Leftist Teen Drama (Leftist Teen Drama)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Leftist Teen Drama
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Nov 2024 | #28 - Deaf Students ‘Occupy Carlton’ to Save Their School on ‘Switched at Birth’ in Homage to Historic Gallaudet Protests | 02:10:23 | |
Maria is joined by Kelly Diaz to discuss the epic student occupation plotline on SWITCHED AT BIRTH (2011-2017). When the safe sanctuary that is Carlton School for the Deaf is threatened with closure, deaf and hard of hearing students make a plan to fight back, inspired by the real-life Deaf President Now (DPN) protests at Gallaudet University in 1988. This plotline was a central part of Kelly’s dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television, and we break down all the elements of this protest movement, from in group/out group dynamics and the role of the media to messaging discipline and consensus building. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with SWITCHED AT BIRTH Seasons 1-2, but especially episodes 2x08, “Tightrope Walker,” 2x09, “Uprising,” and 2x10, “Introducing the Miracle,” streaming on Hulu. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College and an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 15 Dec 2024 | #32 - Simone Hicks, HBCU Athlete-Activist: Black Trauma, Resilience, and Protest on ‘All American: Homecoming’ | 02:03:43 | |
Maria is once again joined by childhood friend Dondré Taylor-Stewart to talk about the often-political ALL AMERICAN universe, and specifically the HBCU spin-off ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING (2022-2024). We trace Simone Hicks’ journey as an HBCU athlete-activist, as she emerges as a leader during two separate experiences of collective Black trauma: a bomb threat and a cop stop. We discuss the show’s depiction of Black joy, resilience, and protest in the aftermath of these traumatizing events, shaping Simone into an activist who eventually pursues a career in sports advocacy for athletes of color. We also discuss the show’s powerful centering of mental health and community, and Simone getting to have both her political activism and an endgame love story with Lando Johnson. For this episode, we recommend you first watch ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING Seasons 1-3, streaming on Netflix, but especially episodes 2x04 “We Shall Not Be Moved,” 2x05 “No More Drama,” 2x13 “Lose to Win,” 2x14 “Stand Up for Something,” and 3x02 “Level Up.” FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer in Los Angeles. His writing focuses on Black and queer characters finding themselves amid society's margins. By day, he works in environmental public policy; by night, he's busy crafting original pilots and DJ-ing. IG & TWITTER: oxtail_papi JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
| |||
| 19 Sep 2021 | #6 - Sisters Don’t Let Sisters Cross Picket Lines: the ‘Sister, Sister’ Strike Episode | 01:16:38 | |
Maria and her guest Liv Christian talk about the iconic strike episode on SISTER, SISTER (1994-1999). When the Food Boy workers go on strike, Terrence recruits Tamera—and later Tia—to work as scabs, much to staunch unionist Lisa’s dismay. But working a non-union job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Tia and Tamera end up receiving a crash course in unions before walking off the job themselves. In addition to frequently citing Labor Notes’ strike guide, we place this strike in the long history of militant unionism in Detroit. Other digressions include discussion of the Black Tiktok strike, the New Yorker strike issue, and our own experiences in the service industry. For this episode, we recommend you have familiarity with SISTER, SISTER and/or watch SISTER, SISTER Season 3, Episode 17 - ‘Paper or Plastic,’ streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead OLIVIA “LIV” CHRISTIAN (she/her; recurring guest) is a writer and freelance digital marketer living in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not writing screenplays or working on ways to help her clients shine, you can find her watching teen dramas and hanging on the couch with her cat Rumble. IG: yung.scorp twitter: _yungscorp MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:
| |||
| 05 Jun 2022 | #14 - Pullin’ a Kaepernick: Football Strikes for Racial Justice on ‘All American’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’ | 01:44:12 | |
We’re talking about SPORTS—and specifically, the long history of protest through sport as it’s depicted on two teen dramas. Maria and guest Dondré Taylor-Stewart dive into early 2000s football teen drama FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2006-2011) and its 2010s-20s counterpart ALL AMERICAN (2018-present) as both shows tackle football strikes for racial justice. We analyze the differences between a Black football player strike, led by Smash Williams, that takes place before Kaepernick ever took a knee, and the escalating collective action Spencer James and his Black teammates engage in, which is very much influenced by Kaepernick. There are also lots of parallels, including similar talks Smash Williams and Spencer James each have with their mothers about the weight of responsibility for your community vs. for your own personal growth. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 1x15 “Blinders” and 1x16 “Black Eyes and Broken Hearts,” streaming on Netflix and Hulu, and ALL AMERICAN 3x11 “The Bigger Picture” and 3x12 “Fight the Power,” streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him, recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer whose work often employs satire to examine the cultural crossroads of his identity. He splits his time in Los Angeles with a day job in environmental public policy, freelance writing gigs, and crafting original pilots. Ultimately, Dondré dreams of sustaining a highly collaborative career telling Black stories to help expand imaginations. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 19 Jun 2022 | #16 - Immigrant Communities, Gunshots, and PTSD: ‘On My Block’ Tackled The Everyday Reality of Growing Up with Gun Violence | 02:02:32 | |
In the fictional neighborhood of Freeridge, Los Angeles, four Black and Brown kids get to solve a mystery in the midst of their largely immigrant community rife with gun violence and poverty. Maria and her guest Xiomara Loarte discuss all four seasons of ON MY BLOCK (2018-2021), which doesn’t shy away from showing all the everyday realities of growing up with gun violence, from Ruby’s PTSD to the immigration system and prison industrial complex to the teens’ game guessing the caliber of gun shots that ring out in their neighborhood. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with ON MY BLOCK Seasons 1-4, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead XIOMARA LOARTE (she/her/ella; guest) is a NYC/NJ regular, Master's student at CUNY SLU, and a first time parent who is working towards becoming a seasoned labor organizer. In between being in the good fight she's bumping Salsa, Bad Bunny, or indulging in something fucking delicious. Bad at social media but pretty decent socially, IG: Totalmentexio Twitter: xiomaraloarte CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 31 Dec 2023 | #26 - …And That’s a Wrap On Eric Effiong’s Groundbreaking Black Queer Teen Journey on ‘Sex Education’ | 01:53:37 | |
It’s the end of an era, as Maria is joined by Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Abir Mohammad for a finale of epic proportions: not just the Leftist Teen Drama Season 3 finale, but our third and final episode about the Black queer teen journey of Eric Effiong on SEX EDUCATION (2019-2023). Season 4 wraps Eric’s arc up in a way that generally satisfies us all. We break down how Eric sought to bridge his queer and religious communities, and in the process, found his true purpose in life: to become a pastor. We also discuss the iconic Eric and Otis friendship, which gets rightfully put to the test this season, and what Eric Effiong’s legacy will be in teen drama history now that we’ve said goodbye to such a groundbreaking character. For this episode, we recommend you first listen to episodes #1 and #17 of Leftist Teen Drama and watch or have familiarity with SEX EDUCATION Seasons 1-4, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer in Los Angeles. His writing focuses on Black and queer characters finding themselves amid society's margins. By day, he works in environmental public policy; by night, he's busy crafting original pilots and DJ-ing. IG & TWITTER: oxtail_papi ABIR MOHAMMAD (he/him; recurring guest) is a London-based Writer and Casting Assistant with a passion for YA media. He likes to write about the specific experiences surrounding the queer, brown, Muslim and working class communities that he grew up in, and can talk your ear off about the casting of any TV show you can think of. Follow Abir on Twitter @abirmohxmmad or Instagram @abirmohammad. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 29 Aug 2021 | #3 - Between Two Worlds: Navigating Black/white Spaces on ‘Moesha’ and ‘All American’ | 01:47:25 | |
