Podcast Summary: "I've Had It" – Episode: A Place for Pettiness
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Special Guest: Molly Jong Fast
1. Introduction to A Place for Pettiness
In this engaging episode of “I’ve Had It,” hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan delve into the nuanced realm of pettiness, blending personal anecdotes with sharp political commentary. The episode is punctuated by humor, heartfelt discussions, and insightful conversations with their special guest, Molly Jong Fast.
2. Navigating Empty Nest Syndrome and Redefining Midlife
The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their experiences with the empty nest phase. Angie expresses her frustration with societal expectations surrounding this life stage:
Angie (01:19): “I have so many people now that my kids are all gone… they think something’s wrong with me because I’m happy.”
Jennifer wholeheartedly agrees, emphasizing the importance of celebrating children’s independence:
Jennifer (02:18): “As parents, what you’re doing is so healthy because you’re not making your whole life kid-centered. It’s their time to leave the nest.”
The conversation evolves into a broader discussion on midlife, challenging the stigmatization of this period as being “old” and advocating for its celebration:
Jennifer (05:17): “We need to change the language surrounding empty nesting… midlife is not old. We still have a lot of life left to live.”
3. Frustrations with Social Media: The Instagram Thoughts Feature
Transitioning from personal life, Jennifer vents about Instagram’s intrusive new feature prompting users to share their thoughts:
Jennifer (06:00): “We’re dropping way too much on Instagram. We don’t need to know what people are thinking. Let’s keep one thing private.”
Angie adds her exasperation:
Angie (06:10): “Leave my fucking thoughts out of this.”
The hosts humorously mock the feature’s persistence, highlighting the overexposure on social media platforms.
4. Listener Reviews and Podcast Humor
The hosts review listener feedback, poking fun at the myriad nicknames they've accumulated over time:
Kylie (10:27): “Meet Curtain Law dollars… I particularly identify with the bossy one's need to end any argument…”
Jennifer and Angie playfully interact with the reviewer’s humorous remarks, maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere.
5. News Segment: Self-Service Kiosks and Tipping Troubles
Jennifer transitions to a current events discussion, addressing the rising issue of self-service kiosks soliciting tips:
Jennifer (13:31): “Self-checkout machines are now asking for tips… this needs to be regulated and outlawed.”
Angie echoes the sentiment, sharing her own baffling encounters:
Angie (15:30): “I was at a self-checkout and I was like, what the.”
They critique the lack of regulation and the unfair burden placed on consumers, comparing it to absurd ideas like selling fake money.
6. Political Griping: Homecoming Moms and Trump’s Fake Money
The conversation shifts to political satire, focusing on quirky trends like “Homecoming Moms for Stanley Cups” and the absurdity of Trump-themed fake currency:
Angie (19:09): “People will fucking buy those. There is no hope.”
Jennifer (21:36): “Selling dollar bills with Meemaw Me Curtain on them… It’s Trumpism in motion.”
The hosts mock the blending of politics with tacky merchandise, emphasizing the cultural decay they perceive.
7. Guest Segment: Interview with Molly Jong Fast
The episode features a compelling interview with Molly Jong Fast, a Vanity Fair special correspondent and host of the "Fast Politics" podcast. The hosts recount their serendipitous meeting with Molly at the DNC elevator, highlighting her warmth and professionalism.
8. In-Depth Political Discussions with Molly Jong Fast
Molly engages in a robust discussion on the current political landscape, addressing issues such as Donald Trump’s rhetoric, media coverage disparities, and election dynamics:
Molly (28:46): “I’ve had it with false equivalencies… authoritarian tactics are not the same as normal progressive policies.”
She critiques the media’s handling of Trump’s speeches, emphasizing the dangers of underreporting his erratic behavior compared to the extensive coverage of Biden’s debates.
Molly (32:54): “The mainstream media is addicted to giving Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt…”
Jennifer expands on the topic, questioning the reliability of polls and expressing concern over hidden voter biases.
Jennifer (37:31): “My prediction from the ground in a red state is there are going to be many secret Harris voters.”
Molly discusses Liz Cheney’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, analyzing its potential impact on voter behavior and the political landscape:
Molly (34:25): “An endorsement like Liz Cheney’s creates a permission structure… it might prompt voters to reconsider their stance.”
9. Interactive Segment: "Had It or Hit It" Game
The hosts introduce their playful game “Had It or Hit It” with Molly, where they debate whether certain topics are frustrating ("Had it") or enjoyable ("Hit it"). Highlights include:
- True Crime Before Bed: Had it (41:10)
- Vow Renewals: Molly humorously suggests that vow renewals may indicate impending divorces (42:14)
- Saturday Night Live: Hit it (42:37)
- Morning People: Hit it, with the hosts confessing their own morning routines (43:29)
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: Mixed responses based on personal experiences (45:37)
- The Oxford Comma: Hit it, advocating for its use in grammar (46:23)
- Harris Waters: Hit it, supporting Kamala Harris’s campaign efforts (47:02)
Molly appreciates the game's blend of humor and relatability, contributing to a lively and entertaining segment.
10. Promotions: Upcoming Book and Events
Jennifer and Angie promote their upcoming book, Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches, detailing their personal struggles and journey to creating the podcast. They invite listeners to pre-order and attend their live show in New York City:
Jennifer (52:16): “Pre-order your copy now. It’s coming out in May of 2025.”
They also announce a live event scheduled for November 16th at Town Hall in New York City, encouraging fans to join for an afternoon of spirited discussions and entertainment.
11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with humorous promotions and final thoughts on celebrating midlife and personal achievements. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing a platform for both serious discussions and lighthearted pettiness, ensuring listeners feel seen and heard regardless of their political inclinations.
Key Quotes with Timestamps
- Angie on Empty Nest: “[01:19] I have so many people now that my kids are all gone… something’s wrong with me because I’m happy.”
- Jennifer on Celebrating Midlife: “[05:17] We need to change the language surrounding empty nesting… midlife is not old.”
- Jennifer on Instagram Thoughts Feature: “[06:00] We don’t need to know what people are thinking. Let’s keep one thing private.”
- Molly on False Equivalencies: “[28:46] I’ve had it with false equivalencies… authoritarian tactics are not the same as normal progressive policies.”
- Molly on Liz Cheney’s Endorsement: “[34:25] An endorsement like Liz Cheney’s creates a permission structure…”
- Jennifer on Regulation of Self-Service Tips: “[13:31] Self-checkout machines are now asking for tips… this needs to be regulated and outlawed.”
This comprehensive episode of “I’ve Had It” masterfully intertwines personal narratives with incisive political analysis, all while maintaining a comedic and relatable tone. Whether discussing empty nest syndrome, the pitfalls of social media, or the intricacies of current political events, Jennifer, Angie, and Molly offer listeners a rich tapestry of insights and laughs.