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

Episodes

#640 Russians And Royals

Milly, Alise, and Amanda start with the breaking news that Prince Andrew has reached an out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre in her lawsuit related to Jeff Epstein’s sex trafficking ring. They also put on their tinfoil hats to consider why a damning picture in the case mysteriously disappeared. Then, they discuss the reaction to Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping scandal and the double standards and unfair circumstances that allowed her to compete. They also hold a moment to ...

Feb 15, 202239 min

#638 Revisiting America’s Next Top Model ft. Sarah Hartshorne

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are joined by Sarah Hartshorne, a writer and comedian who competed on Cycle 9 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Sarah describes being selected for the show and being told she was the “plus-size” contestant at size 8. She tells us the moment she realized it would be an intense experience and pulls back the curtain on the show’s signature elements. Then, she looks back at the show’s most problematic elements and how its intersection between the fashion industry and reality TV...

Feb 10, 202249 min

#637 Mask On, Mask Off

Sami and Kaitlin kick things off with a conversation about the lifting of various mask mandates around the country, all in the name of maintaining public trust. Is this a policy decision made with health data in mind, or just political posturing for the sake of appeasing voters? They also dig into a new federal lawsuit against Harvard University from three female graduate students for various incidents of sexual harassment. How is it possible for this type of behavior to happen unchecked at the ...

Feb 09, 202247 min

#636 Justice For Leslie Jones

Amanda, Milly, and Alise react, again, to Joe Rogan’s inability to follow the rules governing society. They discuss if his generous use of racial slurs warrants a stronger reaction from Spotify than COVID misinformation and wonder why a man paid $100 million is allowed to get away with both. They contrast this with NBC appearing not to hire Leslie Jones to provide Olympics commentary. What do both of these headlines tell us about whose voices are actually silenced? Learn more about your ad choic...

Feb 08, 202239 min

#635 Congress’s Toxic Workplace Exposed

Sami and Amanda react to the police shooting of Amir Locke and the many failures that led to the 22-year-old’s death. Why do police deem Amir Locke more dangerous than Kyle Rittenhouse? Then they dive into the cultural impact of the @Dear_White_Staffers Instagram account, and how a few congressional office horror stories emboldened hundreds to share their own anonymous stories of low pay, verbal abuse, mistreatment, and poor health. From nursing to teaching to government work – why are America’s...

Feb 07, 202246 min

#634 Why Is The Doctor’s Office So Terrible For Black Women?

Alise, Amanda, and Milly react to Rudy Giuliani making an appearance on “The Masked Singer” and discuss the cascade effect from Andrew Cuomo’s misconduct. Then, OB-GYN Dr. Heather Irobunda joins us to unpack how media platforms have failed to respond to COVID misinformation. Then they unpack the factors within the medical community that contribute to prejudiced and substandard care for Black women, and how this intersects with other societal biases. And of course, they fan girl over Rihanna bein...

Feb 03, 202244 min

#633 Whose Classroom Comfort Actually Matters?

Alise, Amanda, and Kaitlin react to bomb threats against more than a dozen HBCUs on the first day of Black History Month. They compare this to fights over history in the classroom and whose comfort at school we *actually* value. Then they break down new info about Trump’s role in the coup attempt long before January 6, and how a few random dudes convinced him to draft executive orders to seize voting machines. Finally, they discuss Donald’s paper shredding habit. Learn more about your ad choices...

Feb 02, 202230 min

#632 How Do You Prepare To Interview Bill Barr?! ft. Margaret Brennan

Amanda and Sami are joined by Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan. She pulls back the curtain on the number 1 rated Sunday show and explains how she prepares questions for politicians who don’t want to give answers, shares the most difficult interviews she’s done, and reflects on being a female anchor. They also discuss what balanced journalism looks like in 2021 and her approach to covering the election. Finally – what does a Sunday morning news anchor do on Saturday nights?! Learn more ...

Feb 01, 202231 min

#631 Spotify Addresses Joe Rogan Controversy

Sami and Amanda unpack a flurry of headlines related to Spotify’s treatment of the Joe Rogan podcast. They detail which public figures have pulled their music and podcasts and react to Rogan’s 10-minute video addressing the controversy. The hosts explain how Spotify could make things right without deplatforming Rogan. Then, Sami breaks down Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine in the context of Vladimir Putin’s global ambitions. And what exactly do people mean by “World War 3?” Learn more about you...

