Episode 40: Our Top Female Blowhard

In 'Episode 40: Our Top Female Blowhard' of the 'Call Your Girlfriend' podcast, co-hosts Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow engage in a candid and humorous conversation that covers a range of topics from personal anecdotes to social commentary. The episode begins with the hosts sharing their dreams of extravagant gifting, akin to Oprah, and their current states of health and wellness. They segue into a discussion on New Year's resolutions, expressing skepticism about public declarations of self-improvement and advocating for personal accountability and milestones before sharing one's goals.

The conversation shifts to Aminatou's snowboarding experience, which serves as an amusing anecdote about trying new things and the challenges of learning a sport later in life. This personal story leads to a larger discussion about the value of taking risks and the humorous aspects of winter sports, particularly for those who are not accustomed to them.

The episode takes a more serious turn as the hosts discuss the armed occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon. They touch upon the media's portrayal of the militia, the use of humor on social media to address the situation, and the underlying issues of government entitlement and land use. The hosts also reflect on the intersections of race and the perceptions of such an event, with Aminatou sharing her experiences of being a black person engaging in traditionally white, upper-class activities like skiing and sailing.

Ann and Aminatou then delve into the topic of female representation in the media, particularly focusing on Megyn Kelly and the complexities of her public persona. They explore Kelly's moments of feminist-leaning questioning and the conflict of admiring her assertiveness while disagreeing with her politics. The hosts also discuss the importance of women in power and the impact of women maneuvering in spaces like Fox News.

The episode concludes with an interview with Ruth Ann Harnisch of the Harnisch Foundation. She speaks about her journey from a career in media to philanthropy, her focus on gender and racial equity, and the power of investing in women's voices and leadership. The hosts and Ruth Ann discuss the importance of supporting existing organizations and initiatives, the concept of philanthropy as a love of humanity, and the various ways individuals can contribute to causes they care about, regardless of the amount of money or resources they have.