With Friends Like These

This week Amber Scorah (@amberscorah) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) discuss Amber’s new book - Leaving the Witness: Exiting a Religion and Finding a Life. Together, they break into Amber’s former faith with the Jehovah's Witnesses, her complicated marital affair, and a subsequent exit from the church. Amber opens up about her current outlook on religion, and explains how she came to terms with her son’s sudden death. It’s more heartwarming than it sounds, we promise! Thanks to our sponsors! Did you know that millennials have 3 times as much student debt as their parents? That’s not right. But you can get your student loans right by refinancing your loans with SoFi.  It’s a fast and easy process––all online––and only takes 2 minutes to check your rate. Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands. Check your rate in 2 minutes on sofi.com/CROOKED.  Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Go to Rothys.com/wflt to get your new favorite flats. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS and get free shipping on your first order. Cats are natural born predators - that's why the guys at Petronics invented Mousr, a fully autonomous robotic mouse. Right now, my listeners can save 20% by visiting petronics.io/friends and using code FRIENDS at checkout.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) and Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) meet for their monthly airing of grievances. Rick and Ana discuss how America is quickly becoming dismissed on the world stage, why a White House social media summit is the pinnacle of dum-dum behavior, how fetishization of normalization is unpleasant, and how the executive order overreaches of the Obama administration (which once caused Republicans to self-immolate) seem quaint in retrospect. Also: A New Game! (What? We can have new games. Lovett doesn’t have a trademark on new games. Lovett, come play our games!) Thanks to our sponsors!  It’s time for spring cleaning. Quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. With Stamps.com you can access all the amazing services of the Post Office, right from your desk, 24/7, when it’s convenient for you. Buy and print official U.S. postage for any letter, any package using your own computer & printer – and the mail carrier picks it up. To get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale, go to Stamps.com, click on the microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS to save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss how she built the anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action from the ground up. Shannon’s new book Fight Like A Mother is both a memoir, but also a handbook for replicating these triumphs, as a sort of Activism for Dummies. Ana and Shannon honestly examine MDA’s origins, successes, goals, failures, and how to forge intersectional relationships with surprising allies. Thanks to our Sponsors! ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Answer a few simple questions to find your perfect fit in 60 seconds. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Anna Merlan (@annamerlan) helps us Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) parse America’s increasingly conspiratorial culture. Anna spent eight years covering conspiracy groups and just came out with a book, Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and Their Surprising Rise to Power. Join us as we discuss vaccinations, UFOs, spying on Quakers, and finding a path forward. Also, check out our bonus mega-mix of Anna Merlin, Will Sommer, Heather Armstrong, Tommy Orange, Will Sommer again, and Vann Newkirk and their most ridiculous secret beliefs. (We had to end Conspiracy Month in the strangest way possible.) Thanks to our sponsors!  Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condense them down into just 15 minutes that you can read or listen to. Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. Bombas are made from super-soft, natural cotton, and every pair comes with arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s comfy but not too thick. With many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles, Buy your Bombas at BOMBAS.com/friends TODAY, and get twenty percent off your first purchase. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional, luxurious pieces at an affordable price. Snowe is offering our listeners $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS The New Yorker represents the best writing in America today. To get a 12 week subscription for just $6 (thats half off!), the New Yorker tote bag, home delivery of the print edition each week, unlimited access to exclusive content on newyorker.com, access to their apps, online archive, crossword puzzles, and more - go to NewYorker.com/FRIENDS We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. It’s only a dollar a day to have all the essential nutrients your body needs, delivered every month — no strings attached. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDSto start your subscription today at 10% off.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Vann Newkirk (@fivefifths) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss conspiracy and its complex relationship with marginalized groups. Why does conspiratorial thinking appeal to those who feel “othered” within their society? Vann walks us through how the historic mistreatment of people of color has created a baseline of skepticism that can grow into full-on conspiracy. As Vann says: “Black Americans’ belief in conspiracy theories is like the Farmers’ Almanac: accurate enough to keep using.” Thanks to our Sponsors! Most of us have the best of intentions to eat better, cut back on takeout, and spend more time with the family. And then real life happens. Gobble is the meal prep delivery service designed for real life. Get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS. A good night’s sleep is like a magic remedy for the brain and body. When we sleep well, we’re more focused and relaxed. And best of all, sleep makes us happier. To establish new habits that support your happiest, healthiest self. For a limited time, With Friends Like These listeners get 25% off a Calm Premium subscription at CALM.COM/FRIENDS. Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt. Did you know that millennials have 3 times as much student debt as their parents? That’s not right. But you can get your student loans right by refinancing your loans with SoFi.  It’s a fast and easy process––all online––and only takes 2 minutes to check your rate. Refinancing your student loans could save you thousands. Check your rate in 2 minutes on sofi.com/CROOKED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Will Sommer (@willsommer) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for a discussion of his work in exploring the wide-spread radicalization of mostly middle-aged people who think a shadowy cabal is going to take revenge on everyone they don’t like. And also make other people (including the still living JFK Jr.) like them and support their cause? QAnon, it turns out, is a bit of a mess. Which you might expect from an ideology founded on the belief that Donald Trump is out here playing three-dimensional chess to save the world. Our conspiracy theory theme month plows ahead into dangerously confusing territory, so come play 17 Questions with The Daily Beast’s specialist on all things pizza and pedophiles! Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GET QUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Jesse Walker (@notjessewalker) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) for an exciting round of “Who’s Right and Who’s a Nut?” Jesse Walker reminds us that you don’t need a tinfoil hat to believe in conspiracy theories, and that they have surrounded us for centuries. Afterwards they talk about when conspiracy theories have been based in malice, versus when they have actually been true. This is your periodic reminder that the CIA is still terrifying! Afterwards, Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) joins Ana to discuss the contemporary issues that face Trans individuals in Trump’s America. Parker and Ana break down the ways the Trump administration slowly and gradually peeled back the few systemic protections that protected Trans individuals. They then shift to discuss the role the ways the media fails trans individuals by not addressing the gradual implementation of anti-Trans policies.  While they navigate this modern landscape, they discuss issues that trans individuals have felt before Trump - including access to medical care, fair employment, amd access to housing. Thanks to our sponsors! Original Grain watches are absolutely beautiful, and they have an incredible selection of unique and stylish watches for both Men and Women. Visit Original Grain dot com to see for yourself, and again, be sure to use the code FRIENDS at checkout to save 30% off your order. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Hands down this is the most comfortable bra you’ll own. Tagless labels means no itching, plus straps that won't slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight, super thin memory foam cups. ThirdLove knows there’s a perfect bra for everyone, so right now go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Rothy’s are the everyday flats for life on the go. They’re stylish and versatile, and they go with everything from yoga pants to dresses and skirts. Rothy’s come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they’re available in four different silhouettes. Plus, they’re constantly launching new styles, so you’re guaranteed to find a pair—or three—you love. Check out all the amazing styles available right now at Rothys.com/wflt. Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Stitch Fix has the brands you know and love, plus exclusive styles you won’t find elsewhere. After completing your style profile, your expert personal stylist will send you a handpicked box of items based on your style and preferences. They even have men’s and kid’s boxes, too! Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Imagine this scenario:  the surface temperature of your bed gradually adjusts to wake you up gently and naturally, without the sound of the alarm. Imagine now waking up rested and alert. Not science fiction.  This is the new Pod by EightSleep. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Adam Savage (@donttrythis) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to talk about his new book “Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It.” They talk about glue, principles of metal working, and how to forgive yourself when you mess up. Afterwards, they talk about why we are going to need radical empathy in order to make it through these troubling times. Finally, they discuss the myths that refuse to die, including the voices in your head telling you that you are not enough. Ana is then joined by new Crooked Host Rebecca Nagle (@rebeccanagle) who talks about her new show This Land. The first episode premieres June 3rd. Subscribe now at thislandpodcast.com and wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks to our sponsors! We’ve all faced this dilemma at the end of a long day... Make a healthy, homemade dinner... OR take the quick and easy route. Gobble gives us the best of both worlds. This is the meal prep service that makes it simple to cook delicious, nutritious meals ...in just 15 minutes! Get 6 Meals for just $36, plus Free Shipping when you go to Gobble.com/FRIENDS ZipRecruiter sends your job to over 100 of the web’s leading job boards. But they don’t stop there. With their powerful matching technology, ZipRecruiter scans thousands of resumes to find people with the right experience and invites them to apply to your job. Try ZipRecruiter FOR FREE at this exclusive