Podcast Summary: "Supremely Screwed" – I've Had It Release Date: July 17, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Leah Littman, Law Professor at the University of Michigan
1. Opening Discussions and Clapping Intro Dilemma
Timestamp: 01:03 – 03:01
Jennifer Welch initiates the episode by addressing the often-overlooked challenges of maintaining engaging content amidst routine structures. Angie “Pumps” Sullivan expresses her frustration with the podcast's clapping intro, especially when guest appearances make it feel awkward.
Angie: "I have had it with the clap to start, because here's why. If we have someone in person and we do it, I feel like the world's biggest dipshit..." (01:29)
Discussion Points:
- The discomfort of performing the clapping intro in front of guests.
- Consideration of evolving the podcast’s introduction to better suit diverse settings.
2. Critique of Moderates in Politics
Timestamp: 03:01 – 07:18
Pumps launches into a passionate critique of political moderates, arguing that self-identifying as moderate often masks exclusionary tendencies towards marginalized groups. She asserts that moderates in today's polarized environment fail to fully support DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, effectively perpetuating systemic inequalities.
Pumps: "When somebody says, 'I'm a moderate,' they're allowing for some space in that statement that is exclusionary to marginalized groups." (03:08)
Key Insights:
- Moderates vs. Independence: While independence can signify autonomy from corporate interests, self-identified moderates often lack genuine commitment to DEI.
- Impact on Society: In the current socio-political climate, moderates are seen as inadequate or complicit in maintaining systemic biases.
3. White Women and Internalized Misogyny
Timestamp: 05:01 – 07:18
The conversation shifts to the role of white women in perpetuating systemic issues. Pumps and Angie discuss how white women, particularly in the South, exhibit internalized misogyny and lack awareness of historical struggles for civil and women's rights.
Pumps: "There’s a group of white women, especially in the south, that have so much internalized misogyny. And it's really, really gross..." (06:27)
Discussion Points:
- Historical Context: The disconnect between past movements for equality and current attitudes.
- Generational Influences: Angie shares her personal journey of overcoming internalized misogyny in her 30s and 40s.
4. Promotion of "Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches"
Timestamp: 07:40 – 14:48
Jennifer and Pumps introduce their book, "Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches," highlighting its themes of vulnerability, personal struggles, and resilience. They share heartfelt listener reviews that emphasize the book's relatability and emotional impact.
Kylie: "This one's for you. Loved this book. Five stars..." (10:31)
Pumps: "Things that could be damaging or like a shiny object that takes away from the larger point." (12:55)
Key Themes:
- Vulnerability and Resilience: The authors discuss the challenges of sharing personal stories and the importance of vulnerability.
- Listener Connection: Emotional reviews underscore the book’s authenticity and its role in validating listeners' experiences.
5. News Stories and Social Commentary
Timestamp: 14:48 – 28:32
Pumps and Angie delve into current events, offering their critical perspectives. They discuss a case involving Debbie Wood, dubbed "the world's most jealous woman," whose insecurities lead her to extreme surveillance of her husband. The hosts link this narrative to themes in their book, emphasizing the chaotic nature of modern relationships.
Pumps: "It's horrific what she's going through on multiple levels..." (15:20)
Additional Topics:
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Soft Life Movement: Analysis of a global study where 74% of women prefer relationships with men who assume full financial responsibility. Pumps critiques this trend as propaganda influenced by mega-churches and corporate interests.
Pumps: "This is online propagandizing and brainwashing... psychological warfare." (19:07)
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Impact on Women: Discussion on how such movements can place women in subordinate power dynamics, potentially leading to financial dependency and loss of autonomy.
6. Guest Segment: Leah Littman on the Supreme Court
Timestamp: 28:32 – 65:31
Introduction of Leah Littman: Leah Littman, a prominent law professor and author, joins the podcast to discuss the current state of the Supreme Court and its alignment with conservative agendas.
