Shahida shares her powerful journey to Malaysia to say goodbye to her estranged father who was dying of stage four cancer. After decades of distance and unresolved trauma from his departure when she was five, she arrived expecting closure—but received something far more profound: his honest acknowledgment, his request for forgiveness, and the gift of being present for his final moments. This deeply personal conversation explores abandonment, forgiveness, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, what it means to reconcile with the past, and how death can be unexpectedly beautiful when surrounded by love and family. A must-listen for anyone navigating complex family relationships or wondering what truly matters at the end of life.

Mindy and Shahida reunite on She The People to unpack what they’re seeing in the Epstein files and the disturbing pattern of power moving without accountability. From the role of wealth, influence, and propaganda to the online pipeline that fuels misogyny and the far right, they talk through why so many people feel overwhelmed, and why staying informed still matters. They also break down the SAVE Act and what voter suppression can look like in practice—especially for women who’ve changed their names. The episode closes with a reminder to avoid burnout, pick one issue, take action, and keep showing up.

Mindy goes solo with Iowa State Rep. JD S to talk Scholten about what it’s like organizing as one of the only Democrats across 42 counties in northwest Iowa—and why 2026 could determine whether Iowa swings back purple or locks in deeper red. They unpack the nonstop news cycle (including the Epstein files), the risk of burnout, and why local action and coalition-building are the only way through the chaos. JD shares lessons from his underdog runs for Congress, his anti-monopoly economic message, and practical ways everyday people can stay engaged and make change where they live.