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

#379 Why Is Lindsey Doing This?

Sami, Amanda, and Bryan are back to run down the day’s especially wacky headlines, from Rudy Giuliani charging the Trump campaign $20,000 a day to Ivanka’s maid of honor sharing embarrassing details from their childhood. Then, they consider last ditch Republican attempts to overturn the election and explain why they won’t work. Finally, they try to square Lindsey Graham’s treasonous attempt to tamper with the Georgia vote count with his encouraging fist bump with Kamala Harris on the Senate floo...

Nov 18, 202036 min

#378 Kool-Aid For Thanksgiving

Alise and Amanda are back with guest host Milly Tamarez to deconstruct Republicans’ insane approach to the COVID pandemic even after Trump lost. Why are they so attached to denying public health guidance when doing so might have lost them the presidency? We explore how COVID conspiracies travel through rural areas and why everyone needs a barber who will tell them that QAnon isn’t real. Finally, they run through the COVID economic provisions that will run out in December and what the government ...

Nov 17, 202038 min

#377 Will You Just Shut Down, Man?

Amanda and Bryan are back to run through the weekend’s top headlines. First, they update you on the out-of-control pandemic prompting shutdown measures across the country. But are they enough to stop the spread? They also explain the latest vaccine developments and why they should motivate Americans to hunker down in 2020’s final months. Finally, they explain how the Trump administration’s ineptitude once again stopped them from messing with DACA. Thanks to our sponsors: Modern Fertility: Visit ...

Nov 16, 202021 min

#376 COVIDIOTS

Sami and Amanda are back to remind you that Joe Biden is our President-Elect and Donald Trump has no case! Then, they run down everything you need to know about the worsening pandemic. Why are schools closing before bars, and what does that say about our country’s priorities? They also run through everyone who got COVID from the White House election party -- the third outbreak in eight months. Finally, they explain how weed can help you understand aerosol transmission. Learn more about your ad c...

Nov 13, 202027 min

#375 Trump 2024?

On this episode of the Sup, Alise and Bryan are back with some good news: Joe Biden still won the election! They start with news that Trump has apparently been telling advisers that he might run again in 2024. Next, they explain why he should probably stop celebrating the fact that Georgia will conduct a “manual audit” of the presidential election votes and talk about Facebook’s absurd reason for extending its ban on political advertising another month. Finally, they discuss the selection of Ron...

Nov 12, 202023 min

#374 Trump Behind Barrs

Amanda and Kaitlin are back to run through the Trump administration’s somewhat terrifying overhaul of the country’s national security apparatus amid concerns the president could be preparing an authoritarian takeover (or coverup) while AG Bill Barr invites prosecutors to investigate vague claims of voter fraud. Casual! They also explain how state legislatures could be even more insidious in stealing the election for Trump. Finally, they discuss new polling that 70% of Republicans don’t believe t...

Nov 11, 202027 min

#373 Coup De-Trump

Bryan and Amanda are back to break down how Republicans are emboldening a tyrannical president who refuses to recognize the results of a legitimate democratic election. Which of these legal challenges and procedural threats should we be worried about, if any? Which Republicans are actually behaving like patriotic public servants? Finally, they explain how the incoming Biden-Harris administration is already hard at work planning a pandemic response and wonder aloud how the White House could possi...

Nov 10, 202024 min

#372 Goodbye, Cruel President: Biden Victory Recap

Amanda, Sami, and Alise are back to celebrate the imminent end of the Trump presidency. They discuss Saturday’s call and how they each heard the news that Biden had won the race. Plus, they react to Kamala Harris's historic rise to the Vice Presidency, and reflect on the final days of the campaign. They also run through the Donald and co’s response, including the debacle at Four Seasons Total Landscaping and how each member of the Trump family is handling the loss. Finally, the look ahead to wha...

Nov 09, 202041 min

#371 Defeatapalooza

Sami and Amanda are back for election day part IV. It's happening. It happened? They run through the latest returns after Georgia and Pennsylvania flipped for Biden and reflect on how the race has changed in a matter of days. They marvel at Georgia’s incredible turnout and bow down to Stacey Abrams while looking forward to the January Senate races that will determine the balance of power. Then, they check-in with the Republicans continuing to humiliate themselves while defending a losing candida...

Nov 06, 202031 min

#370 Are We There Yet?

