The Electorette Podcast

• The Double Tax: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman on the Hidden Costs Women of Color Pay

  In the past three months, more than 300,000 Black women have left the labor force. Economist and author Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman calls this the double tax—the compounded burden of being both a woman and a person of color in an economy designed to take more and give less. From higher prices for haircare and beauty products, to childcare that consumes a larger share of income, to systemic barriers in jobs, salaries, housing, and wealth—these hidden costs fall on women of color across the board. But for Black women, they are especially stark, leaving them with fewer opportunities, lower pay, higher living costs, and far less generational wealth than their white counterparts. Her groundbreaking book, The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid, shows how these inequities aren’t incidental—they’re structural. And unless they’re confronted, everyone pays the price. (00:01) The Double Tax on Black Women Black women's "double tax" in labor force discussed with author Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, emphasizing solutions and self-advocacy. (07:06) Cost of Hair Emotional and Financial Perceived progress in racial equality, false sense of progress, hair burdens for Black women, generational trauma and societal expectations. (13:58) Navigating Beauty Standards as Black Women Growing up in predominantly Black and white educational environments, facing anti-Blackness and challenges in PWIs, finding representation and redefining beauty standards. (22:01) The Double Tax on Beauty Standards Representation and accessibility in the beauty industry for Black and Asian American women, highlighting the "double tax" and need for inclusive representation. (34:03) The Double Tax in the Workplace Legislation is needed to combat hair discrimination in the workplace, along with addressing white beauty standards and the "double tax" faced by Black professionals. (41:41) Power Dynamics and Motherhood Impact Proximity to power is unequal among races and genders, with white men dominating top professions and Black women facing the most barriers. (47:11) The Burden of Motherhood Motherhood's financial burden, childcare costs, Black women as breadwinners, and the impact of technology on education and employment. (01:01:19) The Cost of Womanhood Empowering women at all stages, advocating for oneself, and the cost of womanhood are discussed in a heartfelt chapter. #DoubleTax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ballot Power: How Voters Are Advancing Progressive Change in Red States

  In a time when U.S. politics feels gridlocked and bleak, ballot initiatives are offering a surprising source of hope. In some of the reddest states—places that handed Trump overwhelming victories—voters are quietly embracing progressive policies like paid sick leave, higher minimum wages, and Medicaid expansion. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, about why ballot measures succeed where candidates fail. Together, they explore how citizen-led initiatives cut through partisan noise, mobilize communities, and create lasting change—even in places dominated by gerrymandering and voter suppression. From Nebraska to Missouri, Chris explains how grassroots coalitions and early funding strategies build momentum and protect hard-won victories. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming ballot fights over reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, and voting access—and why this tool may be one of the most powerful defenses against authoritarianism at home and abroad. If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary citizens can reclaim democracy, this episode will inspire you with real stories of progress where you might least expect it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• The Human Cost of Failed Immigration Reform — A Conversation with Jessica Orozco Guttlein

  Decades of failed immigration reform and political half-measures have left millions of immigrants in the U.S. without a path to legal status. Instead, families are being torn apart by harsh deportation policies, asylum seekers are forced into the shadows, and U.S. citizen children live in daily fear of losing their parents. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Senior Vice President for Policy and Communications at the Hispanic Federation, about how we got here—and what it will take to repair the damage. We examine the legacy of the 1986 immigration reform, the repeated failure to pass the DREAM Act, and how policies like the Laken Riley Act deepen racial profiling and destabilize communities. Jessica also sheds light on the resilience of mixed-status families, the role of industries that quietly depend on immigrant labor, and why restoring due process must be central to any meaningful reform. Together, we consider how piecemeal solutions—like securing citizenship pathways for Dreamers—can begin to rebuild trust, reunite families, and prevent history from repeating itself. (00:00) Broken Immigration System and Political Stalemate Inadequate immigration policies and deportation destabilize families and communities, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform and recognition of immigrant contributions. (13:29) Challenges in US Asylum Policy The U.S. asylum system faces challenges due to policy changes, lack of resources, and removal of protections for immigrants. (24:31) Impact of Immigration Policies on Communities Immigrants in the US face fear and uncertainty due to increased enforcement policies, affecting sectors like hospitality and healthcare. (32:01) Restoring Due Process in Immigration The Laken Riley Act grants local police immigration authority, impacting mixed-status families and emphasizing the need for legislative action and due process restoration. (36:08) Immigration Backlog and Justice System The recent tax and spending bill highlights concerns about immigration enforcement priorities and the need for fair reforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Things Do Not Have to Be This Way: Dismantling American Patriarchy with Anna Malaika Tubbs

  Author and scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs joins The Electorette to discuss her powerful new book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us—a sweeping, incisive examination of how American patriarchy was built to exclude, erase, and control. In this conversation, Anna unpacks the nation’s gendered social order, from its origins in the Constitution to its modern-day consequences in law, politics, motherhood, and racial injustice. Drawing on personal experience, global perspective, and deep historical research, Anna explains how stories like that of Sacagawea—an Indigenous girl forced to guide the Lewis and Clark expedition—have been co-opted to prop up a false narrative of inclusion. She also traces how the legacy of patriarchal power lives on in institutions like the Supreme Court, and how it has shaped political identities and movements across generations. Anna Malaika Tubbs is a Cambridge Ph.D. candidate in Sociology and a Bill and Melinda Gates Cambridge Scholar. Erased is the follow-up to her debut The Three Mothers, and was an instant New York Times bestseller, a USA Today national bestseller, and named an Amazon Best Book of the Year (So Far) for 2025. This conversation explores what it means to be seen, to be heard, and to reclaim stories that were never told truthfully to begin with. Episode Chapters (00:00) American Patriarchy With Anna Malaika Tubbs American patriarchy, its impact on society, and reimagining narratives through personal and historical lenses. (12:31) Deconstructing American Patriarchy Through History Sacagawea's story is used to serve agendas, revealing erasure of matriarchal and non-binary identities and shared struggles of marginalized groups. (22:13) American Patriarchy and Women's Resistance Black women challenge American patriarchy, influenced by Supreme Court decisions, advocating for inclusive reproductive justice. (37:09) Black Feminist Motherhood and Reproductive Justice Black feminism, motherhood, and American patriarchy are discussed, with emphasis on accessible reproductive choices and dismantling societal norms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Are Governors The New Power Players in U.S. Politics? A Conversation with Ofirah Yheskel

  In this episode of The Electorette, I’m joined by Ofirah Yheskel, Director of External Affairs for the Democratic Governors Association, to unpack the growing national influence of Democratic governors—especially in the face of Republican extremism and Trump-aligned policymaking. We discuss two high-stakes gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, where Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill are stepping up to defend reproductive rights, protect access to healthcare, and push back against anti-democratic efforts like gerrymandering and Medicaid cuts. Their races aren't just local—they're national bellwethers for what’s ahead in the 2026 midterms. From canceled medical debt in Michigan to creative policy leadership in states like Arizona and Illinois, this conversation spotlights how Democratic governors are becoming the last line of defense—and the first line of progress. Whether you live in a battleground state or not, now is the time to pay attention. (00:00) The Role of Democratic Governors Democratic governors protect civil rights, reproductive rights, and healthcare against federal challenges, emphasizing the importance of electing Democratic governors in upcoming races. (08:11) Governor's Races Virginia and New Jersey's pivotal elections feature bipartisan candidates Spanberger and Sherrill, challenging extreme Republican policies on healthcare and reproductive rights. (16:28) Preparing for Critical Governor's Races Democratic governors shape national politics, DGA involvement, battleground states, open seats, supporting candidates, and staying informed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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