In the third episode, Maria and guests Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Liv Christian discuss beloved teen drama characters Moesha Mitchell from MOESHA (1996-2001) and Spencer James from ALL AMERICAN (2018-present). These two Crenshaw-based main characters are plunged into richer, whiter spaces when they transfer to different schools. As a result, they have similar arcs set twenty years apart, as they’re pulled between two worlds and try to merge their friend groups even though they’re very socioeconomically different, all against the backdrop of gentrification. As always, we pull from our own high school experiences as we talk about everything from academic racism to microaggressions to dealing with the police. Plus: we say “that’s so 90s” about a million times and reminisce about the “free on iTunes era.” For this episode, we recommend you watch or have familiarity with MOESHA Season 3 and ALL AMERICAN Seasons 1, 2, and 3, both streaming on Netflix CW: a scene that depicts Black teenagers interacting with racist cops is discussed/featured FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a television writer in Los Angeles where he splits his time between writing, adult content creation and obsessively listening to R&B deep cuts like it's 1996. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta OLIVIA “LIV” CHRISTIAN (she/her; recurring guest) is a writer and freelance digital marketer living in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not writing screenplays or working on ways to help her client’s shine, you can find her watching teen dramas and hanging on the couch with her cat Rumble. IG: yung.scorp twitter: _yungscorp MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: ‘Moesha’ Creators Changed The Setting In Season 3 To Attract White Advertisers by Brenda Alexander for CheatSheet _ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: | |||
| 15 Aug 2021 | #1 - ‘He’s Our Wildest Dream’ - Eric Effiong’s Groundbreaking Black Queer Journey on ‘Sex Education’ (So Far) | 01:23:31 | |
In the premiere episode, we talk about the brilliance of the unapologetic Black queer character, Eric Effiong, on SEX EDUCATION (2019-present.) As will become tradition for the pod, Maria and her guests Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Liv Christian discuss our relationships to each other (including how Maria and Dondré became best friends on MySpace, true story) and our relationships to SEX EDUCATION. We then delve into Eric’s journey with his sexuality, gender presentation, religion, friendships, and relationships in the first two seasons of the show. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with SEX EDUCATION Seasons 1 and 2, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a television writer in Los Angeles where he splits his time between writing, adult content creation and obsessively listening to R&B deep cuts like it's 1996. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta OLIVIA “LIV” CHRISTIAN (she/her; recurring guest) is a writer and freelance digital marketer living in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not writing screenplays or working on ways to help her clients shine, you can find her watching teen dramas and hanging on the couch with her cat Rumble. IG: yung.scorp twitter: _yungscorp MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. | |||
| 19 Jan 2025 | SPECIAL EP: Leftist Teen Drama In Conversation with Colette Shade | 01:45:51 | |
In our second Special Episode of Leftist Teen Drama featuring a writer talking about her related body of work, Maria welcomes Colette Shade to the podcast to discuss her brilliant book of essays, Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything (Essays on the Future That Never Was), just released on January 7, 2025. We deep dive into Colette’s essay collection, chatting about all things Y2K pop culture and leftist politics, including Colette’s affinity for DAWSON’S CREEK (1998-2003) and the fact that Y2K activists like Emma Nelson on DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION (2002-2015) were seen as “annoying.” TW: discussion of eating disorders from ~48:00ish - ~56:00 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. COLETTE SHADE (she/her, guest)’s writing has appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, Teen Vogue, Interview Magazine, The Baffler, and Gawker. Y2K: How the 2000's Became Everything (Essays on the Future That Never Was) is her debut collection of essays, out now from Dey Street, an imprint of HarperCollins. Social media: @msshade on Instagram and Twitter; @coletteshade on Bluesky JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. Logo art by Maddy Wiryo Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:
| |||
| 19 Nov 2023 | #20 - Accidents Will Still Happen: On Abortion Access in a Post-Roe World featuring ‘Degrassi’ and ‘Sex Education’ | 01:25:58 | |
Two non-American teen dramas dare to go where most American teen dramas refuse to: letting their teen characters choose to have abortions with no guilt or regret afterwards. In this episode of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria and guests Rosalie Murray and Kelly Gilbert analyze and compare the depiction of abortion care on DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION (2001-2015) through the eyes of Manny Santos and SEX EDUCATION (2019-2023) from the perspective of Maeve Wiley. We position our conversation about these two episodes in the post-Roe v. Wade world we all now live in as Americans, emphasizing how important the right to abortion access for all and the right to parent with dignity really are. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION 3x14 and 3x15 “Accidents Will Happen” and SEX EDUCATION 1x03 “Episode 3,” streaming on HBO Max and Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY GILBERT (she/her; recurring guest) is a student (phd in Twilight), sometimes activist, teen drama aficionado in Brooklyn! Find her IRL every night drinking her sorrows away at Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffet Experience! ROSALIE MURRAY (she/her; recurring guest) is an elementary school social worker/human living in Queens, NY. Besides spending time with her cat, Louise, she loves to cook tasty ass vegan food with friends, karaoke-ing or starting another unfinished crochet project. She also loves to watch endless youtube videos, reality television and, of course, Degrassi. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
RESOURCES/PLACES TO PLUG INTO ORGANIZING:
| |||
| 10 Dec 2023 | #23 - Exploring Indigenous Representation, Ownership, and Authenticity on ‘The Wilds’ and ‘Reservation Dogs’ with the Hosts of ‘Out In The Wilds’ | 02:43:03 | |
