For Love & Justice podcast artwork

PODCAST · society

For Love & Justice

Host Elise Williams Rikard, writer and recently diagnosed neurodivergent person, does her best to make sense of all the BS hurled at Americans daily— while spilling the tea with the best and brightest of her central Arkansas communitea. All in the name of Love and Justice, of course. Join us for candid talks on politics, relationships, mental health, grief, books,reality TV, and pop culture – and brace yourself for an unapologetically unlimitless dose of Mean Girls quotes and all things Taylor Swift (the limit does not exist).

  1. 26

    Grieving Home, Finding Joy, and Preserving Hope—With Rachel Garrett Steele

    My first interview of 2026 is one I’m honored to share. I sat down with Rachel Garrett Steele to talk about the life-changing choice she made to leave the U.S. in search of safety, freedom, and joy. As political attacks on trans people escalate — from restrictions on gender-affirming care to federal language rewritten to erase entire communities — Rachel’s story offers clarity, courage, and a reminder of what’s at stake. We talk about belonging, rebuilding a life abroad, what “home” means now, and the victories in choosing yourself even when the world refuses to make space for you. If this conversation resonates, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who needs to hear Rachel’s story. TW: suicidal ideation Follow Rachel: https://rachelgarrettsteele.com/ @momfriend64 on Bluesky & Instagram Resources for helping the trans community: Crisis Support Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org The Trevor Project: https://thetrevorproject.org  Legal Advocacy ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Project: https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights Lambda Legal: https://www.lambdalegal.org Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org Mutual Aid & Direct Support Black Trans Femmes in the Arts: https://www.btfacollective.org TLDEF: https://transgenderlegal.org Sylvia Rivera Law Project: https://srlp.org

  2. 25

    A Deep Dive Into Taylor Swift's Most Political Lyrics

    Is Taylor Swift political? Some say no — but her lyrics tell a different story. In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into Taylor Swift’s most political songs — 16 tracks that span themes of feminism, power, religion, LGBTQ+ rights, and resistance. From gaslighting and double standards to purity culture, political despair, and queer visibility — Taylor’s songs are more than breakups and fairytales. They’re cultural critiques, whispered protests, and sometimes, battle cries. If you’ve ever been told Taylor’s music “isn’t that deep,” this is the episode to send them. 

  3. 24

    RFK Jr., Tylenol, and the Politics of Women’s Pain

    RFK Jr. is back with another dangerous claim — this time saying that Tylenol causes autism. Not acetaminophen, not evidence-based science — but Tylenol, the brand name. And here’s why that matters: Tylenol is the only safe, widely recommended pain reliever for pregnant women. Which means this misinformation isn’t just sloppy — it’s cruel. It’s another attack on women’s health. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about Tylenol. It’s about power, autonomy, and whether women’s suffering is treated as inevitable — or as something worth taking seriously. ✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you believe women’s pain matters.

  4. 23

    What is Gerrymandering, and What’s Happening in California & Texas?

    What if I told you states are using maps like power plays—drawing lines not for fairness, but for political survival? That’s gerrymandering. In this episode of For Love & Justice, I break down what gerrymandering is, why it matters, and how California and Texas are battling it out over redistricting. From Texas Republicans aiming for five extra House seats to Gavin Newsom going full Trump on Twitter, these fights will shape U.S. politics for the next decade.

  5. 22

    Charlie Kirk, Political Violence, Outrage Culture, & What it All Says About Us

    In this episode of For Love & Justice, I’m unpacking not just the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, but the explosive reactions that followed. Why did this one act dominate the feeds while other tragedies barely registered? What does the rush to blame reveal about the culture we’ve built—where outrage is currency and projection replaces truth? I talk about: -The immediate politicization of Kirk’s death -Why selective empathy fuels division -How projection drives false narratives -The role of social media and echo chambers in radicalization -What it takes to resist outrage culture and build something better I’m not here to dissect the crime itself—I’m here to look at what our reactions say about us right now, and why it matters for the future of our democracy. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on love, justice, politics, and culture.

  6. 21

    Gerrymandering vs. Voter Suppression: What’s the Difference?

    Gerrymandering vs. Voter Suppression: what’s the difference? And why do they matter for our democracy? This week’s episode breaks down how maps are manipulated, how access to the ballot is restricted, and why both strategies tilt elections. Plus—what we can do to fight back.