Key Discussions:
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Supreme Court's Institutional Failures:
Leah: "The idea that these justices are engaged in a serious project of law is just so obviously false..." (30:20)
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Rulings and Originalism:
Leah: "Big corporate interests recognize the importance of controlling the Supreme Court..." (33:42)
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Justice Clarence Thomas and Alleged Corruption:
Pumps: "Harlan Crow purchased Justice Thomas's mother's home while she was still living there..." (33:48)
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Impact of Citizens United:
Leah: "Citizens United opened the door for unlimited money in politics... a first step that sped this up in such a cataclysmic way." (43:01)
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Backlash Against Feminism:
Leah: "The rise of originalism and the jurisprudence of the Republican justices is rooted in a backlash to feminism." (38:43)
Notable Quotes:
- Leah Littman: "They (Supreme Court justices) are selected not for their merit but for their alignment with corporate and conservative interests." (34:16)
- Pumps: "Justice Roberts is, like, not making conflict of interest, allowing Alito and Thomas to weigh in on these January six cases. I'm like, you have no fucking balls." (41:02)
Insights:
- Perceived Corruption: The close ties between certain justices and wealthy benefactors raise questions about impartiality.
- Judicial Bias: The court's decisions often favor corporate interests and conservative ideologies over progressive reforms.
- Future Implications: Concerns about the long-term effects of rulings like Citizens United on democracy and governance.
7. Game Segment: "Had It or Hit It"
Timestamp: 54:05 – 67:39
The hosts engage in their signature game, "Had It or Hit It," where they evaluate various topics based on their perspectives.
Highlights:
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Taylor Swift Opinions:
Leah: "I'm not going to name names, but I'm tired of men reducing women to breeding." (56:04)
Pumps: "I've had it with men who aren't real fans giving their takes on Taylor Swift's albums..." (56:04) -
Alligator Alcatraz:
Leah: "Calling it Alligator Alcatraz does not convey the depths of the depravity..." (57:43)
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Zoran Mamdani:
Leah: "He breaks the stereotype of the boogeyman that Fox and other right-wing propaganda have built." (60:47)
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P.Diddy Verdict:
Leah: "Grateful he was convicted on some accounts, sad he was let go on more serious charges." (61:58)
Guest Interaction: Leah Littman participates enthusiastically, offering her perspectives and engaging seamlessly with the hosts.
8. Final Thoughts and Future Episodes
Timestamp: 67:39 – 68:37
The hosts wrap up the episode by reflecting on the discussions and teasing future content.
Angie: "I have a news flash that... there are a lot of people that are below average intelligence in the United States of America." (66:25)
Conclusion:
- Critical Reflection: Both hosts express concerns about the current socio-political climate and the state of public discourse.
- Guest Appreciation: Jennifer and Pumps commend Leah Littman for her insights and intellectual contributions.
- Upcoming Content: Teasers for new segments and encouragement for listeners to engage with their book and upcoming podcast content.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Angie on Clapping Intro: "I have had it with the clap to start... this is stupid." (01:29)
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Pumps on Moderates: "I have had it with moderates... You're either batshit crazy or you're for everybody or you're not." (04:09)
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Pumps on Internalized Misogyny: "It's really, really gross that they have no knowledge of history and the fight for civil rights..." (06:27)
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Leah on Supreme Court Institutional Failures: "The idea that these justices are engaged in a serious project of law is just so obviously false..." (30:20)
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Pumps on Citizens United: "Citizens United under the Roberts Court will be the first step that sped this up in such a cataclysmic way..." (43:01)
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Angie on Intelligence Levels: "I didn't realize there were so many breaking news... America is full of dipshits." (66:25)
Conclusion
In "Supremely Screwed," Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan deliver a potent mix of personal grievances, sharp political critique, and insightful commentary on current events. The inclusion of guest Leah Littman enriches the discussion, offering expert perspectives on the judicial system and its broader societal implications. The episode underscores the hosts' commitment to addressing systemic issues with both humor and depth, engaging listeners who seek both entertainment and critical analysis.
For those interested in further exploring the topics discussed, consider reading "Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches" by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan.