It’s a CROSSOVER EPISODE! Maria is joined by Aly and Rachel, the brilliant hosts of the Out in The Wilds podcast, for a wide-ranging discussion on Indigenous representation, ownership, and authenticity on both THE WILDS (2020-2022) and RESERVATION DOGS (2021-2023). At their core, both these shows are about solidarity and the power of community. We discuss everything from Indigenous ways of storytelling and authentic representations of rez life to the Landback movement and how land acknowledgments have been co-opted in many “progressive” settings. Placing these revolutionary shows within the largely non-Indigenous TV landscape, we analyze and celebrate all the spirit guides, subtle cultural references, and sassy quips about colonizers. More please. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with THE WILDS Seasons 1-2, streaming on Prime Video, and RESERVATION DOGS Seasons 1-3, streaming on Hulu. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. ALY (she/her; guest) and RACHEL (she/they; guest) are married-to-each-other lesbians who cohosted a podcast about The Wilds, which often explored the show's Indigenous and queer themes (Out in the Wilds). They both love coming-of-age dramas and talking (maybe too much) about rich characters. Aly is an Indigenous woman, youth worker, and avid reader who loves to shout about representation. Rachel is a white settler woman who spends their spare time drinking coffee and counting down the days until softball season. You can connect with them @thewildspodcast on twitter or @outinthewildspodcast on instagram. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 07 Apr 2024 | MOVIE SPECIAL: 'Enola Holmes 2' | 01:51:54 | |
Welcome to our new series of special episodes covering political moments in teen movies! Maria is joined by friends and comrades Nicki Morris and Emma Rose to break down the political mysteries of the ENOLA HOLMES (2020) movie series on Netflix, but especially the workers’ rights plotline in ENOLA HOLMES 2 (2022), based on the real-life 1888 matchworkers’ strike in London led by women and girls. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with ENOLA HOLMES and ENOLA HOLMES 2, both streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter, letterboxd: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a labor communications strategist at a unionized shop! She loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching all good crime shows: The Wire, The Sopranos, Warrior, Law & Order, Arrested Development. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
| |||
| 22 Aug 2021 | #2 - Brooke Davis, Labor Organizer: That Time Our Early Aughts Fave Organized Her Workplace on ‘One Tree Hill’ | 00:52:30 | |
Brooke Davis once organized her workplace for better working conditions. Yes, that Brooke Davis, from ONE TREE HILL (2003-2012), the show that ran for so many seasons, it started on the WB and ended on the CW. Join Maria and her fellow unionists/friends Nicki and Emma as we take you through one of Maria’s favorite teen drama plotlines of all time—and talk about how to organize a union in your own workplace. Plus: Maria’s thesis that Brooke’s organizing experience was foundational to her character, as she later gives up her company and personal fortune to ensure she can repay all her investors. For this episode, we recommend you have familiarity with ONE TREE HILL and/or watch ONE TREE HILL Season 2, Episode 12: Between Order and Randomness, streaming on Hulu CW: sexual assault and abuse by the One Tree Hill showrunner is briefly discussed at the top of the episode FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a union staffer who loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching criminal syndicate shows in all forms: The Wire, Claws, Good Girls, Killing Eve. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: Variety, ‘One Tree Hill’ Cast, Crew Detail Assault, Harassment Claims Against Mark Schwahn (EXCLUSIVE) by Daniel Holloway CNBC, How the coronavirus pandemic may be causing support of labor unions to rise by Abigail Johnson Hess Employer Relations, The Rise of Millennials and their Potential Support for Labor Unions by Ashley Laken, Esq. Axios, Record number of journalists unionize during COVID pandemic by Sara Fischer Labor Notes’ Secrets of a Successful Organizer guide Detroit Metro-Times, Thinking of unionizing your workplace? Here are tips from UNITE HERE’s Nia Winston. by Lee DeVito PRO Act information cited from https://passtheproact.org! See also the Working People podcast episode on the PRO Act. _ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:
| |||
| 24 Nov 2024 | #29 - Burning the Jeans: Aimee Gibbs Finds Artistic and Sexual Healing in ‘Sex Education’ Season 4 | 01:51:49 | |
Maria is once again joined by Nicki Morris and Kelly Gilbert to dissect the conclusion of Aimee Gibbs’ arc on SEX EDUCATION (2019-2023). In Season 4, Aimee pursues art to process her trauma and ends up finding herself through darkroom photography – and producing deeply political art about the patriarchal violence she experienced in the process. We break down Aimee’s parallel artistic and sexual healing journeys, from rating vibrators in her diary with a pink pom-pom pen (iconic) to working her way back to getting intimate with a partner again in the wake of her assault. For this episode, we recommend you first listen to episode #13 of Leftist Teen Drama and watch SEX EDUCATION Seasons 1-4, but especially Season 4, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a labor communications strategist at a unionized shop! She loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching all good crime shows: The Wire, The Sopranos, Killing Eve, Law & Order, Arrested Development. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. KELLY GILBERT (she/her; recurring guest) is a student (phd in Twilight), sometimes activist, teen drama aficionado in Brooklyn! Find her IRL every night drinking her sorrows away at Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffet Experience! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: | |||
| 24 Apr 2022 | Introducing: Leftist Teen Drama Season 2 | 00:02:49 | |
Season 2 is coming, y’all! Starting May 1, 2022, we will be airing new episodes of Leftist Teen Drama on Sundays for a 10-episode second season. We’re back covering everything from Paris Geller’s Marxist awakening on GILMORE GIRLS to Emma Nelson’s activism on DEGRASSI to the iconic “we’re all getting the bus” moment on SEX EDUCATION. From high school football strikes to Summer Roberts’ environmental activism and Joey Potter leading a student protest movement, you don’t want to miss all the political teen drama content we’ve got coming your way. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. | |||
| 05 Nov 2023 | Introducing: Leftist Teen Drama Season 3 | 00:02:23 | |
Leftist Teen Drama is back! Still in the midst of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, we ground Season 3 in the very real labor struggle behind the teen dramas we love to watch and analyze. Then, we dive into our usual political teen drama fare, covering everything from abortion access and indigenous representation to prison abolition and a sit-in or two for good measure. Enjoy this little teaser of Season 3, premiering on Sundays starting on November 12, 2023 through the end of the year. Solidarity forever! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. | |||
| 29 May 2022 | #13 - ‘We’re All Getting the Bus’ - a Gorgeous Depiction of An Assault Survivor’s Healing on ‘Sex Education’ | 01:45:51 | |
You’ve seen it on Instagram. It made you smile, it made you cry: the moment the other girls show up to help Aimee Gibbs from SEX EDUCATION (2019-present) get on the bus where she was assaulted. But the reason Maria, along with guests Kelly Gilbert and Nicki Morris, analyze this stunning plotline, is because Aimee’s healing journey doesn’t stop there, and instead continues into season 3. From the moment when Aimee’s assaulted while on the bus to school until her most recent therapy session with Dr. Jean Milburn, Maria and her guests follow Aimee on her gorgeously depicted, nonlinear healing journey (so far). We also touch on the title IX activism we all took part in as college students, and the larger movement against campus sexual assault. CW: sexual assault For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with SEX EDUCATION, but especially seasons 2-3, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead KELLY GILBERT (she/her; recurring guest) is a medical worker and union/teen drama stan living in Brooklyn. Follow her @baeblade5 on insta and @yungworker69 for sporadic, unhinged tweets! NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a labor communications strategist at a unionized shop! She loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching all good crime shows: The Wire, Claws, Good Girls, Killing Eve, Arrested Development. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 01 Dec 2024 | #30 - ‘Let’s Be A Revolution’ - Queer Love and Class War on ‘Young Royals’ | 02:25:23 | |
