Podcast Summary: I’ve Had It

Episode: “All the President’s Morons”

Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Katie Couric
Release Date: Dec 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging and candid episode, hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan are joined by veteran journalist Katie Couric in New York City. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of journalism, the corrosive impact of political polarization, their personal journeys from conservative roots to more progressive views, and the power of friendship and second acts. The episode balances poignant reflections with irreverent humor, memorable personal stories, and a signature rapid-fire round of “Had it or Hit it.” The tone is forthright, witty, and deeply personal, offering both laughter and insight for listeners navigating today’s chaotic America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Katie Couric Reflects on the State of Journalism

Attacks on Journalists:
Couric laments the increasing hostility towards journalists, especially under the Trump administrations:

“I’ve had it with journalists being trashed and demeaned… I’ve had it with that.” — Katie Couric [02:44]
Corporate Pressures & Chilling Effect:
The group discusses how corporate ownership and interests undermine press independence. Katie notes:

“Now it is just really... creepy that these corporations, over a specious lawsuit… [are] giving $16 million to the Trump Library because they wanted to grease the wheels of this merger between Paramount and Skydance. It’s just unconscionable.” — Katie Couric [07:07]
The Decline from “All the President’s Men” Era:
They observe how Watergate era journalism inspired generations and how current times feel “almost quaint” by comparison:

“Now, [Nixon’s] crimes almost seem… quaint, comparatively speaking.” — Jennifer Welch [05:15]
Celebrating Good Work Despite Negativity:
Katie insists that despite the challenges, extraordinary investigative work is happening and must be uplifted (mentions Nancy Youssef, Nicole Foy, Susan Glasser) [06:25].

Notable Quote

“You do wish they would all stand together and say, you can’t call that person that name.” — Katie Couric [04:17]

2. Polarization & Media “Sane-Washing”

Media Operating in Parallel Realities:
The group discusses the difficulty of discerning truth when right-wing media prioritizes what the left is saying and mocks them, rather than reporting real events.

“People are operating from a different set of facts, a different kind of channel of information.” — Katie Couric [10:39]
Sane-Washing Coverage:
Jennifer calls out how even mainstream media often “sane-washes” Trump’s erratic behavior, driven by ratings and fear of losing corporate favor.

“There’s this inherent sort of respect for the office… and you don’t want to rock the boat.” — Katie Couric [21:43]
Personalization of News:
The conversation explores how audiences now want to know about news anchors’ lives, seeking parasocial relationships due to societal disconnection.

“In a time of less intimacy… we are seeking this interaction in our phone via parasocial relationships.” — Jennifer Welch [24:42]

Notable Quote

“For as long as I’ve been in this business, there’s been this desire to be fair… I think that kind of impetus makes people sometimes resistant to call a spade a spade, if you will.” — Katie Couric [21:43]

3. Oversharing, Parasociality, and Personal Growth

Jennifer & Angie’s Origin Story:
The friends recount their first meeting in Oklahoma City, complete with “gray pubic hair” story and “interior design trauma.”

“I was a bad decorator... all I could think was ‘I hate her. I hate everything about her. I hate that she looks great’” — Angie [33:10]
Evolution of Friendship:
Their bond deepened during early motherhood, serving as each other's lifeline during the isolating “kid jail” years, despite starting with vastly different religious and political views.
Political Transformation:
Angie details her upbringing in evangelical, conservative Oklahoma and her gradual move leftward after personal crises shattered the myth that “bad things don’t happen to people like us” [46:29].
Jennifer's Atheism:
Jennifer describes her upbringing as an open atheist in the Bible Belt, facing social pressures and recruitment from evangelicals, and how this shaped her outspoken identity [42:00].

Memorable Moment

“You were the most religious Republican friend I had and I was the only atheist democratic friend you had ever had.” — Jennifer [38:44]

4. Family, Community, and Identity

Protecting Privacy in the Public Eye:
Couric reflects on handling her husband’s death and her approach to privacy—once more guarded compared to today’s culture of constant sharing [28:20].

