Skip to main content
BackWards & In High Heels, The Podcast

BackWards & In High Heels, The Podcast

By Backwards & In High Heels

It's hard being a woman in the 21st Century. Hard to be heard, hard to be seen. Hard to be treated equally, and even harder to do it all backward and in high heels.

Each Thursday, join L. Renee', nationally published author, serial entrepreneur, and longtime community activist joined by her co-host, Jenny Gattone, Published Author and former staff writer on the web series "Southern Dish," at 7:00 pm EST. They will be discussing contemporary politics and current events with guest experts in their field.

This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Send voice message
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Currently playing episode

Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast 2020 Presidential Debate Roundtable

BackWards & In High Heels, The PodcastAug 01, 2019

00:00
58:56
The Pen Sisters Initial Interview: Leo Sullivan Presents

The Pen Sisters Initial Interview: Leo Sullivan Presents

Have a publishing nightmare?  

Sep 28, 202159:47
Joe, Joe, Joe! Just pick already, eh? BIHH Roundtable on the Current State of the "Veepstakes". Let's get in to it! #HEELYeah!

Joe, Joe, Joe! Just pick already, eh? BIHH Roundtable on the Current State of the "Veepstakes". Let's get in to it! #HEELYeah!

Are you ready for the Veepstakes to be over with?  So are we!!!  In today's episode, we have a power-house roundup and mix up of differing views to discuss each of the candidates.  

As stated in the episode.  While we do have our preferences, BIHH hosts will be voting for Biden either way.  This is NOT a drill.  

Here's who we have on the panel:

Melba Pearson

Melba Pearson is an attorney who served as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County for 15 years. She worked as a line attorney in the misdemeanor Domestic Violence Division, a prosecutor in the Felony Domestic Crimes Unit, and ended her tenure as assistant chief of the Career Criminal/Robbery Unit. As assistant chief, Melba supervised junior attorneys and prosecuted homicide cases.

In 2017, Melba left the State Attorney’s office to join the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida as Deputy Director. She worked to change police practices, expand voting rights, and reform the criminal justice system. Melba advocated on a local and statewide level to eliminate racial disparities in the criminal justice system and safely reduce the number of incarcerated Floridians.

Melba is running for State Attorney to implement commonsense policies that result in fewer incarcerated people, saving taxpayers’ money and safer communities.  Do all you can to help her win this election.  https://melbaformiami.com/


Kate @RuderTooter

Kate is just a mother, wife,  daughter, trying to do right by her community, her brothers and sisters from other mothers, and her family.  She's "trying to be a better ancestor" for those that come after us and I can't tell you how proud I am of her passion, her determination, and her spirit.   Keep her and her family in your prayers and follow her on Twitter for a strong ally.  


Lisa Devi Cassandra

Lisa Cassandra is a communications and fundraising specialist, working primarily in the non-profit space. She worked as a Volunteer Team Leader and the LA office design coordinator for Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign. She also raised money for the campaign by serving on her finance committee. She now raises money and runs a group of volunteer organizers with Bianca Delarosa and Harini Krishnan, called KHive for Joe — Organizers & Volunteers, which can be found on Facebook.


Our Twitter guest, the 3rd panelist, did not want to be named because of her district, so we are going to protect her right to speak freely without fear of repercussions. Thank you Ms. T for joining us and providing some great insight.  You know who you are! 


See you guys next week and remember, register to vote, help someone else register to vote and if you are scared to go vote in person, request your absentee ballot here, just click on your state.  https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines/

#KHive  #HEELYeah  #Biden2020

Aug 01, 202001:23:51
Tina Gray Russell Wins The WV Democratic Primary...Making History on Today's episode of Backwards & In High Heels!

Tina Gray Russell Wins The WV Democratic Primary...Making History on Today's episode of Backwards & In High Heels!

On Today's episode of Backwards & In High Heels The Podcast, we talk with Tina Gray Russell, who won her Primary in WV against Eric Porterfield.