Maria is joined by Kelly Diaz and Taylor Garland to discuss the inherently political Swedish teen drama YOUNG ROYALS (2021-2024). We trace the star-crossed romance between Crown Prince Wilhelm and the working-class, socialist student Simon Eriksson as their relationship brings out class tensions and questions about the legitimacy of the monarchy. We also analyze our strangest sit-in plotline yet when, inspired by the very people they mock, the privileged students of Hillerska stage a “sit-in strike” to protest repressive new school rules brought on by legitimate student misconduct. Finally, we make sure to touch on the racial politics explored through Felice’s character and the comparatively non-threatening queerness of rich kids like Nils, Stella, and Frederika. TW: eating disorder discussion from ~1:39:44 - ~1:41:37 For this episode, we recommend you first watch YOUNG ROYALS Seasons 1-3, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College and an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! TAYLOR GARLAND (she/her; guest) is a DC-based union communicator who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between flying obscene amounts for work and play, binging procedural TV dramas, and attempting and failing to reach her yearly reading challenge. Follow Taylor on Twitter @atgarland. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
| |||
| 12 Nov 2023 | #19 - Teen Dramas Would Suck Without Union Members: On The 2007-08 WGA Strike and The 2023 WGA/SAG-AFTRA Strike | 02:15:52 | |
In the Leftist Teen Drama season 3 premiere, we dive into the very real labor struggles behind the teen dramas we love to watch and dissect. From both a worker and fan perspective, we dive into the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America (WGA) Strike, the 2023 WGA Strike, and the 2023 Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Strike, as well as the various effects these strikes had on teen dramas past and present. In our first segment, Maria talks to 2023 WGA Negotiating Committee member Erica Saleh about the 2023 Writers Strike and all the exciting things the TV and film writers won in their historic contract after 148 days on strike. Erica is a teen drama showrunner and TV writer most recently known for ONE OF US IS LYING (2021-2022), as well as WGAE Vice President of Film/TV/Streaming. Then, in our second segment, Maria pivots into a conversation with David Carliner (LA-based writers’ assistant/script coordinator/pre-WGA member) and fellow fan Laura Marino to talk about all three strikes: the demands, the wins, and the effects on teen dramas, from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2006-2011), GOSSIP GIRL (2007-2012), and ONE TREE HILL (2003-2012) to ALL AMERICAN (2018-present), THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY (2022-present), and OUTER BANKS (2020-present). FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. ERICA SALEH (she/her, guest) is a TV writer and playwright who has been a member of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) since 2015. Most recently she was the creator and showrunner of the murder mystery One of Us is Lying for Peacock. Prior credits include Evil, Instinct, Wisdom of the Crowd, and Channel Zero. She was a member of both the 2020 and 2023 WGA negotiating committees, and in 2023 was elected Vice President of Film/TV/Streaming of the WGAE. DAVID CARLINER (he/him; guest) lives in LA, works in TV, and can't think of a third thing but feels the need to put something, so here we are. You can find his newsletter Hi! Hi Again! on Substack. LAURA MARINO (she/her; recurring guest) works in advertising by day and watches, reads, and talks too much about television by night. She has enjoyed yelling about television with Maria for well over a decade, and credits Television Without Pity (RIP) as the first forum to shape her love of deep character and plot analysis. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT FUNDS: | |||
| 15 May 2022 | #11 - Karl Marx Comes Alive For Paris Geller (and Other Political ‘Gilmore Girls’ Moments) | 01:32:37 | |
You know we had to do it: it’s time for Marxist Paris Geller! In this season 6 episode of GILMORE GIRLS (2000-2007), rich girl Paris Geller is forced to work a catering job and finally connects with Marxist theory. Hilarity ensues. Maria is joined by her childhood friends and fellow GILMORE GIRLS superfans Laura Marino and Jessica Hajdukiewicz to discuss this iconic moment. But before we get to the main event of Paris discovering Marx, we touch on Rory and Paris’s short-lived activism to free the Burmese prisoners, Rory’s political journalism in the Yale Daily News through the years, and the time that actual Yale labor history was depicted in the background of the show. We also dissect the weird and complicated class dynamics present in GILMORE GIRLS as a whole, from Lorelai’s background as a working class maid to Emily Gilmore being one of the worst bosses on television. (Of course we also talk some shit about the revival and ASP’s blatant anti-fat nonsense.) For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with GILMORE GIRLS Seasons 1-6 but especially GILMORE GIRLS 6x05, “We’ve Got Magic to Do,” streaming on Netflix. Bonus points/god bless you if you’ve seen season 7 and GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE, also streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead JESSICA HAJDUKIEWICZ (she/her; guest) is a law student in New Jersey pursuing labor and employment law. She doesn't watch (tooooo) much tv, but when she does she almost always gravitates to her comfort shows including Gilmore Girls! LAURA MARINO (she/her; guest) works in advertising by day and watches, reads, and talks too much about television by night. She has enjoyed yelling about television with Maria for well over a decade, and credits Television Without Pity (RIP) as the first forum to shape her love of deep character and plot analysis. CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:
As promised, places to plug into anti-capitalist organizing: | |||
| 10 Nov 2024 | #27 - ‘Everything Now’ Tackles Anorexia and Abortion Through a Black Queer Lens | 01:30:09 | |
TW: detailed discussion of anorexia and eating disorder recovery throughout the episode; depiction of a panic attack at ~1:04:00-~1:05:30 In the Leftist Teen Drama Season 4 premiere, we dive into two “the personal is political” plotlines on EVERYTHING NOW (2023). In this short-lived British teen drama, we get introduced to two wonderfully different Black teenage girl characters with a gorgeous best friendship. Maria is joined by childhood friends Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Adrienne Bennett to break down both the carefully-depicted, nonlinear recovery journey of anorexic teenager Mia Polanco and a powerful abortion plotline featuring Becca Lloyd. We also break down all the queer politics and all the mess that happens in between. For this episode, we recommend you first watch EVERYTHING NOW Season 1, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer in Los Angeles. His writing focuses on Black and queer characters finding themselves amid society's margins. By day, he works in environmental public policy; by night, he's busy crafting original pilots and DJ-ing. IG & TWITTER: oxtail_papi ADRIENNE BENNETT (she/they; guest) is an Afro-Caribbean visual artist and cultural worker based in New York City. She is passionate about supporting contemporary artists of color. In her practice, she works with cyanotype printmaking, drawing, glass bead making, and ultralight websites. She sells cyanotype printed clothing made with her drawings and graphics; follow her on Instagram @yung.learnt and TikTok @yung.learnt. adriennebennett.xyz JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 17 Dec 2023 | #24 - ‘We’ll Stay Here Until We Get That Pill’: The ‘Felicity’ Sit-In Episode | 02:10:39 | |
TW: discussion of rape Maria welcomes Kelly Diaz back to the podcast to cover one of the plotlines featured in Kelly's dissertation about youth activism on television. In the second season of FELICITY (1999-2002), a student named Leila comes to the health center where Felicity Porter volunteers looking for Plan B. Felicity is dismayed to find out that the Board of Trustees recently created a policy forbidding the student health center from administering post-coital contraception. Felicity’s outrage over this injustice leads to her launching a two-day sit-in, with the help of Leila and her other friends, as they call on the administration to reverse their policy. We discuss everything from parental consequences and arrestable actions to the timeless nature of the plotline and the pivotal role that Felicity’s friend Julie, who had obtained Plan B from the health center after her rape, plays in bringing an end to the successful sit-in. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with FELICITY, but especially Season 2, Episode 16, “Revolutions,” streaming on Hulu. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College and an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
| |||
| 05 Sep 2021 | #4 - Dawn Schafer Calls For a General Strike, or: Why We’re Obsessed with ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ | 01:07:41 | |
Come along with Maria and her guests Nicki, Emma, and Kelly: we’re going to Camp Moosehead with THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB (2020-present)! When Dawn Schafer and Claudia Kishi discover that only campers who can afford to pay a steep t-shirt fee are allowed to tie-dye, they set out to create an inclusive art class. Their attempts at making things right set off a revolution that includes civil disobedience, political prisoners, a Les Mis-esque barricade, and a campwide general strike. Digressions include anecdotes about camp recycling activism, cliquey Girl Scout troops, and the time Kelly’s campers protested her. We also briefly discuss other highlights from Season 1 of THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB. For this episode, we recommend you watch THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB, Season 1, Episodes 9 and 10, ‘Hello, Camp Moosehead!’ Part 1 and 2, streaming on Netflix FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a union staffer who loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching criminal syndicate shows in all forms: The Wire, Claws, Good Girls, Killing Eve. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) KELLY GILBERT (she/her; guest) is a medical worker and union/teen drama stan living in Brooklyn. Follow her @baeblade5 on insta and @yungworker69 for sporadic, unhinged tweets! MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: Babysitters Club is a union tweet _ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Labor Notes’ Secrets of a Successful Organizer guide The Baby-sitters Club book series, of course, if you never read them like all our guests! | |||
| 26 Nov 2023 | #21 - The Strike Wave Hits Essex College on ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ | 01:50:53 | |
Maria is joined by three friends who are all previous or current staff of UNITE HERE, the union that the Essex Food Service Workers would undoubtedly be affiliated with in real life—Nicki Morris, Diana Hussein, and Paola Rodelas. The four of us break down the SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS (2021-present) strike episode, celebrating Kimberly and Canaan getting involved in their union but also setting the record straight on the series of inaccuracies about strikes. In addition to talking about many current UNITE HERE campaigns that parallel the Essex College workers’ struggle, Maria and Nicki talk about the campaign on which they both became friends and got their start in the labor movement—the Emerson College food service workers organizing drive! For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, but especially THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS Season 2, Episode 7, “The Essex College Food Workers Strike,” streaming on HBO Max. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a labor communications strategist at a unionized shop! She loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching all good crime shows: The Wire, The Sopranos, Killing Eve, Law & Order, Arrested Development. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. DIANA HUSSEIN (she/her; guest) has done Communications with the hospitality workers’ Union for over 8 years. As a kid, Diana collected 1980s teen romance novels at garage sales and flea markets with her mom. This obsession later translated into a love for TV shows of that genre. From the days of My So-Called Life and Daria, to The O.C. and Gossip Girl, she still holds a passion for young adult storylines today — especially when they feature working-class narratives. PAOLA RODELAS (she/her; guest) has worked in the labor movement for 10 years. Aside from worker-led movement building, she enjoys crafting, astrology, lifting, reality dating shows, and living in New York City with her cat and her partner. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ RESOURCES/PLACES TO PLUG INTO ORGANIZING:
| |||
| 08 Dec 2024 | #31 - Angela Chase and Rickie Vasquez, 30 Years Later: The Politics of ‘My So-Called Life’ | 02:28:46 | |
“My So-Called Life was the OG Leftist Teen Drama,” Diana declares. Both MY SO-CALLED LIFE (1994-1995) and Maria turned 30 this year! Diana Hussein again joins the podcast to break down all the politics of this groundbreaking yet short-lived teen drama. We discuss everything from a pre-Columbine gun violence (B) plot to the political awakening of Angela Chase and the raw and groundbreaking depiction of an unhoused queer teenager of color in Rickie Vasquez, famously the first out gay character to be played by an out gay actor on network TV. Arguably none of the shows we’ve discussed on Leftist Teen Drama would’ve existed if not for Winnie Holzman, Claire Danes, Wilson Cruz, and all the other amazing creatives who brought this world to life – and so we’re honored to finally pay proper tribute to My So-Called Life in all its political brilliance. For this episode, we recommend you first watch MY SO-CALLED LIFE Season 1, streaming on Hulu, but especially 1x03 “Guns and Gossip,” 1x06 “The Substitute,” 1x15 “So-Called Angels,” 1x16 “Resolutions,” and 1x19 “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities.” FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. DIANA HUSSEIN (she/her; recurring guest) has done Communications in the labor movement for nearly a decade. As a kid, Diana collected 1980s teen romance novels at garage sales and flea markets with her mom. This obsession later translated into a love for TV shows of that genre. From the days of My So-Called Life and Daria, to The O.C. and Gossip Girl, she still holds a passion for young adult storylines today — especially when they feature working-class narratives. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
| |||
| 01 May 2022 | #9 - Joey Potter Against the System: the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Protest Episode | 01:35:15 | |
In the season 2 premiere, we take it all the way back to the year 2000 to discuss iconic teen drama DAWSON’S CREEK (1998-2003), as Maria and her guest Emma dive into the time that Joey Potter briefly led a student protest movement in Capeside. When a horde of racist white parents attempt to get the new Black principal fired, Joey leads the students in coming to Principal Green’s defense through a series of direct actions that involve 2000s-era flyers, a speak-out, and a picket outside the superintendent’s office. Maria and Emma also talk about how the angry white mob parallels the anti-CRT/anti-mask/anti-vax panics of today, and call on any millennial leftist parents to get involved on their local school boards! For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with DAWSON’S CREEK 3x15 “Crime and Punishment” and 3x16 “To Green, With Love,” streaming on Netflix and HBO Max. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:
| |||
| 03 Nov 2024 | Introducing: Leftist Teen Drama Season 4 | 00:02:41 | |
We are so back. Our 2024 season includes a lot of discourse about class conflict, abundant “the personal is political” moments, and of course, two different civil disobedience plotlines (though one is truly our weirdest sit-in plotline yet!) Check out a little teaser of Leftist Teen Drama Season 4, premiering on Sundays, starting on November 10, 2024 through the end of the year. XOXO, Free Palestine FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with.