As day three of Electionchella continues, Alise and Bryan are back to update us on all the latest news about a still-undecided election. They start with Georgia, Nevada and Arizona, three states that have everyone holding their breath. Plus, they talk about what’s taking Pennsylvania so long to count their votes (apparently it’s someone’s birthday and there’s a cake in the breakroom). Next, they discuss Trump’s many legal challenges (and errant Tweets), along with his supporters protesting to st...

Nov 05, 202026 min

#369 Where Does The Election Stand? (Post-Election Day Recap)

Alise, Amanda, Kaitlin, and Bryan debrief on a rollercoaster election night and consider the state of the race as of midday Wednesday. They run through Joe Biden’s multiple paths to victory as key battleground states tally up Democratic-leaning mail-in votes and the race comes down to the states we always knew it would: Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. They consider why a much-promised “blue wave” failed to materialize in Texas or Florida and whether Democrats struggled with turnout or mes...

Nov 04, 202042 min

#368 It’s Election Day

Alise, Sami, and Amanda are back with a stacked election day episode. They discuss their election night plans and reflect on November 8, 2016. They run through the down-ballot races they’ll be watching tonight, including which Senate seats are most likely to flip and how state legislature results could change electoral politics for a decade. Finally, Amanda is joined by Biden deputy communications director Kate Berner, who shares the one thing we should all be doing today (other than voting) and...

Nov 03, 202051 min

#367 What To Expect On Election Night Ft. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Amanda and Bryan are back just one day out from the election. They run through the candidates closing messages over the weekend as Obama flexed for Biden in Michigan and Trump endorsed his supporters blocking off highways and harassing Biden voters and staff. They also explain what to expect on election night and how to interpret early returns. Finally, Amanda is joined by Sen Kirsten Gillibrand who reflects on her college antics with Connie Britton and what she looks forward to most about endin...

Nov 02, 202039 min

#366 We Got Mayor Pete! Ft. Pete Buttigieg

On today’s very special bonus episode, we sit down with Mayor Pete Buttigieg to discuss what every one of us can do in the next four days to leave it all on the floor before Nov. 3. He shares how he got to know Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during the primary and describes filling in for Mike Pence during Harris’s debate prep. He shares his election night plans -- both what he’ll be doing and what he’ll be drinking -- and guides us through how to promote calm during what could be an intense electi...

Oct 30, 202013 min

#365 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 8: The Trumps & The Kushners

The Betches Sup presents the eighth and final installment of the 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. This week, we’ve finally arrived at the crown jewel of American nepotism: ...

Oct 30, 202058 min

#364 Counting Votes? What A Concept! Ft. Pat Timmons-Goodson

Kaitlin and Amanda are back to run down all the critical election news just FIVE DAYS from election day. They start by reflecting on the four year anniversary of the Comey letter, then address Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler saying she’s “not familiar” with Trump’s Access Hollywood tapes. Then, they explain how another set of court decisions could impact election day and how results are determined, and reflect on the true origins of voter suppression: white supremacy. Finally, Amanda chats with P...

Oct 29, 202039 min

#363 What Happens If Republicans Try To Steal The Election? Ft. Ben Sheehan

Sami and Amanda are back to recount how the Trump campaign narrowly avoided committing criminally negligent homicide (again) at a rally in Nebraska last night. They talk candidly about election night anxiety and what they’re doing to prepare as people and pundits. They run through what election night could look like and which swing states could break for Biden early to secure a victory on November 3rd. Then, they turn to Constitution expert Ben Sheehan to explain how the founders laid out a proc...

Oct 28, 202044 min

#362 Grin And Barrett Ft. Ilyse Hogue

Alise and Amanda are back to get in their feelings about Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation before exploring what Democrats need to do next to restore legitimacy to two entire branches of government. NBD! They run through election-related cases making their way to a Barrett court both before and after Nov. 3, and how you should adjust your voting plan accordingly. Then Amanda is joined by Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. Hogue breaks down potential paths for reproductive rights ...

Oct 27, 202050 min

#361 Last Mitch Effort

On Today’s Sup, Sami and Bryan are back and start the show with a conversation about early voting. Sami tells us what it was like to vote early and finally get to fill in the oval that will get Trump out of office. They discuss today’s Senate confirmation vote on Amy Coney Barrett and react to Mitch McConnell basically admitting that the GOP is destined to lose big in this election. Next, they talk about yet another White House COVID outbreak as the US hit its highest seven-day case average sinc...