“I tried to be careful and control what I did share… It was Jay’s life and Jay’s death, and I didn’t feel… I needed to protect his privacy.” — Katie Couric [28:20]
Intergenerational Political Change:
Angie shares how her parents remain die-hard Fox News viewers, while she and her friends have moved leftward—and how families avoid confrontation by “just pretending it isn’t there.” [54:59]

5. Gender, Reinvention, and Platform Building

Midlife ‘Second Acts’:
Jennifer and Angie express gratitude for reinventing themselves and finding a huge audience in midlife—especially as women from Oklahoma:

“Men do that stuff all the time... For us to do it, and to be in the conversation—it's never lost on us.” — Jennifer [56:12]
Building Community in Isolating Times:
They affirm the importance of using their platform for marginalized groups, particularly women, trans people, and those isolated in red states [81:16].

Had It or Hit It (Game Segment) [63:02–73:28]

A lightning round where the hosts and Katie Couric declare if they've “had it” (enough!) or would “hit it” (embrace/enjoy) various people, things, and trends.
Highlights:

Extremely Dry Skin:
– “Had it. I’ve woken myself up the last two nights scratching my skin.” — Katie [63:19]
Train Etiquette:
– All “Had it”
Pete Hegseth:
– All “Had it” (“He was never qualified… there’s just something so cowboy about the whole thing.” — Katie [67:30])
AI:
– Mixed; Katie is cautiously in the middle but warns of major risks and need for public/government vigilance. “I worry that government isn’t stepping in enough… people aren’t appreciating how transformative it will be.” — Katie [70:21]
The United States of America:
– Emphatic “Hit it!” from Katie:

“I will never give up on the kind of country I think secretly everybody wants.” — Katie [73:35] “I still believe most people are inherently good… I just wish we could somehow find some more common ground.” — Katie [74:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Standing Up to Corporate Pressure:
“We would pretty much bitch slap the executive who was doing it.” — Katie Couric [07:07]
On Media Fragmentation:
“Mass media has become an oxymoron. It's all about niche media now.” — Katie Couric [83:00]
On Parasocial Relationships:
“I'm a nosy person… I get it. I want to know because you form these relationships with the people.” — Jennifer [26:17]
On Leaving Religion:
“The more I went to church, the more it affirmed my secularism.” — Jennifer [42:00]
On Gender and Privilege:
“If you don't have to think about rights for you or anybody else, you live in a privileged bubble.” — Angie [48:33]
On Not Giving Up on America:
“The minute you give up… that's why I don't want anyone to own the flag. It's everybody's flag.” — Katie Couric [73:35]
On New Media and Second Acts:
“We are always so grateful… be in the conversation. It's never lost on us… what a wild experience it is to be two women from Oklahoma City that took a risk.” — Jennifer [56:12]
On Building Inclusive Communities:
“We are here to fight for you, because we believe in equality for everybody… for the triple Trumpers in red states, we believe in it for you too. I'm sorry. Tough titties.” — Jennifer [81:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:08] – Show open & meeting Katie Couric
[02:44] – Katie Couric: “What have I had it with?” Journalists under attack
[04:36] – The erosion of solidarity in the press
[06:25] – Celebrating investigative journalism despite the odds
[10:07] – Rise of “post-fact” media and media corporate capture
[21:43] – “Sane-washing” Trump & the risk of soft coverage
[24:42] – Personalization and parasociality in the news
[31:21] – Jennifer & Angie’s “meet-cute” story; motherhood as bonding
[38:44] – Contrasting upbringings: atheist and evangelical journeys
[46:29] – Angie’s religious/political deconstruction
[53:42] – Social circles, family, and shifting political alliances
[56:01] – Midlife career reinvention and gratitude
[63:02] – “Had it or Hit it” game with Katie
[73:35] – Not giving up on the USA & the importance of hope
[81:16] – Commitment to fighting for inclusion and pro-human rights
[83:00] – Katie shares where to find her work (Substack, newsletters, podcast)
[86:15] – Final affirmations; gratitude for “fresh voices”

Final Thoughts

This episode is a lively, revealing, and often hilarious conversation that blends critique of American politics and media with deep dives into personal transformation, identity, and the enduring value of friendship. Katie Couric’s presence brings both gravity and warmth, showing her evolution from corporate anchor to outspoken independent journalist. Jennifer and Angie provide both irreverent fun and honest vulnerability, modeling what it means to “have it” – and to move forward anyway.

For listeners seeking insight on journalism, political factionalism, midlife reinvention, and the magic of unlikely friendships, this episode is essential, relatable, and inspiring.

