Canaries in the Car Line

Things have been a little heavy lately, so my good friends and fellow internet loud mouths, Ellen and Chelsea , joined me for some wine and yapping while I continue my deep dive into the women carrying water for the patriarchy. Follow Haley Follow Ellen Follow Chelsea Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

“Adoption is best understood as a private solution to larger scale social problems. The answer to a pregnant homeless person should be housing and a path to stability, not give us your baby.” Gretchen Sisson, author of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood , joined me for a conversation on the complexities of the adoption industry in the United States. We discuss the misunderstandings of the (small) intersection between adoption and abortion, the systemic policy issues surrounding adoption, the misplaced incentives of adoption, and the influence of social safety nets on reproductive choices. Resources: * Movement for Family Power * Reproductive Justice in Adoption * Liberty Lost Podcast Follow Gretchen on IG Follow Haley on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Ariel Okhah, otherwise known as Changed by Grief TFMR on social media, joins me to explore the complex realities of termination for medical reasons (TFMR), legal and ethical considerations, the importance of nuanced understanding in reproductive, and her personal experience with TFMR. TFMR is 4x more common than infant loss and stillbirth combined, but nobody talks about it- until now, because a YouTuber has shared his family’s story of choosing a TFRM for a Trisomy 21 diagnosis. Expectedly, this story has been catnip for the anti-abortion advocates, but it has also brought to light the fractures within the pro-abortion community and pressuring everyone to answer the question of what it really means to be pro- choice . TFMR is wildly misunderstood in all areas of reproductive health including pregnancy, perinatal loss, abortion, and grief, and Ariel is changing the narrative around what life during and after TFMR looks like. Other topics we discussed are crisis pregnancy centers, the financial and social implications of abortion decisions, navigating complex grief, and the legal battles of deciding what is best for our own children. Sources New York Times Recommended Media & Resources Life After TFMR Return to Zero: Hope (Support Group) Time to Talk TFRM (Podcast) After Tiller (Documentary) The Devil is Busy (Documentary) Perilous Passage: Birth in America (Documentary) No One Asked You (Documentary) Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Domonique Browning, founder of Moms Clean Air Force , joined me to discuss how moms are advocating for clean air and environmental health. Our health is intertwined with the health of our planet, and in a world where the EPA is rolling back protections and climate change is being denied, it’s crucial for us to stay informed and fight for our children’s future. Also, The New York Times reported that MAHA is drifting away from Republicans and their votes are up for grabs in the midterms. Are they really? Subscribe to Canaries in the Car Line on Substack Follow Haley in Instagram Show Sources EPA Politico Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Ellen FitzGerald, co-founder of Moms for Indiana , joins me in my attempt to answer the question of who is Allie Beth Stuckey, really? Stuckey is, like Phyllis Schlafly and a roster of influential conservative women who came before- a feminist. A woman, like myself, fighting ruthlessly for her voice to be heard in equal value to the male talking heads surrounding her. She is argumentative, head strong, seemingly competitive, and high achieving- all qualities I objectively admire in a woman... But she is a woman who’s ambition and impressive career is in direct conflict with her own ideology. Stuckey (now infamously) believes ‘progressives’ exploit Christian compassion via ‘toxic empathy,’ and she preaches that empathy becomes toxic when it encourages you to affirm sin, validate lies or support destructive policies. My questions for Allie, and those who subscribe to this bizarre manipulation of human emotion are- sin according to who’s interpretation of the Bible? Validate a lie according to who’s truth? And support policies that are destructive to w hich groups of people? Who is actually harmed by the policies you oppose? Show Notes Radical Empathy sweatshirt by Kate Duffy Follow Haley on IG Follow Ellen & Moms for Indiana on IG References Fundie Fridays YouTube The New Evangelicals Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Whether you are an exclusively formula, combo feeding, pumping, or exclusively breastfeeding family, this episode is for you! Mallory Whitmore, founder of The Formula Mom and Education Lead at Bobbie, joined me to discuss all things baby formula. I am a proud 2x exclusively formula feeding mom, and Mallory is truly the most invaluable resource for families seeking more information on formula and debunking myths about formula and breastfeeding that are unfortunately often propagated in parenting spaces. A few things we chatted about: * What does “breast is best” even mean? * How policies like paid leave and other female-focused policies impact formula and breast feeding statistics * Why nobody should fear corn syrup or seed oils in formula * Why you should NEVER give your baby homemade formula Preorder Mallory’s book Bottle Service , out February 24th! Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

After a brief intro with my thoughts on the recent murder of Renee Nicole Good and the escalation of ICE aggression in Minnesota, Dr. Anita Patel joins me to discuss her thoughts on American public health from a pediatric critical care physician’s perspective. We discuss Dr. Patel’s role as a health educator on social media and her experience combatting the COVID pandemic as a new mom, the repercussions to the ACA subsidies expiring, the societal impact of continued infectious disease outbreaks, Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation changes, and why it is important to remember the doctors attached to this administration spreading misinformation ALL rose to relative fame during the COVID pandemic. Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

