Just Between Us

Just Between Us is a comedic variety show where Allison Raskin and Gabe Dunn openly discuss everything from mental health to sex and all the stuff in-between. Each week, they’ll answer a question from a listener seeking advice, interview someone fascinating, participate in a rarely winnable game show and discuss a random topic affecting the world. Jump from highbrow to lowbrow in a single episode! Sometimes multiple times! Nothing is off limits for these New York Times best selling authors who are trying to destigmatize the world one hilarious episode at a time. Produced by Forever Dog Podcast Network.

Mental Health
Society & Culture
Comedy
201
Local Politics with Nithya Raman, Confronting G...
This week, Gaby and Allison help a listener who wants to speak more openly to her family about grief following her mother’s passing. They then speak to community advocate and city council candidate Nithya Raman about running for office as a woman of color, defunding the police and why it’s so important to care about local politics. And finally, a look at our values. Is it possible for them to align with our daily life? What are our values? (Mostly dogs.) (JK.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
64 min
202
How To Handle A Narcissist with Dr. Ramani, Bad...
Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener who is wondering if she should give up on dating apps. They then interview narcissism expert and author of “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” Dr. Ramani Durvasula about the red flags of dating a narcissist, how to survive the toxic patterns of doing so and why expecting them to change is a waste of time and energy. And finally, body hair! Did you stop shaving during quarantine? Why did something so personal become so political? (Content Warning: Discussion of dating abuse)
75 min
203
The History Of Segregation With Richard Rothste...
Gaby and Allison answer a listener’s difficult question about how to let a date know you’re not interested in seeing them again. They then speak to Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law, about the long lasting ramifications of housing segregation by the American government. And finally, they discuss billionaires and boy, do they have a bone to pick! Plus, Allison’s dad, Ken Raskin, joins the podcast for Hypotheticals. Finally! (Content Warning: Discussion of racism)
61 min
204
Why Representation Matters with Stephanie Beatr...
During the first live streamed episode of the podcast, Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener who is hesitant to start medication for her mental health. They’re then joined by Brooklyn 99 star and all around bicon Stephanie Beatriz to discuss everything from wedding planning to representation inside families. And finally, normal versus common: Why word choice matters!
71 min
205
The Unhoused Community with Theo Henderson, The...
Allison and Gaby advise a listener who thinks her “feminist” mom is stuck in the second wave and won’t accept asexuality. They’re then joined by Theo Henderson to talk about his experience being unhoused in Los Angeles and how we can all help the unhoused community. And finally, writing tips and tricks! (Content Warnings: Discussion of food issues, transphobia, acephobia and violence against the unhoused) 
74 min
206
Asexuality with Angela Chen, Mandatory Friendsh...
Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener who doesn’t want to feel obligated to make friends at work. They then talk to author Angela Chen about asexuality, her journey toward the label and how asexuality can inform us about consent. Lastly, reframing your thoughts! How hard is it to do? How can it help you make healthier choices and have better self-worth?
74 min
207
Storytelling with LeVar Burton, Finding A Suppo...
Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener wondering how to find the right support group for herself and maybe her daughter. They then talk to legendary storyteller and superstar from Reading Rainbow, Roots and Star Trek, LEVAR FREAKING BURTON, all about storytelling, politics, social media and just... everything. And finally, emotional intelligence. What is it? And how to build it? DID WE MENTION LEVAR BURTON IS ON?! 
77 min
208
Documentary Filmmaking with Erin Carr, How to F...
Gaby and Allison answer a listener’s question about how much conflict is normal in friendships. Then, they talk to documentary filmmaker Erin Carr (Mommy Dead and Dearest, Heart of Gold) about her filmmaking process, how to spot a liar and whether documentaries are entertainment or journalism. Lastly, working from home! Let’s keep doing it even after the pandemic is over.
62 min
209
Portland Protests with Tuck Woodstock, Rich Pri...
Allison and Gaby attempt to help a listener whose wealthier friends refuse to talk about money and privilege. They’re then joined by journalist Tuck Woodstock to discuss the horrors of federal troops in Portland. And finally, Gaby shares what it’s been like to officially be living with her partner! Content Warning: Discussion of race, class and police violence.
78 min
210
Social Media with Hank Green, When You Disagree...
Allison and Gaby offer advice to a listener who wants to be supportive of her friend’s upcoming wedding... but thinks she's way too young to get married. They’re then joined by Hank Green to discuss all things social media. And later, microaggressions! How to spot them and how to stop doing them! Content Warning: Discussion of racism and transphobia.
76 min
211
The Constitution with Ben Sheehan, Your Therapi...
 In this week’s episode, Allison and Gaby answer a listener’s question about whether or not it’s kosher to ask your therapist if they support Trump. (Who would want a Trump supporting therapist?! Not us!) They’re then joined by "OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?" author, Ben Sheehan, to discuss... you guessed it... the constitution, and what it really says. And finally, why won’t people wear their damn masks?! WEAR YOUR MASKS!!!
69 min
212
Sex Therapy with Stephanie Hunter Jones, Workin...
EPISODE 69. And it’s all about sex, BABY. Okay, maybe not allll. Gaby and Allison start off by giving advice to a listener who is distraught that her father has taken a job working for a prominent Trump supporter and donor. They then break down sexuality and sex shaming with clinical sexologist Stephanie Hunter Jones. And finally, self-confidence! Where’s the line between confidence and arrogance? Gaby thinks she knows. Content Warning: Sex and trauma.
52 min
213
Covering Black Lives Matter with Cerise Castle,...
Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener whose parents constantly criticize their weight and skin. How do you ignore toxic words from your parents? They’re then joined by KCRW producer, Cerise Castle, to discuss BLM protests, the treatment of the press by police and her own experience getting shot by a rubber bullet while holding her press badge. Finally, the girls discuss Biden as the democratic candidate and what that means for progressives who don’t like him. Content Warning: Mention of eating disorders, acne, police violence, racism and sexual assault.
67 min
214
Being Related To A Serial Killer with Rasha Pec...
Gaby and Allison answer a listener’s question regarding relationship timelines and the subsequent judgement. They then speak to Rasha Pecoraro, co-host of the podcast ‘Root of Evil,’ about her family and their involvement in The Black Dahlia / Elizabeth Short murder. Rasha’s great-grandfather was George Hodel, the main suspect in one of the most infamous “unsolved” murders of all time. They also get into the anti-diet movement and the  toxicity of the weight loss industry. It’s a dark, but ultimately hopeful episode. Content warnings: Discussion of abuse, violence, rape, incest, homophobia, fatphobia and suicide.
66 min
215
The Science of Stress with Dr. Rajita Sinha, Be...
Allison and Gaby offer advice to a listener who doesn't like anyone who likes them back. They’re then joined by Dr. Rajita Sinha of the Yale Stress Center to break down the science of stress and how it affects our bodies. And finally, some tips on how to feel less lonely. Spoiler: Get a dog!
68 min
216
The Power of Political Speech with Jon Lovett, ...
Gaby and Allison give a listener advice about whether it’s healthy to fight with her partner. Then, they talk to Jon Lovett -- Crooked Media co-founder, host of Lovett or Leave It and co-host of Pod Save America -- about the power of language and the ways political speeches can sway, comfort or incite. And to wrap it all up, they discuss the pros and cons of exposure therapy while Gaby freaks out about ants. Stay safe. We love you.  Also, Black Lives Matter. Here's where you can learn more:Black Lives MatterBlack Visions CollectiveThe Movement For Black Lives fundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
81 min
217
Comic Book Writer Greg Pak, Not Enjoying Penetr...
Gaby and Allison tackle the conundrum of a newly married woman who realizes she does not enjoy penetrative sex. Then, they talk to comic book writer Greg Pak about indie presses vs. working for Marvel, Asian representation in comics and the collaboration between storyteller and artist. Also bucket lists! What’s on them? Why do people make them? What’s stopping us from both getting pet rabbits? Come nerd out with us!
68 min
218
Brain Scoop’s Emily Graslie, Marriage Anxiety a...
Gaby and Allison give advice to a listener worried about bringing up marriage to her boyfriend who went through a nasty divorce. They then discuss  anti-science sentiment with “Brain Scoop” host and museum curiosity correspondent Emily Graslie. And finally, they break down some defining childhood moments. Also, penis bones???
66 min
219
Hood Feminism with Mikki Kendall, Forgiving You...
On this week’s episode, Allison and Gaby grapple with a listener’s question about self-forgiveness. They’re then joined by Hood Feminism author, Mikki Kendall, to discuss intersectionality, inequality and what it truly means to be a feminist. The girls end the episode with a lively discussion about what you need to know about a potential partner from the get go. Mainly, are they a republican who hates their job? If so, pass. Content Warning: Mention of rape.
72 min
220
Climate Change with Jessica Wilson, Getting A N...
Allison and Gaby try to help a listener deal with a potential new mental health diagnosis. They’re then joined by Fire Drill Fridays activist Jessica Wilson to discuss climate change and how to help during and after a pandemic. And finally, a tough discussion about the realities of unemployment. Is it a “fun” episode? Maybe not! But you’ll definitely learn something! (We hope.)
63 min
221
Planned Parenthood’s Alexis McGill Johnson, See...
Allison and Gaby help a listener who wants to learn to communicate with her partner without constantly seeking reassurance. They’re then joined by Planned Parenthood’s Alexis McGill Johnson to discuss conservatives' sneaky attack on reproductive rights during the pandemic. And finally, sleep. Goodnight!
57 min
222
Investigative Journalism with Natasha Del Toro,...
Allison and Gaby offer advice to a listener who can’t seem to find joy in Zoom Hangouts with her friends. They’re then joined by investigative journalist, Natasha Del Toro, to discuss an investigation that involved 14 women and the many people who didn't believe them. And, finally, Allison and Gaby describe their perfect lives. (It involves animals for Allison and multiple partners for Gaby. Shocking!) Content Warning: Discussion of rape and sexual assault during the interview portion.
67 min
223
Examining Grief with Nora McInerny, Choosing A ...
Allison and Gaby start off by helping a listener decide between passion and practicality when it comes to choosing a college major. They’re then joined by writer and podcaster Nora McInerny for a frank discussion about grief and how to keep living when you lose someone you love. And later, aliens. (With a little bit of ghosts and cryptids!) This show is wild, y’all!
65 min
224
Online Extremism with Journalist Andrew Marantz...
How are we holding up under self-quarantine? Allison and Gaby offer (conflicting) advice to a listener about staying sane during the pandemic. They then discuss the hazards of social media and the spread of misinformation with Andrew Marantz, author of “Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians and the Hijacking of the American Conversation.” And later, the girls chat about sexism in politics. Light, fun stuff for a comedy show!
65 min
225
Interracial Love with Ashley C. Ford, Proving M...
Happy self-quarantine, everyone! Allison and Gaby discuss how they’re handling the coronavirus crisis (lots of games). They then offer advice to a listener whose mom won’t take their mental illness seriously. They’re also joined by writer Ashley C. Ford, who shares a heartwarming story about real love. And later, we analyze and dissect our own social skills in possibly the nerdiest way ever. Chef’s Kiss! Content Warnings: self harm, suicide, mention of an eating disorder.
68 min