Hillary and Tina interview Lauren Book, Florida Senate Minority Leader.
Elected in 2016, Lauren Book is a rising star among Florida Democrats. After being unanimously selected Senate Democratic Leader, Lauren has led Democrats in the fight against the growing far- right in Tallahassee.
Leader Book has dedicated her career to fighting childhood sexual abuse both in and out of the Legislature. As Chair of the Children, Families, and Seniors Committee, Lauren reconstructed Florida’s child abuse reporting system, designing a central hotline so that no report is left uninvestigated. She went on to expand Medicaid for newborns and babies from just 3 months to a year- no small feat for a Democrat. Outside of the Legislature, Lauren founded Lauren's Kids, an Emmy Award winning non for profit dedicated to ending childhood sexual abuse through education. Her programming is found in schools in 41 states and internationally.
Senator Book speaks to us about her role as in the Florida Senate, recent legislation, and her hopes for the midterm elections.
Tina and Hillary cover Senator James Turner and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
Tina’s Story
James Turner began his political career as a county commissioner before moving into a New Jersey house and then senate member in 1972. BUT, when he sets out to destroy a political rival, he destroys his career instead.
Hillary’s Story
President Teddy Roosevelt had a reputation for being a cowboy and a man of action. BUT it’s his daughter, Alice, who wins the public’s affection and attention.
Hillary and Tina cover Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex and the Army of God.
Hillary’s Story
Clela Rorex served as the first female Boulder County Clerk beginning in 1975, BUT she made history as being the first clerk to ever issue a same sex marriage license in the US.
Tina’s Story
The Army of God is an underground American anti-abortion group BUT after claiming involvement in several anti-abortion acts of violence, they are now listed as a domestic terrorist group.
Hillary and Tina interview Jennifer Driver, senior director of reproductive rights at the State Innovation Exchange.
Jennifer Driver is an award-winning reproductive health, rights, and justice policy and advocacy leader with nearly 15 years in the field. Her work centers on addressing systems that add burdens or barriers to accessing full reproductive health information and services— paying particular attention to communities of color, immigrants, system involved youth, and LGBTQ communities.
A dynamic trainer, presenter, and spokesperson on reproductive health, rights, and justice, Jennifer has been featured and quoted in national media, including The Washington Post, Vogue, The New York Times, Rewire, The Hill, CNN, The Harvard Political Review, MSNBC, and Politico. She was also recognized in 2019 as one of 50 impactful creators, artists, and activists by B*TCH Media.
Jennifer speaks to us about abortion access, the future of reproductive health, and more.
Hillary and Tina cover AIDS activist Larry Kramer and anti-gay activist George Rekers.
Hillary’s Story
Larry Kramer started his career as a writer. BUT when the government failed to act, he sounded the alarm on the AIDS crisis.
Tina’s Story
George Rekers made a name for himself through his controversial theories and studies on homosexuality. BUT when he returns from vacation in 2010 with a young man in tow, he’s got some explaining to do.
Hillary's Story
ACT UP “Larry–The WORD”–by Timothy Lunceford-Stevens
Hillary and Tina interview Wesley Davis, Equality Florida Field Director.
Wesley Davis is Equality Florida’s Field Director, responsible for helping to lead Equality Florida’s Pride and outreach programs and supporting Equality Florida’s member mobilization and voter engagement programs in priority legislative and electoral campaigns.
Wesley brings a diverse perspective to the Equality Florida team, having managed Democratic and Republican campaign programs throughout the country. He brings extensive experience as a Grassroots Coordinator and a Regional Director to the Equality Florida field team. As a former aide in the Florida House of Representatives he oversaw priority policy topics and putting constituents' needs first.
Wesley has devoted his career to developing winning strategies, boosting community awareness, and positively impacting communities.
Wesley speaks to us about Equality Florida, his background in politics, and his fight for LGBTQ rights.
Tina and Hillary cover former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane and the murder of Matthew Shepard.
Tina’s Story
In 2012, Kathleen Kane became the first democrat and woman to win as attorney general in Pennsylvania. BUT an email scandal jeopardizes her career.
Hillary’s Story
Matthew Shepard’s horrific murder shocked America. BUT the gay-hate that fueled the attack led to the passing of the Hate Crime Preventions Act.
Hillary and Tina cover US Senator Jesse Helms and Oregon Department of Corrections Director Michael Franke.
Hillary’s Story
Jesse Helms was known for his racism and bigotry. BUT despite that, he maintained his seat for over 30 years allowing him to pass harmful legislation impacting marginalized communities in the US.
Tina’s Story
Michael Francke had a solid legal career in the criminal justice system in New Mexico and was appointed as director of the Oregon department of corrections in 1987. BUT when he’s found dead at work, it sparks decades of conspiracy theories.
Tina and Hillary cover former Dixon treasurer Rita Crundwell and the Boise Boys scandal.
Tina’s Story
Rita Crundwell served as Dixon comptroller and treasurer for almost 30 years beginning in 1983. BUT Curndwell bankrupts her career when a city clerk discovers suspicious account activity.
Hillary’s Story
In the 1950s Boise Idaho officials started an intensive investigation to supposedly protect children. BUT it soon became clear that this was an orchestrated witch hunt against gay men.