| |||
| 03 Oct 2021 | #8 - Anticipating the Post-Capitalist Apocalypse with ‘The Wilds,’ ‘The Society,’ and ‘Daybreak’ | 01:47:37 | |
In the season 1 finale of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria is joined by Emma and Dondré as we discuss the recent emergence of post-apocalyptic teen dramas like THE WILDS (2020-present), THE SOCIETY (2019), and DAYBREAK (2019). We talk about everything from the Gen Z/millennial climate anxiety present in all three scenarios to the way these shows answer the questions, “how will we survive? Where will we get food from, or shelter?” We also discuss the huge parallels between THE WILDS and reality shows, particularly controversial teen reality show KID NATION (2007). Although these scenarios speak to apocalyptic climate anxiety, we find nuggets of hope in the ways the teens join together to help everyone survive; the queer love that thrives in all three shows; and the fact that here, in the present, we have the ability to organize for a Green New Deal and avert the apocalypse. For this episode, we recommend you first watch and/or have general familiarity with THE WILDS Season 1, streaming on Prime Video; THE SOCIETY Season 1, streaming on Netflix; and DAYBREAK Season 1, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him; recurring guest) is a television writer in Los Angeles where he splits his time between writing, adult content creation and obsessively listening to R&B deep cuts like it's 1996. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING:
| |||
| 06 Aug 2021 | Introducing: Leftist Teen Drama | 00:02:11 | |
A new podcast celebrating political moments on TV teen dramas, hosted by unionist/teen drama enthusiast Maria DiPasquale. Produced by Jeff McHale, with art by Maddy Wiryo. Season 1 premieres August 15, 2021. Solidarity forever! | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com | |||
| 29 Dec 2024 | #34 - Dan Humphrey, Vanessa Abrams, and A Bunch of ‘Overprivileged, Underparented Trust Fund Brats’ (Analyzing Class Dynamics on ‘Gossip Girl’) | 02:45:10 | |
In the Leftist Teen Drama Season 4 finale, Maria is joined by Laura Marino and strideofpride to dissect the class dynamics on a longtime listener-requested show: the iconic teen drama GOSSIP GIRL (2007-2012)! Approaching this episode from our usual leftist lens, we mainly zero in on the “working-class” characters who are thrust into the owning-class world of the Upper East Side: Dan Humphrey, Vanessa Abrams, and Jenny Humphrey. Since Maria and Laura were OG Gossip Girl book readers, we discuss the differences between book and TV to ground us. Then, we dive into the six seasons of the hit CW teen drama, breaking down everything from the way Dan and Vanessa are corrupted by the system and the erasure of Vanessa’s biracial identity to messy arcs featuring working-class characters Juliet and Ivy and the Dorota of it all. Finally, S explains why the Dan-as-Gossip-Girl reveal isn’t considered canon to most of the Gossip Girl fandom. TW: discussion of sexual assault, attempted rape, statutory rape For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with GOSSIP GIRL Seasons 1-6, streaming on Netflix and Max, but especially 1x03 “Poison Ivy,” 1x10 “Hi, Society,” 1x12 “School Lies,” 2x07 “Chuck in Real Life,” 2x19 “The Grandfather,” 2x21 “Seder Anything,” 3x01 “Reversals of Fortune,” 3x06 “Enough about Eve,” 4x09 “The Witches of Bushwick,” 4x11 “The Townie,” and 5x02 “Beauty and the Feast.” FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. LAURA MARINO (she/her; recurring guest) works in advertising by day and watches, reads, and talks too much about television by night. She has enjoyed yelling about television with Maria for well over a decade, and credits Television Without Pity (RIP) as the first forum to shape her love of deep character and plot analysis. STRIDEOFPRIDE or "S" (she/her; guest) is an anonymous blogger who has spent way too much time thinking about the CW's Gossip Girl. You can find her on Tumblr under the name @strideofpride of course, where she mainly blogs about TV, movies, and Marxism. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
| |||
| 22 Dec 2024 | #33 - The Secret Life of British Teenagers in the South Asian Diaspora, According to ‘Some Girls,’ ‘Ackley Bridge,’ ‘Sex Education,’ and ‘Waterloo Road’ | 02:57:26 | |
Maria is joined by Abir Mohammad to break down powerful depictions of British teenagers in the South Asian diaspora on SOME GIRLS (2012-2014), ACKLEY BRIDGE (2017-2022), SEX EDUCATION (2019-2023), and WATERLOO ROAD (2023-present.) This episode is jam packed with South Asian teen characters living in all their complexity – as sexual beings, as Muslims, as hijabis, as queer teens, as protest leaders. We celebrate beloved characters like Saz Kaur, Nasreen Paracha, Naveed Haider, Olivia Hanan, Anwar Bakshi, and Samia Choudhry, while also talking about the ways South Asian representation can continue to be improved in teen dramas. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with SOME GIRLS, streaming on BBC iPlayer, Tubi, and The Roku Channel; ACKLEY BRIDGE, streaming on The Roku Channel and Channel 4 or for purchase on YouTube; SEX EDUCATION, streaming on Netflix; and WATERLOO ROAD, streaming on BBC iPlayer. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. ABIR MOHAMMAD (he/him; recurring guest) is a London-based Writer and Casting Assistant with a passion for YA media. He likes to write about the specific experiences surrounding the queer, brown, Muslim and working class communities that he grew up in, and can talk your ear off about the casting of any TV show you can think of. Follow Abir on Twitter @abirmohxmmad or Instagram @abirmohammad. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ INFO ABOUT ABIR’S PLAY:
| |||
| 26 Jun 2022 | #17 - Eric Effiong’s Black Queer Journey Continues in ‘Sex Education’ Season 3 | 01:39:28 | |
“How do you feel?” “Like I’ve come home.” In a follow-up to Leftist Teen Drama’s first-ever podcast episode, Maria and guest Dondré Taylor-Stewart trace the season 3 journey of Eric Effiong on SEX EDUCATION (2019-present.) Maria and Dondré discuss the life-changing experience Eric has during his visit to Nigeria, with his season bookended by a turbulent relationship with Adam. From the various mechanics of gay male sex to the nuances of being LGBTQIA+ in Nigeria, Maria and Dondré discuss all the groundbreaking material the SEX EDUCATION writers continue to give Eric Effiong, a truly revolutionary character. For this episode, we recommend you first listen to episode #1 of Leftist Teen Drama, as well as watch or have familiarity with SEX EDUCATION Season 3, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him, recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer whose work often employs satire to examine the cultural crossroads of his identity. He splits his time in Los Angeles with a day job in environmental public policy, freelance writing gigs, and crafting original pilots. Ultimately, Dondré dreams of sustaining a highly collaborative career telling Black stories to help expand imaginations. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. | |||
| 08 May 2022 | #10 - How ‘Ginny & Georgia,’ ‘PEN15,’ and ‘All American’ Represent the Mixed Race Experience | 01:48:07 | |
Guest Liv starts us off by singing the anthem for this episode: “she’s biracial…she’s a biracial girl…” Maria, with the help of Liv and her mixed-race perspective, trace the journeys of three mixed-race characters: Ginny Miller from GINNY & GEORGIA (2021-present) Maya Ishii-Peters from PEN15 (2019-2021), and Olivia Baker from ALL AMERICAN (2018–present). From talking back to racist AP English teachers to embracing Black identity through activism to moment(s) we dub the Scary Spice Effect, these three recent teen dramas tackle all sides of growing up mixed-race in our racist ass society—and the nuances of feeling constantly caught between two cultures. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with GINNY & GEORGIA Season 1, streaming on Netflix; PEN15 Seasons 1-2, streaming on Hulu; and ALL AMERICAN Seasons 1-4, streaming on Netflix and the CW. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead OLIVIA “LIV” CHRISTIAN (she/her; recurring guest) is a writer and freelance digital marketer living in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not writing screenplays or working on ways to help her clients shine, you can find her watching teen dramas and hanging on the couch with her cat Rumble. IG: yung.scorp twitter: _yungscorp CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. | |||
| 24 Dec 2023 | #25 - ‘This is a Protest’: SLTs Occupy the Admin Building on ‘Heartbreak High’ | 01:46:03 | |
