The Women’s Lounge

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual abuse, sex trafficking, exploitation of minors, and violence against women.

The Epstein files are back in the spotlight—but what do they actually contain, and what does their upcoming release on December 19th really mean? In this episode of The Women’s Lounge, we break down what has been released so far and what remains sealed or misunderstood.

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2025 tested our civil liberties and rights like never before. ICE and National Guard deployments are being used as tools of authoritarianism, terrorizing communities as our courts battle questions on birthright citizenship and due process. Monica Hopkins, executive director at ACLU-DC, joins us to break down what this moment means and share what gives her hope.

A sharp conversation on the rights at risk, community resistance, and what listeners can do now to stay engaged.

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The week after Thanksgiving brought major news in the fight for reproductive rights. We break down how political agendas and healthcare barriers are reshaping access to care across the country. This episode traces the story from Trump's attempt to cut Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding, to the U.S. District judge who stepped in, to the devastating impacts already felt in low-income and rural communities. In this focused conversation, we explore what’s at stake—from basic healthcare access to the autonomy of millions of women—and why this ruling, while a win, is only one moment in a much larger and ongoing fight.

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The 2025 election marked a historic year for women running for office, but beyond historic firsts, this year also proved that we have much work to do to elect women. In this conversation, political strategist Eva Posner joins us to break down the major challenges that still keep many women from running for office—from financial barriers to outdated political systems. We explore why this matters, how women’s leadership can shape policy and strengthen communities; but most importantly why increasing women’s representation is critical for our democracy. 

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Public education advocate Sarah Bradshaw joins us to break down how economic pressures, societal expectations, and years of underfunding are reshaping America’s classrooms. In this focused conversation, we explore what’s really at stake—from workforce stability to the futures of millions of students—and why supporting public education is critical for a strong, healthy democracy.

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The morning after Election Day, the air is thick with emotion - joy, confusion, and the question on everyone’s mind: what just happened? In this episode of The Women’s Lounge, we unpack the results and repercussions of a crucial election night. From women driving key victories in Virginia and New Jersey to alarming reports of ICE intimidation at Los Angeles polling sites, this conversation sheds light on how power, politics, and determination continue to shape the fight for democracy.

Together, we dive into what these election results mean for women’s rights, immigrant communities, and the large struggle for fair representation. The message is clear: women didn’t just shape this election - they’re shaping the future.

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This Halloween week, the real chills aren’t from haunted houses - they’re from a government shutdown that’s left families without paychecks and communities without care. In a moment when our healthcare system feels more broken than ever, The Women’s Lounge asks a vital question: what does it mean to heal beyond the systems that fail us? Our guest Dr. Dawn Bounds reminds us that resilience doesn’t come from the top - it comes from the community. Through the CYFER Lab, or Centering Youth and Families in Empowerment and Resilience, Dr. Bounds is reimagining what healing looks like when we center young people, caregivers, and the neighborhoods that hold them together.

Together, Emiliana and Dr. Bounds explore how mentorship, creativity, and health practices are transforming what care can be - not just in clinics, but in classrooms, kitchens, and community spaces.

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CYFER Lab Socials 

linktr.ee/ucicyferlab

In a year when voting rights face unprecedented challenges, The Women’s Lounge asks a vital question: who is protecting our democracy? We welcome Carla Fuentes from the League of Women Voters for a timely and urgent conversation about the fight to defend the ballot. From the powerful “No Kings” protest to the chilling rise in ICE raids, this episode connects the dots between protest, policy, and participation—reminding us that the right to vote is the foundation of every other freedom we hold dear.

Together, Emiliana and Carla explore how the League’s century-long, nonpartisan mission to educate and empower voters remains a lifeline in today’s polarized political climate. They discuss what it takes to engage new voters, combat misinformation, and build the next generation of women leaders ready to take the reins of democracy. The message is clear: change doesn’t just happen just in the streets - it happens at the ballot box too. 

You can listen now wherever you get your podcast. New episodes drop every Friday.

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