American Fever Dream - podcast cover

American Fever Dream

Betches Media
From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Sage will tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2024 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night. For constant news updates, sign up for the Sup email newsletter at betches.com/newsletters and follow us on Instagram at @betches_news. And follow V on TikTok and Instagram @underthedesknews. Watch American Fever Dream On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetchesnews
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Episodes

#349 Ineptitude Is Contagious Ft. Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Alise, Kaitlin and Amanda are back to check in on the state of the White House outbreak and the president’s alleged recovery. They discuss why the White House has no credibility when it comes to their claims about negative tests, and react to news that Stephen Miller has tested positive and how this should have impacted tonight’s vice presidential debate. Finally, they cover new reporting that Jeff Sessions and others in the Justice Department demanded infants be separated from parents despite o...

Oct 07, 202055 min

#348 What Happens When Trump Comes For Your Dad? Ft. Samantha Cohen

Today Sami is joined by Samantha Cohen, daughter to former Trump confidant Michael Cohen, to discuss her experience growing up in the orbit of the Trump family. They start with a conversation about the revelations surrounding inappropriate comments the president made about her at age 15, as well as the reaction to a recent Vanity Fair article on the same topic. Next, she shares what it was like interacting with someone like Ivanka at a young age, and how it feels to see the Trump children operat...

Oct 06, 202034 min

#347 Trump’s COVID Timeline Doesn’t Add Up

On this episode of the Sup, Sami and Bryan are back to talk about everything we know regarding the president’s COVID diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization. They discuss the timeline of his positive test and examine the conflicting statements about how early he knew he had the virus. Next, they talk about his public statements on Twitter and the joyride he took in a secret service vehicle to wave at supporters outside the hospital, putting lives at risk. They also discuss the many people from ...

Oct 05, 202031 min

#346 Dangerous Deadly Morons (Trump Has COVID)

In an emergency episode of the Betches Sup Podcast, our hosts react in real-time to the news that President Trump and the First Lady have COVID, as well as the new tapes of the First Lady sh*t talking Christmas. Thanks to our sponsors: Feals: Feals will have you feeling your best every day. Become a member today by going to Feals.com/sup and you’ll get 50% off your first order with free shipping. Curology: Get a powerful skincare treatment made for you today! Go to Curology.com/sup for a free 30...

Oct 02, 202028 min

#345 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 4: The Kennedy Family

The Betches Sup presents the fourth installment of the 8-episode limited series exposing the connections you never knew existed: Do You Know Who My Dad Is? explores dynastic nepotism and the effects it has on media, culture, and our current political system. Hosts Bryan Russell Smith and Alicia Angeles are talking all about the privilege that leads inexperienced and unaccomplished children of powerful people to get ahead. On this week’s episode, Alicia guides us through the lineage of another on...

Oct 02, 20201 hr 4 min

#344 So What The Hell Is A Proud Boy Anyway?

On today’s episode, Bryan and Alise are back and start the show with some of the lingering after effects of this week’s presidential debate. They react to Donald Trump’s attempt to claim that he doesn’t know who the Proud Boys are, and discuss the response from several Republican lawmakers. Plus, they talk about the Commission on Presidential Debates stating that it would be making changes to the structure of future debates “to ensure a more orderly discussion.” Finally, they close the show with...

Oct 01, 202025 min

#343 “Stand Back, Stand By”: Debate #1 Reaction

On today’s Betches Sup podcast, Sami, Kaitlin, and Amanda debrief on the first debate of the general election. They run through the night’s most memorable moments, from the name-calling to Trump’s shockingly frank embrace of white supremacy. They discuss what newly engaged voters told us about how they interpreted the debate and the impact it might have on turnout. Finally, they consider if the debate was a total waste of time and make predictions if the next one will even happen. Thanks to our ...

Sep 30, 202041 min

#342 Do People Care That The President Doesn’t Pay Taxes?

On this episode of the Sup, Alise and Bryan start things off with a preview of tonight’s debate, including which topics will be covered, what’s at stake, and exactly what you should look out for. Then they dive into the details of the bombshell New York Times report featuring details about the president’s tax returns and what they reveal about his finances. Do voters even care that he doesn’t pay taxes? Finally, they close things out with Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who starts...

Sep 29, 202035 min

#341 Debate Preview Ft. Biden National Press Secretary TJ Ducklo

Amanda is joined by TJ Ducklo, national press secretary for former Vice President Joe Biden's presidential campaign, to discuss Joe Biden’s strategy for tomorrow’s debate in Ohio. How will the campaign use the debate to continue Biden’s swing state momentum? Ducklo also explains how the Supreme Court vacancy has -- and hasn’t -- changed the debate calculus, and speaks to Biden’s overall consistency as a candidate. Finally, we ask TJ if low expectations for Trump help or hurt Joe Biden. Thanks to...

Sep 28, 202020 min

#340 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 3: The Bush Family

The Betches Sup presents the third installment of the 8-episode limited series exposing the connections you never knew existed: Do You Know Who My Dad Is? explores dynastic nepotism and the effects it has on media, culture, and our current political system. Hosts Bryan Russell Smith and Alicia Angeles are talking all about the privilege that leads inexperienced and unaccomplished children of powerful people to get ahead. On this week’s episode, Bryan leads us through the family history of one of...

Sep 25, 202046 min

#339 Who’s The Dream RBG Replacement? Ft. Jess Morales Rocketto

Bryan and Amanda do a quick catchup on yesterday’s headlines, including the announcement that no criminal charges will be filed related to Breonna Taylor’s death. How do you have a murder without a murderer? Then, they discuss Trump’s most recent threat to the election: refusing to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. What will the days, weeks, and months leading up to the election look like? Then, Amanda is joined by Jess Morales Rocketto, co-founder of Supermajority, to discuss the group’s ...

Sep 24, 202032 min

#338 Is It Fair To Pack The Courts?

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda are back to talk about the next steps in the battle to replace Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They run through the Republican senators vowing to confirm a Trump pick before election day. Is it naive to be disappointed in Mitt Romney? They discuss possible maneuvers at the Democrats’ disposal: is it even possible to block a vote before election today? Finally, they discuss why the concept of “court packing” isn’t a radical response, but the only ethical one ...

Sep 23, 202035 min

#337 What’s Actually Threatening The Election? Ft. Jenny Cohn

Sami is joined by election security advocate, attorney and writer Jenny Cohn, to talk about the biggest threats to our voting systems this year. They start with a list of the most concerning issues for election security in 2020. Next, they discuss some of the historical examples of troubling election moments in the recent past, and what those can teach us about this time around. Finally, they close things out with some tips for making sure your vote gets counted. Thanks to our sponsors: Modern F...

Sep 22, 202029 min

#337 What Now?

Amanda and Sami discuss the expected yet unthinkable passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday. They reflect on Ginsburg’s legacy and look ahead to confirming her replacement, which Mitch McConnell vowed to do within hours of her death. They discuss Republican hypocrisy, cover the most constructive ways to move forward, and share the potentially radical 2021 scenarios Democrats are finally giving serious consideration. Finally, they discuss the consequences the next Supreme Court Justice ...

Sep 21, 202033 min

#336 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 2: Hollywood

The Betches Sup presents the second installment of this 8-episode limited series exposing the connections you never knew existed: Do You Know Who My Dad Is? explores dynastic nepotism and the effects it has on media, culture, and our current political system. Hosts Bryan Russell Smith and Alicia Angeles are talking all about the privilege that leads inexperienced and unaccomplished children of powerful people to get ahead. On this week’s episode, our hosts are talking about two of the most stori...

Sep 18, 20201 hr

#335 Trump vs. Science: Vaccine Edition

On today’s episode, Alise and Bryan are talking all about Trump’s repeated contradictions of the director of the CDC. They start with Dr. Redfield’s announcement that it will likely take about six to nine months for all Americans to be vaccinated and to achieve large-scale immunity. They react to a series of audio clips featuring the president’s outright denial of these remarks, and baffling criticism of mask use. Next, they talk about a top administration official who is taking a leave of absen...

Sep 17, 202030 min

#334 Is It Sexist To Compliment Kamala Harris’s Outfits?

Amanda, Sami, Kaitlin and Alise are back for a conversation about sexism in the 2020 general election. What lessons have the media learned from 2016, and where have we fallen short? Where is the line between celebrating female empowerment and being sexist? Is it ever appropriate to compliment a female candidate's appearance? They also discuss whether we hold ourselves to a lower standard when it comes to discussing women whose views we don’t agree with and why maybe that’s okay. Finally, they co...

Sep 16, 202035 min

#333 “The Uterus Collector”

Sami and Amanda are back to run through the absentee ballot challenges threatening to undermine the election result -- and what you need to know to make sure yours is counted. Then they describe a shocking whistleblower complaint alleging horrific conditions in ICE Detention Centers where doctors are performing a suspiciously high rate of hysterectomies on women, with one doctor performing so many they earned the nickname “the uterus collector.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

Sep 15, 202030 min

#332 Trump Is Literally Sweeping Climate Change Under The Rug

Amanda and Bryan are back to mark six months since the pandemic posed a national emergency and 50 days out from election day. They reflect on the past six months as the U.S. passes 200,000 deaths while our Canadian neighbors celebrate their first day without death. They debrief Trump’s illegal Nevada rally in which he unlawfully assembled thousands of people for an indoor rally, and look ahead to his visit to California, which he has told to “sweep the floors” to avoid additional climate disaste...

Sep 14, 202024 min

#331 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 1: Influencers

The Betches Sup presents an 8-episode limited series exposing the connections you never knew existed: Do You Know Who My Dad Is? explores dynastic nepotism and the effects it has on media, culture, and our current political system. Hosts Bryan Russell Smith and Alicia Angeles are talking all about the privilege that leads inexperienced and unaccomplished children of powerful people to get ahead. On this week’s episode, our hosts are talking about influencers. First, Bryan examines the rise of Ca...

