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Karin Lips

Karin is the founder and president of The Network of enlightened Women.

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Series

The Conservative Woman’s Guide72 episodes

Recent Episodes

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Jayme Franklin: Young Women Needed Better Media, So I Built The Conservateur

When mainstream women's media left conservative women behind, Jayme Franklin and her co-founder Isabelle Redfield decided to create The Conservateur. What began as a passion project during their time at UC Berkeley has grown into one of the most influential platforms for conservative women, blending politics, fashion, beauty, and traditional values. Jayme joins guest host Emma DeGrado to share how she weathered intense backlash after launching The Conservateur in 2020 and earned a seat at the table in the new media landscape. Emma and Jayme dive into why aesthetics matter in the policy world, the rise of socialism among Gen Z, and how conservative media can better reach young women. Jayme shares her perspective on encouraging marriage and motherhood, balancing a growing media career with family life, and a new pro-family policy proposal that she developed with her husband. From navigating online criticism to making her voice heard in Washington, Jayme offers advice to young women looking to build meaningful careers without compromising their values. Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Emma DeGrado on Instagram: @quiterightemma Follow Emma DeGrado on X: @quiterightemma
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

September 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Hannah Brusven: Rediscovering Classical Femininity

What does it mean to be truly feminine in a modern world? NeW Media Relations Coordinator Emma DeGrado steps behind the microphone at NeW’s annual Leadership Retreat in Nashville to guest host a conversation with Hannah Brusven, founder and editor-in-chief of The Swish. Hannah shares how a college blog about elegance grew into a quarterly print magazine dedicated to truth, goodness, beauty, and what she calls “classical femininity.” She explains why The Swish is embracing the “analog renaissance,” why the publication intentionally limits advertising, and why women are looking for something deeper than the fast-paced, trend-driven content that dominates much of modern women’s media. Emma and Hannah discuss what classical femininity actually means. Hannah shares why she focuses on character and virtue rather than labels like “modesty" and how preparing to welcome her first daughter has changed the way she thinks about her work and its legacy.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Heidi Ganahl: Building Resilience Through Life’s Beautiful Mess

Serial entrepreneur and former Colorado gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl knows something about resilience. After a horrific series of events occurred in her late twenties, Ganahl turned her passion for dogs into Camp Bow Wow, growing the business from a single location into a national franchise. Since then, she has weathered business failures, serious health challenges, a hard-fought race for governor, and the everyday “beautiful mess” of raising four children. Heidi Ganahl joins Karin Lips to talk about resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and why failure can sometimes lead to something bigger and better. Ganahl shares the lessons she learned building Camp Bow Wow, why giving back has helped her through some of life’s hardest moments, and what running for office taught her about risk and reward. They discuss the future of higher education, navigating college as a conservative woman, and balancing ambition with what Heidi calls the "sweeter moments of life." Join our community: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Heidi Ganahl on Instagram: @heidiganahl Follow Heidi Ganahl on X: @heidiganahl
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

July 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Madeline Fry Schultz: Why The Daily Wire is Investing in Culture

Culture is shaping the future of America. Amid mainstream backlash against pro-family messages and a need for more conservative voices in lifestyle media, Madeline Fry Schultz joins Karin Lips to explain why engaging with the broader culture is essential to creating lasting change. That’s precisely why the Daily Wire launched Upstream, a lifestyle vertical for human insight and thoughtful arguments on everything from parenting to ranch dressing—all through a conservative lens. Karin and Madeline discuss the importance of encouraging marriage and motherhood, expanding flexible work opportunities for parents, and finding common ground on issues that matter to families. Madeline shares insights from her career in journalism, offers advice to aspiring writers, and explains why young professionals must resist relying on AI as a substitute for developing their own voice. Join our community: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Check out Upstream: https://www.dailywire.com/topic/upstream Follow Madeline Fry Schultz on X: @madelineefry (00:00) Meet Madeline Fry Schultz (00:54) The View Controversy (06:12) Why The Daily Wire Launched Upstream (08:26) How Conservatives Can Shape Culture (10:24) Flexible Work, Motherhood, & What Women Actually Want (14:31) How Do You Measure Cultural Impact? (17:40) Advice for Aspiring Writers (19:45) MAHA, Parenting Culture, & Finding Common Ground (22:34) Why Longform Literature Still Matters (24:20) Taking Career Risks and Moving to DC (25:19) Advice to Your 22-Year-Old Self
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Emily Ekins: 5 Reasons to Get Married Young (and Not Wait)

