The Girl's Guide
Issue 91: That's Problematic
Wow, two editions of The Girl’s Guide in two weeks? I’m sure you can’t believe your luck. I’m bringing you The Girl’s Guide a week early thanks to a very special collaboration. You can expect the next edition on Aug. 11.
As always, if you missed the last issue, find it here.
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Listen to This!
At the beginning of 2023, I set a goal to do one outside interview about The Girl’s Guide this year. Well, mission accomplished! I had a blast joining Virginia Allen and Kristen Eichamer of the podcast Problematic Women to discuss The Girl’s Guide and much, much more. Give it a listen here!
Make sure you subscribe to Problematic Women (here they are on Spotify) so you can keep up with future episodes! I’m sure you’ll enjoy my interview with cohost Kristen in today’s newsletter, and here is my interview with Virginia from last year.
Interview with Kristen Eichamer
In today’s newsletter, I’m introducing you to Kristen Eichamer! In addition to being a stellar podcast host, she’s got a stacked resumé — including her role as former NASA Deputy Press Secretary! Connect with Kristen on Twitter and Instagram.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in Arlington, Virginia near the Shirlington/Alexandria area. One of the greatest parts about living here is that I can drive to work, go out to eat, and live my life in the same area as some of our country’s most influential leaders. It’s a bit nerdy, but inspiring to think about when pulling up for my next happy hour on King Street.
What does your life look like right now?
Currently, my family is spread across the Midwest and East Coast. I grew up outside of Chicago with a brother and a sister, so I’m still a proud Midwesterner. I work at The Heritage Foundation as a communications advisor on the coalitions team — I was poached from the media and PR team.
What is something you wish you had known before moving to DC?
I had no idea I was coming to DC… to be honest, I thought NASA HQ was in Houston, Texas, and I was ready to live there. So, probably the first thing I wish I knew was that I was going to DC. After that, I would say that remaining humble and open to discussion regardless of the topic or the person you’re talking to is the way to survive the swamp. If people enjoy your company, you will succeed. That means working hard, playing hard, and being kind to others.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m super proud to have waited until this question to reveal that… I’m a CrossFitter. It kind of comes with the athlete territory. I played soccer growing up, and I’m still really into that world especially during World Cup tournaments. But for now, CrossFit is one of my favorite hobbies. I also recently began coaching. Outside of fitness, reading and traveling are close runners-up.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Go-to coffeeshop? Panera—I should be paid for the amount of people I’ve encouraged to sign up for their MyPanera program. Compass is my favorite exclusively coffee coffeeshop.
Books on your nightstand? A Lesson in Chemistry and Steal Like An Artist.
Most-worn piece in your closet? A skirt/shirt combo that gives Rachel from Friends energy.
Neutrals or bold colors? It really depends on the day. I wear all colors boldly.
The Haps
Two Thumbs Up for Barbie?
It feels like everyone has an opinion on the Barbie movie, so I’ve rounded up the most thought-provoking essays on Greta Gerwig’s latest film here:
The sad, shallow world of Barbie: Barbie can’t explain the beauty of womanhood despite a plethora of pink, writes Madeline Fry Schultz.
Barbie’s sparkling pink Gnosticism: Sadly, the film is full of “incoherent feminist standards,” writes Katelyn Walls Shelton.
“Barbie” Is A Pinkified Social Satire That Pokes Fun At Feminists And Misogynists Alike: There’s something for everyone — well, except for the little girls still playing with their Barbies — in this movie, writes Jillian Schroeder.
Barbie: A Millennial Mom Movie: Don’t forget about Noah Baumbach, Gerwig’s co-writer and real-life partner, writes Helen Andrews. (Author’s note: I recently watched Baumbach’s Kicking & Screaming and couldn’t believe that 30 years later, its director would be working on a movie about Barbie dolls. But that’s show biz, baby.)