One of the most harmful impacts of the ‘nontoxic’ trend in health and personal care products is the misinformation surrounding sunscreen and the understated risks of skin cancer. Dr. Aegean Chan is a dual board-certified dermatologist and is here to set the record straight on all things sun protection, low-maintenance skincare, the efficacy of at-home devices, and recommendations for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Spoiler alert- no, your sunscreen is not poison. Follow Dr. Aegean Chan, MD Follow Haley Use code DETOXED for 15% off your first purchase at Bright Body and Bright Body Baby! Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark , Massachusetts Representative and the highest ranking woman in congress, joins me to discuss the government shutdown and how Republicans are attempting to pass a budget that hikes health care premiums and everyday costs strictly to fund tax cuts for billionaires. We also discuss misinformation surrounding the government shutdown, SNAP funding, and how the continuing health care crisis Republicans have created through Medicaid cuts earlier this year will uniquely impact women. Just after we spoke on Wednesday, 11/12, Whip Clark joined Leader Hakeem Jeffries in offering an amendment to the Republican budget bill . The amendment would prevent massive premium hikes by extending ACA tax credits for three years. Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Use code DETOXED for 15% off your first purchase at Bright Body and Bright Body Baby ! Gabi Day is the Founder, Formulator and CEO of Bright Body and Bright Body, a skin and haircare line crafted using Ayurvedic principles with gentle whole plant ingredients. Gabi vulnerably shares her journey as a progressive entrepreneur in the wellness space and her intentional choice to market against MAHA as the industry continues to overwhelmingly align with MAHA and/or MAGA. Gabi is the blueprint for values-driven businesses in today’s political climate as she donates 1% of all sales to the Center for Reproductive Rights. This episode has a bit of everything- current events surrounding SNAP freezes and the government shutdown, Gabi’s deep familial roots in political activism, her fertility journey, the evolving landscape of wellness culture, her complicated relationship with words like ‘non toxic’ and ‘clean beauty,’ the systemic issues surrounding chronic illness, food insecurity, the complexities of health disparities, and WAY more. Follow Bright Body and Bright Body Baby on IG Follow Haley Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Taylor Arnold is a pediatric dietitian and nutrition PhD who created a community for parents in their journeys to prevent and reverse picky eating, support intuitive eating practices in their kids and teens, and instill body positivity. In this episode, we explore the importance of creating a positive relationship with food, morally neutralizing food (including food dyes!!!), the role of play in feeding, and how to navigate situations like diet talk around kids and how to approach Halloween candy. Visit growingintuitiveeaters.com or follow @Growing.Intuitive.Eaters on Instagram and YouTube . All of her courses are completely free of charge and are a phenomenal resource for families of all kinds. Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Sabina Vohra-Miller is a science communicator with a MSc. in Clinical Pharmacology and is a Doctor of Public Health candidate. She runs the instagram account @UnambiguousScience and in this episode, we discuss the global impact impact of American public health policy, current COVID mandates, misinformation surrounding medication during pregnancy, toxin overload myths, and more. *Note- we recorded this episode before RFK Jr., Donald Trump, & Dr. Oz announced their reckless recommendation for pregnant women to avoid taking acetaminophen (the only pain killer or fever reducer approved to take during pregnancy) due to a widely-debunked claim that taking acetaminophen products during pregnancy will cause autism in the children they carried. Much more on this topic to come… United States medication risk in pregnancy resource: Mother to Baby Canada medication risk in pregnancy resource: First Exposure COVID Vaccine recommendations in other countries Swedish study of 2.5 million children debunking Tylenol/autism claim Follow Unambiguous Science on IG Follow Haley on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Allyn Rose is an American woman living in Franfurt, Germany and a fierce activist for breast cancer prevention. Allyn is the founder of The Previvor , a non-profit organization assisting those with a genetic predisposition to cancer wanting to take action to reduce their risk of future diagnosis. We discuss the options women have for BRCA+ gene testing, prophylactic mastectomy, reconstruction, IVF, and how to find access to these preventative actions. I also picked Allyn’s brain on her thoughts about watching what is happening in the United States from afar, life as an expat, and what it is like to raise children in a different culture. Follow Allyn on IG Follow The Previvor on IG Follow Haley on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Misinformation in all spaces surrounding women’s health is rampant, but the most dangerous might be the misinformation surrounding breast cancer prevention and treatment. Breast cancer cases are rising disproportionately among young women, and many wellness influencers and evidence-averse practitioners are taking advantage of this truth to peddle dangerous recommendations like avoiding mammograms and other evidence-based treatments. Allison Mertzman joined me to set the record straight on cancer treatment, spotting grifters, and how we can improve the quality of life of those living with cancer. We also discuss her experience growing her family as a same sex couple and the devastating potential of Obergefell soon being overturned. Allison is a content creator, mom of two, wife to Leanne, and breast cancer survivor. She has touched countless lives by sharing her story of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and now survivorship, and I am grateful to call her a friend. Listen to Allison and her dad, Dr. Mark Pearlman, on ACOG’s Women’s Cancer Conversations for more insight into the rise in early onset breast cancer diagnoses. Follow Haley on IG Follow Allison on IG Follow Allison on TikTok Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Liz Marnik, known as Science Whiz Liz, is a PhD scientist trained in Immunology and Genetics. Dr. Liz was generous with her time to answer my many questions about vaccine hesitancy, research, continued anti-vaccine propaganda, and several frequently heard MAHA talking points. In this episode, we discuss mRNA technology, MTHFR gene claims, what the science of epigenetics really is, how the US pediatric vaccine schedule compares to those in the EU, and other hot-button topics. My evolution in vaccine hesitancy has been challenging and these stories, shared with honesty and empathy, are the only way we are going to move the needle in restoring comfort in public health guidelines. Episode References CDC Leader Resignation Letters CDC Measles Outbreak Data Comparison chart for USA and EU vaccines schedule, by Mandy Ruggeri and Unbiased Science Pod US Gun Death Statistics Follow Liz on IG Follow Those Nerdy Girls on IG Follow Haley on IG Science & Public Health experts mentioned: * Unbiased Science Pod * David Higgins, MD * Mandy Ruggeri * Nini Munoz, PhD Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I had a well-deserved but poorly timed crashout and needed to call in reinforcements. Tessa Dee joined me for some girlie yapping about the patriarchy, being pregnant in Trump’s America, and how MAHA specifically targets pregnant women. In the intro, I briefly touch on the topic of endocrine disruptors and my theory that the moral panic behind many of these toxins are a cover for homophobia and transphobia. If you think that sounds like mental gymnastics, just know my balance beam is chalked and my leo is TIGHT. Anyway, here is the study I mentioned by Shanna Swan. Proceed with caution. Follow Haley on IG Follow Tessa on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

