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This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan welcome Emma Brown of GIFFORDS to discuss gun violence in America, how the issue of gun violence shapes education, women’s rights, and public policy, and why gun violence is a women’s issue. Emma Brown became the executive director of GIFFORDS in January 2024, where she oversees the organization’s work to save lives from gun violence through shifting culture, changing policies, and challenging injustice.Prior to leading GIFFORDS, Emma served as campaign manager for Senator Mark Kelly’s 2022 reelection campaign in Arizona, where she ran a $100 million effort that reelected a Democratic senator in Arizona for the first time in 34 years. In 2020, Emma served as the coordinated campaign director for President Biden’s campaign in Arizona, leading the largest voter contact program in state history and marking the first time a Democratic presidential campaign carried Arizona since 1996. During that cycle, she also served as Senator Kelly’s deputy campaign manager.Emma has also run battleground congressional and state legislative programs in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, and she was named the “State Campaign Manager of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Emma is a graduate of Colby College and is based in Washington, DC. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts Be sure to follow our parent network, The Siren. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan sit down with Rep. Lauren Underwood to discuss the Momnibus, the solution to America’s maternal mortality crisis. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, a suburban, exurban, and rural district in Northern Illinois. She flipped this seat from red to blue in a historic fashion in 2018, defeating a four-term Republican incumbent, and is the youngest black woman to ever be elected to the Congress.The Momnibus is designed to end preventable maternal death in America by ending maternal health disparities, growing and diversifying the perinatal health workforce, expanding access to maternal mental health and substance use care, lowering health care costs, investing in technological solutions, closing research gaps, improving data collection, and providing direct federal funding for local community-based organizations that improve maternal health outcomes. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts Be sure to follow our parent network, The Siren. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan sit down to discuss a few topics that have flown under the radar this week. The Senate’s overnight vote funded ICE and Border Patrol through the end of Trump’s term, kept the administration’s controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund alive, and passed largely along party lines. As per usual, nearly 30 Republicans spent the week signaling they’d vote against it, before (shocker) doing whatever Trump wanted them to. Maggie and Mallory also discuss RFK Jr.’s push to access Americans’ medical records, ostensibly to investigate a long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, a years long obsession of Kennedy’s. Additionally, the duo covers the modern day MAGA movement’s latest push at criminalizing free speech and creating fear around dissent. Specifically, the Manhattan Institute’s disturbing campaign to reclassify nonviolent civil disobedience as “civil terrorism” under state law, and how this connects to the White House’s counterterrorism memo from earlier this spring. In other, more upbeat news, Maggie and Mallory discuss Rob Sand’s victory of the Democratic nomination for the governor of Iowa, and Hunter Biden’s incredible Twitter feed. Be sure to follow our parent network, The Siren. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Mallory Hagan and Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett sit down with Tia Levings, bestselling author of A Well Trained Wife. You may remember Tia from her first appearance on Pretty Furious. Tia just released her second book, I Belong to Me, which continues her story of healing and recovery from high-control religion. On this episode, the trio dives into the coordinated machinery behind the war on women’s autonomy, including Christian patriarchy, the pronatalist movement, and the trad wife algorithm. In addition, Tia breaks down pastor Dale Partridge’s campaign to repeal the 19th Amendment and push women out of public life entirely. Tia also explains why the trad wife aesthetic, which is growing in popularity on social media, is so seductive. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts * Be sure to ollow our parent network, The Siren This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan sit down with Jessica Killin, candidate for Congress in CO-05. They discuss the impacts of the war in Iran on everyday Americans, her plans to address rising costs of living, her experience as an female Army veteran, and more. A fourth-generation Coloradan, Jessica Killin’s life has been shaped by a commitment to service and a deep love for her state and country. Raised in a middle-class Colorado Springs home by public school educators, she learned early the values of hard work and community. After graduating from Falcon High School, Jessica earned an ROTC scholarship and served as a paratrooper and military police officer in the U.S. Army before working as a business leader and advocate for veterans and military families. Jessica is running for Congress because she believes both parties need new leadership, and she is fed up with politicians who put partisan politics ahead of serving the people they are supposed to represent. She will work across the aisle to find solutions for working Coloradans, and she will never be afraid to stand up to extremists in either party to do what’s right for Southern Colorado. Jessica’s campaign has been added to the coveted DCCC ‘Red to Blue’ list, a group of highly competitive swing districts likely to flip blue in 2026, and effectively end the Donald Trump presidency. You can support Jessica’s campaign here. Be sure you’re following our parent network, The Siren. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Mallory Hagan and Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett sit down with AshLeigh for Alabama to discuss voting rights, why the Supreme Court in Alabama (and any state) matters, conservative women, and more. AshLeigh is currently running for Supreme Court Justice in Alabama. AshLeigh earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Dunham is a distinguished legal professional with a career rooted in service to Alabama families. She serves as a Referee in Jefferson County’s Juvenile Court, where she adjudicates sensitive family and juvenile matters with fairness, clarity, and compassion. Her work creates stability for children and families facing crisis, drawing on years of experience handling complex legal issues with a steady, principled approach. AshLeigh is also a practicing Fertility Attorney at Magic City Fertility Law. Her expertise in this area is deeply personal: AshLeigh and her husband welcomed their daughter through IVF, but had to leave Alabama to access the care they needed to start their family. As an attorney, AshLeigh helps individuals and couples navigate the legal complexities of assisted reproduction so they can start and grow their families, too. That experience fuels her public advocacy for legal protections for families seeking fertility treatment. She believes no Alabamian should have to leave home to start a family. Support AshLeigh’s campaign here. Follow our parent network, The Siren, here. FOLLOW: * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts PRODUCTS WE LOVE: L’Occitane Shower Oil Rael Exfoliating Cleanser This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Pretty Furious, attorney and NYU adjunct professor Suraj Patel joins Mallory Hagan to explain the history of gerrymandering, how we got to this point with redistricting, and most importantly, what we can do to eliminate gerrymandering nationwide, and usher in a new, rational voting system. This is Suraj’s second time joining us on Pretty Furious. If you missed it, in the last episode, he explained the history of ICE and how we should restructure our immigration enforcement. More about Suraj: Suraj Patel is a lawyer, activist, and adjunct professor of business ethics at NYU Stern. He recently ran for U.S. Congress as a progressive Democrat in New York’s 12th Congressional District. He is a veteran of both Barack Obama Presidential campaigns and worked as an advance associate for the Obama White House. Born to immigrant parents, his experience as a first-generation American shaped his view of politics and policy at an early age. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from with a BA from Stanford University, was an Allen Scholar at NYU School of Law, and was a Departmental Scholar at Cambridge University where he completed a Masters in Public Policy focused on evidence-based policy making. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan are joined by Arielle Fodor (aka Frazz) to discuss the education system in America, the great resignation of teachers, and her catalytic content leading to the resignation of former Congressman Eric Swalwell. We also discuss what this means for the future of journalism, content creators, and our broader media ecosystem. You can follow Arielle/Frazz here. Be sure to follow our parent network The Siren. Products we love: MAC Gloss Stick Curl Brush * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

Most women in America face an overwhelming barrage of decisions, from pregnancy choices to postpartum care, that are rooted solely in the fact that — you guessed it — she’s a woman. In this candid deep dive, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan cut through the propaganda and societal pressure to reveal the harsh truth: these decisions are often rooted in systemic inequality designed to exhaust and guilt women into submission. You’ll discover how American healthcare system priorities, misinformation, and cultural norms create a mental load so heavy that many new mothers feel like they’re fighting a losing battle just to care for their own bodies and babies. We break down the bizarre disparity in birth interventions across countries, why pregnancy is flooded with targeted ads, and how social media influencers are weaponized in the postpartum decision-making maze. Plus, a sobering look at the trillion-dollar industry of maternal healthcare, vaccine misinformation, and the motherhood penalty that keeps women financially and emotionally trapped. This episode also explores the unspoken pressure to perform perfection, like choosing sleep training or co-sleeping, based on morality rather than evidence, all while systemic failures leave women with little support, especially moms of color and working-class women. If you’ve ever wondered why motherhood feels like an impossible maze, or you’re tired of feeling guilty for simply doing what’s best for your family, this conversation is your wake-up call. It’s time to ask: who truly benefits from the relentless hustle of American motherhood? Be sure to follow our parent network, The Siren. * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