  7. 20

    Rescue Pets, Black Cat Myths, & the Realities of Animal Adoption

    From rescue stories to black cat myths to why adoption matters — join me (and my furbabies!) for a cozy, heartfelt dive into animal advocacy. Today’s episode is a little different — and a lot furrier. I’m joined by my very special co-hosts: my rescue cat Lazarus, my gentle pup Ginger, and my chaos-loving ferret Mochi. Together, we’re diving into the messy, magical, and meaningful world of animal advocacy and adoption. ✨ What we cover in this episode: The origin stories of Laz, Ginger, and Mochi (and the life lessons they’ve taught me 🐕🐈🦦) Why adopt don’t shop matters — and how adoption saves lives The tough stuff: vet bills, underfunded shelters, and misinformation about “difficult” animals (pit bulls, ferrets, black cats & more) The JOY animals bring: from emotional support to the literal healing power of a cat’s purr How loving animals is also an act of justice, compassion, and everyday care 📊 Quick stats: In 2024, 5.8 million cats and dogs entered U.S. shelters. 4.2 million were adopted, but over 600,000 were euthanized due to lack of space and resources. Adoption, fostering, and advocacy truly make a difference. 🐾 How you can help: Adopt or foster from a shelter near you Donate or volunteer at local rescues (many have Amazon wishlists!) Support community spaces like cat cafés that partner with shelters (shoutout Gibson’s Cat Café in Conway, AR!) 💌 If this episode made you smile, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps spread the For Love & Justice message and supports animal rescue. Because at the end of the day, loving animals isn’t just cute — it’s a radical act of compassion.

  8. 19

    Pay Fights, Term Limits, and Presidential Grifting: What You Missed in July

    In this episode, we’re recapping the stories you might’ve missed in July — the ones that slipped through the cracks of your algorithm but still matter. From Harry Styles selling out vibrators and Travis Kelce feeding the Swifties, to WNBA players demanding equal pay and Ms. Rachel shutting down billionaire worship, the “love” portion of this roundup is just the beginning. We’re also getting into the thick of it: Donald Trump’s bizarre war on late-night television, his bragging about getting Colbert fired, and his sudden boost in net worth thanks to selling everything from dogecoin to Bibles. Meanwhile, twelve states are pushing for Congressional term limits, a judge just made it easier for medical debt to tank your credit score, and rural Arkansas is in crisis — with hospitals at risk of closing, health insurance rates spiking, education funding delayed, and even the National Weather Service cutting back. We talk Trump, Epstein, and the far-right group trying to establish a whites-only community in Arkansas — while the state’s attorney general scrambles to clean up the mess. Also: Hailee Shoffner is running against Tom Cotton for Senate in 2026, and we are absolutely here for it. Don’t forget to like and subscribe — it helps the algorithm and makes sure this kind of content reaches more people who give a damn.

  9. 18

    Faith, Politics, and Washington's New Law: Is It Anti-Catholic?

    Washington State just passed a law requiring clergy to report suspected child abuse—even if it’s revealed in confession. The Catholic Church calls it a violation of religious freedom, and Trump labeled it “anti-Catholic.” Is it a necessary safeguard or an unconstitutional overreach? I’m joined by my friend and devout Catholic, Chris Eden, to break it all down—from legal implications to faith-based tensions. We also dive into Trump’s rhetoric, Catholic voter misconceptions, and how the Church can balance confession with child protection. Plus, rapidfire political questions, hot takes on trending headlines, and a reminder to check out Ground News for media bias transparency. Subscribe, share, and join our community for more love, justice, and critical conversations.

  10. 17

    Trump’s Big BS Bill, $400M Jets, & Other BS You Might’ve Missed

    Today we’re talking billion-dollar jets, billion-page bills, and about a billion bad decisions — with a dash of June Gemini chaos and cucumber safety, of course. In this episode, I break down the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” — a 1,000-page disaster passed by the House that basically takes from the poor to give to the rich. Even Elon Musk called it an abomination, and Marjorie Taylor Greene regrets voting for it (which should tell you everything). From permanent tax cuts for the wealthy to bans on gender-affirming care and Medicaid work requirements, it’s Robin Hood in reverse. We also cover some wins — including a judge blocking Trump’s order to abolish the Department of Education and Oklahoma stopping the country’s first religious charter school — and some deeply dystopian updates, like a braindead woman in Georgia being kept alive to carry a pregnancy to term. Oh, and Trump just accepted a $400 million jet from Qatar. Casual. We’re talking corruption, capitalism, food safety (don’t eat the cucumbers), and why it makes perfect astrological sense that the man is a Gemini. Other headlines you might’ve missed: — A trans man in SC was arrested for using the “right” bathroom according to the law — Native actor Jonathan Joss was murdered outside his home in what appears to be a hate crime — The average first-time homebuyer is now 56 — Megan Thee Stallion is giving us anime realness, and we love to see it It’s a chaotic week. But not a hopeless one. 🎧 Hit play for feminist rage, dry wit, astrological shade, and a few real reasons to hope. 🪧 Protest June 14. 🥒 Grow your own food. 📣 And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe — it helps the algorithm show this show.