Jan 31, 202228 min

#630 A Conversation With A Holocaust Survivor Ft. Pinchas Gutter

Today, in honor of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sami interviews Pinchas Gutter, a Holocaust survivor who is commited in educating people through telling his incredible story. Pinchas walks us through his whole life story and his memories from growing up in Poland before the occupation, and how his life changed forever once the Nazis invaded. They also discuss the state of the world today, and all the initiatives Pinchas has been a part of in order to ensure that his story as well...

Jan 27, 20221 hr 59 min

#629 BREAKING SCOTUS RETIREMENT NEWS

Alise, Amanda, and Kaitlin start the show moments after the news that liberal Justice Stephen Breyer will retire, paving the way for Biden to add a Black woman (or maybe, several?) to the Supreme Court. Then, they dive into news that the SAT will go digital and reflect on their own test-taking experiences while zooming out to look at how standardized testing contributes to inequality. Then, they look at two affirmative action cases in the Supreme Court that could prohibit schools from considerin...

Jan 26, 202247 min

#628 Hot Mic Joe Makes Epic Comeback

Alise, Milly, and Amanda react to breaking news that Jennie Nguyen has been fired from “Real Housewives.” Then, they make some space to discuss the psychological and emotional toll of the second pandemic winter and accept that “normal” times may never return. Then, they discuss Sarah Palin testing positive for COVID ahead of her trial against the New York Times for defamation and share details and potential outcomes of her libel suit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Jan 25, 202245 min

#627 Congressional Reset Ft. Ali Vitali

NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent Ali Vitali joins Sami and Amanda to preview what to expect in Congress between now and the midterms. She shares her inside reporting on how Democrats might move forward with voting rights and Build Back Better, what’s *actually* going on in Joe Manchin’s head, if any Republican might surprise us, and prospect for paid leave. She also shares which senators are the hardest to chase and the best footwear for Capitol Hill before previewing how Democrats in Congres...

Jan 24, 202229 min

#626 Bravo And Congress Need New Casting Directors

Alise, Milly, and Amanda react to a huge week in politics, from Joe Biden’s marathon press conference to a rough all-nighter for voting rights. Then they roast an absurd Florida bill that prohibits making white people uncomfortable about America’s racist past. For the pop culture segment, they break down racist, Islamaphobic, and anti-vax social media posts from “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” cast member Jennie Nguyen. They discuss why she should be fired from the show, but also acknowledge...

Jan 20, 202241 min

#625 We’re Doing It, Joe!: Inauguration Anniversary

Sami, Amanda, and Kaitlin react to a viral fake news story claiming former Trump aide Hope Hicks was going on Big Brother. Then, they run through a few subpoenas hitting the Trump family. For the main discussion, they answer some big questions one year into the Biden administration on the anniversary of the inauguration. Who was the MVP? Who disappointed us? How has our relationship with the news changed, and what are we surprised hasn’t been solved yet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...

Jan 19, 202246 min

#624 Crimes Of Hate

Milly, Amanda, and Alise ease in after a long weekend with a headline about billionaires getting richer during COVID. Then, they react to the hostage situation at a Texas synagogue and how a rabbi and his congregants freed themselves after a 10-hour standoff. They discuss why it’s important to label this as an antisemitic attack. Lastly, they cover the murder of Michelle Alyssa Go, who was fatally pushed in front of a subway train, and call it what it is: an anti-Asian attack. Learn more about y...

Jan 18, 202242 min

#623 The Gerrymandering Fight Is Here

The hosts are joined by Joselle Torres of DemocracyNC, who shares insights from the center of this year’s fight against newly gerrymandered maps. The 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting have prompted state legislatures across the country to rig electoral maps in their favor in ways that remove power and representation from marginalized communities. Joselle explains how North Carolina embodies the changing electorate and backlash and how the outcome of these map lawsuits could impact the bal...

Jan 17, 202225 min

#622 Does Weed Cure Covid?

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back for some culture headlines after a politics-heavy week. They start by mourning the breakup of earth’s hottest couple, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet. Then they dive into a new study showing that some forms of cannabis prevent coronavirus from infecting human cells, but they uncover a disappointing detail. Then they unpack Jamie Lynn Spears’ first big interview about sister Britney since the end of the conservatorship. Why are Britney fans so angry at her, how can we...

Jan 13, 202230 min

#621 Answering Your Filibuster Questions

Milly, Kaitlin, and Amanda react to this morning’s inflation news and break down why everything is so expensive even though the economy is technically good. Then, they analyze President Biden’s fiery speech on filibuster reform and why it impressed them. Finally, they answer your questions about the filibuster, including why Dems don’t need to worry about if Republicans would retaliate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 12, 202250 min

#620 Don’t Be A Djokovic

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda debrief on some buzzy politics-meet-pop culture headlines and discuss Bryan’s experience with COVID. Then, they preview the voting rights showdown in Congress coming this month. Is this the same dead-end story, or will Joe Manchin throw in some new plot lines? They share frustrations with both the Biden administration and those who criticize it when most of the blame lies with 50 Republicans and a single Democratic senator. Finally, they confront the reality that if thin...

Jan 11, 202236 min

#619 Dog Moms React To The Pope

Alise and Amanda react to a set of headlines about pet parenthood involving the Pope and Spanish law. Then they unpack the factors currently surrounding in-person learning amid Omicron. Why are parents facing unpredictable and potentially unsafe circumstances two years into the pandemic? The hosts discuss details from the standoff in Chicago between the Mayor and teachers unions and explain how the pandemic has shown how public schools are substitutes for a robust social safety net. Learn more a...

Jan 10, 202232 min

#618 To All The Girls Who Outed Their Exes To The FBI

Milly, Amanda, and Sami share some final thoughts on the January 6 commemorations and brainstorm how to keep the attack present in Americans’ hearts and minds. Then they pivot to the political reshaping of Congresswoman Liz Cheney after her vote to impeach Donald Trump. Are Democrats underutilizing this anti-choice, pro-gun Republican who might be the only way to save democracy? Finally, they roast tennis player Novak Djokovic for trying to defy Australia’s rules for entry and his likely deporta...

Jan 06, 202245 min

#617 Where There’s A Will There’s A Way (To Prosecute Insurrectionists)

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda react to Rep. Devin Nunes leaving Congress and how it benefits Nancy Pelosi. Then they reflect on the one-year anniversary of the January 6 siege on the Capitol. What can Democrats do in the next year to ensure accountability for the insurrection, including the members of Congress and Trump allies who incited it? What laws should be activated or changed to ensure appropriate penalties? Finally, what is the media’s role in covering the Republican party while protecting ...

Jan 05, 202247 min

#616 Girls Gone Guilty

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back! They share updates amid the Omicron surge and how the virus impacted their holidays. Then they dive in to the biggest headlines of the last week, including a Twitter ban for Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and guilty convictions for Elizabeth Holmes and Ghislaine Maxwell. Then they unpack the question: Are these women’s convictions as satisfying when the powerful men involved were spared? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 04, 202247 min

#615 SUPerlatives Part 2

The hosts continue awarding the year’s top newsmakers while reflecting on the biggest moments of 2021. Finally, they guess who – or what – is most likely to get canceled in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 202129 min

#614 SUPerlatives Part 1

In this two-part, year-end Sup extravaganza, Amanda, Alise, Milly, Sami and Bryan award the 2021 SUPerlative awards to the cast of characters who defined the year, from the most likely insurrectionist to succeed in prison and most likely to get kicked off of Twitter in 2022 to the year’s most influential inanimate objects and biggest fall from grace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 28, 202135 min

#613 Let Dudes Be Weird

Amanda, Milly, Alise, and Sami react to the New Yorker profile of “Succession” actor Jeremy Strong and the bizarre reaction from celebrities coming to his defense. Strong is accused of being unusual and hard to work, yet people from Aaron Sorkin to Anne Hathaway have responded as if the gentle ribbing was a character assassination. Has the fact that so many public men have been exposed as awful monsters made people overly reactive to minor call-outs? We discuss. Then, they each share their hotte...

Dec 23, 202119 min

#612 A 2021 Therapy Session

Alise, Milly, and Amanda are back for a q&a episode that quickly becomes a group therapy session to process the chaos, toxicity, and moments of joy from the last year. They share their highlights and lowlights, biggest areas of growth, and what political issues they’re genuinely hopeful about in the new year. They also answer tons of personal questions about their medication regimens and dog mom lifestyles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 22, 202149 min

#611 He’s Just Not That Into Us

Milly, Alise, and Amanda react to the White House’s announcements amid the Omicron surge and discuss how to productively critique the Biden administration while recognizing how dangerous the alternative. Then, they look forward to what’s next for the Build Back Better bill and options for getting Joe Manchin’s support and discuss the fallout from his announcement. Finally, they unpack Manchin’s concerns that people will use paid family leave to go deer hunting. Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Dec 21, 202134 min

#610 We Botched It, Joe

Amanda, Alise, and Sami do a necessary vibe check before diving into the current state of the pandemic and how to weigh personal risk ahead of the holidays. Then, they react to Joe Manchin blowing up the Biden agenda on Fox News announcing his opposition to Build Back Better. They explain what role the Biden administration played in this failure and what comes next. Finally, they discuss how *not* to spiral in frustration with Democrats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

Dec 20, 202148 min
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