Well, it happened.
It’s the morning after the day before and thank you for everyone who has reached out to check on me. Which is incredibly kind but also embarrassing. I don’t live in America. This isn’t about me, obviously. And I’m fine. While also existentially despairing, also obviously. If you’ve read my work or listened to any of my podcasts this past decade you know I have big feelings about most things and especially this one.
It’s hard to explain to the people who don’t get it why so many women around the world feel shaky about the results of an election in a country in which we don’t live.
But when America sneezes, the world catches a cold. Politically. Culturally. And this feels a bit like Ebola.
Here’s what I’ve done since learning that Donald Trump has been re-elected.
1. Recorded this emergency debrief meeting of Mamamia Outloud with my co-hosts Holly and Jessie and our US corespondent, Amelia Lester.
Called my mum and my daughter to talk things through.
Had dinner with my family and talked about other things.
Unfollowed every single US news and politics podcast in my feed - there were many.
Got my news exclusively from my media-friend group chats
Half-heartedly shared a couple of memes in those group chats like this:
Here’s what I haven’t done since yesterday:
1. Gone onto a single news site or watched a single bit of news coverage.
2. Gone onto social media to share my thoughts with the world.
3. Worked out how on earth this happened. Again.
Interestingly, after recording that breaking episode of Outloud with three of my closest friends and three of the smartest women I know - all of whom were in various stages of disbelief and despair - I just wanted to be quiet.
I can’t watch Kamala’s concession speech. I can’t look at Trump’s face. I just need some time to think about it all while leaning hard into distractions and my family.
So. Here is a Sexy Six list of the things I’m turning to right now - which I’m sharing in the hope that you might take some solace in them to.
Instantly addictive. Great for breaking a reading slump or if you just need to be totally consumed by something for a bit.
2. The Franchise
A comedy on Binge about the beleaguered crew of a crappy superhero movie. One of my favourite columnists, Marina Hyde, is a writer on this show and it’s by the creator of Veep. One of the few shows that makes me laugh out loud.
3. Disclaimer on Apple+
I’m not sure if I love this show anymore - the last episode drops tomorrow - because it’s become a bit silly but Cate Blanchet is in it and it’s beautifully shot and produced.
4. Copengagen fashion videos
I’m not at all sure how this happened but when I need to be soothed and switch off my brain, I’ve been watching videos like this on Youtube.
Learning what it’s like to hire a male escort
Honestly, one of the most interesting No Filter’s I’ve done. With a woman called Anna Grosman who has a male escort agency. It’s the total opposite of what you are probably thinking.
And once you’re down that rabbit hole, you’ll want to hear from the escort’s perspective. Put these on a go for a walk or do some colouring in or a puzzle.
The baby hippo with attitude whose name mean “bouncy pig”continues to delight me.
And finally. I have something to ask you.
Right now, it is more important than ever to support independent women’s media.
Mamamia’s core purpose is to make the world a better place for women and girls and we need your support to help us fund our team of female creators and enable us to continue telling the stories of Australian women.
Supporting an independent women’s media company like Mamamia isn’t just about reading stories or tuning into podcasts—it’s about building a platform where women’s voices are truly valued. As you’ve no doubt noticed, the media - and the world - rarely centers women’s issues, perspectives, or lives.
At Mamamia, women and girls are always front and centre for us. Our full focus. Our top priority. As an independent media company, unbound by traditional media’s restrictions, we can step in and focus on the issues that matter most to women, telling stories you won’t find elsewhere, and in ways that would never occur to mainstream media.
Together, we want to ensure women’s stories and voices continue to be heard, no matter what.Please consider helping Mamamia continue to do this by supporting independent women’s media today, by clicking here.
Wherever you are, however you’re feeling, I’m sending you love
M xxxxx
Feeling the weight of the US election results today. It’s everywhere. It’s not my country but I feel the heaviness and despair that comes with knowing an overwhelming majority of your fellow countrymen do not care about your voice, needs or safety.
We felt this with The Voice referendum results in Australia. Where previously we felt hope that people understood, we suddenly had confirmation of the racism and violence that existed right next door. Pain. Woman around the world are feeling this with yesterdays vote.
You would rather a rapist than a woman….
Today, like everyday, we get up, get dressed, take up space and make waves until it floods the earth. Xx
I too am completely ravaged by this election result. I feel for all good and noble Americans who have had to witness this carnage happening actually to them.
Now I must recalibrate and remember he has been there before and hopefully we get through the next four years able to fight another fight🩵