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.

Episodes

DNC Debrief: Taking Back Flags & Camo, ft. Senator Laphonza Butler

V & Sami are back from the DNC and they're ready to recap a very busy week. Still unhappy with trad media, they point out the double standard in the way Harris' speech is being fact checked versus the way the media is treating Trump. V also explains why there were no trans speakers at the DNC, and what was going on with the Uncommitted delegates. V & Sami also celebrate the joy and hope that was displayed at the DNC, along with Democrats reclaiming camo and the American flag. Then we share an in...

Aug 27, 20241 hr 7 min

Are Content Creators Being Bullied At The DNC?

Everything that's wrong at the DNC is because of the 200 creators, according to traditional media outlets, and V & Sami are getting fed up. V debunks the prime rib sandwich and yacht party rumors, and we have to ask -- are traditional media outlets just jealous, or are the creators ruining the experience for everyone? While previous days were all about looking forward to a hopeful future, day 3 speeches from Tim Walz, Oprah and others seem more somber and reflective, reminding us about January 6...

Aug 22, 202450 min

Michelle Obama's DNC Speech Gave Us New Hope

Armed with their credential badges, Sami & V are ready for the Day 2 at the DNC. Today, they break down the difference between the music at the DNC vs the RNC, and recap the Obama's messages of hope and community. (And yes, their speeches made us cry, again.) Plus, the Republican's that spoke in support of Kamala, showing us you don't have to be a Democrat to vote blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 202437 min

Fever Dreaming at DNC & Screaming on TikTok with Alex Pearlman

V & Sami start their week off at the DNC with comedian Alex Pearlman. They commiserate on how long it took them to get into the convention and talk about why it's so important to have media creators involved in politics. Then, a very tired Sami & V go over their favorite speeches of the night, the differences they noticed between the DNC and RNC, and Senator McMorrow's giant Project 2025 book. Follow Alex on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@pearlmania500 Have a question for Sami & V about the DNC? Send u...

Aug 20, 202450 min

Hysteria and Other Myths About Women's Reproductive Health, with Dr. Karen Tang

V talks with board certified gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang about informed consent, how social media has helped women's healthcare, and the impact of new laws on the healthcare industry. Dr. Tang's latest book, It's Not Hysteria Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) aims to debunk myths and misconceptions about women's health issues that often get dismissed as "normal." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15, 202447 min

Rich Men & Democracy, A Match Made In Hell

TEMP CHECK 7:00 - Let's break down Australian B-girl, Raygun's....interesting performance in breakdancing, including her signature boomerang moves. 12:45 - Five days after gymnast Jordan Chiles won the bronze medal in the individual floor competition, the IOC sided with a challenge from Romania and wants Chiles to give back the medal. Will Chiles return the medal with a frowny face note? Or will the US counter challenge be successful? MAIN NEWS 19:15 - Sometimes it seems like folks are so creati...

Aug 13, 20241 hr 11 min

How The Trump Family Got That Way, with Fred Trump

Fred Trump III, the nephew of former president Donald Trump, is on the show this week to talk all about his book, All In The Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way. Fred explains why now is the right time for this book, along with the unusual family dynamic among the Trump's (including Donald's attempt at disinheriting him.) Sami & Fred talk about the importance of policies to support families and individuals with disabilities, reflecting on Donald's infamous "maybe those kinds of people sho...

Aug 08, 202439 min

Unburdened & Unbothered: A Look at Tim Walz

We have a VP!! In this special bonus episode Sami & V go over the background and long list of accomplishments of Harris' pick for VP, Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz. Is he the radical that the right wants to paint him as, or just a regular guy who doesn’t want to monitor your pregnancy? From his 24 years of service in Army National Guard, to being a vocal supporter of IVF and reproductive rights, we're excited to have someone so.... not weird on the ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Aug 07, 202440 min

Election Deniers and Trans Panic At The Olympics

TEMP CHECK 3:20 - This week let’s take a deeper look into Peter Thiel’s past, from paying lawyers to help Hulk Hogan’s sue Gawker Media, to how he’s been influenced by AN INTERNET BLOGGER WHO USED TO GO BY THE NAME MENCIUS MOLDBUG. We also cover some of the politicians that’s he’s funded that have failed, and how JD Vance is a win for Thiel’s extreme ideologies. 12:30 - We break down the “Kamala is a cop” trope and examine her history as a prosecutor, from her “Back On Track” program in San Fran...

Aug 06, 20241 hr 5 min

Climate Change, SCOTUS Term Limits, and How To Protect Democracy

Today Sami & V are joined by Congressman Dan Goldman who, before running for office, served as lead counsel in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump. Goldman breaks down the legality of enacting Project 2025, along with Biden's proposed changes to the SCOTUS. We also make the connection between climate change and immigration, and how Trump's 2024 campaign is a personal revenge and retribution tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 01, 202451 min

Donald Trump Is A Front For A Dangerous Trifecta

Bonjour! Starting off with a TEMP CHECK -- going over our favorite Olympic Opening Ceremony moments (and why it offended the far right) and how Beyoncé is reclaiming the flag aesthetic. Also, why you should be excited about Val Demings joining the USPS Board, and what that might mean for Post Master General Louis DeJoy. MAIN NEWS 14:15 Sami walks us through 3 of the most dangerous groups that are behind Donald Trump that we have affectionately nicknamed the “trifecta of death.” This includes Pro...