For a generation told to delay marriage in pursuit of independence, career success, and personal growth, what if getting married young—say, in your early 20s—is actually one of the most strategic decisions you can make? In this episode of The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips sits down with Emily Ekins, Vice President for Policy and Society at the Cato Institute, to explore the case for marrying young. Emily, who married her husband at 22, shares five data-backed reasons why walking down the aisle earlier can benefit women in the long run—from building a foundation with your spouse sooner to creating greater flexibility for future goals. Tune in as Karin and Emily challenge cultural assumptions that marriage should wait for arbitrary milestones and discuss what research reveals about building an intentional life. Join our community: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow the Cato Institute on Instagram: @catoinstitute Follow Emily Ekins on X: @emilyekins Chapters: 4:34 Growing Together 5:12 Risk-Sharing 7:56 Happiness & Well-Being 9:10 Support in Difficult Moments 9:49 Family Formation & Preserving Options 15:26 Emily’s Message to Young Women 16:21 Technology’s Effects on Gen Z 22:21 American Civic Knowledge Gap 28:45 Advice to your 22-year-old self
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

June 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Dr. Catherine Pakaluk: America’s Baby Bust is About Demand, Not Dollars

Why are fewer Americans choosing to have children—and why are families having fewer overall? Dr. Catherine Pakaluk joins Karin Lips to unpack the cultural and economic forces behind today’s declining birth rate. Dr. Pakaluk challenges the idea that America’s baby bust is mainly a financial issue, arguing instead that it’s a demand problem. Younger generations just don’t see children as part of “living their best life.” Understanding this shift means looking beyond policy to lifestyle inflation and changing priorities around career, freedom, and identity—dynamics she explores in her book, Hannah’s Children, through interviews with 55 women, each with five or more children. She weighs in on the nuances and false dichotomies beneath the popular “tradwife vs. girlboss” debate, offering a thoughtful look at modern trade-offs, cultural expectations, and what it means to build a meaningful life in the twenty-first century. Join our community: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Dr. Catherine Pakaluk on Instagram: @crpakaluk Follow Dr. Catherine Pakaluk on X: @CRPakaluk
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Danielle Alvarez: Inside the National Celebration for America’s 250th

What does it take to plan a once-in-a-generation celebration for an entire nation? Karin Lips sits down with Danielle Alvarez, spokeswoman for Freedom 250, to dive into one of the most ambitious celebrations in American history. Danielle takes listeners inside America’s 250th birthday, from the powerful lighting of the Washington Monument to the Great American State Fair and from traveling “Mobile Museums” to a never-before-seen IndyCar race on the streets of Washington, DC. Danielle opens up about her work on the national stage as a mother with young children and reflects on what it means to carry forward a revolutionary spirit 250 years after the founding of this great country. You can find out more about all of the celebrations at https://freedom250.org/. Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Danielle Alvarez on Instagram: @daniellealvarez Follow Danielle Alvarez on X: @daniellealvarez
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

May 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Rep. Stephanie Bice: Unleashing American Innovation from Oklahoma to Artemis II

Oklahoma ranks #1 among states with the lowest cost of doing business. It's one of America's top states for oil production as well as the aerospace and defense industry, attracting innovators from more expensive coastal states. Karin Lips sits down with Representative Stephanie Bice, who represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Committee on House Administration. Before entering Congress, Rep. Bice spent two decades in the private sector while raising her two now-adult daughters. Rep. Bice shares her perspective on how Congress can better serve Americans. She discusses how policymakers can better equip Americans—from working mothers to Artemis II astronauts—with the tools to think big, bold, and outside the box. Join our community: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Rep. Bice on Instagram: @repstephaniebice Follow Rep. Bice on X: @RepBice
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Laura Vanderkam: The Path to Time Abundance

What if someone told you that Americans are not increasingly overworked or increasingly sleep-deprived? What if someone told you that you aren’t as “busy” as you think you are? And life isn’t as “crazy” as you think it is? In this episode, Karin sits down with Laura Vanderkam, author of several time-management books, including her latest, Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance. Laura shares the method behind her annual 168-hour study, tips and tricks to build your schedule more effectively, and a little relief for moms—you are likely spending more time with your family than you think! Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Laura Vanderkam on Instagram: @lvanderkam Follow Laura Vanderkam on X: @lvanderkam
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

April 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Sarah Isgur: What Most Americans Get Wrong About SCOTUS

Karin Lips sits down with Sarah Isgur—ABC News legal analyst, co-host of the Advisory Opinions podcast, editor of SCOTUSblog, and author of The Last Branch Standing: A Potentially Surprising, Occasionally Witty Journey Inside Today's Supreme Court. In this episode, Sarah quickly busts the myth that the Supreme Court is simply divided along partisan lines. She takes listeners in-depth to show the surprising dynamics shaping decisions and the longstanding traditions that set the Court apart from the other federal branches. She and Karin also discuss growing executive power—and how that shift may leave the Supreme Court as America’s “last branch standing.” Beyond the bench, Sarah reflects on her unconventional career path and life as a mom of young boys, where Bluey has become (almost) part of the family. Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Sarah Isgur on Instagram: @sarahmisgur Follow Sarah Isgur on X: @whignewtons
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Rep. Elise Stefanik: The Congressional Hearing Heard Around the World

Representative Elise Stefanik joins host Karin Lips on The Conservative Woman’s Guide to discuss her new book, Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities. From her early days in the Bush White House to becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, Rep. Stefanik’s path prepared her for one of the most consequential congressional hearings in modern political history. The exchange of her questioning university presidents on antisemitism following October 7th captured global attention, triggered major resignations, and fueled a national debate over free speech, accountability, and leadership in higher education. School-by-school, Poisoned Ivies audits supposed leaders in American academia. A Harvard graduate herself, Rep. Stefanik considers ways elite institutions might recover. Rep. Stefanik shares what’s next for her in Congress and beyond as she exits Congress to focus on raising her son in upstate New York. Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Elise Stefanik on Instagram: @elisestefanik Follow Elise Stefanik on X: @EliseStefanik
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

The Founding is About the Future: Yuval Levin on America’s Next 250 Years

Should Congress be larger—both in number and presence? Should American universities take more responsibility for forming good citizens? Should Americans disagree more than they do today? In this episode of The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Yuval Levin, director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and founder and editor of National Affairs. Karin and Yuval explore a revitalization of Congress in the age of social media, the responsibility of American universities to form better citizens, and the role of the Constitution when it comes to disagreement. Yuval shares about AEI’s education initiative for America’s 250th, “We Hold These Truths." Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips AEI’s “We Hold These Truths” Initiative: https://america250.aei.org/ Check out National Affairs: https://nationalaffairs.com/
Guest:
Yuval Levin
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

March 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

The Future of American Education: Policy Reforms That Work

What does real education reform look like, and which policies are actually helping students succeed? This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, host Karin Lips sits down with Neetu Arnold, Paulson Policy Analyst at the Manhattan Institute and NeW alumna, to discuss the state of American education and the reforms that are making a difference. Neetu’s experience with the Network of enlightened Women at Cornell University helped shape her career in public policy. She explains how students can navigate ideological bias on campus while developing the skills to challenge prevailing narratives. The conversation explores misunderstandings surrounding student loans, the emerging role of AI in classrooms, and the dramatic academic turnaround often referred to as the “Mississippi Miracle.” Check out our website: https://enlightenedwomen.org/ Follow NeW on Instagram: @enlightenedwomen Follow NeW on X: @NeWNetwork Follow Karin Lips on Instagram: @karin.lips Follow Karin Lips on X: @klips Follow Neetu Arnold on X: @neetu_arnold
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Philanthropy in America: From the Founders to Gen Z