She's a true people champion and I love everything she does and stands for.  She's also a history maker as the first Black female Democratic candidate to win a primary in Mercer County.  WHOOOO!  We're thrilled to support her and her campaign.  Please follow her on Twitter @TinaRussell309, visit her site at https://t.co/WzrmKwADpA?amp=1, and donate, volunteer and support where and how you can.  Let's help make history again!!!!

Check out this great article on Tina winning her primary from a local media outlet.  #HEELyeah! 

https://www.wvpublic.org/post/its-never-been-just-about-me-tina-russell-first-black-woman-win-democratic-primary-mercer#stream/0

Jul 29, 202037:33
Interview with Author Sam Ray: We talk Women, COVD-19, Trump, Racism and Narcissism. Tune in!

Interview with Author Sam Ray: We talk Women, COVD-19, Trump, Racism and Narcissism. Tune in!

Traveler, writer, businessperson

In the 2000s I found out a very good friend needed rescuing from a bully so I spent 2+ years of full-time studying Cluster B mental disorders to help defeat the sociopath (A term I don’t use lightly). After, I discovered through everyone I spoke with that I had accidentally became an expert on the subject and types of abuse incurred by so many victims like my friend. It still boggles my mind how little society knows about these walking predators who live among us.

I have also since discovered that what makes my perspective fairly unique is I was observing the behaviors from the outside but still very close-up & have been very fortunate not to have ever been a prime target of one of these master manipulators. Once my rescue work was completed, I was working on a lifetime project book to explain America to my Euro friends. In 2014, I was forced to realize that the psychology I had studied so deeply also explained so many unanswered questions about American politics, business, failing institutions etc. and since I’m not in the psych profession, I am more free to say things people in the profession can’t or won’t say.

My Book - title has a funny story

The happy result of merging America's issues with psychology is an updated version & homage to Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America", Mark Twain's "Gilded Age", Machiavelli's "The Prince" & further explains Orwell's 1984. Most other books about America explain the "who", "when" & "where" but this book answers the WHY & HOW stupidity, greed, authoritarianism, lies, evil & Trumpism all come from the same source.

"Are All Americans Stupid?": The Unifying Theory Of Stupidity, Greed, Authoritarianism, Lies, Evil & Trumpism

$0.00

"Are All Americans Stupid?": The Unifying Theory Of Stupidity, Greed, Au...

Most of this book was completed long before Trump's surprise election in 2016 & the strength & power of The Unif...


This has been a SAG-AFTRA production.  Noone has been paid for their appearance on our show.    #HEELYeah! 


Apr 22, 202001:11:23
Leo Sullivan Presents, Exposed: BIHH Interviews Authors, Ebony Diamonds and Bianca Marie - "Unpublished"

Leo Sullivan Presents, Exposed: BIHH Interviews Authors, Ebony Diamonds and Bianca Marie - "Unpublished"

On November 22nd or thereabouts, Amazon began to remove any books associated as well as published under Leo Sullivan Presents, subsequently, any and all brand names he associated with. Initially, Leo told his authors, who are 99% women of color, nothing.  He provided no reason for the suspension, claiming Amazon was against him because he was a successful black man and it was nothing more than that.  When asked again, he told them he didn’t have any more information and to contact Amazon directly.  Since November, hundreds of women have been fighting for their royalties, Amazon bonus payments, and the rights to their own work.  Here is the story of 2 brave women who have agreed to come forward.  Authors, Ebony Diamonds and Bianca Marie (#1 Amazon Best Seller).  

When the authors attempted to contact Amazon, they were only told that their Publisher's account was suspended, and to contact him. They basically washed their hands of any responsibility and left quite a few authors in a state of panic and ire.

Meet - Author, Bianca Marie (35 books published)I was subsequently contacted by a group of authors published under Leo Sullivan Presents and Royalty Publishing house, who refer to themselves as “The Pen Sisters”. This expose’ is their story, which has become a publishing nightmare, fiction even their imagination couldn’t write.   After several interviews, tons of research, fact-checking, pouring over countless screenshots, texts and voicemails, it’s time that America hears their story.  This podcast is just the beginning.  


"Mother of two beautiful children who are my inspiration for everything I do in life. being an avid reader, turned writer. I've always had a passion for writing which was something that I started to do in my spare time. I finally put my fears to the side and took it a step further by writing a full-length novel. It has been a journey to creating more and more stories every day that I'm happy I can provide to my readers. I'm currently hard at work on more novels. As always thanks for taking a ride with me while I give you banger after banger."

FB: Bianca Marie 

Instagram: BiancaMarieBookz  

Twitter: BiancaBookz16  

CashApp: $BiancaMarie816


Meet - Author, Ebony Diamonds (55+ books published)

"I always loved and had a passion to read and write, as a young woman I won competitions and plaques for my writing ability. I grew up in southeast DC and always imagined becoming a writer. After going through a domestic violence relationship I decided to write to relieve my emotions. It wasn't until after my father passed away in 2015 did I decide to get published. I thank my children, my husband, and my family for their continuous support in me reaching my vision."

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B01AXH1TMC&i=digital-text&_encoding=UTF8&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

https://anchor.fm/EbonyDiamonds 

Twitter: @EbonyDiamonds86

Go Fund Me: Ebony Turrentine  (https://t.co/rv1bypLmY0?amp=1)

Backwards and In High Heels is a SAG-AFTRA media production.  No guest was paid for their appearance on our show. 


L. Renee’ is represented by MacGuire, Schnieder, and Hassay in Columbus, Ohio who have advised these women to file an FTC complaint, as well as myself.  FTC complaint Number: 115377461 - I’ll include it as an attachment in the article. Which will be published on Monday, 03/02/2020 .  We will be reaching out to both Royalty Publishing and Leo Sullivan presents for comment.

Feb 26, 202059:47
Backwards & In High Heels, Podcast With WV Senate Contender, Richard Ojeda

Backwards & In High Heels, Podcast With WV Senate Contender, Richard Ojeda

Richard Neece Ojeda II (/oʊˈdʒɛdə/ oh-JED-ə; born October 25, 1970) is an American politician and retired Army Major who served in the West Virginia Senate representing the 7th district from 2016 until 2019. A Democrat, Ojeda ran a brief campaign for President of the United States in the 2020 election.

Raised in Logan, West Virginia, Ojeda graduated from West Virginia State University and Webster University. He initially joined the United States Army as an enlisted soldier and went through officer training after finishing college. During his 27 years in the military, Ojeda earned two Bronze Stars and rose to the rank of Major. After retiring, he initially worked as a Junior ROTC teacher before running for office.

Ojeda was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 2016. He received national attention when he became a vocal supporter of the 2018 teachers' strike and advocated for the legalization of cannabis in West Virginia. In January 2020, Ojeda announced he would instead challenge incumbent Shelley Moore Capito in the 2020 election.

Follow him at @voteojeda2020 on Twitter and go to www.voteojeda2020.com to support and volunteer for his campaign.  Richard has agreed to look into the Reality Winner clemency plea WHEN he wins. So let's make sure he does America!  Please visit www.standwithreality.com to support this TRUE American veteran and hero.  

#VoteBlue  #OjedaForWVSenate  #DemCastWV

Feb 19, 202045:52
Backwards & In High Heels, the Podcast Interviews Richard Ojeda with special Guest April Edwards

Backwards & In High Heels, the Podcast Interviews Richard Ojeda with special Guest April Edwards

Retired US Army, former State Senator who’s Bill in his first session made WV the 29th state to become legal for medical cannabis.  As a congressional candidate was no#1 out of all 435 Congressional races in turning red votes blue.  Married to Kelly Ojeda and currently has two children in college.  Follow him on Twitter @VoteforOjeda2020 and stay tuned for what this true American Hero and patriot has in store for this country next.  



