Vote AGAINST Aid For Hurricane-Battered State. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBqxHBFtrAM NBC News. (2023, Feb. 21). Nightly News Broadcast. [Video]. https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news-netcast/video/nightly-news-full-broadcast-february-21st-204673093546NowThis Impact. (2024, Oct. 17). Throwback to Pete Buttigieg Shutting Down Abortion Question. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IlTO-6uNus PBS Newshour. (2024, Feb. 21). How an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children impacts IVF. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5YmhAfzMEo The Young Turks. (2024, Oct. 20). Ron DeSantis Threatens To Prosecute TV Stations. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBCM_wfKQBI WTVR CBS 6. (2024, Oct. 8). Tampa Mayor offers dire warning ahead of Milton: 'You're going to die'. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmMq3TYkdcM Yes4Florida. (2024, Oct. 1). 📢 Our new ad, "Caroline," is airing across Florida starting today. Her story reminds us of what’s at stake under ... [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/yes4florida/reel/DAlLZ27IXYP

The fourth episode of the season features Jayme Davis. She is a House Representative for District 9 in North Dakota. She is making waves as the first Indigenous person to hold a leadership position in the North Dakota Legislature, where she is head of the Democratic Caucus Chair. In this episode she shares a moving professional triumph after a bill to make a Buffalo hunting gun the state gun and a personal story from her childhood where her mom inspired her acceptance of being who she is, then and now.  Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright Info: Forbes Breaking News (2024, Aug. 1). Native American Caucus Meets During Day Three Of The Democratic National Convention In Chicago. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCtJxtWvBQI Indianz. (2024, Aug. 24). Deb Haaland at Democratic National Convention #NativeVote. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0V2VbK68r8  Valley News Live. (2023, April 26). ND Legislature codifies the Indian Child Welfare Act. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0V2VbK68r8 WCCO - CBS Minnesota. (2024, Sept. 1). Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Tim Walz, IVF and more  [VIdeo]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACwxdnSizwc

This week’s episode features Nabeela Syed. She is an Indian American, Muslim, and hijab wearing-woman who made history in 2022 when she became the youngest woman elected to the Illinois House at 23 years old. She also flipped her district from red to blue. Nabeela talks to us about her run for office in 2022, including how she was told to wait to run until there was a district that looked more like her, and the work she has been doing for the past two years while in office to help her community and the state of Illinois. In addition, we learned she is a Taylor Swift fan, so we obviously asked her for her favorite song. Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright Info: CBS (2018, Dec. 3). The past and future of the Bush political dynasty [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_OdTl9Q5eA CBS Evening News. (2020, July 14). Asked why Black Americans are killed by police, Trump responds, "So are White people." [Video].  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5sSj4ihXUw CBS Evening News. (2020, Nov. 8). How Georgia Became a Swing State. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJxOzD1_o6U CNN (2016, Feb. 26). Donald Trump says he will make Mexico pay for wall. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yfIxBjOw3o CNN (2016, June 13). Trump again calls for ban on Muslim immigrants. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0q16V14cVs CNN (2016, Nov. 9). Donald Trump elected president. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhrghfODOg Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF. (2023, June 4). Illinois bill aims to stop drug price gouging. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41Oii-k2Kk8 Fox 32 Chicago. (2022, Dec. 14). Nabeela Syed: First Muslim woman elected to Illinois General Assembly at age 23. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg0ZCfdF4WY Herald Sun (2023, Feb. 8). US Medicare reform to allow negotiating drug prices with big pharma. Jon Ossoff. (2020, April 21). Congressman John Lewis: "Friends, I’m calling on you to support Jon Ossoff." [Video]. https://www.facebook.com/jonossoff/videos/541100316600432/ Nabeela Syed. (2022, Sept. 20).  Hey there! 👋🏽 If I haven’t already knocked on your door, let me introduce myself. ...[Video]. https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ciu2lFXgZ_Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D THV11 (2023, Jan. 10). Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivers inaugural speech. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRiYY6kkhq4