There is truly no better person to be on the front lines of the fight for women’s health than Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, an OBGYN and Representative for Minnesota. Representative Morrison entered into politics over a concern for the future of women’s healthcare and has dedicated her time in both the MN and United States legislature to improving the wellbeing of American women. It was a privilege to have an afternoon of her time to discuss how current destructive policies are exacerbating the maternal health crisis in our country. We delve into the alarming impacts of Medicaid cuts on childbirth, the importance of access to care through organizations like Planned Parenthood, legal protections for abortion care through EMTALA, and her thoughts on the consequences of RFK Jr.’s role as the Secretary of HHS. Follow Representative Morrison’s congressional work Follow Representative Morrison on IG Follow Haley on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

The word misinformation has become a pejorative in online communities, specifically within the wellness industry. American public health has become saturated with misinformation, disinformation, and now more than ever, propaganda. I largely began this podcast in effort to combat the rampant misinformation within the women’s health and wellness space, and before I dig into specific topics, I felt it was important to learn why we have found ourselves so susceptible to misinformation in the first place and how we can effectively engage with those who have developed strong belief systems based on misinformation to correct these schools of thought and ultimately, positive impact health outcomes. This week, Matthew Facciani was generous to sit down with me to discuss the history of misinformation, why we are compelled to believe misinformation, how our identities shape our beliefs, and how those beliefs can be rooted in our inherent need for connection. Matthew is a social scientist and author the new book, Misguided: Where Misinformation Starts, How It Spreads, and What to Do About It . Follow Matthew’s Substack & podcast for more on fighting misinformation and actionable tips for empowering people with the media literacy skills they need to navigate our ever-evolving information landscape. A few things we discuss… * The intersection of identity and misinformation * Cognitive biases and our susceptibility to misinformation * The wellness industry’s manipulation of misinformation * COVID’s amplification of misinformation and the rising distrust in public health agencies * The Five R’s & having constructive conversations on difficult topics Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Jess Britvich began as a beauty influencer and is now quickly rising in popularity online as a cultural and political commentator with her thought provoking takes on the intersectionality of beauty standards, wellness trends, and political ideology. We dive into her analysis of covert alt right pipelines for young women and how seemingly innocuous trends reflect larger societal shifts. Join us as we uncover the hidden political narratives within the beauty industry and the role our individual algorithms are playing in shaping our perceptions. A few topics we unpack… * Young women’s red pill content * The intersection of “clean living” and eugenics * The resurrection of historically fascist rhetoric and imagery * How the Yuka app is a scam * Toilet paper (seriously) * A bit of witchiness on spirituality and conspiracy * Empowering Gen Z women (and everyone) against misinformation Cheers! Haley’s IG Jess’s IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe

Brittney, the mom behind Moms for Oregon, joined me to chat about the importance of local advocacy, where democrats are missing the mark in messaging to young women, conservative media’s investment in influencers, our observations of the Young Women’s Leadership Summit, the scam of “toxic empathy” and the alarming normalization of christian nationalism, and as always, the hypocrisy of MAHA regarding recent legislative cuts to SNAP benefits. Basically, this is your progressive moms group chat for the week. Follow Haley on IG Follow Moms for Oregon on IG Get full access to Canaries in the Car Line at citcl.substack.com/subscribe