Nov 06, 201901:01:03
James Mackler for U.S. Senate in Tennessee talks Fresh New Change and a Life of Servitude with Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast
Oct 30, 201944:01
James Dawkins talks Running for NC17, L. Renee' Loses Her S**T and Much More on This Week's Episode of BIHH, The Podcast!

James Dawkins talks Running for NC17, L. Renee' Loses Her S**T and Much More on This Week's Episode of BIHH, The Podcast!

Today we are speaking with James Dawkins. – a 34-year-old, single, in a relationship, it’s complicated, hilariously funny lifestyler, who has lived in Brunswick County for over 20 years. Before setting his roots down in North Carolina, James traveled a lot in his earlier years, due to his father’s demanding profession in the cable TV industry.  He lived in TX, MS, AL, GA, and finally, North Carolina – where James lays his head and feels most at home.

No stranger to struggle, James has seen some of the most impoverished and underprivileged communities in the country, one of which – Meridian, MS – he called home for a time.  Now running for NC17 House District, it thrills us to have James on the show as a follow up to his written interview with L. Renee' last month, and we wanted to give James an opportunity to answer those questions in more detail, and maybe expand on some topics that might have been hindered by a written piece.

L. Renee', of course, goes "off script" in response to James' answer before the break and the second half is sure to make you ask...who's cutting the onions in here?

Support James at dawkins4nc.com and be sure to follow him on Twitter @dawkins2020! 

Watch James levitate: https://twitter.com/dawkins2020/status/1175930535383896064

Check out his Reddit Marathon, answering constituent questions here:  https://old.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/d2vce0/im_james_dawkins_running_for_the_nc_house/

And of course, be sure to check out the written interview L. Renee' did with James on behalf of DemCast USA.  

https://demcastusa.com/2019/09/18/james-dawkins-a-candidate-for-the-people-north-carolina-hd-17/

Oct 16, 201951:26
DemCast: Grassroots Media For the People...By The People. A Talk with DemCast Leadership and BIHH

DemCast: Grassroots Media For the People...By The People. A Talk with DemCast Leadership and BIHH

Good afternoon everyone! Welcome to this week's episode of Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast.  We are rounding out the month of September with Digital Activism, and in particular, the new movement that is known as DemCast.  On our last show, we talked with Nick Knudsen the creative behind DemCast and today we are joined by two integral staff members.  Kelly Pollock, Director of Content and Lori Coleman, Director of Digital Strategy.

Kelly - Born on the 4th of July, Kelly has always been a firecracker, leading a revolution of girls sitting at the boys’ lunch table in 2nd grade and founding Young Independents in high school. Since earning her Masters, Kelly has spent the past 15 years as a university administrator. In the fall of 2017, Kelly co-created the Two Broads Talking Politics Podcast with her friend Sophy. As producer and co-host, Kelly quickly built the podcast into a nationally recognized interview show, featuring Democratic candidates, activists, and authors around the country. She lives in Chicago with her husband & two sons.

Lori - a proven record of teaching activists to mobilize their collective advocacy to support the fundamentals of Democracy. Lori has over 30 years of experience as a healthcare provider and advocate, with an emphasis on adult education and management of diverse teams in multi-site locations. She resides in Tennessee with her husband and 2 children.

Please visit www.demcastusa.com and click on Join Us to sign up to join this digital grassroots movement!  #DemCast 

Sep 25, 201925:37
Nick Knudsen with DemCast talks about the launch of the new Grassroots Digital Media Site: Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Nick Knudsen with DemCast talks about the launch of the new Grassroots Digital Media Site: Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Nick is a Portland, Oregon-based writer, activist and troublemaker (#GoodTrouble). He worked as a grassroots digital organizer during the 2018 midterm cycle and is creator and editor of the activist site DemWritePress. With a Masters in Policy and 15-year background in non-profit management, program administration, coalition-building & resource development, Nick is proud and ready to lead the DemCast movement. He believes strongly in the importance of civic engagement & collective impact. @DemWrite on Twitter.

DemCast is a growing team of grassroots activists, writers, artists & thinkers. We’re building this initiative so that anyone can find a way to meaningfully plug in. To find out how you can join this movement, join us next week on BIHH, The Podcast. In the meantime,  you can learn about the amazing team that is leading the way. Visit www.demcastusa.com.

Sign up to partner, volunteer or even donate! 

DEMCAST IS A COLLABORATIVE, NOT-FOR-PROFIT CONTENT DEVELOPMENT & AMPLIFICATION NETWORK. IT’S THE 21ST CENTURY SOLUTION WE NEED RIGHT NOW.

Sep 18, 201958:60
Narcissism Disorder Discussion with Sam Ray, Author of "Are All Americans Stupid?" - This Ep. of BackWards & In High Heels

Narcissism Disorder Discussion with Sam Ray, Author of "Are All Americans Stupid?" - This Ep. of BackWards & In High Heels

 In the 2000s Sam found out a very good friend needed rescuing from a bully so he spent 2+ years full-time studying Cluster B mental disorders to help defeat the sociopath. After, he discovered that he had accidentally became an expert on the subject and types of abuse incurred by so many victims like his friend.   After his friend was rescued, he started a lifetime project book to explain America to his European friends and also explain so many unanswered questions about American politics, business, failing institutions etc.   

His book is the happy result of merging America's issues with psychology and is an updated version & homage to Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America", Mark Twain's "Gilded Age", Machiavelli's "The Prince" & further explains Orwell's 1984. Most other books about America explain the "who", "when" & "where" but this book answers the WHY & HOW stupidity, greed, authoritarianism, lies, evil & Trumpism all come from the same source.  What makes his perspective fairly unique is he observes the behaviors from the outside but still very close-up and since he’s not in the psych profession, he is more free to say things people in the profession can’t or won’t say. 

Link to Book on Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Are-All-Americans-Stupid-Authoritarianism-ebook/dp/B07HNQYCNY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=are+all+americans+stupid&qid=1565765349&s=books&sr=1-2


Aug 14, 201952:16
Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast: Roundtable Discussion on 2020 Dem. Debates

Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast: Roundtable Discussion on 2020 Dem. Debates

When CNN’s moderators weren’t cutting off candidates on Tuesday night during the second round of Democratic primary debates, they were pitting them against each another in an attempt to draw blood. It may not have been the best debate format, but it produced some entertaining moments. Is that where we are as a country? We want the shock and entertainment value in EVERYTHING, including our news? Tune in to hear what Tiffany Bond of Maine, Veteran Lisa Ling, and your co-hosts have to say on the subject. #FreeRealityWinner

Aug 07, 201958:51
Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast 2020 Presidential Debate Roundtable
Aug 01, 201958:56
Jenny Gattone & Sara Cunningham of Free Mom Hugs.Org on Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Jenny Gattone & Sara Cunningham of Free Mom Hugs.Org on Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Sara Cunningham, author/activist and founder of the non-profit, Free Mom Hugs. Her journey began in conservative Oklahoma, when her son, Parker, came out as gay. As a woman of faith, she wrestled with the news, until she began to study, research, and reconcile the two worlds. She found herself on a journey “from the church to the Pride parade”, falling in love with the LGBTQ+ Community. In the wake of beautiful, glitter covered hugs, and heart-breaking, horror stories, the mission of Free Mom Hugs began. Now a movement across the country, and the world, Sara is going Beyond the Hug, to educate and advocate. She has recently been seen on the Today show, spoke at the 2019 GLAAD Awards, and is in partnership with Jamie Lee Curtis to make a movie about her story. Her passion is to change the narrative so that we as a society, not only learn to affirm the LGBTQ+ community but celebrate them. 


Sign up for a local chapter here: www.freemomhugs.org/

Jul 24, 201957:42
 TINA RUSSELL FOR WV HOUSE IN THE 27 TH DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA

TINA RUSSELL FOR WV HOUSE IN THE 27 TH DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA

About Me

I am a proud West Virginian who has lived here for over 40 years. I have lived in Mercer County for over 25 years. I served 9 years in the United States Army. I also served a tour in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. I was a social worker in Mercer County for over 25 years, and also facilitated addiction recovery group classes and other addiction recovery related case management programs for 4 years. I also have worked with children with special needs and assisted families with getting assistance to care for children that have been placed in their home due to neglect or abuse. I am currently a teacher and have been for over 4 years. Above all, I consider myself an advocate for all those who are simply trying to make a living wage, care for the families, and have access to affordable healthcare.

So what will I fight for?

 An increase in the minimum wage

 Funding for Long Term Residential Drug Treatment Programs for people struggling with

frequent relapses of opioid addiction.

 Funding for more wraparound services for parents struggling with opioid addiction that

could aid them with more supportive and addiction recovery services that may reduce the

need for an out of home placement for their children.

 More funding for better wages for school personnel and teachers, and for more mental

health counselors, social workers, nurses, and school aids in the public education school

system.

 Increased funding for rural roads

 Restore funding for Nursing Home care for Veterans


Website links: tinarussellwv.com

FaceBook; Tina for WV House @TinaGrayRussell

Twitter: @TinaRussell309

Instagram: Russellforwvhouse

Act Blue: Tina Russell (WV-HD27, 2020)-Search Link

Donate Link: secure.actblue.com/donate/russell-for-wv-1

Jul 10, 201958:09
BIHH Interviews Dr. Sophia Yen, Founder of the One and Only Birth Control Delivery Service

BIHH Interviews Dr. Sophia Yen, Founder of the One and Only Birth Control Delivery Service

Dr. Sophia Yen, reproductive rights activist and CEO and Co-Founder of Pandia Health, birth control delivery service.

www.pandiahealth.com/ - Get Free Resources

twitter.com/PandiaHealth - Twitter

www.facebook.com/pandiahealth/ - Keep Up on Facebook

www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/20…-access-to.html -Silicon Valley Business Journal

twitter.com/CNNBusiness/status/1136680418646908930 - CNN Write Up

Jun 26, 201952:30
Dr. Christine Mann, Relax and Get Rich with Cecil McIntosh and a message from Reality Winner.

Dr. Christine Mann, Relax and Get Rich with Cecil McIntosh and a message from Reality Winner.

Today's show is jam packed with an amazing panel of guests. Up first we interview Dr. Christine Mann, running to unseat John Carter in US Congress, Texas CD 31.

You can support here: www.christine4congress.com/

Next up we have Cecil McIntosh, the worldwide authority on How to Relax and Get a Rich Life, teaching us a breathing technique on how to relax. Try it for yourself and visit Cecil at: relax.cecilmcintosh.com/7-bad-goof-ups/

Finally, we have a message from Reality Winner herself, brought to you by her amazing support group, and Billie J. Winner Davis, her mother. You can support Reality by keeping her name alive in conversation. #Tweet4Reality More information, to include actual court documents and links to news articles can be found at www.standwithreality.org 

Check out the Tweet storm happening in her honor during the debates by following Liz, on Twitter. @Lizseeds0311

Jun 19, 201901:09:29
Interview with Tiffany Bond of Maine. Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Interview with Tiffany Bond of Maine. Backwards & In High Heels, The Podcast

Interview with Tiffany Bond on BIHH

Tiffany Bond is a practicing family law attorney and mediator who made Maine her home 8 years ago, as she finished her law degree at UMaine. She ran in Maine's 2nd Congressional race last year, which gave Maine's new ranked-choice voting (RCV) a workout. Tiffany has developed an innovative style of campaigning which made her involvement turn the Maine midterm race in 2018. That same race thrust Tiffany into the center of a fascinating lawsuit about the constitutionality of ranked-choice voting in Maine. Tiffany is also a hard-working mom of 2 boys, and we were honored to talk to her about her campaign style, drowning in misogyny, the battle for egalitarian press coverage, and the possibility of running against Susan Collins.

Support Tiffany Bond's #MaineRaising here: bond4.me/maineraising/ and you can follow her on Twitter @TiffanyBond

Jun 05, 201943:32