  11. 16

    Viktoria Capek on Dear Reader & Taylor Swift's Lyrical Legacy

    In this special episode of For Love & Justice, I sit down with author and Swiftie scholar Viktoria Capek to dive deep into her enchanting new book, Dear Reader: An Immersive Literary Journey Through Taylor Swift’s Lyrics. We’re diving into the magic of Taylor’s words, the inspiration behind Viktoria’s book, and what it was really like bringing Dear Reader to life. Let's get into it! 📚 Preorder Dear Reader: https://watkinspublishinglinks.com/dearreader 📷 Follow Viktoria:  @viktoriaacapek  💌 Subscribe for more heart-led convos at the intersection of love, justice, and lyrics.

  12. 15

    The It Ends With Us Drama Part 2: Taylor Swift Subpoenaed?!

    Welcome back to Part 2 of the It Ends With Us drama breakdown—because yes, more has gone down. I recorded Part 1 months ago when things were still fresh, but now the dust has barely settled and the chaos is still escalating. From feuds and lawsuits to Taylor Swift being dragged into the mix (!), it’s time to revisit the mess. In this episode, I: Break down the full timeline from 2023 to now Cover the latest updates Share my unfiltered thoughts on the case and the Hollywood PR war behind it all Let’s be honest: this is no longer just a behind-the-scenes spat—it’s a full-on reputation battle with disturbing allegations, retaliation claims, and two public figures clawing for control of the narrative. Will Taylor Swift actually testify? What even is the truth? Let's talk about it. 👇 Resources to stay updated: 📺 Legal Eagle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adosUgK_lEo 📺 Dr. Ramani on What the Film Gets Wrong About Abuse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlOP1p5Hos 🔔 Subscribe for more pop culture deep dives, media analysis, and messy breakdowns.

  13. 14

    Reputation Fantasy Draft: New Swiftie Obliterates OG Swiftie

    In this episode, I’m joined by my bestie for a no-holds-barred Taylor Swift Reputation fantasy draft—and things get spicy. One of us is a longtime Swiftie, the other’s a newer convert, and neither of us is holding back when it comes to picking our ultimate Reputation tracklist. Expect passionate debates, lyrical deep dives, and a few shocking snubs (sorry in advance). Whether you’re team OG or team New Swiftie, you’ll want to stick around to see who walks away with the better lineup. May the best Swiftie win.

  14. 13

    The Importance of Doing Hobbies With Friends

    What if joy was the point? In this feel-good episode of For Love & Justice, I’m joined by my best friend and longtime creative partner, Meleah Bowles, to talk about something that deserves way more love: doing hobbies just for fun — and especially doing them with a friend. From painting badly on purpose to wandering bookstores for hours, we share our favorite low-stakes hobbies, why they matter for your mental health and self-worth, and how they’ve helped strengthen our decade-long friendship. We also explore how making time for joy can actually be a radical act of self-care and resistance to hustle culture — and why it’s so much more fun when you have a buddy beside you. You’ll hear: 🎨 Our own hobby journeys (including some hilarious fails) 🧶 Why hobbies matter more than ever, especially for women 💡 Easy, low-pressure hobbies you can try today 😂 The power of friendship-based accountability and shared adventure 🌻 Why joy isn’t a luxury — it’s a practice Whether you’re a hobby queen or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood, this one’s for you. 📰 This episode is brought to you by Ground News — the app that lets you compare how different media outlets cover the same story so you can spot bias and think critically. It’s aligned with everything For Love & Justice stands for. Get the app now: https://ground.news/landingV8/welcome... 🎧 Listen, laugh, and maybe start that silly little hobby you’ve been thinking about. Bonus points if you invite a friend. 💕 Resources Mentioned: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/he... https://www.thetimes.com/uk/society/a...

  15. 12

    Wish-fulfilling Taylor Swift’s Stages of Grief Playlists

    This one's for my fellow Swifties! In this episode, we dive into the official Stages of Grief playlists Taylor curated on Apple Music—and ask a very important question: why were Debut and Reputation left out? From the rose-colored haze of Denial to the clarity of Acceptance, we unpack each playlist’s emotional terrain—plus, we take our Swiftie magnifying glass to Reputation and Debut to figure out where they belong.  And if you love lyrical deep-dives like this one, don’t forget to like & subscribe—and sign up for my newsletter for even more pop culture + feelings: https://mailchi.mp/f36716b1b26c/for-love-justice-newsletter-signup Taylor Watch episode mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLjQHVZsfrs 

  16. 11

    Child Fight Clubs, Salmonella, Mental Health Awareness Month, + Other Ish You Might've Missed

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month—and in this episode of For Love & Justice, we’re breaking down what that really means in 2025. From a staggering rise in depression screenings to shady moves by policymakers who say they care about mental health but cut funding anyway, we’re naming the contradictions and calling for clarity. We also dive into the latest shifts in astrology, relationship dynamics, and the messy intersection of AI and therapy. In the Justice segment, we highlight wins like the reinstatement of student visas in Arkansas and the powerful momentum of May Day protests. But we also confront disturbing headlines—from propaganda in Oklahoma classrooms to gut-wrenching abuse cases swept under the rug. Whether you're here for love, justice, or a little bit of both—press play, and let's talk about what the hell is going on. Links: https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2025/05/02/visas-reinstated-for-all-university-of-arkansas-international-students-who-had-status-revoked https://oklahomavoice.com/2025/04/29/new-academic-standards-set-to-pass-after-lack-of-vote-from-oklahoma-legislature/ https://people.com/4-accused-running-makeshift-child-fight-club-arkansas-school-11722655 Don't forget to like and subscribe! xoxo

  17. 10

    Make it Make Sense: Elon Musk's Villain Origin Story

    Is Elon Musk a misunderstood genius or a billionaire on his way to full-blown villain status? In this episode, we break down his rise from apartheid-era South Africa to becoming the most controversial figure in tech. We dig into his "power" moves at Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), his love for chaos, and the ethical gray areas fueling his empire. Plus, we take a closer look at what those closest to him have to say—his estranged father’s harsh critiques and his trans daughter Vivian’s decision to cut ties with him. Is he more Lex Luthor or Tony Stark gone rogue? Let’s get into it. Sources:  Ashlee Vance's biography Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future Interviews with Rolling Stone Interview with CEO of Axel Springer Elon Musk is on track to become a trillionaire by 2027. Here’s why the rich keep getting richer Interviews with Musk in Bloomberg Businessweek Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover, Explained Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Is Now the Worst Buyout for Banks Since the Financial Crisis Tesla Fires a Manager Who Criticized Elon Musk on Social Media Understanding Elon Musk (archived) Forbes’ World Billionaires List Elon Musk Hit With First Formal Conflict Of Interest Complaint Over FAA-Starlink Deal Elon Musk's Dad Debunks Bullying Memories And Much More In Freewheeling Interview Vivian Jenna Wilson on Being Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter, Protecting Trans Youth and Taking on the Right Online What do you think about Elon Musk? And what topic should I make sense of next? Let me know by emailing me at [email protected]!

  18. 9

    Jumping Down the Conspiracy Theory Rabbit Hole (With Shannon Sanford)

    Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the wild world of conspiracy theories! We explore shocking truths about conspiracy theories rooted in history, from wars fought for oil to political profiteering, with a spotlight on Overthrow by Stephen Kinzer, a must-read on U.S. interventions. We also unravel lingering mysteries like the JFK assassination, eyebrow-raising claims about the 2024 election, and whether TikTok is truly a security threat—or if the 2-hour "shutdown" was just clever PR.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and keep that tin foil hat handy! Resources: Overthrow by Adam Kinzer https://www.newsweek.com/2024-election-rigged-donald-trump-elon-musk-2019482 https://fox4kc.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/776992724/analysis-of-2024-election-results-in-clark-county-indicates-manipulation/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NfY2I75fdI 

  19. 8

    Straight From the Horse's Mouth: Broligarchy Edition

    While Trump was busy signing 42 executive orders on his first day (remember when tantrums were thrown over Biden signing 17 his first day???), the broligarchy was busy yapping. Today, I'm reading quotes straight from the horses' mouths—because it's increasingly important we keep our eyes and ears open. Scary stuff is going down.

  20. 7

    Make it Make Sense: The It Ends With Us Drama, Explained

    This episode unpacks the escalating drama surrounding It Ends With Us and all the legal he-said-she-said. We explore the public and industry fallout, what it reveals about Hollywood’s persistent issues with on-set misconduct and accountability, and why you shouldn't watch this awful movie. Tune in for the latest twists in this high-stakes legal showdown.

  21. 6

    Real Housewives Midseason Recap: RHOBH & RHOSLC

    The Real Housewives have taken over our televisions (there's a franchise airing almost every night of the week), and Beverly Hills and Salt Lake City are particularly juicy this season. We're recapping the midway point on both shows, breaking down the friendship dynamics, and analyzing the psychology behind the batshit behaviors. 

  22. 5

    Reflecting on 2024, the Danger of Elon, & Main Character Energy

    As 2024 comes to a close, we're reflecting on all the crazy ish that happened this year—plus discussing the dangers of having the richest man in the world in the president's ear and looking ahead to 2025!

  23. 4

    Welcome to For Love & Justice! (Start Here)

    If you're new here, start with this episode! I'm diving into all the reasons I started For Love & Justice, and what you can expect to hear here. I'm also sharing why I'm so personally invested in the ongoing fight for reproductive freedom in hopes that it will help humanize and normalize those of us being forced to have these conversations. Nothing will ever change until we can come together as one and share our stories. Please like, subscribe, and share with your friends!

  24. 3

    How to Vote (and Are We?)

    If you’re planning on voting in the 2024 presidential election (and you should!), you need to make sure you’re registered first. So, how do you register? In this episode, I’m breaking down the steps from registering, to updating your registration, to checking for your polling location. Arkansas has one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country—so grab a friend and let’s get to the polls, y’all! Voting Resources: https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote Register: vote.gov/register Register in Arkansas: vote.gov/register/arkansas Check Your Registration Status: https://www.voterview.ar-nova.org/VoterView 

  25. 2

    Navigating the Arkansas Abortion Amendment Petition With Mariah Martz

    Arkansans for Limited Government, with the help of volunteers and paid canvassers, pulled off the impossible and gathered more than 136,000 signatures to get abortion rights on the ballot in November—in one of the most notoriously anti-choice states in the country. I sat down with one of those amazing volunteers, Mariah Martz, to discuss what all went into the monumental grassroots effort to restore reproductive rights in Arkansas—and where we go from here. About the Amendment: https://arliberty.org/about/ Where to sign the petition: https://arliberty.org/events/ Volunteer with AFLG: https://arliberty.org/volunteers/ Sign up for petition updates: https://arliberty.org/ Donate to Arkansans for Limited Government: https://arliberty.org/donate/ Support AFLG with merch: https://shop.arliberty.org/?_gl=1*17p.... P.S. Kelly Krout, I am so sorry I called you Kelly Trout! My husband is a big fisherman so fish are unfortunately always on my brain.

  26. 1

    Make it Make Sense: Why is the World So Obsessed With Taylor Swift?

    In the debut episode of For Love & Justice, we're delving into the enchanting lore of Taylor Swift to answer the burning question on everyone's minds: Why are we Swifties—and now the world—so obsessed with Taylor and her ever-evolving love story? While I can't speak for all Swifties, I do have a few theories as to why she's the anti-hero we can't and won't stop rooting for. Plus, we're turning to the cards to see what the future holds for Miss Americana!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Host Elise Williams Rikard, writer and recently diagnosed neurodivergent person, does her best to make sense of all the BS hurled at Americans daily— while spilling the tea with the best and brightest of her central Arkansas communitea. All in the name of Love and Justice, of course. Join us for candid talks on politics, relationships, mental health, grief, books,reality TV, and pop culture – and brace yourself for an unapologetically unlimitless dose of Mean Girls quotes and all things Taylor Swift (the limit does not exist).

HOSTED BY

Elise Williams Rikard

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does For Love & Justice have?

For Love & Justice currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is For Love & Justice about?

Host Elise Williams Rikard, writer and recently diagnosed neurodivergent person, does her best to make sense of all the BS hurled at Americans daily— while spilling the tea with the best and brightest of her central Arkansas communitea. All in the name of Love and Justice, of course. Join us for...

How often does For Love & Justice release new episodes?

For Love & Justice has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to For Love & Justice?

You can listen to For Love & Justice on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts For Love & Justice?

For Love & Justice is created and hosted by Elise Williams Rikard.
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