Maria is joined by Abir Mohammad and Kelly Diaz to discuss some truly one-of-a-kind teenage civil disobedience that was featured in Kelly’s dissertation on youth activism on television. On HEARTBREAK HIGH (2022-present), when a favorite teacher resigns after false allegations are made about her, Amerie Wadia decides she has to lead a protest and bring Ms. Obah back. With the help of veteran activist Sasha and her other friends, Amerie and all the students of Ms. Obah’s SLTs class occupy the admin building overnight until they win their demand. We analyze everything from Sasha’s advice on how to protest and the importance of camaraderie building to the role that the press plays in the outcome of the sit-in and our critiques of some of the students’ less admirable tactics. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with HEARTBREAK HIGH Season 1, but especially Season 1, Episode 7, “The Sheriff” and Season 1, Episode 8 “Three of Swords,” streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College and an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! ABIR MOHAMMAD (he/him; recurring guest) is a London-based Writer and Casting Assistant with a passion for YA media. He likes to write about the specific experiences surrounding the queer, brown, Muslim and working class communities that he grew up in, and can talk your ear off about the casting of any TV show you can think of. Follow Abir on Twitter @abirmohxmmad or Instagram @abirmohammad. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
| |||
| 03 Dec 2023 | #22 - PIC Abolition and The ‘Riverdale’ Prison Plotline: How Prisons Destroy Communities | 02:08:18 | |
Maria is joined by guests Liv Christian and Kelly Gilbert to analyze the private prison plotline that colors all of RIVERDALE (2017-2023) season 2 and the top of season 3. Riverdale stumbles into showing how politicians – and the private interests that bankroll them – stoke fear and chaos to inflate actual crime numbers and push for funding for punitive measures like more policing and new prisons. In the process, they destroy the very fabric of their communities. However, resistance exists in real life and in Riverdale. We also trace three separate direct actions the teenage characters engage in to resist various aspects of Hiram Lodge’s plan throughout the prison arc. We cite a lot of Ruth Wilson Gilmore and Mariame Kaba in this abolition episode focused on what it means for a small town to become a prison town. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with RIVERDALE but especially RIVERDALE Seasons 2 and 3, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. OLIVIA “LIV” CHRISTIAN (she/her; recurring guest) is a writer and digital marketing specialist living in Los Angeles, CA. She currently works at Essie Justice Group where she creates compelling content rooted in Black feminist abolitionist politic that digitally amplifies the power and lived experiences of women with incarcerated loved ones. When she’s not writing screenplays or creating content, you can find her watching reality tv and hanging on the couch with her cats Rumble and Squeak. IG: yung.scorp twitter: _yungscorp KELLY GILBERT (she/her; recurring guest) is a student (phd in Twilight), sometimes activist, teen drama aficionado in Brooklyn! Find her IRL every night drinking her sorrows away at Margaritaville, the Jimmy Buffet Experience! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES/PLACES TO PLUG INTO ORGANIZING:
| |||
| 03 Jul 2022 | #18 - Wet, Hot, American Class Conflict: The Coastal Class War As Told By ‘The O.C.,’ ‘Veronica Mars,’ and ‘Outer Banks’ | 01:42:33 | |
It’s the Pogues vs. the Kooks, the PCHers vs. the 09ers, the Harbor School vs. Newport Union! In the Season 2 finale of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria is joined by guests Kelly Gilbert and Nicki Morris to discuss the class conflict inherent to the plot and setting of three teen dramas: THE O.C. (2003-2007), VERONICA MARS (2004-2019), and OUTER BANKS (2020-present.) From star-crossed romances and parallel fights on the beach to a Neptune High election based around an elitist points system, Maria and her guests discuss all facets of these teen drama class wars. TW: discussion of marital rape around 44:16 - 46:56 For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with THE O.C. Seasons 1-4, streaming on HBO Max and Hulu; OUTER BANKS Seasons 1-2, streaming on Netflix; and VERONICA MARS Seasons 1-3, streaming on Hulu. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead KELLY GILBERT (she/her; recurring guest) is a medical worker and union/teen drama stan living in Brooklyn. Follow her @baeblade5 on insta and @yungworker69 for sporadic, unhinged tweets! NICKI MORRIS (she/her; recurring guest) is a labor communications strategist at a unionized shop! She loves cats, corn, and comrades. Her favorite teen show is Degrassi because she knows we can "make it through" with solidarity! Enjoys watching all good crime shows: The Wire, Claws, Good Girls, Killing Eve, Arrested Development. Follow her on Twitter @NickiMorris321. CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 12 Sep 2021 | #5 - From Asexuality to Vaginismus: Talking Representation and Comprehensive ‘Sex Education’ with the Hosts of ‘The Wet Seat’ | 01:28:59 | |
In our second discussion about the first two seasons of SEX EDUCATION (2019-present), Maria is joined by Ashley Cunningham and Susannah Wilson, the hosts of The Wet Seat, a podcast about taboo sex topics. We delve into all things sex therapy related, imagining what more inclusive and comprehensive sex education could look like based on the array of topics SEX EDUCATION tackles in just the first two seasons, from asexuality to anal douching and vaginismus. As always, we talk about our own experiences with the subject matter (public school sex education curriculum, anyone?) and our relationships to one another, including our old college apartment affectionately named the Pussy Palace. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with SEX EDUCATION Seasons 1 and 2, streaming on Netflix. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead ASHLEY CUNNINGHAM (she/her; guest) is a former amateur sexologist and host of The Wet Seat podcast (TW/IG: @thewetseatpodcast). She's currently in advertising, but dreams of a sex therapist certification. Watch her stumble through a TEDx talk on women who watch gay male porn on YouTube: "Escaping Gender Anxiety." SUSANNAH WILSON (she/her; guest) is an actor in New York who bikes aggressively in all weather, and is quick to flip off cabbies and pedestrians alike. IG: zannahbooo MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Escaping Gender Anxiety: Why Women Love Gay Male Porn | Ashley Cunningham | TEDxEmersonCollege _ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: The Feminist Porn Book: The Politics of Producing Pleasure Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by Adrienne Maree Brown Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach | |||
| 22 May 2022 | #12 - Emma Nelson, Hazel Aden, and Post-9/11 Politics on Early ‘Degrassi’ | 01:55:50 | |
GMOs and anti-Muslim bigotry, it *must* be the George Bush era. Maria and her guests, childhood friends Dondré Taylor-Stewart and Rosalie Murray, go back in time to the first two seasons of DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION (2001-2015) to discuss political storylines headed by resident activist girl Emma Nelson and resident Early-2000s-Black-Woman-Who-Deserved-Better Hazel Aden. From Emma telling off teasing boys when she gets her period to Hazel’s journey accepting her Somalian identity publicly in a post-9/11 world to Emma’s GMO protest turned free speech protest, we run the gamut of early 2000s politics in our first (but certainly not our last) DEGRASSI episode. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION Seasons 1-2, especially episodes 1x05 “Parents Day,” 1x09 “Coming of Age,” 2x11 “Don’t Believe the Hype,” and 2x19 “Fight For Your Right,” all streaming on HBO Max. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead DONDRÉ TAYLOR-STEWART (he/him, recurring guest) is a Jersey-born, Jamaican-raised TV writer whose work often employs satire to examine the cultural crossroads of his identity. He splits his time in Los Angeles with a day job in environmental public policy, freelance writing gigs, and crafting original pilots. Ultimately, Dondré dreams of sustaining a highly collaborative career telling Black stories to help expand imaginations. IG: oxtail.papi TWITTER: dondrenesta ROSALIE MURRAY (she/her, guest) is an elementary school social worker/human living in Queens, NY. Besides spending time with her cat, Louise, she loves to cook tasty ass vegan food with friends, karaoke-ing or starting another unfinished crochet project. She also loves to watch endless youtube videos, reality television and, of course, Degrassi. CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 05 May 2024 | MOVIE SPECIAL: 'Strike! (1998)' | 01:42:54 | |
