I have really enjoyed the Winter Olympics this go around. It’s felt great to actually be proud of who is representing the US on a world stage.
In regards to the mom Olympians with their children - what has irritated me more was the man who proposed right after his girlfriend won a medal. Like way to take away from her win and make it about you proposing.
Im located in the suburbs of Mpls. (I was actually on Natalia podcast last week talking about this, lol) they have DEFINITELY moved into the suburbs. It has been business as usual here. Our observers are still playing wacka-a-mole trying to figure out where they will pop up next. Mutual aid works are still coordinated rides and groceries for families who are afraid to leave their home. Parents For Good is still opporating a on the fly food shelf in Anoka and in constant need of donations. I have settled into the mind set that we will be doing the mutual aid aspect for MONTHS and YEARS. People lost their jobs, families lost their main bread winner. We are still in the long game. We still need support. Please remember us!
Loved hearing from Natalia so much. I started listening to Cafeteria Christian I think after Beth was on it, and have so appreciated their voices from Minneapolis right now.
My sister lives in Israel and last weekend she told me that they keep hearing rumors every other day that the US is going to attack Iran and drag Israel into it. It sounds like they’ve had to start tuning out the rumors because it’s so constant. It reminded me that war is always far reaching, especially in an area so geographically connected as Western Asia. I’m glad to hear that there is movement in Congress to keep Trump from unilaterally declaring war. I think I’ll make some calls and hope there are enough votes to keep us out of this.
As for watching the Olympics - I record and skim through the Opening Ceremonies to see the uniforms. I watch sports where winning is dependent on the opinion of judges only to appreciate the beauty and athleticism, but sort of ignore the scores or shrug. I find sports where you score more goals or finish first more satisfying to watch. For the winter Olympics my favorites are biathlon, short track skating and cross country skiing. Oh - and I love ski mountaineering, which is new this year.
I’m honestly a bit irritated with Eileen Gu. Pick a lane. If you, who have all the benefits of US citizenship, are going to rake in a nice fat paycheck to compete for China, a country with a far worse record on human rights than ours, you need to expect it to be controversial.
Obviously, I think she shouldn’t be threatened or attacked. But people are allowed to criticize.
I only knew about Eileen Gu‘s fabulous answer to the reporter who asked about two silvers gained vs two golds lost. Beth mentioned this but it didn’t sound like she knew that was Eileen.
I am not a sporty person. For most of my life the Olympics has been women’s gymnastics and equestrian events in the summer and figure skating in the winter. In 2016 something changed and I was all in on all of it. I watched archery and really got into water polo. So many events so much fun.
Sadly, I’ve watched very little this year. The Texas GOP is running the most vile and hateful ads and every commercial break is full of them. It’s so deeply disturbing I’ve ended up changing the channel more often than not.
Sarah maybe take up one of the new LA sports, like squash lol!? Or an oldie but goodie like Badminton? I watched a Winter Olympics segment on a new sport, mountaineering, which is insane: they hike up a hill with small skis, transition out of skis to steps, back to skis, then at top strip off sticky pads on the bottom of their skis and slolem down the hill on skis “like lasagna noodles” according to the commentator. The commentator for NBC had tried to make it into the games as a mountaineer but got 12th in US so instead they brought him on as a commentator. Just saying, that could be your plan B: sport commentator 🏓 🥎🎾🏐
I would assume that if an Olympic athlete has their child with them it's because they want them there, however I could be wrong in some circumstances. Also, being an Olympian as a mom is way more of a flex than as a dad considering you did that after growing, birthing, and possibly feeding a child with your body. Being a dad wouldn't impact your athletic abilities in the same way.
I was kinda feeling defensive of the women in this conversation because there seems to be an audible “awww” when a male athlete does a media anything with a child in his arms. I honestly had no idea there was even an issue as I think it’s a message of I’m a competitive athlete and a mom, it’s not a requirement to be one or the other. 🤷🏼♀️
Yeah, I hadn't heard these criticisms, and I totally don't get them. Pretty much every NBA player with little kids has them in his lap during press conferences.
I've been wracking my brain trying to remember where I first heard about Pantsuit Politics years ago. And Natalia sparked it for me - I listened to her Cafeteria Christian podcast as I was going through a faith transition, and she mentioned you guys! What a lovely full-circle moment!
I am definitely nervous about escalating tensions with Iran. The cost alone of amassing that much military force in the area feels like a bad omen. I would love to see regime change in Iran for the sake of the people of Iran, but the history of the long term effects of US involvement in regime change makes me not want any part of it. I also don’t trust the Trump administration, particularly Hegseth, with making decisions to keep service members and civilians safe.
I really enjoyed hearing from Natalia. With the pace of the news cycle, it seems like Minnesota is getting no coverage. I have so much respect for the folks of Minneapolis protecting their neighbors.
