Problematic Women

On Problematic Women, we often talk about the widely misunderstood gender pay gap. But this week, we discuss another “gap”—the alleged beauty gap, and whether women are treated differently in the workplace based on their looks. We also discuss Planned Parenthood’s sky-is-falling rhetoric after the organization voluntarily removed itself from the Title X funding program, and the dating site OKCupid claiming in a tweet, “Girls don’t want flowers and chocolates -- girls want someone who supports reproductive rights.” Finally, we sit down with Olivia Enos, Senior Policy Analyst for the Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation, to discuss the Hong Kong protests and how women, in particular, have been involved.

On this week's edition of "Problematic Women," Kelsey Bolar and Lyndsey Fifield discuss a Teen Vogue Snapchat post teaching minors how to get an abortion without their parents' permission, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s divorce and what that says about millennials and marriage, and the release of the movie "Unplanned" on Amazon and DVD. We also interview Liz Wheeler, host of "Tipping Point" on One America News Network and author of the new book "Tipping Points: How to Topple the Left's House of Cards."

In this week’s edition of “Problematic Women,” Amy Swearer, senior legal policy analyst at The Heritage Foundation, joins us to discuss the tragic mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. First, we discuss politicians’ and the media’s eagerness to blame everything from video games to Fox News for the shootings. We then talk about the liberal outrage mob that broke out when The New York Times correctly reported that President Donald Trump denounced hatred and white supremacy. Finally, Swearer breaks down some commonsense solutions to curb gun violence, while still respecting the Constitution. Also in this week’s “Problematic Women,” we discuss: —Should you post photos of your kids online? A new Wall Street Journal video lists three reasons why you probably shouldn’t. —Banana Republic is now selling hijabs, but some Muslim women are questioning its marketing strategy. —We crown Saudi Arabian women as the Problematic Women of the Week, as they celebrate their newfound freedom to drive cars without the consent of a male guardian.

In this week's edition of "Problematic Women," Jessica Anderson, vice president of Heritage Action for America, joins us to discuss a recent survey commissioned by the organization that reveals the top issues that concern women, whether their opinions really differ from those of men, and how women feel about President Donald Trump's performance—and personality—thus far. Specifically, we discuss what the results tell us about suburban women and their take on the so-called soft issues, such as immigration and abortion. Listen to the podcast, or read the lightly edited transcript below. In this week's edition of "Problematic Women," we also discuss: —Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s so-called environmentally conscious decision to give son Archie only one other sibling. —New data released by the U.S. Soccer Federation showing that despite generating a net loss over the past 11 years, female players actually earned more than the male players. —A viral social media post shaming millennials for going to Disney World alone. —The estranged wife of Dubai's ruler, who filed for a marriage protection order and a non-molestation order to protect her two children from imprisonment in Dubai.

This week on Problematic Women, co-host Kelsey Bolar sits down with Heritage Foundation research fellow and mother of six, Rachel Greszler. Greszler breaks down why a top down, big government paid family leave program would actually hurt women, and why the private sector is better equipped to provide solutions. "Conservatives, do support paid family leave,” Greszler said. “We want workers to be, mothers to be able to stay home with their children... What we don't support is a one size fits all government program that tells workers the type of leave they can take and when they can take it." We also discuss these topics: —Fat shaming plates? Macy's is facing backlash for selling dinner plates that encourage portion control by labeling different portion sizes “mom jeans,” “favorite jeans,” and “skinny jeans.” —Should women be forced to wax the genitals of a biological man? A Canadian transgender woman has filed 16 complains against beauticians who have refused to perform the service. —Will Ivanka Trump ever catch a break? Social justice warriors take to the Internet, calling her racist because she bought her 8-year-old daughter a white dog. —Finally, we crown Samantha Renck, conservative college student, Heritage Foundation summer intern, and creator of the new Millennial Myths Podcast, as our Problematic Woman of the Week.

Did the confirmation battle of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh help or hurt the #MeToo movement? How did the mainstream media miss so many red flags regarding his multiple accusers? And what was the horrific media storm like for the Kavanaugh family? In this week’s edition of Problematic Women, we interview Mollie Hemingway and Carrie Severino, authors of the best-selling new book, “Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court,” on what really happened during the hearings, and what that means for the future of the Court and all Americans. Also in today’s podcast: —The head of Planned Parenthood, Dr. Leana Wen, being forced out of the organization by its Board Chairs for reportedly not emphasizing abortion enough. —Pop singer Miley Cyrus saying she doesn’t want to have kids because “the Earth can’t handle it,” and her “complex, and modern, and new” marriage with actor Liam Hemsworth. —"The Bachelorette" feud between Luke Parker and Hannah Brown over Christians having sex before marriage.

USA! The United States women’s national team won its second consecutive World Cup after defeating the Netherlands national team last weekend. Of course, the title doesn’t come without controversy, with team members declining a White House invitation and co-captain Megan Rapinoe doing a media circuit bashing President Trump. We’ll break down all the drama, as well as the equal pay debate. Also on the podcast: -Elisha Krauss of The Daily Wire joins us to talk about a variety of topics from feminism and fashion, to what it’s really like to work with the one and only, Ben Shapiro. -We also address a New York Times article that went viral this week titled, “Do Americans Really Need Air-Conditioning?,” and whether or not air-conditioning is sexist. -The latest Little Mermaid drama about an African American Ariel and the trending #NotMyAriel on Twitter. -Lastly, we crown our Problematic Woman of the Week … Tiny Jag! Tiny Jag is a biracial Detroit rapper who dropped out of a musical festival after that festival tried to charge white people twice as much per a ticket than minorities.

On a special Independence Day edition of “Problematic Women,” we team up with Jarrett Stepman and Fred Lucas, co-hosts of The Daily Signal’s “Right Side of History” podcast, to discuss some of the most problematic women throughout American history. We begin by honoring the legacy of Betsy Ross after Nike pulled its latest USA-themed sneaker from the shelves in light of the claim by Colin Kaepernick, NFL player and liberal activist, that the “Betsy Ross flag” featured on the sneaker was offensive. From there, we discuss other problematic women such as Abigail Adams, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and Phyllis Schlafly. Listen to the podcast below.

This week on Problematic Women we interview, Shannon Bream, host of “Fox News at Night” and author of the new book, “Finding the Bright Side: The Art of Chasing What Matters.” We ask her about her time at Fox News—including through the Roger Ailes sexual harassment scandal, her decision not to have children, her experience with chronic pain, and whether or not she identifies as a feminist. We also discuss: — Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ilhan Omar announced a $1 Trillion plan this week to wipe out every dollar of student loan debt in the United States. We have Heritage education policy expert Mary Clare Anselem on the show to discuss how the proposal would actually make college more expensive and be a regressive tax on the lower and middle class. — Last week, author and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll came forward with an allegation that President Trump sexually assaulted her in a dressing room over 20 years ago. President Trump has denied the allegations. We share our opinions of the allegations and break down Carroll’s bizarre appearance on Anderson Cooper. — ‘Foodie Calls’ (a play off of a “booty call”) are now a thing. Women are setting up a date for the purpose of getting a free meal rather than out of romantic interest. — And finally, Kelsey is expecting! We crown baby girl Bolar as the Problematic Woman of the Week, and talk about how Kelsey is handling her first pregnancy. Also, we discuss why she and her husband decided not to do a gender reveal cake.

In this week’s edition of “Problematic Women,” Kelsey Bolar of The Daily Signal and Beverly Hallberg of District Media D.C. address Teen Vogue promoting prostitution to teenage girls, CNN labeling First Lady Melania Trump a "Woman of Mystery,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., admitting Republicans were probably right about allegations against Bill Clinton, and women saying they prefer “Dad bods” over perfectly toned 6-packs. We also chat with Selina Soule, the high school track athlete who was forced to sit on the sidelines at a major tournament because two transgender runners landed the number one and two spots, about her decision to file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

In a recent poll for “Axios on HBO,” 55% of American women say they would prefer to live in a socialist country over a capitalist country. This week on “Problematic Women” we discuss why women are embracing socialism and what can be done to stop this trend. Also, we break down why freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says members of Congress, despite already making $174,000 a year, deserve a pay raise. We crown Yale University graduate and future Justice Brett Kavanaugh law clerk Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld Problematic Woman of the Week. And we discuss these topics: — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had surprisingly positive things to say about Kavanaugh’s first class of law clerks. — Pro-life group Live Action was permanently banned from Pinterest this week for spreading “misinformation.” — Mary Katharine Ham, CNN contributor and single mom of two, talks feminism, being a mother in the public eye, and much more.

On this week’s edition of Problematic Women, we discuss Taylor Swift’s decision to get political and advocate for the so-called Equality Act, Miley Cyrus’ $175 pro-abortion sweatshirt, President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley unapologetically standing up for the beliefs of pro-life women. We also feature our sit-down interview with Fox News contributor Mollie Hemingway to talk about her views on feminism and the Brett Kavanaugh fallout. She also addresses how she coped with the loss of her former Federalist staffer, Bre Payton. Payton’s 27th birthday would have been this Saturday, June 8, so we ask that you keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Listen and subscribe in the podcast below.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., last week announced “the most aggressive equal pay proposal in history.” But would it really help women? Romina Boccia, director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at The Heritage Foundation, joins us to discuss, debunking the myth that a gender wage gap actually exists. We also discuss a New York Times op-ed about faith, feminism, fatherhood, and how they affect marital happiness, and we crown Allie Beth Stuckey our Problematic Woman of the week for using her baby registry to collect items for a local pregnancy center. Link to donate: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/alliebeth-stuckey-june-2019-richardson/2SC5ACVN5HK8B

In a special episode of Problematic Women, Heritage President Kay Coles James joins us to talk about the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission. President Donald Trump appointed James on the bipartisan commission that was formed to celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment, which secured women’s right to vote. In this week’s podcast, we discuss the history of the movement, what “suffrage” really means, and the importance of celebrating this historic event. We also break down the left’s continued unhinged comments about abortion, with New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand calling for taxpayer funded, no-restriction abortions, and Jim Carrey’s depiction of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey being aborted. Finally, has the #MeToo movement harmed or helped women? According to CBS News, male managers are now more hesitant interacting with their female employees at work — we discuss. Link to Jim Carrey tweet: https://twitter.com/JimCarrey/status/1129796511611490304

In the 22nd season premiere of the PBS animated children's series “Arthur,” Mr. Ratburn, Arthur’s beloved teacher, came out as gay and got married. Is this a problematic storyline for a children's show—and in what other ways is LGBT ideology appearing in children's books and entertainment? We discuss with Monica Burke, a research assistant at The Heritage Foundation's DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, Institute for Family, Community, and Opportunity. We also break down the Equality Act and how its affecting girls' sports, and discuss actress Alyssa Milano’s call for a nationwide #SexStrike in protest of pro-life legislation in Georgia and Alabama. And finally, in honor of her #SexStrike, we crown Milano Problematic Women of the Week for her fearless promotion of abstinence.