Reveal Podcast Episode Summary: "50 States of Mind"
Show: Reveal
Host: Al Letson
Episode: 50 States of Mind
Release Date: June 7, 2025
Introduction to the Distinguished Young Women Competition
"50 States of Mind," an episode from Reveal, delves into the 2022 Distinguished Young Women (DYW) competition held in Mobile, Alabama. Shima Oliayi, an acclaimed reporter and former contestant from 2001, returns as a judge. The competition brings together 50 high school seniors, one from each state, competing for substantial scholarship funds. Shima, along with her production team, captures the unfolding events, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events.
Shima Oliayi [02:10]: "Hi, I'm Shima Oliayi from Reno, Nevada."
Arrival and Initial Impressions
Upon arrival, the contestants experience the grandeur and pressure of the competition. The first day involves intense preparations, including costume fittings and rigorous rehearsals. The environment fosters both competition and camaraderie among the young women.
Shima Oliayi [04:10]: "No skin, no skin, no skin, no skin."
Participants share their diverse backgrounds and aspirations, highlighting the competition's prestige and the high caliber of its contestants.
Amy Pham [05:29]: "When you come from a small town, it's so easy to be the best of the best..."
Behind the Scenes: Rehearsals and Bonding
The initial week is characterized by relentless rehearsals, where contestants bond while preparing their routines. The shared experience fosters friendships and mutual respect, setting a unified tone among the participants.
Shima Oliayi [06:23]: "We’re all very confused on what's going on, but we don't want to be too nosy either..."
Amidst the preparation, the contestants navigate the challenges of performing under pressure, balancing personal ambitions with the support of their peers.
Breaking News: The Dobbs v. Jackson Decision
As the competition progresses into its second week, a pivotal moment occurs: the Supreme Court announces the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision affecting abortion rights nationwide. This news, delivered through a coded message, catches the contestants off guard, intertwining personal emotions with the competitive atmosphere.
Shima Oliayi [11:29]: "The code, which was supposedly info about their sick friend, was really breaking news."
The revelation divides the participants along political lines, revealing underlying tensions and prompting intense emotional responses.
Arizona [17:37]: "I think it just created a divide that we didn't know that we had. It's going to be pretty tough to work through."
Reactions and Emotional Turmoil
The news catalyzes a spectrum of reactions among the contestants. Some celebrate the decision, aligning with pro-life perspectives, while others mourn the loss of reproductive rights. This schism disrupts the previously harmonious environment, introducing conflict and introspection.
Amy Pham [22:14]: "The Supreme Court doesn't stay there until they turn. I know that there was a lot of protest about Roe v. Wade and the fact that our Supreme Court saw that and still made their own decision. That's what scares me."
Debates emerge within the group, reflecting broader societal divisions and the personal impact of the decision on each contestant's beliefs and values.
Kirtana Ramanathan [20:16]: "This means that the Supreme Court has sent the decision of the abortion issue back to each state to decide, respectively, which is what our founders intended."
Incorporating Personal Beliefs into Competition
Amidst the turmoil, some contestants choose to integrate their reactions into their competition performances. Arizona and Minnesota, for instance, decide to display the women's symbol on their wrists as a statement against the Supreme Court's decision, blending personal advocacy with the competitive framework.
Minnesota [16:35]: "In my senior year of high school, I learned that everyone truly has their own unique story, making everyone's voice important."
This act of defiance serves as a powerful message, highlighting the intersection of personal conviction and public representation within the competition.
Final Moments and Aftermath of the Decision
As the competition approaches its culmination, the emotional weight of the Supreme Court decision lingers. Contestants grapple with balancing their competitive ambitions with the pressing social and political realities affecting their generation.
Arizona [35:26]: "We may be teenagers, but we are still able to portray a message if we try."
The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of these events on the contestants' lives and their ongoing roles as advocates and leaders in their communities.
Post-Competition Reflections and Continued Activism
Following the competition, Shima Oliayi reconnects with several contestants to explore how the events have influenced their subsequent paths. Amy Pham engages in academic discourse on abortion as a social issue, while Caitlin Kai reflects on the necessity of understanding and trust across political divides.
Amy Pham [40:49]: "I've never thought about abortion before DYW... I just had so much to say about it."
Salma Barragan participates in activism at the U.S. Mexico border, demonstrating the competition's role in shaping her commitment to social causes.
Salma Barragan [42:55]: "That trip was the longest I've been away from home by myself... I felt a little bit more prepared for life."
Caitlin Kai's journalistic endeavors emphasize bridging gaps in understanding and fostering trust, underscoring the competition's influence on her worldview.
Caitlin Kai [45:34]: "We make a conscious effort to trust people who I'm not naturally inclined to trust... the world is a better place when we're not [cynical]."
Conclusion: Lasting Impact of "50 States of Mind"
"50 States of Mind" captures a critical moment where personal ambitions intersect with national issues, illustrating how young women navigate and influence the sociopolitical landscape. Through authentic storytelling and in-depth reporting, Reveal highlights the resilience and agency of the next generation in shaping a more inclusive and understanding America.
Shima Oliayi [50:18]: "To Caitlin and Salma and Amy and all the girls of DYW, thank you for reminding me we can grow up, we can even change, and the journey can be joyful."
Notable Quotes:
- Shima Oliayi [03:03]: "But the story she got was not what she expected."
- Amy Pham [08:32]: "That's Amy from Tennessee. But tonight, it's the semifinals. The show will begin with 50 possible winners, and by the end of the night, that number will be down to eight."
- Al Letson [17:20]: "The girls are distracted. Some are ecstatic. Others feel betrayed."
Further Exploration
For those interested in the full depth of this compelling story, Shima Oliayi's six-part podcast series, "The Competition," is available on all major podcast platforms. This series offers an immersive experience into the lives of these young women and the broader implications of pivotal national decisions on their futures.