Our Dirty Laundry

Send us a text In this episode of 'Our Dirty Laundry,' our discussion centers around Catherine Beecher, an influential figure in American education history. We explore her advocacy for women's education, her writings on domestic economy, and contrasting stances on suffrage and slavery. The episode reveals Beecher's complicated legacy and her contributions to the education system, while critiquing her views on gradual emancipation and the appropriate methods of addressing moral evils like slavery. We connect these historical perspectives to contemporary issues in education and women's roles in professional fields. Join the conversation as we examine the enduring impact of Beecher's ideology on current societal structures.

Send us a text Unpacking the Historical Roots of White Women in Education Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell delve into the complex history of white women in American education, exploring their roles from the 18th century to the present and how these roles have been shaped by societal norms and systemic issues. The discussion includes the evolution of public schools, the feminization of the teaching profession, and the exclusion of educators of color, focusing on the impact of figures like Horace Mann and Catherine Beecher. The episode also critiques current educational practices and emphasizes the importance of critical reflection, curriculum inclusivity, and understanding the socioeconomic contexts of education.

Send us a text Embracing Arts and Social Justice in Education: A Conversation with Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones In this episode of 'Dirty Laundry,' Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell interview Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones, a social justice educator, writer, and the first executive director of Rethinking Schools. Dr. Jones discusses her background, the importance of creating educational spaces rooted in joy and love, and how the arts intersect with justice work. They explore the origins of Rethinking Schools, its mission to combat whitewashed curricula, and the transformative work educators are doing to promote social justice in classrooms. The conversation extends to the challenges and successes of incorporating arts and critical pedagogy in education and offers insights into how parents and community members can support these efforts. This enlightening discussion concludes with practical advice on enhancing community involvement in the education system. Rethinking Schools Zinn Education Project Red, Wine & Blue

Send us a text Author interview with Elizabeth Gillespie McRae, author of 'Mothers of Massive Resistance,' a book examining how white women have systematically supported and engineered white supremacy. The discussion covers McRae's academic background, research insights, and specific women profiled in the book. It also touches on contemporary parallels, the importance of education in dismantling racial hierarchies, and how political discourses clouding political realities can sustain oppressive systems. The hosts emphasize the relevance of McRae's work in understanding current socio-political dynamics and the role of grassroots efforts in effecting change.

Send us a text Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss the concluding chapter of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They explore the roles that white women in Northern and Southern United States played in maintaining segregationist policies and resisting racial integration from the 1920s to the 1970s. The chapter ties historical segregation efforts to contemporary issues and how these women evolved their strategies to appear race-neutral while upholding systemic racism. The discussion includes historical instances of organized resistance, connections between Northern and Southern segregationist women, and the critique of historians' portrayal of these efforts. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding systemic racism and addressing the actual root causes rather than superficial symptoms.

Send us a text In this podcast episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 8 of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They reflect on the ruthless persistence of white supremacist tactics used by women in the mid-20th century to counter desegregation and civil rights movements. The chapter covers a range of topics, including the Little Rock Nine integration crisis, the role of media in these events, the spread of private and charter schools, essay contests promoting racist ideologies, and the alarming interconnection between grassroots conservatism and white supremacy. Mandy and Katy also delve into the strategic co-optation of religious and patriotic narratives and the ongoing implications of these historical currents in today's sociopolitical climate. They highlight the need for a clear, anti-racist vision to counter these persisting ideologies.

Send us a text In this episode Mandy Griffin and Katty Swalwell explore the complex and troubling history of white women's resistance to school integration following the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The hosts discuss various themes, including the hateful and nefarious tactics employed by white women to maintain racial segregation, the differing reactions to the Supreme Court ruling, and the relentless commitment to white supremacy. They also highlight the use of religion, pseudoscience, and victimhood to justify segregation, drawing parallels to modern-day issues. The episode underscores the role of white women in perpetuating systemic racism and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the educational system.

Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 6 of their reading, focusing on the role of white women in the historical and political landscape post-World War II. They explore how these women perpetuated white supremacy by opposing concepts like human rights and integration, particularly through their actions at key events like the 1948 Democratic National Convention and their support of the Bricker Amendment. The chapter reveals how white women strategically used issues like anti-communism and anti-globalism to mask their racist agendas, influencing policies and elections. Discussions include the 1952 election where Eisenhower was elected largely due to the support of white southern women, and the grassroots activism that saw these women rally against treaties and educational reforms. The script underscores the importance of understanding history to see how these deeply rooted ideological conflicts have shaped modern political movements like MAGA.

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Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell delve into Chapter 4 of Elizabeth Gillespie McCray's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance,' focusing on Jim Crow storytelling. The hosts discuss FDR's New Deal, judicial court packing, and how progressive politics were often used to reinforce white supremacy. They analyze the complex figure of Nell Battle Lewis, a North Carolinian journalist whose advocacy for a less violent, more benevolent form of white supremacy highlights the contradictions of white liberalism. The conversation touches on Lewis's support for segregation, her admiration for certain Black elites within constrained boundaries, and how her eugenic beliefs influenced her work. The hosts also reflect on how modern white progressives must remain vigilant about their complicity in maintaining these systems.

Send us a text Des Moines area locals, Please join Mom’s Against Genocide on August 13th from 10a-12p at the Neal Smith Federal Building. More info on Instagram @momsagainstgenocide. Even if you’re not in Des Moines, please listen for ways you can organize in your community!

Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell continue their discussion on Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They delve into the stories of three Southern white women—Florence Sillers Ogden, Mary Dawson Cain, and Cornelia Dabney Tucker—who significantly influenced political activism and white supremacy in the early to mid-20th century. Ogden leveraged local politics and New Deal policies to benefit white elites while maintaining segregation. Cain focused on anti-prohibition and business-friendly policies, also breaking with the Democratic Party due to its evolving racial policies. Tucker campaigned against FDR's court-packing plan and later promoted the Republican Party among Southern whites, emphasizing business interests and states' rights under a white supremacist agenda. The episode underscores the complex roles these women played in shaping the South's political landscape and how their actions still resonate today.

Send us a text In this episode, the hosts delve into a heated discussion about the deeply entrenched white supremacist narratives in the American education system, sparked by the second chapter of McRae's book, Mother's of Massive Resistance. They recount the persistent work of historical figures like Mildred Lewis Rutherford in influencing school curriculums to perpetuate biased histories. The conversation touches on the frustrations and professional insights of both hosts as they connect these historical trends to current events and policies, highlighting the enduring impact on today's education. They also explore contemporary conservative strategies, such as religious curriculum in Texas, and discuss the potential for progressive inroads. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support organizations and efforts that promote inclusive and accurate educational narratives. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 00:28 The Emotional Impact of the Book 02:42 Professional Backgrounds and Personal Stakes 06:55 Historical Figures and Their Influence 12:00 Dominant Narratives vs. Counter Narratives 16:09 Modern Implications and Personal Anecdotes 20:24 Rutherford's Legacy and Modern Education 33:14 Local Control and Federal Oversight 35:15 States' Rights and Progressive Uses 35:45 Protecting Children: A Cover for White Supremacy 39:28 The Role of Education in Shaping Narratives 41:30 Textbook Bias and Historical Erasure 44:02 The Impact of Racism in Education 52:26 Efforts to Counteract Historical Erasure 54:53 Controversial Curriculum Changes in Texas 01:08:36 Strategies for Challenging the Status Quo 01:12:23 Call to Action and Conclusion Links: https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/07/17/texas-bible-bluebonnet-lessons-may-spur-parent-opt-outs-after-mahmoud/ https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/view-article-2020-12/se8406335.pdf https://www.zinnedproject.org https://rethinkingschools.org