Oct 26, 202024 min

#360 Trump vs. Trump: Final Debate Recap

Alise, Sami, Bryan, and Amanda are back to recap the 2020 election cycle’s final presidential debate. They start by getting in their feelings about the election just 11 days away. Then, they run through the debate’s most memorable moments, from the president claiming the pandemic is behind us to Biden’s stellar facial expressions and Trump’s contest with himself for who could be the most xenophobic. Did last night’s debate change any votes? Then, Amanda is joined by Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama ...

Oct 23, 20201 hr 6 min

#359 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 7: The McCains & The Romneys

The Betches Sup presents the seventh 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. This week, we’re talking all about the families responsible for producing...

Oct 22, 202058 min

#358 The NRA Has Met Its Match Ft. Shannon Watts

Bryan and Amanda are joined by Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest gun safety reform organization in the country. With more than 6 million supporters, Moms Demand is more popular than the NRA. So why don’t our laws actually reflect Americans’ values on gun safety? Watts shares how the NRA wields disproportionate impact over the gun safety debate and whether the pandemic has made school-age children more or less safe from guns. She describes how volunteers across the country...

Oct 21, 202023 min

#357 The Mute Button We’ve All Been Waiting For

On this episode of the Sup, Sami and Alise are back and with only two weeks to go before election day, they start with an update on some election news. They discuss Trump ranting about Dr. Fauci on a campaign call, referring to him and other health experts as “idiots” that nobody wants to listen to. Next, they talk about the news that the final debate will feature the ability to mute the candidates’ microphones, and react to Trump lashing out at Kristen Welker, an NBC News journalist who will mo...

Oct 20, 202023 min

#356 Another Deadly Wave

Bryan and Amanda are back to recap the weekend’s news, from surging COVID cases across the midwest to record-breaking early voting numbers out of key battleground states. They run through rising COVID numbers across the country not seen since the height of the pandemic as experts warn the next few months could be the darkest thus far. So will Americans see any economic relief? We check on the state of stimulus talks and how the White House, Nancy Pelosi, and Mitch McConnell’s respective politica...

Oct 19, 202029 min

#355 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 6: The Walmart Family & The Koch Brothers

The Betches Sup presents the sixth 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. This week, we’re talking all about two of the richest families in human his...

Oct 16, 202057 min

#354 “Beautiful And Free” Ft. Rep. Stephanie Murphy

Today, Bryan and Alise are back to preview debate night. JK, no debates -- just two dueling Town Halls on separate networks at the same time. What was NBC thinking? Then, they share the news that Barron Trump had COVID with his parents and how Trump broke the news. They also run through highlights from day 3 of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing. Is it NBD she couldn’t remember five freedoms on the spot, or is it disqualifying? Finally, Amanda hops on with Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL...

Oct 15, 202041 min

#353 Judge-ment Free Zone: Confirmation Recap #2

On today’s Betches Sup podcast, Sami, Kaitlin, and Amanda catch up on Day 2 of confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. They lament that having a law degree absolves justices from sharing their own views, even when Barrett’s are well documented. They run through the most alarming moments from the hearing, including Barrett’s refusal to recuse herself from election-related matters or comment on the constitutional right to an abortion. Finally, they compare what they wish Democrats would...

Oct 14, 202044 min

#352 ACB, IVF, WTF? Confirmation Recap #1

Amanda and Alise are back to run through early voting mayhem in Georgia and Texas, where long lines and voter suppression attempts haven’t stopped hundreds of thousands from flooding the ballot box. Then, they talk through the early days of Amy Coney Barrett’s Senate confirmation hearing. Is there anything of value to be gained if her appointment is a foregone conclusion? They discuss her disturbing answers to questions about abortion rights, racism, and IVF. Thanks to our sponsors: Curology: Ge...

Oct 13, 202035 min

#351 Do You Know Who My Dad Is? Episode 5: Fox News & The New York Times

The Betches Sup presents the fifth 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, we’re talking all about the families behind two of ...

Oct 09, 202056 min

#350 Bloody Eyes And Flies: VP Debate Reaction

Amanda, Bryan, and Sami are back for your VP debate recap. They run through some of the creative liberties candidates took with the questions and how Mike Pence gave Kamala Harris the meme of the election. They discuss each candidate’s strongest and weakest moments and why both sides seemed evasive on SCOTUS questions. Finally, they luxuriate in Fly Gate and catch up with the leader of the free world, who is calling his deadly disease a gift from god and blaming Gold Star families for infecting ...

Oct 08, 202034 min
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