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Peter Lipsett, Vice President of DonorsTrust. Peter shares his insights on the role of philanthropy to strengthen civil society and advance liberty. He also talks about generational trends and America’s long history of philanthropy. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

February 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Beyond the Glitz and Glamour: One Woman’s Path from Hollywood to Civic Leadership

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Janine Turner, three-time Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress, author, mother, and founder of the non-profit Constituting America. Janine discusses her work in the entertainment industry, America 250, and the founding of Constituting America. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Economic Freedom and the Dangers of Romanticizing Socialism

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Dr. Anne Bradley, vice president of academic affairs at The Fund for American Studies. Anne shares about her work on economic freedom and discusses why young people can’t stop romanticizing socialism. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

January 2026

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Back to School: Exposing the Crisis in Higher Education

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Jenna Robinson, President of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. Jenna discusses her work on higher education reform and the campus climate in 2026. She also shares how motherhood has impacted her work. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

December 2025

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

CWG Replay - Candace Cameron Bure: On Hollywood, Motherhood, and Christmas Cheer

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, we rewind to Karin's sit-down last year with Candace Cameron Bure, known as the Queen of Christmas movies, for an episode on her acting career and sticking to her values. Candace shares about her two latest Christmas movies, A Christmas Traveled and Home Sweet Christmas, her experience balancing her career and motherhood, and advice for listeners on being outspoken about their convictions. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Guest:
CCCandace Cameron Bure
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

From the Classroom to the Culture War: Dr. Lindsey Burke on Education Reform

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Dr. Lindsey Burke, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. They discuss K-12 education reform, the role of parents in education, and the challenges in higher education. Lindsey shares insights from her work in the Trump Administration and explains why education policy matters. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

November 2025

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Cracking the Hiring Code: How to Navigate the Job Market as a Conservative Woman

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Claire Dixon, Founder and Executive Director of Talent Market. Claire shares insights into today’s job market and offers practical advice for young professionals starting their careers. Karin and Claire discuss the challenges conservatives face during the hiring process, and this episode includes a lightning round Q&A for job seekers. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Rewriting the Script: Entrepreneur Cara Leopardo on Launching a Values-Driven Studio

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips sits down with Cara Leopardo, CEO and Co-Founder of We The Studios, to discuss countering liberal narratives in the entertainment industry. Cara opens up about her journey in Hollywood and how she built an entrepreneurial venture designed to challenge cultural norms and create content that upholds traditional values. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation — and make sure you never miss an update! Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

October 2025

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Balancing Policy and Parenting: May Mailman on What It Takes to Have It All

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by May Mailman, former Deputy Assistant to President Donald J. Trump and Senior Policy Strategist at the White House. Mailman offers a rare glimpse into life in the West Wing and discusses balancing motherhood with her career. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Policy is Personal: Mehek Cooke on Courage, Conservatism, and the Culture War

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Mehek Cooke to talk about a wide range of policy issues and what motivated her to run for office. She shares her career journey, from running for office to campaigning in the 2024 election to her latest entrepreneurial venture. She explains why policy and entrepreneurship are deeply personal. As a former NeW member while in school, she also shares how that formative experience helped shape her confidence. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women

September 2025

The Conservative Woman’s Guide
The Conservative Woman’s Guide

Megan Alexander Talks Living Her Values in the Entertainment Industry

This week on The Conservative Woman’s Guide, Karin Lips is joined by Megan Alexander, TV host, actress, producer, and author. They discuss being a woman of faith in the entertainment industry and how to speak up for what you believe in. Follow us on Instagram at @enlightenedwomen to join the conversation—and make sure you never miss an update! Email us at media@enlightenedwomen.org if you have feedback or ideas for us.
Organization
Network of Enlightened Women
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