Ways to turn election anxiety into action + excellent kid podcasts and a joyful take on climate solutions
Ways to turn election anxiety into action + excellent kid podcasts and a joyful take on climate solutions
Hi there,
What a time. I’m feeling it, and I’m sure you are too. We were just in Washington D.C. for an ambitious mix of friend visits and sightseeing (per Rob, we went to both Air & Space museums). It was a glorious, blue sky weekend that felt weirdly surreal ahead of this very consequential election. Pointing out the White House, Supreme Court, and Capitol to the kids, I couldn’t help but think that we’re just holding our breath to see what comes next.
Then, as we were driving out of town, we were abruptly pulled over by loud horns. Two black SUVs drove by, then two more with tinted windows and tell-tale flags: one American, one white with the vice presidential coat of arms. That’s the VP’s motorcade, we told the kids. That’s Kamala!
A sign? I’m hopeful. While I don’t think a Kamala presidency will solve the many, many issues in our world, I know it’s a powerful and positive step in the right direction. I also know that this election is scarily close — at the Presidential level as well as in critical races down the ballot.
And so, here are some ideas for turning anxiety into action in these remaining weeks and doing our part to maintain momentum and optimism:
Remind, don’t assume: Make sure you and everyone you know is registered to vote and has a plan — when and where they’re going.
Go in ready: Research your races and ballot measures so you aren’t making your decision on the spot. For example, New Yorkers will vote on Proposal 1, which will protect abortion rights (important!!). I like Vote Save America’s Build Your Own Ballot tool.
If you have time: Sign up for a text or phone banking with Moms Rising, which aims to reach 5 million infrequent mom voters, or Supermajority, which is focused on turning out infrequent or non-voting young women in key states - an extremely critical audience. From experience, it’s easier and more fun with friends — put out some snacks and make it a party!
If you have dollars: Last-min donations can go really far for down ballot races; consider supporting Run for Something or the States Project. I also love sending pizza/dance parties via Pizza to the Polls to keep things festive and moving.
I can’t wait to see everyone’s voting selfies on November 5th! In the meantime, here are some of the things brightening up my universe:
Star stuff and stargazing: During our visit to DC’s Udvar-Hazy Center (home to the actual Space Shuttle Discovery, bonkers), we took a break from walking to see Deep Sky, an IMAX documentary about the James Webb Space Telescope. All of us, including Finn, sat rapt through the entire film. It was an astonishing look at what it took to send a telescope one million miles away, as well as what the resulting images reveal about our universe — humbling and awe-inspiring, to say the least. Now the kids keep asking to lie outside and look up at the stars, not a terrible thing.
Constitutional explainers: Our friend Elizabeth (founder of Civic News, which is powering local journalism through Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat) gave us The Interactive Constitution a couple years ago and it continues to be a favorite. We brought it on our trip and used it as a way to put the sights into context — and also to try and explain Congress, the Electoral College, and the importance of the (potential) first woman president to Lilly.
Nerdy fun kid podcasts: After too many Boxcar Children audio books, the kids have finally warmed to podcasts. They both love Wow in the World (thank you, Elana), which has Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas explaining things like shark cartilage in wacky and freewheeling ways. Lilly is also a big fan of Greeking Out, which has engaging retellings of classic myths (she loves the books as well).
Latest bookshelf additions: Of all the ways in which my kids are spoiled, I feel like too many books is one I’m ok with. Some recent favorites: Leena Mo, CEO, Deena Shakir’s very fun and tangible explanation about what it’s like to start and grow a business (which led Lilly to ask if she could do that — yes!); Taxi Ghost, the latest from Sophie Escabasse, author of the Witches of Brooklyn series; and This Book is Banned, Raj Holder’s silly and ruthlessly effective take down of book bans.
Classic cocktails, perfected: Somehow Rob and I missed Cocktail Codex when it came out in 2018 but we’re making up for it now. Written by my friend Nick and the team behind Death & Co, it’s both incredibly detailed and also very easy to use. They whittle the cocktail universe down to six core drinks and explain how to make their ideal version and variations, then show how to expand the formula. For example, did you know the Martini, Manhattan, and Negroni are all related? No wonder I love them.
Transition season skincare: My skin usually gets flaky as soon as the seasons change but this year I have been using Experiment’s Super Saturated Serum, a 30% glycerin formula that verges on goopy but really works. For perennially dry lips, I’ve been liking The Outset’s new Lip Oasis, a silky gloss that conditions and leaves a shiny-but-not-too-shiny finish. I’m a fan of the whole lineup; low-key, effective, and well-priced. If you want to try, use Mollie-20 for 20% off.
Great jeans and go-anywhere loafers: Jeans are confusing but I may have landed on my new go-to: Rails’ Getty Wide Leg. The cropped version is the perfect length for my 5’3 self and I get compliments every time I wear them. I’ve also been happy running around in Margaux’s comfy and streamlined Andie Loafer. I only wish I’d gotten them in Burgundy but maybe next year.
A joyful celebration of climate solutions: I have existential sadness and fear about climate change but haven’t known what to do with that dread. That’s where Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s new book, What if We Get it Right?, comes in. She doesn’t sugarcoat how bad things are but quickly focuses on what we can do: tangible ideas and solutions from scientists, advocates, practitioners, and leaders from across the landscape. It’s heavy but joyful, and invites us all to find a way to be part of the solution. To give you a sense, Johnson kicked off her book tour with a ‘climate variety show’ co-hosted by Jason Sudeikis and featuring magic, hula hooping, and an Earth vs. Mars show down (Earth won). This is one everyone needs to read.
That’s all for now. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and sane rest of the month.
Hugs,
Mollie