⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence and online exploitation. Please take care while listening—and reading. Step away if you need to. We’ll be here when you get back.

Hi All!

Michelle and Emily start this episode the way all good things begin—catching up, sipping wine, and easing back into their rhythm together. There’s talk of tornadoes, travel, Emily's wedding (!!), and the continued excitement around Girlfriend Medicine (the world premiere SOLD OUT! But there's a second performance on May 30th, tickets on sale now!).

The wine of the show?

Seven Springs Pinot Noir (Oregon)—and let’s just say… she’s bold, she’s earthy, she’s got a little edge to her, and she absolutely kept up with this conversation.

And then… the conversation turns.

What starts light gets real—because there are some things happening right now that we can’t just scroll past.

Michelle and Emily talk through the SAVE Act, what it could mean for voting access, and why something that sounds simple on paper (just “show your documents”) isn’t actually simple at all—especially for women. Name changes, life transitions, missing paperwork… it adds up quickly.

They also get into the bigger picture—what happens when access to everyday systems (like voting… or even banking) starts requiring more and more proof.

And because apparently we weren’t done being unsettled… they dive into a CNN investigation exposing online communities where violence against women isn’t just happening—it’s being taught, shared, and normalized.

Yeah. That part.

It’s not an easy conversation—but it’s an important one.

They talk about fear.

They talk about silence.

They talk about why it feels harder than ever to just… talk about things.

And they ask the question we’re all sitting with:

What are we actually going to do about it?

As always—thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this conversation.

Thank you for listening and subscribing to Cliterally Speaking the Podcast. Visit our website: www.cliterallyspeakingpodcast.com

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Watch our YouTube channel (Cliterally Speaking the Podcast) for all the behind-the-scenes discussions during our recording sessions. Our Patreon site is up - visit it here - http://bit.ly/32uOnVT

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On May 16, 2025, St. Louis was hit by an F3 tornado that left 4,500 households without shelter. It's been 7 months since the tornado hit, and still, so much is left to be done to get people back into their homes. Emily and Michelle welcome Ali Rand, the guiding force behind the St. Louis Street Angels, and one of her volunteers (and Michelle's son), Will Ratcliff. Ali was a stay-at-home mom of 5, living in the Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, MO, enjoying that beautiful Friday afternoon before the tornado hit St Louis, including her own home. She has started Street Angels, a grassroots volunteer movement born of devastation but motivated by a love for her adopted hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

They talk about the effects of their continued efforts to rebuild, how to stay motivated in the face of adversity, the beautiful friendships made, and the stronger sense of community that is being created daily. They still need our help. The families and the neighborhoods still need our help. Do what you can, please share. Every little bit helps.

Jeio Prosecco graced their glasses.

Follow Ali on Instagram @alirand

Listen to her on another podcast about her efforts.

https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/house-of-lou/episode-22/

Thank you for listening and subscribing to Cliterally Speaking the Podcast. Visit our website: www.cliterallyspeakingpodcast.com

Facebook: @cspeakpodcast

Instagram: @cliterallyspeakingthepodcast

Watch our YouTube channel (Cliterally Speaking the Podcast) for all the behind-the-scenes discussions during our recording sessions. Our Patreon site is up - visit it here - http://bit.ly/32uOnVT

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi All! Emily and Michelle were enjoying a Saturday afternoon of wine tasting and catching up when, after one bottle of champagne, they were inspired to open another and record an episode. This is that episode!

They talk art. They talk about connection. They talk about the changes in their lives since the last episode. Emily shares how much the loss of her dear Iggy Pup impacted her and how she has worked through her grief and recreated her four-legged family, growing it to THREE!!! Michelle revealed a new project she has been working on, Girlfriend Medicine, which will premiere in March of 2026.

The delicious second bottle they are drinking is Champagne Godmé Sabine - Blanc de Blanc.

They talk about Emily's upcoming 'big birthday' and how much our perspectives change as we get older. They mourn the loss of Diane Keaton. They talk about reshaping feminism. They talk about how we have been conditioned to assign value to our lives and ourselves. They laugh about reaching the age when "no one wants you." They muse on how to increase the frequency of good sex over bad sex. They laugh and celebrate all that is wonderful about being together and how much they appreciate the opportunity to share with you, their dedicated listeners.

Thank you for listening and subscribing to Cliterally Speaking the Podcast. Visit our website: www.cliterallyspeakingpodcast.com

Facebook: @cspeakpodcast

Instagram: @cliterallyspeakingthepodcast

Twitter: @cliterallyspea1

Please call our comment line: 812-727-0794

Watch our youtube channel (Cliterally Speaking the Podcast) for all the behind the scenes discussions during our recording sessions. Our Patreon site is up - visit it here - http://bit.ly/32uOnVT

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.