Remember that little piece of legislation we’ve been discussing for over a calendar year? The SAVE Act, authored by the Election Integrity Network, threatens to disenfranchise millions of American voters in the name of “protecting elections.” Another demographic facing voter suppression? College voters, a voting bloc that has historically voted for Democratic candidates more so than Republicans. This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett & Mallory Hagan sit down with Max Flugrath, Communications Director at Fair Fight, a non-profit advocating for voting rights, to discuss MAGA’s attacks on our elections and voting systems. You can follow Max and his work with Fair Fight here. Mallory’s headline of the week can be found here. Chapters List: 00:00 Introduction to Election Integrity Network and SAVE Act 05:34 Discussion on Voter Suppression and College Vote 06:08 Interview with Max Fluegraf on Voter Access 06:21 The Suppression of the College Vote 11:25 Understanding the SAVE Act and Its Implications 16:14 The Burden of Voter ID Laws 21:31 The Importance of Every Vote 26:21 Mobilizing Young Voters for Change This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com Who is Amy Griffin, what is The Tell, and what’s the big deal about one of the biggest memoirs of last year? This week’s deep dive discusses the concept of repressed memory, a brief overview of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, the billionaire of it all, and how a high society New Yorker has landed herself in the middle of a lawsuit concerning ‘invasion of p…

At one point, Gen-Z was considered the generation that would save the country from right-wing extremism, block a second Trump term, and usher in a new progressive era. Poll after poll showed Gen-Z favoring a Harris/Walz ticket over Trump/Vance. But then came election day 2024, where Gen-Z significantly shifted to the right, driven in large part by the Trump campaign’s adoption of a flourishing right-wing media ecosystem, and Turning Point USA’s domination of political college campus events. Now that Donald Trump has been in office again for over a year, Gen-Z is going through some strong buyer’s remorse, with polls showing a staggering 76% disapproval rating and a net approval of -53 among 18-29 year olds. This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett & Mallory Hagan sit down with James Crocker, President of Fight4America and Gen Z extraordinaire. They discuss what it’ll take to win the Gen Z vote in 2028, how Democrats can work against the machine that is Turning Point USA, and James’ upcoming Gen-Z bus tour. You can follow James here. Be sure to give our podcast network, The Siren, a follow! * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts Chapters List: 00:00 Introduction and Current Events 10:57 Impact of Political Environment on Gen Z 18:31 Grassroots Organizing and Youth Engagement 24:07 Challenges Facing the Democratic Party 29:57 The Role of Gen Z in Politics 33:50 Reshaping Democratic Strategies 36:06 The Quest for a Progressive Candidate 38:59 Authenticity in Political Leadership 41:37 Engaging Gen Z in Politics Products of the Week: BioOil Skincare Oil Power Mist Hand Sanitizer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett & Mallory Hagan sit down with Representative Sara Jacobs of California (CA-51) to discuss data privacy and the impact on women’s healthcare, America as a surveillance state, IVF and the right, and the rights of the trans community. Learn more about Sara here. * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts Be sure to give our podcast network, The Siren, a follow! Chapters List: 00:00 The Impact of ICE Detention on Children 14:57 Data Privacy and Women’s Health 24:29 The Role of Young Voices in Congress 27:53 IVF and Reproductive Rights 33:47 Trans Rights and Personal Narratives 34:14 Humanizing Trans Issues 39:04 Understanding Gender Identity and Choice 42:40 Empathy and Hope in Challenging Times Products of the Week: BrightBody Curly Hair Refresher Cooling Water Jelly Tint This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com What is pronatalism, and who is behind it? In this episode, we dive deep into the pronatalist movement. It’s been fueled by the Trump regime and conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, and we explore their goals of reversing declining birth rates and “restoring the American family” ( which really means promoting a very specific vision of…

This week, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett and Mallory Hagan sit down with Amy McGrath, candidate for U.S. Senate in Kentucky. If you’ve ever been curious about the war in Iran, how we got here, and what this means for everyday Americans, this is the episode for you. Amy McGrath is a wife, a mom of three, a dog-owner, and a proud Kentuckian. Over 20 years of service in the military, Amy flew 89 combat missions, led Marines in some of the toughest places on earth, and served at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill, working to shape America’s national security. Everywhere Amy has served, one principle has guided her: mission first, people always. To support Amy’s campaign, click here. * Follow us on Instagram * Follow us on TikTok * Follow us on Substack * Subscribe on YouTube * Spotify * Apple Podcasts Be sure to give our podcast network, The Siren, a follow! Chapters List: 00:00 Introduction to the Conflict with Iran 02:11 Headlines and Current Events 05:18 Gas Prices and Economic Impact 07:48 Introducing Amy McGrath and Her Background 08:44 Introduction and Current Events 11:46 Understanding the Iran Conflict 14:44 The Consequences of Military Actions 17:38 The Role of Leadership in National Security 20:44 Public Perception and Media Influence 23:44 The Future of U.S.-Iran Relations 26:53 Amy McGrath’s Senate Campaign 29:40 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Products of the Week: La Roche-Posay Acne Treatment It Cosmetics Sheer Face Tint This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettyfuriouspod.substack.com/subscribe