Episodes

Several of our listeners have asked us to discuss our views on American obstetrics and birth. Today, we start that conversation and discuss the impact of U.S. birth practices on health care costs and gender equality. In the Pearls, we talk about Congress's efforts to combat the heroin epidemic and the legalization of marijuana. We also discuss the Obama administration's guidance to schools on restroom access. Finally, in the Heels, we go full MOM and discuss minivans vs. SUVs. Thanks to our sponsor, Pictli.Check out Pictli's beautifully framed photos and use "PantsuitPolitics" for a 10% discount.

Today, we talk about liberal intolerance on campus and inspiring remarks from Loretta Lynch and President Obama. We also discuss our tendency to lose our nuance about social conservatism and commit to do better. Don't forget to order your copy of Walk With Us: How the West Wing Changed Our Lives by Claire Handscombe! We appreciate your iTunes reviews and would love to hear your voices (859-568-2330).

In this episode, Sarah and Beth talk about the Detroit sickouts, Hillary Clinton's discussions around coal in West Virginia, and the Illinois race between Mark Kirk and Tammy Duckworth. In The Suit, we talk about the Affordable Care Act -- what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and where we go from here. Finally, in the Heels, we recap our Mother's Day weekends.

We spend this episode of the Briefcase confronting the reality of a Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton general election following the Indiana primary. Thanks to Brett and Bryn for feedback that contributed to our discussion and to all of you have provided comments on the Affordable Care Act in advance of Tuesday's episode. Reminder that you can also leave us a voice message by calling 859-568-2330. We're excited to welcome our second new sponsor. We all love The West Wing at Pantsuit Politics, so we can't wait to read Claire Handscombe's new book, Walk With Us: How The West Wing Changed Our Lives, which will be available beginning May 14!

On Tuesday, we're talking about the Affordable Care Act -- what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and where to go from here. In advance, Beth takes a whirlwind tour through the 2,700-page law. If you aren't familiar with insurance, the exchanges, and the myriad initiatives contemplated in the ACA, hopefully this 18-minute summary will get you started.

Inspired by our listeners Sierra and Michael, we set out in this episode to truly test our nuance. In the Suit, we talk about the five remaining candidates for president -- Clinton, Sanders, Cruz, Kasich, and Trump -- and provide our thoughts on the pros and cons of their candidacies. It wasn't an easy task, but we stepped up to the plate. In the Pearls, we discuss Maryland down-ballot races, the upcoming Indiana primary, and China's refusal to allow a U.S. ship to dock in Hong Kong. Finally, in the Heels, we talk about the enneagram. This month, Pictli is sponsoring our episodes. We're excited about this partnership because of the programming it will allow us to provide. Check out Pictli for awesome framed gifts that are a touch on your iPhone away.

We share Friday Feedback about our Election Reform issue. Then, we dive into Cruz/Fiorina, HBO's Confirmation and Governor Matt Bevin's recent actions.

In this episode, we briefly take a look at the McCain and Ayotte Senate races before diving into Election Reform. We talk about first-past-the-post voting in the primaries and the general election, the primary calendar, and the electoral college. And, of course, no discussion of election reform is complete without a little campaign finance (spoiler: we almost subtitled this episode, "Beth Says Unpopular Things") and gerrymandering conversation. In The Heels, in honor of National Poetry Month, we share two of our favorites. We always love your feedback, and now there's a new way to contact us. Leave a message at 859-268-2330 to make an appearance in the Friday feedback section of the Briefcase.

A nuanced perspective requires you to see all sides of a topic or person. In this episode of the Briefcase, after discussing some Friday Feedback on the wage gap, we discuss President Obama's achievements and shortcomings.

Beth is back with a Pantsuit Primer on party primaries, elections, and campaign finance in preparation for Tuesday's episode.