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Send us a text The Persistent Legacy of White Women's Role in Segregation and Resistance In this episode, hosts Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell initiate a conversation on their new book focus, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance' by Elizabeth Gillespie McRae, which explores the pivotal role of white women in maintaining white supremacy. They highlight the author's background, the central themes of the book, and how it reveals the active and intentional efforts by white women in various societal arenas such as social welfare, public education, and popular culture. The hosts reflect on the relevance of these historical insights to current events and stress the importance of local-level activism in combating entrenched systems of oppression. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:31 Personal Struggles and Small Wins 02:31 Travel and Current Events 04:03 Generational Reflections 04:38 Podcast Purpose and New Book Introduction 06:04 Listener Engagement and Community Building 10:12 Author Background and Book Details 13:52 Introduction to Segregation's Constant Gardener 14:24 The Plant Metaphor of White Supremacy 15:42 Four Areas of Focus in the Book 17:10 White Women's Role in Segregation 19:54 The Threat of White Apathy 23:44 Historical Parallels to Modern Politics 32:54 The Importance of Local Level Actions 34:01 Conclusion and Next Steps

Send us a text Navigating the Mess: White Women's Role in Politics and Motherhood Hosts Mandy Griffin and Katie Swalwell delve into a discussion about the pervasive and historical role white women have played in upholding white supremacy through politics and motherhood. They reflect on the disorienting state of current events, the importance of local action, and the influence of female political figures like Krisit Noem, Pam Bondi, and Joni Ernst. The episode primarily focuses on the book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance' by Elizabeth Gillespie McCray, which explores how white women have consistently contributed to segregation and racism in America. The hosts highlight their disillusionment with the political system and express the need to understand historical patterns to effectively combat ongoing inequalities. 00:00 Welcome to Dirty Laundry 00:46 Life in a Dissociative State 01:39 Trump's Women and Media Overload 04:12 Commercials and Political Ads 07:16 Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Controversy 14:36 The Importance of Science and Research 20:24 Influencers and Misinformation 20:53 Marketing Manipulation and Grifters 21:20 Political Commentary on Joni Ernst 25:40 The Role of Motherhood in Politics 27:26 Plant Research and Mutual Aid 29:11 Introduction to 'Mothers of Massive Resistance' 30:33 White Women's Role in White Supremacy 43:42 Call to Action and Future Plans

Send us a text Hosts Mandy Griffin and Katie Swalwell discuss the importance of white women recognizing their role in activism and learning from communities with long-standing vulnerabilities. They critique systemic issues and figures such as Pete Buttigieg's inadequate political responses, and dive into the problematic policies and actions of Trump's administration, focusing on the misguided efforts of officials in education and agriculture sectors. The episode concludes with a call to understand the historical context and influence of white Christian nationalism in shaping these systemic issues. 00:43 Reflections on Marginalized Communities 03:29 Toxic Positivity vs. Despair 05:38 Frustration with Democratic Leadership 12:01 The Role of the Department of Education 23:42 Tariffs and Their Impact 31:30 Economic Impact of Avian Flu on Poultry Farmers 44:27 The Reality of Mass Deportations and Agriculture 47:26 Trump's Nominee for Surgeon General: Jeanette Neshewat 52:09 Upcoming Topics and Future Discussions

Send us a text In this episode, we grapple with balancing staying informed without falling into despair from constant news consumption. We then delve into the roles of Trump's nominated cabinet members such as Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education and Brooke Rollins for Secretary of Agriculture, scrutinizing their qualifications, histories, and the potential impacts of their appointments on education and agriculture policies in the U.S. The discussion covers issues like tariff implications, agricultural labor reliance on undocumented workers, and the broader consequences on food supply and farming subsidies. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:28 Balancing News Consumption and Mental Health 04:20 Impact of Cabinet Members on Daily Life 05:53 Linda McMahon's Background and Role 12:50 Brooke Rollins and Agricultural Policies 18:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a text Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem

Send us a text Four years later...what did white women do this presidential election cycle? The unsurprising results are in.