Welcome to Seriously?!, the podcast that dives into the baffling, the ridiculous, and the downright unbelievable political climate in red states like Louisiana. Each week we talk about all things objectionable about red state politics, the rhetoric used to justify this insane agenda, and what advocates are doing to fight back.
Hosted by Lift’s co-founders
Michelle Erenberg and Ellie Schilling
Every week, we'll dissect the latest developments, examine the impact on local communities, and shed light on the strategies and tactics employed by advocates and grassroots organizations who are working tirelessly to challenge the status quo and push for progress. From legislative battles and court cases to grassroots activism and community organizing, we'll talk about it all and we won’t always be so nice.
Tune in for new episodes every Monday wherever you listen or watch us on YouTube.
S2 EPISODE 14
In this episode, Ellie and Michelle murder board Trump’s Epstein problem. Plus a deep dive into Students for Life social media misinformation campaign.
S2 EPISODE 13
In this episode, Ellie and Michelle discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding SNAP funding, recent election victories for women and progressives, and Mamdani's historic win as New York City's first Muslim mayor. They also critique the ADL's reaction to Mamdani’s win, the war on birth control, and laugh about the absurdity of the subway sandwich thrower case.
S2 EPISODE 12
In this episode, Eliie and Michelle catch up on some seriously stupid news, from SNAP benefits to Tradwife Classes. Then they talk to Amy Sustaita, the Relational Organizing Manager at AVOW Texas, about the importance of deep canvassing in the fight for abortion access. Amy shares personal stories from her canvassing experiences, highlighting the emotional connections made and the lessons learned about engaging with community members.
S2 EPISODE 11
In this episode, Michelle talks to Grace Arkfeld, the lead canvasser and volunteer coordinator for Lift Louisiana's Deep Canvassing Program. They discuss the importance of deep canvassing in building empathy and shifting attitudes around reproductive rights, particularly in Louisiana. The conversation also addresses the challenges of stigma, misinformation, the emotional toll of canvassing, and how curiosity and compassion are essential qualities for effective canvassing.
S2 EPISODE 10
In this episode, Michelle and Ellie discuss two significant Supreme Court cases: Louisiana vs. Callais, a voting rights case, and Chiles vs. Salazar, a case about conversation therapy. They also have a good chuckle at Pam Bondi’s burn book and the ignorance of this administration about anti-fa. Finally, some good news in the recent elections in Louisiana, highlighting the importance of voter engagement.
S2 EPISODE 9
In this episode, hosts Michelle and Ellie talk with personal trainer and sports enthusiast Monica Charlton about the intersection of sports, reproductive rights, and the challenges faced by female and trans athletes. From the impact of pregnancy on athletic careers to the activism within women's sports leagues, Monica sheds light on the evolving landscape of women's sports and the fight for equality.
S2 EPISODE 8
In this episode, Michelle and Ellie discuss a week filled with outrageous news, from the dangerous (Tylenol/Autism claims) to the absurd (rapture preppers). We also have some fun talking about another embarrassing moment for Trump at the United Nations. Oh, and Ellie is super pissed about the color of the year, which Michelle didn’t even know was a thing.
S2 EPISODE 7
In this episode, Michelle and Ellie talk with Nora Ahmed, the legal director at ACLU of Louisiana, the Louisiana law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. ACLU of Louisiana is challenging this law in Court have gotten it blocked from taking effect so far…We talk about why this law is so obviously unconstitutional, what’s next with the lawsuit, and the broader societal impacts of this nonsense.
S2 EPISODE 6
In this episode, hosts Michelle and Ellie discuss the recent assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, the implications of political violence in the U.S., and the dangers of escalating rhetoric. Also another shadow docket decision from SCOTUS regarding ICE raids and racial profiling. Finally, they delve into the disturbing revelations from Epstein's birthday book, and what being friends with this pedo says about you.
S2 EPISODE 5
In this episode, Ellie and Michelle talk about a myriad of absurd (and kind of terrifying) crap happening in Louisiana, Texas, and the United States Capitol. From radioactive shrimp to a dangerous new strategy in the anti-abortion playbook, we walk through the failure of our leaders to meet the moment in the authoritarian takeover of our country.
S2 EPISODE 4
In this episode, Michelle speaks with Angela Adkins, a prominent figure in the fight for abortion rights in Louisiana. Angela shares her experiences with nutjob protesters at the clinic that she ran and the importance of civic engagement in advocating for reproductive rights. We uncover the personal narratives, political hurdles, and the resilient spirit of activists who continue to advocate for change in a state with one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.
S2 EPISODE 3
On this episode, Ellie and Michelle talk to Jamila Johnson Co-Director of Litigation at the Lawyering Project and Alex Moody, Staff Attorney at Lift Louisiana, about a lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s law classifying mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances. We also cover lot’s of new dumb sh*t like Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s spiritual leader who doesn’t think women should vote and Texas AG Paxton’s war against a recreational swim team - Seriously?!
S2 EPISODE 2
In Part 2 of our SCROTUS Review, Michelle and Ellie dive into Untied States v. Skrmetti and Trump v. CASA Inc. The tl:dr is that the Court is making things up as they go along and Justice KBJ is having none of it.
S2 EPISODE 1
After a much needed break, Ellie and Michelle are back for Season 2!!! This week, we break down two of the most insane Supreme Court decisions you may have missed — Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and Mahmoud v. Taylor. These decisions upend decades of settled understanding about how the Medicaid law works and whether the constitution protects homophobia (as long as you call it religion).
S1 EPISODE 15
Michelle and Ellie close out the season with lawyer and advocate Morgan Lamandre, exposing the hateful rhetoric aimed at the LGBTQ+ community during debate over an anti-discrimination bill.
S1 EPISODE 14
Michelle and Ellie continue their conversation with Representative Mandie Landry for an insider’s take on what really happened this session.
S1 EPISODE 13
Ellie and Michelle sit down with lawyer and sexual assault survivor advocate Morgan Lamandre to reflect on the close of Louisiana’s Legislative Session.
S1 EPISODE 12
Michelle and Ellie reveal the horror as Louisiana lawmakers reject an exception to the abortion ban for minors pregnant from rape or incest.
S1 EPISODE 10
Michelle and Ellie break down how anti-abortion activists are working to derail a bill aimed at protecting IVF in Louisiana.
S1 EPISODE 11
Ellie and Michelle explain the latest changes to the “Sue Everyone” bill—what’s new, what stayed, and why it matters.