Podcast Summary: I’ve Had It

Episode: “All the President’s Morons”

Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Katie Couric
Release Date: Dec 16, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Katie Couric Reflects on the State of Journalism

Attacks on Journalists:
Couric laments the increasing hostility towards journalists, especially under the Trump administrations:

“I’ve had it with journalists being trashed and demeaned… I’ve had it with that.” — Katie Couric [02:44]
Corporate Pressures & Chilling Effect:
The group discusses how corporate ownership and interests undermine press independence. Katie notes:

“Now it is just really... creepy that these corporations, over a specious lawsuit… [are] giving $16 million to the Trump Library because they wanted to grease the wheels of this merger between Paramount and Skydance. It’s just unconscionable.” — Katie Couric [07:07]
The Decline from “All the President’s Men” Era:
They observe how Watergate era journalism inspired generations and how current times feel “almost quaint” by comparison:

“Now, [Nixon’s] crimes almost seem… quaint, comparatively speaking.” — Jennifer Welch [05:15]
Celebrating Good Work Despite Negativity:
Katie insists that despite the challenges, extraordinary investigative work is happening and must be uplifted (mentions Nancy Youssef, Nicole Foy, Susan Glasser) [06:25].

Notable Quote

“You do wish they would all stand together and say, you can’t call that person that name.” — Katie Couric [04:17]

2. Polarization & Media “Sane-Washing”

Media Operating in Parallel Realities:
The group discusses the difficulty of discerning truth when right-wing media prioritizes what the left is saying and mocks them, rather than reporting real events.

“People are operating from a different set of facts, a different kind of channel of information.” — Katie Couric [10:39]
Sane-Washing Coverage:
Jennifer calls out how even mainstream media often “sane-washes” Trump’s erratic behavior, driven by ratings and fear of losing corporate favor.

“There’s this inherent sort of respect for the office… and you don’t want to rock the boat.” — Katie Couric [21:43]
Personalization of News:
The conversation explores how audiences now want to know about news anchors’ lives, seeking parasocial relationships due to societal disconnection.

“In a time of less intimacy… we are seeking this interaction in our phone via parasocial relationships.” — Jennifer Welch [24:42]

Notable Quote

“For as long as I’ve been in this business, there’s been this desire to be fair… I think that kind of impetus makes people sometimes resistant to call a spade a spade, if you will.” — Katie Couric [21:43]

3. Oversharing, Parasociality, and Personal Growth

Jennifer & Angie’s Origin Story:
The friends recount their first meeting in Oklahoma City, complete with “gray pubic hair” story and “interior design trauma.”

“I was a bad decorator... all I could think was ‘I hate her. I hate everything about her. I hate that she looks great’” — Angie [33:10]
Evolution of Friendship:
Their bond deepened during early motherhood, serving as each other's lifeline during the isolating “kid jail” years, despite starting with vastly different religious and political views.
Political Transformation:
Angie details her upbringing in evangelical, conservative Oklahoma and her gradual move leftward after personal crises shattered the myth that “bad things don’t happen to people like us” [46:29].
Jennifer's Atheism:
Jennifer describes her upbringing as an open atheist in the Bible Belt, facing social pressures and recruitment from evangelicals, and how this shaped her outspoken identity [42:00].

Memorable Moment

“You were the most religious Republican friend I had and I was the only atheist democratic friend you had ever had.” — Jennifer [38:44]

4. Family, Community, and Identity

Protecting Privacy in the Public Eye:
Couric reflects on handling her husband’s death and her approach to privacy—once more guarded compared to today’s culture of constant sharing [28:20].

“I tried to be careful and control what I did share… It was Jay’s life and Jay’s death, and I didn’t feel… I needed to protect his privacy.” — Katie Couric [28:20]
Intergenerational Political Change:
Angie shares how her parents remain die-hard Fox News viewers, while she and her friends have moved leftward—and how families avoid confrontation by “just pretending it isn’t there.” [54:59]

5. Gender, Reinvention, and Platform Building

Midlife ‘Second Acts’:
Jennifer and Angie express gratitude for reinventing themselves and finding a huge audience in midlife—especially as women from Oklahoma:

“Men do that stuff all the time... For us to do it, and to be in the conversation—it's never lost on us.” — Jennifer [56:12]
Building Community in Isolating Times:
They affirm the importance of using their platform for marginalized groups, particularly women, trans people, and those isolated in red states [81:16].

Had It or Hit It (Game Segment) [63:02–73:28]

A lightning round where the hosts and Katie Couric declare if they've “had it” (enough!) or would “hit it” (embrace/enjoy) various people, things, and trends.
Highlights:

Extremely Dry Skin:
– “Had it. I’ve woken myself up the last two nights scratching my skin.” — Katie [63:19]
Train Etiquette:
– All “Had it”
Pete Hegseth:
– All “Had it” (“He was never qualified… there’s just something so cowboy about the whole thing.” — Katie [67:30])
AI:
– Mixed; Katie is cautiously in the middle but warns of major risks and need for public/government vigilance. “I worry that government isn’t stepping in enough… people aren’t appreciating how transformative it will be.” — Katie [70:21]
The United States of America:
– Emphatic “Hit it!” from Katie:

“I will never give up on the kind of country I think secretly everybody wants.” — Katie [73:35] “I still believe most people are inherently good… I just wish we could somehow find some more common ground.” — Katie [74:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Standing Up to Corporate Pressure:
“We would pretty much bitch slap the executive who was doing it.” — Katie Couric [07:07]
On Media Fragmentation:
“Mass media has become an oxymoron. It's all about niche media now.” — Katie Couric [83:00]
On Parasocial Relationships:
“I'm a nosy person… I get it. I want to know because you form these relationships with the people.” — Jennifer [26:17]
On Leaving Religion:
“The more I went to church, the more it affirmed my secularism.” — Jennifer [42:00]
On Gender and Privilege:
“If you don't have to think about rights for you or anybody else, you live in a privileged bubble.” — Angie [48:33]
On Not Giving Up on America:
“The minute you give up… that's why I don't want anyone to own the flag. It's everybody's flag.” — Katie Couric [73:35]
On New Media and Second Acts:
“We are always so grateful… be in the conversation. It's never lost on us… what a wild experience it is to be two women from Oklahoma City that took a risk.” — Jennifer [56:12]
On Building Inclusive Communities:
“We are here to fight for you, because we believe in equality for everybody… for the triple Trumpers in red states, we believe in it for you too. I'm sorry. Tough titties.” — Jennifer [81:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:08] – Show open & meeting Katie Couric
[02:44] – Katie Couric: “What have I had it with?” Journalists under attack
[04:36] – The erosion of solidarity in the press
[06:25] – Celebrating investigative journalism despite the odds
[10:07] – Rise of “post-fact” media and media corporate capture
[21:43] – “Sane-washing” Trump & the risk of soft coverage
[24:42] – Personalization and parasociality in the news
[31:21] – Jennifer & Angie’s “meet-cute” story; motherhood as bonding
[38:44] – Contrasting upbringings: atheist and evangelical journeys
[46:29] – Angie’s religious/political deconstruction
[53:42] – Social circles, family, and shifting political alliances
[56:01] – Midlife career reinvention and gratitude
[63:02] – “Had it or Hit it” game with Katie
[73:35] – Not giving up on the USA & the importance of hope
[81:16] – Commitment to fighting for inclusion and pro-human rights
[83:00] – Katie shares where to find her work (Substack, newsletters, podcast)
[86:15] – Final affirmations; gratitude for “fresh voices”

Final Thoughts

For listeners seeking insight on journalism, political factionalism, midlife reinvention, and the magic of unlikely friendships, this episode is essential, relatable, and inspiring.

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All the President’s Morons

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Summary

Podcast Summary: I’ve Had It

Episode: “All the President’s Morons”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Katie Couric Reflects on the State of Journalism

Notable Quote

2. Polarization & Media “Sane-Washing”

Notable Quote

3. Oversharing, Parasociality, and Personal Growth

Memorable Moment

4. Family, Community, and Identity

5. Gender, Reinvention, and Platform Building

Had It or Hit It (Game Segment) [63:02–73:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Podcast Summary: I’ve Had It

Episode: “All the President’s Morons”

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Katie Couric Reflects on the State of Journalism

Notable Quote

2. Polarization & Media “Sane-Washing”

Notable Quote

3. Oversharing, Parasociality, and Personal Growth

Memorable Moment

4. Family, Community, and Identity

5. Gender, Reinvention, and Platform Building

Had It or Hit It (Game Segment) [63:02–73:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts