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Keeping Up with the Cult

I've Had It

Thu Oct 23 2025

Summary

I’ve Had It – Keeping Up with the Cult
Episode Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Special Guest: Abby Phillip (CNN anchor)

Episode Overview

In this incisive and hilarious episode of “I’ve Had It,” Jennifer and Pumps are joined by CNN’s Abby Phillip for a candid conversation that veers from the chaos of political punditry to the realities of motherhood, the increasing visibility (and denial) of racism in America, and the value of genuine, unscripted dialogue in both parenting and public life. The trio keep their signature candid, irreverent tone throughout, blending pointed social commentary with relatable grievances and sharp wit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Authenticity in Political Discourse

Relaxed vs. Scripted Dialogue: The group discusses how Abby’s show on CNN stands out by mixing podcasters (who are “more relaxed” and “untethered to their scripts”) with traditional pundits and politicians.
- “Sometimes the podcasting world—because podcasters speak a little bit more relaxed... That’s why I like because you’re having podcasters come on with pundits and with politicians...I’m like, why are you defending this man? He’s such a titty baby. Whines all the time. And that’s kind of really the way people talk. So I think it’s fun.” — Jennifer [02:11]
The Earnestness of Team Politics: Discussion on why many right-leaning guests are rigidly loyal to messaging, often speaking “for an audience of one”—alluding to Donald Trump’s outsized influence.
- Abby notes, “There is a lot of social pressure to just be on the team, be a solid member of the team, and never stray from the party line. And I think that’s very intoxicating…” [05:14]

2. Candid Moments & Managing On-Air Chaos

Abby recounts behind-the-scenes moments on her CNN show—trying to moderate shouting guests and even going off-air to scold them.
- “There was one time where there was a big fight that happened at the table...I had to just go to break while they were screaming at each other. And in the break, I was like, guys, what the fuck? What is going on? What are we doing here?” — Abby [06:55]
She values real emotion in debate but draws the line at pointless squabbles:
- “Let’s actually disagree about real things, not about misunderstandings.” [07:30]

3. Motherhood, Guilt & the Overwhelm of Modern Parenting

Abby’s Daily Struggles: She shares being “tired” from her four-year-old waking her up at 5am, regardless of bedtime, launching a nuanced discussion about the mental overload of parenting.
- “She will go to bed at 9 and get up at 5, and then she’s just like, bright as a daisy…” [09:50]
Modern Motherhood Pressures: The intergenerational shift from “What to Expect the First Year” to the deluge of “mommy blogs and influencers.”
- “It is impossible. I mean, in a way, some of it is helpful because there are definitely some things that I’m like, what am I supposed to do when she does this?...Do not screw up your kid is really the thing that is the dominant thought...” — Abby [10:41]
Honest Reflections: The isolating reality of motherhood; guilt over not loving every moment or not being “a 12 out of 10 on all these issues.”
- “There’s not a word in the English language that can describe how much you love [your child]. But...there’s a loneliness to it that’s hard to articulate.” — Jennifer [13:35]
- Advice: Find what actually works for you as a parent, and let go of the rest.

4. Racism, DEI, and Dismantling the Meritocracy Myth

The Backslide in Race Relations: Jennifer asks Abby to discuss the uptick in racism and the unique pressure directed at Black women, both publicly and as parents of daughters.
- “There’s a permission structure that’s been created to demean people because of the color of their skin. And using DEI as an excuse to do that…” — Abby [20:42]
- Abby debunks the idea that affirmative action invalidates Black achievement, instead spotlighting the entrenched privilege of the wealthy/connected.
  - “When I went to Harvard...60% of people I was around were people who grew up rich...Is that a meritocracy? Hello. It’s very much not.” [21:46]
- Raising strong Black daughters: “She has to be prepared and ready and smart. But then she also has to really understand and know intuitively in her bones that she is those things.” [24:10]
- Real-world racism: Abby receives daily vitriol online—“People literally call me the N word every single day. They call me a monkey every single day…” [26:19]

5. Segregation and the Persistence of Division

Segregation, both structural and informal, even in liberal cities like Manhattan and D.C.
- “I live in Manhattan. It’s very segregated here.” — Abby [30:32]
The importance of teaching children how to process and value difference, not pretend it doesn’t exist.