web address: ZipRecruiter.com/friends We all want to do the right thing to keep our bodies healthy in the long run. But even if we try really hard to eat kale salads and drink green smoothies, we’re still most likely not getting all of the essential nutrients we need on a daily basis. Enter: Ritual, the obsessively-researched vitamin for women. Fill in the gaps in your diet with Essential for Women--a small step that helps support a healthy foundation for your body. Visit ritual.com/FRIENDS for 10% your first three months. No one really has time to go to the post office. You’re busy. Who’s got time for all that traffic, parking, lugging all your mail and packages? It’s a real hassle! That’s why you need Stamps.com – one of the most popular time-saving tools for small businesses. Stamps.com eliminates trips to the Post Office AND saves you money with discounts that you can’t even get at the Post Office! Get a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment. Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS The Pod by EightSleep is a high-tech bed designed specifically to help you achieve optimal sleep fitness. And there's a reason why Time Magazine calls Eight one of the best inventions of last year. It combines dynamic temperature regulation and sleep tracking to enhance your rest and recovery. It learns your sleep habits and adjusts the temperature automatically.That means if you like the bed cool; your partner likes the bed warm - now you can have both at the same time. And no more alarm clocks. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/FRIENDS.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you think of a Native American person what comes to your mind? Is it a sports decal? Is it Tonto on the Lone Ranger? Did you just think of all of the White people you know who claim to have Native ancestry? This week writer Tommy Orange (@thommyorange) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to unpack those stereotypes and talk about his book, There, There. They begin with a conversation on the violence Native people have suffered, and why resilience is not the right word. Afterwards they talk about why Native Americans are not a monolith. Finally they talked about the complexity of Thanksgiving, what schools need to change about teaching Thanksgiving, and advice for having a more mindful dinner that was originally about a land deal. Thanks to our sponsors! Some of the most important time we spend with our families is around the dinner table...Sharing our day... connecting...creating memories…Gobble gets that – This meal prep service makes it quick and easy to cook nutritious, delicious meals. Go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS to get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Bombas are the most comfortable socks in the history of feet. They’re made from super-soft, natural cotton, and every pair comes with arch support, a seamless toe, and a cushioned foot-bed that’s comfy but not too thick. With many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles, Bombas look great in the gym, at the office, and out on the town. Bombas are what feet daydream about. Bombas.com/FRIENDS Have you heard about this company making stylish shoes for women and girls out of recycled plastic water bottles? Oh, and they’re insanely comfortable and machine washable. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. Go to Rothys.com and enter “wflt” to get your new favorite flats and free shipping. The New Yorker represents the best writing in America today.   Beyond publishing the best writers in the world, The New Yorker holds people in power accountable through rigorous reporting and compelling storytelling. Both online and in print, The New Yorker covers a full range of topic, including politics, news, international affairs, climate change and the environment, popular culture and the arts, and fiction. Get 12 weeks of The New Yorker for just $6, plus the exclusive tote. Go to newyorker.com/FRIENDS. Listeners save 50% when they enter FRIENDS. If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Y’all ever create a constitutional crisis to own the libs? This week, Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to talk Ana down after another week of neverending bad news. They discuss light topics such as the recent pro-forced birth laws in Alabama and Georgia, the need for democrats to campaign in the Midwest, and the future of our country. Afterwards, Jordan Klepper (@jordanklepper) comes on to talk about the formation of his new show Klepper, and what it means to weaponize your privilege when your show is based on a flawed premise. Jordan reminds us that there are people working for good, and that the world is not ending quite yet-- at least not without a fight. Want to help that fight for good? Follow this link to make sure all people with uteri have access to safe abortions: https://abortionfunds.org/ We care about facts on this show! Click here for one article about Obama voters who switched to Trump. Click here for an article about Obama voters that stayed home. Click here for a map of that switch. Thanks to our sponsors! It’s time for spring cleaning. quip’s got an easy way to start — with your brushing habits. Just two minutes, twice a day can help pave the way to a healthier mouth and mind. And now the whole family can get refreshed with quip. Quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GET QUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you can get your first refill pack for FREE. When it comes to shopping for clothes most of us are amateurs. So why not let the professionals handle it? With Stitch Fix, a stylist will do all the work for you! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that delivers your favorite clothing, shoes, and accessories, directly to you. Get started today at StitchFix.com/friends and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! Everyone wants their home to look and feel great. Luckily, Snowe makes it incredibly simple. They create trend-proof, beautiful, functional pieces made for how you live. Whether you just got the keys to your first place or you’re looking to upgrade the pieces you’ve had forever, Snowe has home goods that are practical and striking to look at. Get $30 off your first purchase of $150 or more when you go to SnoweHome.com/FRIENDS. HASK hair care products are used on more Hollywood Film & TV sets than any other brand. HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CW: Depression and Suicide. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. You are worthy of love and you deserve to be alive.   This week Heather Armstrong (@dooce) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox ) to discuss family, a changing work world-- and also going into several medically induced comas to cure her depression. They begin by unpacking that depression and why going to the extreme to find solutions seemed like the only option. They talk about what contributed to her depression spiral, and how she climbed her way out of it. Finally they talk about how climbing out of the hole changed her familial relationships, sometimes for the better. Tune in for a meaningful discussion on coming back from the brink. Thanks to our sponsors! Blinkist is the only app that takes the best key takeaways, the need-to-know information from thousands of nonfiction books and condenses them down into just 15 minutes so you can read or listen to. Right now, for a limited time Blinkist has a special offer just for our audience. Go to Blinkist.com/withfriends to start your free 7 day trial. ThirdLove uses data points generated by millions of women who have taken their Fit Finder quiz, to design bras with breast size and shape in mind for a perfect fit and premium feel. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! If you don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Everlane only makes premium essentials, using the finest materials, without traditional markups. Right now, you can check out our personalized collection at Everlane.com/FRIENDS If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CW: Suicide and Sexual Assault What does it mean to be a well meaning white person? What does it mean to have to deal with well meaning white people? This week Damon Young (@DamonYoungVSB) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to grapple with those questions and more. They start with a conversation on vulnerability, and eventually move onto a broad discussion on race and intersectionality. Tune in for a meaningful conversation, and remember: it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Thanks to our sponsors! Some of the most important time we spend with our families is around the dinner table...Sharing our day... connecting...creating memories…Gobble gets that – This meal prep service makes it quick and easy to cook nutritious, delicious meals. Go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS to get 6 Meals for Just $36, plus Free Shipping! Fully’s Jarvis is the best-reviewed standing desk online. Jarvis is gorgeous, and surprisingly affordable, and it will change your relationship to work. Jarvis is adjustable, so you can switch positions, whenever your body tells you to. Fully will be your partner in reimagining what your work can feel like. To transform your workspace, go to FULLY.com/FRIENDS From D3 to Omega 3, Ritual's Essential for Women helps fill gaps in a woman’s diet. Their no-nausea capsule design is gentle on an empty stomach, and there's a mint tab in every bottle to keep things fresh—so you don't get that fishy aftertaste common with most Omega-3s. Get 10% off during your first three months at ritual.com/FRIENDS HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are many misconceptions surrounding poverty in America. Author Stephanie Land (@stepville) joins Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to discuss her experiences as a maid and how those myths affect policy and perceptions of low income people. They talked about what government should be doing, and what individual people can do to make other’s lives easier. Afterwards they dive into the psychological effects of poverty and coping mechanisms. Stephanie leaves us with some tangible advice: offer to babysit, and flush your damn toilet.  Interested in Stephanie’s book? Click here to purchase a copy. Thanks to our sponsors! With Gobble, your meal kit is delivered fresh to your doorstep each week. There’s no planning, shopping... or even prepping for the meal. Get dinner for two for 3 Nights – for just $36!  Only available if you go to my special URL. Get this special offer now - go to: Gobble.com/FRIENDS Have you heard about this company making stylish shoes for women and girls out of recycled plastic water bottles? Oh, and they’re insanely comfortable and machine washable. Rothy’s has quickly grown to a most-loved, gotta-have-them brand. It’s no surprise they have over 1,000 nearly perfect reviews. Go to Rothys.com and enter wflt to get your new favorite flats and free shipping. Sticking to a weight loss plan can be hard, especially when you don’t know how to handle the thoughts and obstacles that hold you back from making progress. Most people who lose weight gain it all back. Why? Because most weight loss plans just tell you what to do while you’re on the plan, not after. With Noom you’ll lose the guilt and learn how to develop a new relationship with food. What do you have to lose? Visit noom.com/FRIENDS to start your trial today. No one really has time to go to the post office. You’re busy. Who’s got time for all that traffic, parking, lugging all your mail and packages? It’s a real hassle! That’s why you need Stamps.com – one of the most popular time-saving tools for small businesses. Stamps.com eliminates trips to the Post Office AND saves you money with discounts that you can’t even get at the Post Office! Right now, my listeners get a special offer that includes a 4-week trial PLUS free postage AND a digital scale without any long-term commitment.  Just go to Stamps.com, click on the Microphone at the TOP of the homepage and type in FRIENDS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CW: Sexual Assault Got Mueller Madness? Join Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) and Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) as they get up from a fetal position and debrief the Mueller Report. They begin with a quick review of the day from the perspective of the White House and various media outlets. Afterwards they talk about what it will take to defeat Trump in 2020, and which candidates they think can make it in this reality tv-esque election cycle. Turn off that NPR coverage and tune in. Thanks to our sponsors! The Pod by EightSleep is a high-tech bed designed specifically to help you achieve optimal sleep fitness. For a limited time, get $150 off your purchase when you go to EIGHTSLEEP.com/friends.  One of the most important things we do for our health every day is brushing our teeth, yet most of us don’t do it properly. Quip is a better electric toothbrush created by dentists and designers. quip starts at just $25 and if you go to GETQUIP.com/FRIENDS right now, you get your first refill pack for FREE with a quip electric toothbrush. If you guys don’t know Jemele Hill, you really should. She’s a sports expert. She’s a political junkie. She’s a social media B.S. detector. And did I mention she’s funny as hell? Now, Jemele has a brand new Spotify Original Podcast called Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Every Monday and Thursday, you can catch her and her two co-hosts, Michael Arceneaux and Cole Wiley, with their insightful and entertaining hot takes on the day’s top stories in news, sports, politics, music and other important issues...like why the best parties are the ones you sneak in to. The podcast’s guest list will also include some of the biggest names in culture and entertainment. Listen now to Jemele Hill is Unbothered, for free, only on Spotify. Article is an online-only furniture copy.   By eliminating the layers of traditional retail, Article is able to keep prices low and quality high.  No showrooms, no sales people, just savings. ARTICLE IS OFFERING OUR LISTENERS $50 OFF THEIR FIRST PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE. TO CLAIM, VISIT ARTICLE.com/FRIENDS AND THE DISCOUNT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED AT CHECKOUT. ThirdLove is the industry leader with 70 sizes, including its signature half-cups sizes. Go to THIRDLOVE.com/FRIENDS now to find your perfect-fitting bra… and get 15% off your first purchase! Stitch Fix is an online personal styling service that finds and delivers clothes, shoes, and accessories to fit your body, budget, and lifestyle. Get started NOW at StitchFix.com/FRIENDS and you'll get an extra 25% off when you keep all items in your box!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) is joined by Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) to talk about why scrolling down your news feed has become such a painful and depressing chore. Kathleen Hall Jamieson breaks down the rise of cynicism in the last 25 years and what the American media consumer can do to turn things around. Later, Jay Rosen joins Ana to talk about why political journalists need to stop trying to outsmart each other constantly. Jay tells us, we can’t critique a bullet as it comes towards us. We promise you, there are solutions. Read more about Kathleen Hall Jamieson’s work here Read more about Jay Rosen’s work here P.S. Ana would like to attribute her line, dystopia is here, it’s just unequally distributed, to writer William Gibson. Thanks to our sponsors! Robinhood is an investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptos, all commission-free. While other brokerages charge up to $10 for every trade, Robinhood doesn’t charge any commission fees, so you can trade stocks and keep all of your profits.With Robinhood, you can learn how to invest in the market as you build your portfolio. Discover new stocks, track your favorite companies, and get custom notifications for price movements so you never miss the right moment to invest. Robinhood is giving listeners of With Friends Like These a FREE stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint to help you build your portfolio. Sign up at crookedfriends.robinhood.com. Article brings you beautiful, well-made furniture with a focus on Scandinavian simplicity. Article is offering our listeners $50 off their first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit Article.com/FRIENDS. If you’ve been listening to this show, you’ve heard me talk about Framebridge. They make it super easy and affordable to frame your favorite things, from art prints and posters to the travel photos sitting on your phone. Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code FRIENDS you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order. HASK hair care products are used on more Hollywood Film & TV sets than any other brand. HASK offers high-performance formulas at affordable price points, including Shampoos, Conditioners, Deep Conditioners, Shine Oils, and Dry Shampoos that are designed to treat and repair ALL hair types--and made from high quality ingredients, sourced from around the globe. Try HASK Dry Shampoo for yourself -- you can find it on Amazon.com and you’ll save 15% off when you use our special coupon code at checkout 15WFRIENDS. The Pink Tax is the extra amount of money women are charged every year for basic goods and services. And it adds up...to $1,351 every year. Yeah, for real. The Pink Tax is charging women more money on everything from baby bottles to canes! Toys, personal care products, clothes, dry-cleaning. Yes, dry-cleaning. See for yourself at AxThePinkTax.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices