Why do wives of right-wing political figures keep launching podcasts?
Usha Vance has introduced a podcast titled *Storytime with the Second Lady*. Each episode opens with an introduction, followed by JD Vance’s wife reading a children’s story. The first few episodes, released Monday, each last no longer than 11 minutes. Vance’s shift to podcasting follows a trend among conservative spouses moving towards content creation, aiming to establish conservative-leaning spaces.
“I’ve always loved reading,” Vance shares in the first episode, where she reads Beatrix Potter’s *The Tale of Peter Rabbit*. In subsequent episodes, she reads *Cars* featuring Danica Patrick and *Playground Lessons* by Brent Poppen, showing a blend of classic and modern tales. Although supporting literacy initiatives as second lady, Vance’s podcast presents as a wholesome, apolitical counterpart to figures like Ms. Rachel, a more vocal children’s entertainer.
Katie Miller, Stephen Miller’s wife, began a podcast after leaving her government position, signaling an attempt by conservatives to cultivate their own media ecosystem. Despite attempts to project independence from mainstream media, Miller and Vance’s efforts seem aimed at gaining acceptance and cultural relevance they feel is withheld.
With episodes that are brief or considered mundane, both podcasts appear to lack depth yet serve a rebranding purpose for their hosts. Miller’s background in politics has been controversial, yet both women aim to redefine themselves within these frameworks, highlighting the complexities of their public and private roles.