6. Cancel Culture, Dialogue, and Drawing Boundaries

Abby challenges the idea that silence or burying racist views is helpful, advocating instead for airing them out so people can see what’s really at stake.
- “Would we be better off if we just knew if people just actually were upfront about their views...I don’t know that it helps us to pretend like it’s not happening.” [41:14]
Leadership vs. Cancel Culture: Drawing lines on what’s acceptable in public discourse comes down to leadership, not “cancellation.” [42:00]

7. Populism, Coalitions, and Jesse Jackson’s Legacy

Abby spotlights her new book on Jesse Jackson, tracing how his Rainbow Coalition reached both Black and white communities, especially rural/farming areas—drawing parallels to today’s populist movements.
- “Populism is not a new thing...The way that it has manifested in our politics has gone the spectrum all the way from Jesse Jackson to Donald Trump.” [47:00]
Jesse Jackson’s approach: meet even overt racists with dialogue and a path forward—“Black people have always had to help white people abandon their reprehensible views and walk into the future together.” [52:45]

8. Lightning Round: “Had It or Hit It”

Generational warfare: “Had it. Like, we were cool once, too.” — Abby [57:26]
TikTok dances: Had it (unless extremely good, then it’s okay). [57:55]
Harvard University: Hit it, with a detailed (and passionate) defense of their need-based aid and facilitation of social mobility. [58:35, 58:42]
USA: “Hit it...I am still here for this country...It is the self-correcting ability that we have that is what makes us different.” — Abby [59:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Swift, Southern Sass
- “Why are you defending this man? He’s such a titty baby. Whines all the time.” — Jennifer [02:11]
- Abby plans to “write it up on a wall somewhere in the office.” [02:08]
Motherhood Truths
- “It just did not work for me...I had to figure out the sleep thing...I cannot sleep with this child in my bed...She’s kicking me in my solar plexus.” — Abby [11:34-13:12]
- “Find what works for you...If you don’t like doing puzzles with your child, don’t do them. That’s okay.” — Jennifer [14:13]
Racism Exposed
- “People literally call me the N word every single day. They call me a monkey every single day...I experience that racism on a daily basis, and it does not faze me. But it’s not going to go away by the time my daughter is in her 20s.” — Abby [26:19]
- “It is mainly a part of white evangelical culture, which is different from Black evangelical culture, which is about social justice...” — Jennifer [34:27]
On Division and Dialog
- “Let’s actually disagree about real things, not about misunderstandings…. Let’s not fight over dumb stuff, okay?” — Abby [08:00]
- “It’s the self-correcting ability that we have that is what makes us different.” — Abby [60:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:20 – What makes Abby’s show unique: relaxed podcasters vs. script-following pundits
05:00 – Social pressure and incentives for party-line loyalty
06:55 – Handling on-air shouting matches
09:16 – “What have you had it with?” — Abby’s answer: sleep-depriving daughter
10:41 – The pitfalls and pressures of modern motherhood
13:35 – Jennifer on the loneliness of early motherhood
20:42 – The anti-DEI backlash and “meritocracy” mythology
26:19 – Online racism and preparing Black daughters for the world
30:32 – Segregation in American cities
41:14 – Cancel culture, racism, and public boundaries
47:00 – Populism: Jesse Jackson, Bernie Sanders, and Trump
52:45 – Jesse Jackson’s approach to unity and moving forward
57:12 – Lightning round: generational warfare, TikTok, Harvard, USA
60:37 – Abby’s optimism for America and belief in self-correction

Final Thoughts & Tone

True to form, “I’ve Had It” delivers an episode full of laughter, blunt honesty, and sharp cultural insight. Abby Phillip’s wit, candor, and thoughtful approach offer both affirmation and challenge—inviting listeners to move past divisive talking points into genuine engagement, whether in politics, parenting, or the pursuit of a more just society. The episode ends with the hosts and Abby upbeat about America’s prospects, urging everyone to “do the work” of self-correction.

If you missed the episode, this summary will keep you in the loop on every sharp-tongued retort, unfiltered take, and moment of vulnerable insight from three women who are truly keeping it real.

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Transcript

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Jennifer (0:16)

This episode of I've had it is brought to you by booking.com. since 2010, they've helped over 1.8 billion vacation rental guests find places to stay. That's billion with a baby. Head over to booking.com and start your listing today. Get seen, get booked on booking.com so are we supposed to start the podcast? Ready? 1, 2, 3. Patriots, gay trots. They Black Trio, Brown Trio. And to all of the crusty that don't support them, you can off. We are in New York City with the one, the only Abby Philipp who is single handedly, in my opinion, making CNN relevant with your show. Yeah, I know you can.

Abby Philipp (1:07)

It's a huge burden to do.

Jennifer (1:09)

What are you Abby?

Abby Philipp (1:11)

Yeah, I'm hanging in there. Good in there. I'm having fun.

Jennifer (1:15)

Yeah.