Welcome back to our new series of special episodes covering political moments in teen movies! Maria is joined by Kelly Diaz to break down all the political themes of the movie of many names: THE HAIRY BIRD/ALL I WANNA DO/STRIKE! (1998). (We went with the most thematically appropriate title for our podcast episode title, as you can see!) We discuss the solidarity and friendship between the main teen girl characters at Miss Godard’s Prep and their various actions to make change on campus, culminating in an epic student occupation of the dorms until their demand for a vote on coeducation is met. For this episode, we’d usually recommend you first watch or have familiarity with STRIKE! (1998), but it’s incredibly hard to find so we mostly just wish you luck in trying to watch it. Here’s hoping it gets picked up by a streaming service soon! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter, letterboxd: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, and writing and reading fanfiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is a postdoctoral research fellow with the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College and an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/them; art) is a “writer,” “designer,” and “content strategist” based in Brooklyn, NY. A survivor of the 2010s Tumblr wars, leftist media criticism is all they know. To learn about them professionally, visit charles-oleary.biz. To learn about them personally, visit their Instagram at @c.s.0.l. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
_ RESOURCES ON THE CURRENT STUDENT MOVEMENT FOR PALESTINE:
| |||
| 26 Sep 2021 | #7 - #AbolitionistTimRiggins: How Our ‘Friday Night Lights’ Fave Makes the Case for PIC Abolition | 01:33:20 | |
In the penultimate episode of Season 1, Maria and her guest Hailey McInnes delve into the journey of beloved teen drama character Tim Riggins from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (2006-2011). When Tim’s family faces mounting medical bills and potential bankruptcy, they take extreme measures to make ends meet—and as a result, Tim becomes caught up in the criminal punishment system. In an episode where we quote a lot of Mariame Kaba, we argue that Tim Riggins’ story demonstrates why we need to abolish the prison industrial complex. For this episode, we recommend you first watch and/or have general familiarity with Seasons 4 and 5 of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, streaming on Hulu and Netflix. CW: some brief discussion of sexual violence FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead HAILEY MCINNES (she/her; guest) is an advertising media director based in NYC. When she isn't buying ad space, she can be found binging all of the TV, drinking all the chilled red wine, and hanging with her cat son and human husband. IG: haileymcinnes / TW: haileymcinnes13 MADDY WIRYO (they/them; art) is an artist who works all around New England. You can find more of their work at: maddyworldfr.wordpress.com JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/LISTENING: | |||
| 01 Mar 2025 | EMERGENCY SPECIAL EP: RIP Michelle Trachtenberg | 00:34:00 | |
Welcome to an emergency special episode of Leftist Teen Drama in which Maria pays tribute to millennial teen drama icon Michelle Trachtenberg, who sadly passed away at the age of 39 on February 26, 2025. Thanks to Erin Rittweger, Colette Shade, Charlotte Morrill, strideofpride, and Kelly Diaz for contributing such powerful reflections on Michelle’s legacy to this episode. And thanks to Diana Hussein for inspiring me to make this episode to begin with. May we all rewatch our favorite Michelle Trachtenberg screen credit this weekend, whether it’s Harriet the Spy, Ice Princess, a favorite Dawn Summers episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or a favorite Georgina Sparks episode of Gossip Girl, or even an early appearance on the Adventures of Pete & Pete. Rest In Peace, Michelle Trachtenberg. Leftist Teen Drama is sending all our love and solidarity to Michelle’s friends and family and all that knew her! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV. “Leftist Teen Drama” alternative logo by Charles O’Leary Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
| |||
| 08 Oct 2023 | SPECIAL EP: Leftist Teen Drama In Conversation with Kelly Diaz | 01:31:21 | |
In our first ever Special Episode of Leftist Teen Drama, Maria introduces Kelly Diaz, who recently defended her dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania entitled “Lights, Camera, [Social] Action!: The Goals, Messages, and Impact of Youth Activism on Television.” (Maria—and Leftist Teen Drama—were featured in the dissertation!) Maria and Kelly delve into the project, unpacking everything from Kelly’s motivations to undertake the topic to the studies she carried out with screenwriters and young adult TV viewers. The results and insights shared will be of interest to anyone who cares about political organizing/activism and young TV characters! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. KELLY DIAZ (she/her; recurring guest) is an adjunct instructor of media studies at City College New York. She has a Ph.D. from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania where she wrote her dissertation on depictions of youth activism on television. She loves to analyze and discuss the intersection of pop culture and politics and is passionate about the role entertainment plays in social justice movements. She has a dog, Matilda "Tillie," who is named after the magical, brilliant, and justice-serving character! JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Logo art by Maddy Wiryo Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:
| |||
| 12 Jun 2022 | #15 - Summer Roberts, Climate Activist: ‘The O.C.’ and the Current Fight For a Green New Deal | 01:41:33 | |
Remember the time Summer Roberts from THE O.C. (2003-2007) went to college and became a hardcore environmental activist? Maria and her guests Emma and Hailey trace Summer’s Season 4 journey to find her destiny as an early 2000s climate activist, in the long tradition of teen drama mean girls finding their voices through organizing. With many of Summer’s demands sounding eerily similar to the demands of today’s climate justice movement, Maria also takes the opportunity to discuss the Green New Deal, with the help of A Planet To Win: Why We Need A Green New Deal by Kate Aronoff, Alyssa Battistoni, Daniel Aldana Cohen, and Thea Riofrancos. Maria and her guests discuss this ambitious and exciting policy framework that Summer Roberts would certainly be fighting to pass in the present. For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with THE O.C. Season 4, streaming on HBO Max and Hulu. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok: @leftistteendrama | twitter: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com _ ABOUT US: MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator and writer who watches too much TV. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions. In addition to Leftist Teen Drama, Maria hosts Bodysuits For Bughead: A Riverdale Podcast | tumblr: @bodysuitsforbughead twitter: @B4B_Podcast instagram: @bodysuits4bughead EMMA ROSE (she/her; recurring guest) watches a lot—and she means a lot—of reality tv, with the occasional teen drama or murder mystery or sci-fi thriller thrown in for good measure. When she's not watching said television, you can find her listening to podcasts and diving into internet content about said television. Sometimes she posts on instagram @emmaaaaaroseeeee (5 a's and 5 e's) HAILEY MCINNES (she/her; recurring guest) is a market researcher based in NYC. When she isn't nerding out over data, she can be found binging all of the TV, drinking all the chilled red wine, and hanging with her cat son and human husband. IG: haileymcinnes / TW: haileymcinnes13 CHARLES O’LEARY (they/them; art) is, of course, a Brooklyn-based designer, artist, and dilettante. A survivor of the 2012-2016 Tumblr wars, media criticism is all they know. You can find their work at charles-oleary.com, and their silly little life on Instagram at @c.s.0.l. JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, streams sometimes, and loves talking old TV. Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned. intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with. _ SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
_ SUGGESTED FURTHER ACTION/LISTENING: plug in to…Sunrise Movement plug in to…DSA Ecosocialists | |||