The image of far right agitators outside a preschool made my blood boil. Minnesotans are stronger than me because I don’t think I’d be able to keep myself from slapping those assholes with my shoe. I will truly never understand the moral depravity of adults who choose to spend their lives terrorizing children.
At one of my jobs, we had a table tennis player who had been nationally ranked in India. My VP also wasn't a slouch. I'm not athletic. I can actually be kind of good at table tennis among normal people, but uh, no. I couldn't hold a candle to those two.
Are there videos for this and Tuesday? I totally respect if you guys aren’t feeling the videos anymore, but just want to make sure I didn’t miss it somewhere because that’s my preferred way to listen!
We are re-evaluating video and trying to figure out how to offer it in a way that is sustainable for our team and partners. Audio is much faster to edit and the files are much smaller, so with our quick turnaround from recording turn around it was a very big ask of everyone to release audio and video simultaneously.
The videos will get to YouTube later. I have been under the weather so this episode probably won't be up till Monday. But it will be there eventually.
2025 was my year to start watching on YouTube. Felt like a part of the conversation. As long as it’s not my phone and subscription to YouTube for the lack of video, I’m fine! Also, come to the mic as you are. I know long term goals may be that any video be professional, but that’s not what I require of you.
Honestly, I don't really get the demand for video unless it helps your understanding to read lips. It seems like so much pressure on the podcasters to alway look good, and one thing I like about the medium is that it is one place in media where looks don't matter. Of course, the editing is more work too. But I usually listen when I am doing something else, and maybe video helps listeners pay closer attention because it is harder to multitask if both watching and listening.
I have really enjoyed the Winter Olympics this go around. It’s felt great to actually be proud of who is representing the US on a world stage.
In regards to the mom Olympians with their children - what has irritated me more was the man who proposed right after his girlfriend won a medal. Like way to take away from her win and make it about you proposing.
Im located in the suburbs of Mpls. (I was actually on Natalia podcast last week talking about this, lol) they have DEFINITELY moved into the suburbs. It has been business as usual here. Our observers are still playing wacka-a-mole trying to figure out where they will pop up next. Mutual aid works are still coordinated rides and groceries for families who are afraid to leave their home. Parents For Good is still opporating a on the fly food shelf in Anoka and in constant need of donations. I have settled into the mind set that we will be doing the mutual aid aspect for MONTHS and YEARS. People lost their jobs, families lost their main bread winner. We are still in the long game. We still need support. Please remember us!
Loved hearing from Natalia so much. I started listening to Cafeteria Christian I think after Beth was on it, and have so appreciated their voices from Minneapolis right now.
My sister lives in Israel and last weekend she told me that they keep hearing rumors every other day that the US is going to attack Iran and drag Israel into it. It sounds like they’ve had to start tuning out the rumors because it’s so constant. It reminded me that war is always far reaching, especially in an area so geographically connected as Western Asia. I’m glad to hear that there is movement in Congress to keep Trump from unilaterally declaring war. I think I’ll make some calls and hope there are enough votes to keep us out of this.
Truly enjoyed this episode. Very informative.
As for watching the Olympics - I record and skim through the Opening Ceremonies to see the uniforms. I watch sports where winning is dependent on the opinion of judges only to appreciate the beauty and athleticism, but sort of ignore the scores or shrug. I find sports where you score more goals or finish first more satisfying to watch. For the winter Olympics my favorites are biathlon, short track skating and cross country skiing. Oh - and I love ski mountaineering, which is new this year.
I’m honestly a bit irritated with Eileen Gu. Pick a lane. If you, who have all the benefits of US citizenship, are going to rake in a nice fat paycheck to compete for China, a country with a far worse record on human rights than ours, you need to expect it to be controversial.
Obviously, I think she shouldn’t be threatened or attacked. But people are allowed to criticize.
I only knew about Eileen Gu‘s fabulous answer to the reporter who asked about two silvers gained vs two golds lost. Beth mentioned this but it didn’t sound like she knew that was Eileen.
Re the Olympics
I am not a sporty person. For most of my life the Olympics has been women’s gymnastics and equestrian events in the summer and figure skating in the winter. In 2016 something changed and I was all in on all of it. I watched archery and really got into water polo. So many events so much fun.
Sadly, I’ve watched very little this year. The Texas GOP is running the most vile and hateful ads and every commercial break is full of them. It’s so deeply disturbing I’ve ended up changing the channel more often than not.
Ugh, they shouldn't be allowed to ruin the Olympics!