Sep 12, 202053 min

#330 Will Woodward’s Bombshell Change The Election? Ft. Sam Vinograd

Today Sami is joined by Sam Vinograd, National Security Analyst for CNN and former Senior Analyst to the Obama administration, to talk about the threat Trump’s presidency poses to our national security. They start with a conversation about Bob Woodward’s new book and the bombshell news that the president admitted to downplaying the coronavirus threat. They discuss the impact of Trump’s repeated attacks on the intelligence community, as well as the whistleblower allegation that Homeland Security ...

Sep 10, 202046 min

#329 Is Trump Getting A Nobel Peace Prize?

Kaitlin and Alise are back and start the show with details about the Rochester Police officials who resigned yesterday after protests over the killing of Daniel Prude. Next, they talk about the unprecedented, norms-breaking move by the Department of Justice to assume responsibility for defending Trump in a defamation suit brought on by E. Jean Carroll. Finally, they close the show with Trump getting nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by a Norwegian politician. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Sep 09, 202031 min

#328 The Trump Ship Is Sinking, Literally

Sami and Bryan start things off with details about the pro-Trump parade that caused five boats to sink this weekend. Then they discuss the Atlantic report claiming Trump called troops that died in war losers and suckers. Next, they talk about the House Oversight Committee launching an investigation on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for violating federal election laws and lying to congress under oath. Plus, they discuss the release of Michael Cohen’s tell-all book, featuring some not-so-surprisin...

Sep 08, 202029 min

#327 November Is Coming Ft. Rep Dina Titus and Donna Imam

Today we have a stacked Labor Day episode in which Amanda interviews two incredible women trying to save us in November. First, she chats with Nevada Rep. Dina Titus about the unique impact of COVID 19 on her Las Vegas district, and how she’s worked with local leaders as Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell have refused to provide relief for hardworking Nevadans. Then, Amanda call up Donna Imam, who is running to unseat nine-term Republican incumbent John Carter in Texas’s 31st district. Imam shares...

Sep 07, 202038 min

#326 ‘Suburban Women Voters’ Ft. Rep Debbie Dingell

Today, Amanda talks with Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell to discuss the state of the election in this critical swing state two months out from November 3. She describes the state of school re-openings in her district and reminds us that the choice between safety and schooling was never inevitable, but one Trump forced us to make. She laments the division and hatred stoked by the president and recounts when she was on the receiving end of his Twitter bullying. Finally, she explains how Tru...

Sep 04, 202023 min

#325 No Soup For You

Bryan and Alise start the show with reports that CDC has recommended that public health officials prepare to distribute a coronavirus vaccine as early as October or November. They also discuss Dr. Fauci clarifying that a vaccine may be available for certain groups before clinical trials end, but not as early as two months away. Next, they talk about Trump suggesting that voters in North Carolina vote twice to see if they can expose the weaknesses of mail voting, followed by Attorney General Bill...

Sep 03, 202028 min

#324 Did The CDC Just Cancel Rent?

Kaitlin and Amanda are back to debrief Trump’s Kenosha visit. Then, they discuss the president’s refusal to acknowledge the rising threat of white supremacist domestic terror. They share reports that Trump refuses to hear the term “white” in briefings about domestic extremism and how racial tensions in the United States compare to the rest of the world. Finally, they explain how the Centers for Disease Control has the authority to halt evictions and why even this has a big catch. Learn more abou...

Sep 02, 202035 min

#323 Trump, Golf, Gun Violence

Alise and Bryan are back and start the show with a conversation about the violence that has continued to roil American cities (and has been endlessly covered by the media). They discuss Trump’s refusal to say the name “Jacob Blake” and his unwillingness to condemn the actions of Kyle Rittenhouse. Next, they talk about Joe Biden delivering a speech in one of his first campaign appearances outside of Delaware since the pandemic began. Then they cover Trump’s plans to visit Kenosha, Wisconsin today...

Sep 01, 202032 min

#322 A Conversation With Yusef Salaam Of The Exonerated 5

Kaitlin and Amanda speak with Yusef Salaam and Ibi Zoboi to discuss their new graphic novel “Punching The Air,” inspired by Salaam’s experience being wrongfully incarcerated as a teenager as part of the Exonerated 5. Salaam describes the sometimes traumatic experience of writing about an incarcerated teen, what he hopes readers absorb from the book in a time of racial reckoning, and how he hopes to share the power of art with a new generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Aug 31, 202042 min

#321 You Ask, We Answer: Q&A Part 2

Alise, Sami, Bryan, and Amanda are back for round two of our mailbag episode to answer some of your sillier questions, from which reality TV show we’d be on to our favorite Spice Girl. They also share some insight into what goes into creating the Sup every day and what they do to unwind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 202043 min
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