We are back in Tennessee for this episode to talk about "The Year of the Mom" with Ailina Carona - one of three moms in the state who banded together to run in their districts to better protect children in their communities. While she didn't plan to be a politician, after a school shooting happened less than 30 miles from her home and continued efforts to take away women's bodily autonomy, Ailina was motivated to throw her hat in the ring. She is currently running for House District 57 and took the time to chat about her experiences as a Hispanic woman, mom, and non-politician (she's a permanent make-up artist!) running for office.  Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright info: Fox 11 Los Angeles (2024, July 26). Jennifer Aniston slams JD Vance's 'childless cat ladies' comment [Video]. ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDN4SmElOtk Global News (2023, March 27). Nashville school shooting: 3 students and 3 adults killed, police say. [Video] ⁠https://www.youtube.com/live/Yg9Xw5CvDis⁠ Instagram Reel (2024, July 9). The Year of The Mom [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9N0PIYhmb1/?igsh=MXRqcTh6cDQyemFjeQ%3D%3D Now This Impact (2024, July 24). J.D. Vance's Attack on 'Childless Cat Ladies' Resurfaces [Video]. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SSGKiUBrfAU⁠ The Hollywood Reporter (2024, July 29). Chelsea Handler Slams J.D. Vance for "Childless Cat Ladies" Comments [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dfpE7wKKZw The View (2024, July 24) #WhoopiGoldberg reacts to a 2021 video of J.D. Vance criticizing VP Harris for being "childless." [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jAPILa63rVg WCNC (2024, Oct. 4). Liz Cheney campaigns with Kamala Harris to win anti-Trump Republicans [Video]. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ED4SFs8AHQ⁠

We’re back for Season 2! This season we are conducting one-on-one interviews with women running for office, in office or who have run for office. We are kicking off the first episode with former California State Assemblywoman for the 38th District Christy Smith who learned the in-and-outs of running for federal office when she was a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives. While she didn’t win, she experienced the good and bad of being a woman in politics, from not looking like a candidate to having to defend her passion for politics. Sound Editor: Jaxon Winters Copyright info: Music Pixabay License purchased: Licensor's username: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/ Sanderson, J. (1812). Hail to the chief [Song]. BBCNews. (2024, Sept. 11). Key moments from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris' US presidential debate [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUYepJ5fNp8

In this seventh episode, we interview Jen Eyer, former communications director for Gov. Whitmer of Michigan and current Ann Arbor City Council Member, and Matthew Yarbrough, former Deputy Campaign Manager for Congresswomen Carolyn Bourdeaux and current political strategist. They share their experiences working with women politicians, from election to in-office, and how the opportunities for women in politics are growing. From reframing women's policies as kitchen table issues that impact the economy to turning the tables to focus on traditionally men's policies like infrastructure because it impact the community, these political communications professionals work alongside their politicians to gain the attention of voters and media that has lead to success. Copyright info:Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

In this sixth episode, we interview Olivia Hill, the first transgender person elected to office in the state of Tennessee. She shares her path from childhood to the campaign trail as a politician working to move Nashville forward and her hope to inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community through representation. Copyright info:Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

In this fifth episode, we discuss dangers women politicians face on the campaign trail, including harassment and stalking, and the importance of prioritizing mental health. This episode features Marissa Roy and Camille Zapata from California Women's List as well as Dr. Sarah Carson from Emerge California, authors of "Her Stories on the Campaign Trail: Analyzing the Mental Health Impacts of Hostility Women Face Pursuing Political Office in California." Copyright info:Link to study: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63e537c594adce1f4be767a8/t/64ef5c97afa9277a854a4c53/1693408418718/%5BCWL%5D+Her+Stories+Report+ONLINE.pdf Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

In this fourth episode, fashion takes a center stage after previous guests shared their thoughts on the critiques and styling of women politicians. In addition to past voices, this episode features Kristen Stewart, a fashion historian and Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Copyright info: Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

In this third episode, we talk with two journalists who cover politics in their states to discuss media framing of women in politics. This episode’s guests include Holly McCall, a 37-year veteran journalist who is editor in chief of the Tennessee Lookout in Nashville, and Josie Lenora, a more recent j-school graduate who is currently working as a politics and government reporter with KUAR in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Copyright info: Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/ Sound effects under Creative Commons (Rewind: Marko Duca (end) and Clapping: Adobe sound effect Human Crowd Cheer 04)  Rocky Top - Pride of the Southland (University of Tennessee): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2f47V0okE The Orange and Blue (Florida Gators Fight Song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr4zllx6ue0

In this second episode, we explore how fundraising and family are top concerns of women entering a political race. This episode's guests include Freda Player, executive director at Emerge Tennessee and a school board representative in the city of Nashville, as well as Martesha Johnson, Nashville's elected chief public defender. Copyright info: Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

The Pink State is a new podcast that focuses on women in politics - women running for office, women in office, journalists who cover them and more. In this first episode, we take a look at women who have made history from Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Victoria Woodhull to Sarah Palin and Kamala Harris. This episode features Dr. Lori Ginzberg, professor of history and women’s studies at Pennsylvania State University, and Dr. Terri Finneman, former political reporter and current associate professor in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas, who have studied women politicians. Copyright info: Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/ Sound effects under Creative Commons (Rewind: Marko Duca (end) and Clapping: Adobe sound effect Human Crowd Cheer 04) Audio license for historical recording for Margaret Chase Smith from the Northeast Historic Film Archive (email for copy of license) Audio of Geraldine Ferraro from C-span archive https://www.c-span.org/video/?3444-1/representative-geraldine-ferraro-1984-acceptance-speech