How dare they! I really hate that for you
Sarah maybe take up one of the new LA sports, like squash lol!? Or an oldie but goodie like Badminton? I watched a Winter Olympics segment on a new sport, mountaineering, which is insane: they hike up a hill with small skis, transition out of skis to steps, back to skis, then at top strip off sticky pads on the bottom of their skis and slolem down the hill on skis “like lasagna noodles” according to the commentator. The commentator for NBC had tried to make it into the games as a mountaineer but got 12th in US so instead they brought him on as a commentator. Just saying, that could be your plan B: sport commentator 🏓 🥎🎾🏐
Have you seen the Malaysian badminton teams!?!?! ( I once had a Malaysian roommate, and she followed badminton like other folks follow pro soccer.)
https://substack.com/@politicsusa46/note/c-215830651?r=4daxzy
Archery https://www.mentalfloss.com/sports/olympics/geena-davis-olympic-archery
I would assume that if an Olympic athlete has their child with them it's because they want them there, however I could be wrong in some circumstances. Also, being an Olympian as a mom is way more of a flex than as a dad considering you did that after growing, birthing, and possibly feeding a child with your body. Being a dad wouldn't impact your athletic abilities in the same way.
I was kinda feeling defensive of the women in this conversation because there seems to be an audible “awww” when a male athlete does a media anything with a child in his arms. I honestly had no idea there was even an issue as I think it’s a message of I’m a competitive athlete and a mom, it’s not a requirement to be one or the other. 🤷🏼♀️
Yeah, I hadn't heard these criticisms, and I totally don't get them. Pretty much every NBA player with little kids has them in his lap during press conferences.
Here’s the list of sports competing in LA! Can’t wait to see which sport you choose, Sarah! https://la28.org/en/games-plan.html
Ironically, I think competitive shooting is probably the sport least likely to have an age barrier
https://la28.org/en/games-plan/olympics/shooting.html
Haha was just coming to say have we forgotten the Turkish shooting sensation of 2024? 😆 https://www.olympics.com/en/news/yusuf-dikec-turkish-shooting-viral-paris-2024-olympics
I've been wracking my brain trying to remember where I first heard about Pantsuit Politics years ago. And Natalia sparked it for me - I listened to her Cafeteria Christian podcast as I was going through a faith transition, and she mentioned you guys! What a lovely full-circle moment!
I am definitely nervous about escalating tensions with Iran. The cost alone of amassing that much military force in the area feels like a bad omen. I would love to see regime change in Iran for the sake of the people of Iran, but the history of the long term effects of US involvement in regime change makes me not want any part of it. I also don’t trust the Trump administration, particularly Hegseth, with making decisions to keep service members and civilians safe.
I really enjoyed hearing from Natalia. With the pace of the news cycle, it seems like Minnesota is getting no coverage. I have so much respect for the folks of Minneapolis protecting their neighbors.
The image of far right agitators outside a preschool made my blood boil. Minnesotans are stronger than me because I don’t think I’d be able to keep myself from slapping those assholes with my shoe. I will truly never understand the moral depravity of adults who choose to spend their lives terrorizing children.
Sarah! Rhythmic gymnastics! No offense to them, but I always say I can twirl a ribbon with the best of them.
Can't wait to watch you live in LA on the podium in 2028.
I feel like you could also really devote yourself to a sport like table tennis and get there.
At one of my jobs, we had a table tennis player who had been nationally ranked in India. My VP also wasn't a slouch. I'm not athletic. I can actually be kind of good at table tennis among normal people, but uh, no. I couldn't hold a candle to those two.
No. Have you seen competitive table tennis is real life? It is brutal.
Many of the medals won by older Olympians are the shooting events.
But I'm convinced Sarah wouldn't have to practice much for rhythmic.
Are there videos for this and Tuesday? I totally respect if you guys aren’t feeling the videos anymore, but just want to make sure I didn’t miss it somewhere because that’s my preferred way to listen!
That's helpful feedback, in glad you like the video option.
Tuesday’s episode is posted in parts starting here: https://youtu.be/O3n6vVSd2AU?si=ieyLHtnvz0mKtv7U
We are re-evaluating video and trying to figure out how to offer it in a way that is sustainable for our team and partners. Audio is much faster to edit and the files are much smaller, so with our quick turnaround from recording turn around it was a very big ask of everyone to release audio and video simultaneously.
The videos will get to YouTube later. I have been under the weather so this episode probably won't be up till Monday. But it will be there eventually.
2025 was my year to start watching on YouTube. Felt like a part of the conversation. As long as it’s not my phone and subscription to YouTube for the lack of video, I’m fine! Also, come to the mic as you are. I know long term goals may be that any video be professional, but that’s not what I require of you.
Honestly, I don't really get the demand for video unless it helps your understanding to read lips. It seems like so much pressure on the podcasters to alway look good, and one thing I like about the medium is that it is one place in media where looks don't matter. Of course, the editing is more work too. But I usually listen when I am doing something else, and maybe video helps listeners pay closer attention because it is harder to multitask if both watching and listening.
Maggie I prefer the audio. I can listen while driving and working around my house. And it takes less of my phone or tablet batteries :-)
Good to know! I prefer to watch by video, but listen right away so I was confused why there was no Beth and Sarah faces.
And I hope you feel better!!
You guys do what’s best for you, I’ll listen either way 😁