Abby Philipp (1:15)

And you come on the show a lot, which I love.

Jennifer (1:18)

I know it's fun.

Abby Philipp (1:19)

We enjoy it.

Jennifer (1:19)

Yeah.

Abby Philipp (1:20)

You've given us some of our best one liners, I think, in the history of the show.

Pumps (1:26)

What's so funny about Jennifer is she'll say something and I'll react in real time, but we'll just move on. And then I'll see a clip of it on the Internet and I bust out laughing. I'm like, oh my gosh, that was so funny because you're so quick and so acidic.

Jennifer (1:41)

Tongue.

Pumps (1:41)

Is that a good way to say it?

Jennifer (1:42)

Abby Philipp (23:00)

Sell 100%, or they'll get big, higher offers for the house, or it'll appraise for more, because the value of the house is determined by the appraiser who works for the bank. And, I mean, even down to people's names. I mean, I've always thought to myself that especially early in my journalistic career when I worked in print and I was not on television, my name. Abby. Sometimes people get on the phone with me and, you know, they would have a whole conversation, and maybe we would meet each other in person, and they would have no idea that I was a black woman, right? Maybe it's because of the way I talk, but also because of my name. And that's actually a privilege that I had, that I could do my job early in my career because I was calling people on the phone, and they literally had no idea that I was a black woman until maybe they met me in person or they saw me in the halls on Capitol Hill or at the White House or whatever. And it's sad that that helps, but it's true. And I do think that being on television, you can't, you know, I'm on tv, you know what I look like, right? I walk into a room, nobody mistakes me for anything other than I am. And I'm extremely proud of that. But then you get the vis. Vitriol that comes from that. But at the same time, I mean, you'd brought. You talked about my daughter. I mean, first of all, raising a daughter in the world that I'm in right now, she is still always often the only one who looks like her. So instilling in her the confidence, first of all, the actual skills, right? She has to actually. She is smart, but she has to actually know her stuff. There is no universe in which a daughter of mine is not going to be just as prepared as everybody else, because I know that she's going into a world that's going to assume that she's not. So we will start there. And she has to be prepared and ready and smart. But then she also has to really understand and know intuitively in her bones that she is those things. And I tell her every day, because at 4 years old, you wouldn't believe the fact that there are kids right now at 4 years old that demean other kids and that say, oh, that's not pretty. You don't know about that. And they kind of make other kids feel bad. And you have to teach kids at a really young age to buck up and to really understand their power and to really understand that they are smart, that they are worthy. And I think just the fact that she sees me operating where I am, the way. The way that I do, it's normal to her. She looks on the TV and she's like, oh, there's Mommy. She's on tv. And I bring her to events, and she's comfortable in her skin. And I'm really proud of that because I know, unfortunately, Even we're in 20, 25, and 10 years from now, 15 years from now, I don't really think it's going to be all that different in the sense that. That I think she's still gonna have to prove herself. I agree with you, because you would have thought, okay, we're 30 years from, like, the 80s, right? I mean, we'll talk about a book at some point, but this is when I'm. As I'm talking about my book, I think about the fact that 30 years ago in the 80s, there was rampant racism in this country. Oh, yeah, okay. And now in 2025, you just go on X. There is rampant racism in this country. People literally call me the N word every single day. They call me a monkey every single day. Some of these people are. Maybe they're real, maybe they're not. But I. But I. But some of them are real people, and they're sitting in their basement just being racists. And that's not an indictment on any group of any large group of people. I'm just saying there are individuals, there are many people who are racist, because I experience that racism on a daily basis, and it does not faze me. But I also know that it's not gonna go away by the time my daughter is in her 20s, so I'm gonna prepare her for that world because it's unfortunate, but it's also human nature. It's part of who we are as a species. And I hope and pray that one day we're able to get past that, but we're not past it. It.

Jennifer (27:33)

No, you know, we. My. I grew up in the 80s and I remember there was such an effort growing up to, for us not to be racist. I remember that if I needed something from somebody, I'd be like, oh, it's standing over next to that guy. And they're sitting next to a black guy. And I would be like the guy in the green sweatshirt. And I would just start to like clench and I'm like a teenager because it's. I felt like we couldn't say next. Standing next to that black man. There was kind of like this. That was the area that I grew up in and then. And my parents were very progressive, very anti racist. I'm very fortunate to have grown up in the place that I grew up in that they were so progressive. Because that's not the norm. No, we grew up around a lot of racists and, but now since BLM and all of this, I love. I read a lot of books about this and, and, and about white fragility and just seeing somebody's blackness. And when white people say, oh, I don't see color. And I've heard that my whole life from the most racist people that I know. Oh, I never see color. But now I can say, oh, she's standing right there next to that pretty black lady that you can just say that about somebody's color. But now I feel like we've gone back. My husband is a criminal defense lawyer and he had some clients that had an issue with the school district. Wasn't really a crime. But, but the, the parents transferred their daughters, who are black athletes from a school in Oklahoma City, inner city, to a rural town. And within the first two days of school, these are, these girls are getting D1 scholarships. Incredible basketball players within the first 48 hours. I think they've been called the N word by all of their rural town friends at least 24 or 30 times. And, and that is. That didn't happen in the 80s. Like, that didn't. I didn't hear that kind of. I knew that some people were racist, but not like that. I feel like there's such an uptick of it and I feel like people like Angie and me are good allies, incredible messengers to speak for and with the black community that, that our lives are inherently better. They're. Everybody's lives are better when we learn how to live comfortably and grow in multiculturalism.

Abby Philipp (46:37)

You know, I, I think about that all the time because as I was writing this book about Jesse Jackson campaign, this is not a shameless plug. It's just an actual connection here. I mean, he was running on economic interests that are shared between people of all of these different backgrounds. He called it the Rainbow coalition, but it was a coalition of people who shared a common interest in economic prosperity in bringing MAGA talks about America first. He talked about, instead of spending money on foreign wars, let's Spend that money at home. And I think that's fundamentally the basis on which Those campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were run. And, and one of the things that people don't know that Jesse Jackson did was that he spent a lot of time with farmers. He was in Missouri and he was in Iowa, and he was in more rural parts of Michigan and other parts of the country in the south as well, on farms, on tractors, rallying with farmers. I remember that talking to white people. There's a part of the book where I mentioned that during the campaign, he went back to Selma, Alabama to campaign, and there was a local white official who had been one of the state troopers who was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge beating civil rights marchers. And he gave Jesse Jackson a key to the city and said, I was on the other side of the Selma march all those years ago, but now I'm giving you the keys to the city. And look, I mean, that's the kind of thing. I mean that there. A lot had changed between the 60s, when the civil rights movement was so deadly and so bloody, and the 80s, but Jesse Jackson was going to white people and saying, we have more in common than we have. That's different. Different. And fundamentally, what we have in common is that the populism of it all was that the. The powers that be are not working for US Government is working for big corporations, they're working for special interests, and they're not working for you. And that's the kind of message that someone like Zoran Mamdani and Bernie Sanders and AOC are running on. And to an extent, Donald Trump ran exactly right. And I think that's actually what I think is so interesting is that there is something there. Populism is not a new thing. Right, Right. It's been around for a long time, but the way that it has manifested in our politics has gone the spectrum all the way from, you know, Jesse Jackson to Donald Trump. And that's because there is a yearning in the American populace and really a lot of places for people to feel heard for, to feel listened to, for them to feel like somebody is interested in the things that matter to them in terms of their survival and their families and how they make it through a day. And that's. That's part of the lesson. That's part of the lesson of this book. And also, you know, there's something in. In Jesse Jackson's story about talking across difference. Another scene that I talk about in the book, as he was running for president, I think this was in 1984, he went down to visit George Wallace, who famously said, segregation now, segregation forever. And George Wallace had been shot in an assassination attempt and was not in good shape. He was. He was in a wheelchair. And Jesse Jackson went down there and visited him at his home. And they sat on the porch and they drank tea and ate food, and they talked about running for president, and George Wallace talked about how he was an avid segregationist. And there he was sitting with Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, and giving him advice on how to run for president. And I do sometimes think. I mean, could something like that have. Could something like that happen today? Like, would we tolerate someone going and visiting a former segregationist and sitting with them in their home? And I think the reason. I don't know the reason why he did that, but I think one of the reasons that he did that was to basically say, we. We have to, you know, move forward as a country, and we have to do so by acknowledging what happened in the past, renouncing what happened in the past, and holding hands together and walking into the future. And I do think that that's kind of always been Jesse Jackson's message, which was like, I'm not going to say I'm not going to talk to you because you're a racist, but I'm going to tell you what we have in common and ask you to move past your prejudices and move forward together with me. And he's always been willing to do that in a way that I think rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, surprised a lot of people, maybe confused a lot of people, but at the very least, it's interesting. And I think there are some lessons in there about the ways in which he didn't just say, this guy is irredeemable. I mean, you could easily have said that George Wallace was irredeemable, but he went to his house and said, first of all, you're gonna have me in your home. I mean, I think that alone is a flex, right?