Jul 30, 20241 hr 9 min

The Psychology Behind Who You Vote For

Did you know that the chemicals in your brain might determine what political party you feel aligned with? Guest Keegan Tatum, an expert in political psychology, is here to explain the psychological differences between liberals and conservatives, as well as how religion and emotional biases factor into our political ideology. He also explains how having an overly active disgust mechanism can create anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments. V and Keegan also debate if conservatives have a humiliation ki...

Jul 25, 202453 min

It's a Kamalanomenon

After weeks of speculation, President Biden announced that he is dropping out of the 2024 presidential race -- leaving all eyes on Vice President Kamala Harris, the new likely democratic presidential nominee. Sami & V discuss Biden’s selfless decision, as well as the flood of endorsements and donations she received in the hours after the news broke, including their theory on why the Obamas have not endorsed her yet, as of recording time. They also talk about Trump’s reaction (or lack thereof) to...

Jul 23, 20241 hr 9 min

What Motivates a Presidential Assassin?

Sami & V take a look at the history of assassination attempts on US presidents and how these attempts, successful or not, shaped American politics. They also talk about the shared motives that many of these men have, like their desire for attention and recognition. This episode also touches on the history of the electric chair...and how masturbation might have played a role in one of these attempts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18, 202455 min

Are Trump & JD Vance an Odd Couple?

V and Sami break down the shooting at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, and talk about what could have gone wrong, security failures, and odd choices that were made by the Secret Service. They also share what we know about the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, and his background. Then they move on to the RNC and the unceremonious way JD Vance was introduced as Trump's VP pick, and end the episode on debunking the term Blue MAGA. MAIN NEWS 13:00 It's impossible to not talk about the shooting at Trump'...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 8 min

Live at the Weitzman: How To Strengthen Our Democracy, With Governor Shapiro

This week Sami is in Philadelphia promoting her new book, Democracy in Retrograde, with her co-author Emily Amick. (Out now!) While in town, she spoke with Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro about the importance of democracy and the steps being taken to ensure free and fair elections, including creating a task force led by Republican Al Schmidt, to protect local poll workers and stop the spread of misinformation. Governor Shapiro also emphasizes the importance of increasing voter participation...

Jul 11, 202430 min

Will There Be Tampons Under Project 2025?

Project 2025 is officially in the mainstream news, and Sami and V compare its ideologies to that of Agenda 47, and the 7 Mountains Mandate. They also discuss Nazis marching in Tennessee and how the US could follow the UK's elections last week and pull a "Taccy V." MAIN NEWS 5:00 Project 2025, tied to the Heritage Foundation, is gaining mainstream attention, and both the Vice President and Taraji P. Henson are warning American's to start paying attention. Sami & V also dive into the 7 Mountains M...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 1 min

The Case for Kamala Harris

In this very special 4th of July episode, Sami and V discuss the case for Kamala Harris as the potential Democratic presidential candidate, highlighting her voting record as a Senator, her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, and her stance on Israel-Palestine. They also consider how embracing Harris and giving her more spotlight is the clearest path to a victory against Donald Trump in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 04, 202439 min

Will Project 2025 Turn America into a Theocracy?

Back from Vidcon, V and Sami are comparing Project 2025, the Nazi's, Theocracy and Saudi Arabia, and where a win for Trump this fall would leave us. V and Sami also explore what the current round of Supreme Court rulings mean, and how this might be the end of #vanlife. TEMP CHECK: What are the realities of Project 2025? Everyone is quick to compare it to Nazi Germany, but is the reality more a Theocracy like Saudi Arabia? President Biden gives a mild speech after the Supreme Court’s decision to ...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 5 min

America Doesn’t Give Time for Grief

Sami and V are joined by host and creative director at MSNBC Live, Luke Russert, to talk about his book Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself. “Give them the best and the world will take care of the rest.” Luke shares how his grandparents’ and parents’ legacies shaped not only his career but his worldview. There is no correct way to grieve. Luke shares how his life has changed after the passing of his father and how he has navigated his grief. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 10 min

The Gen Z D.A.R.E.

04:45 TEMP CHECK: Will this week’s headlines give you a fever or make you freeze? 24:45 MAIN NEWS: Now that Louisiana has posted the 10 Commandments in every classroom, Sami and V discuss how extreme conservatives are spreading the Christian Dominionist Movement and how they want to completely rewrite the Constitution to create a more evangelical America. 50:15 DOWN BALLOT: It’s Election Day, and the primary race between Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer has now become the most expensive in histo...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 18 min

Can Roe Be Reinstated?

00:00 Sami and V are joined by authors Lisa Lerer & Elizabeth Dias of the new book The Fall of Roe: the Rise Of A New America, to discuss the decades of work done by anti-abortion groups to finally overturn Roe. 11:00 V wonders if American politicians had been more comfortable with using the word ‘abortion’ and didn’t shy away from these conversations, would it have been harder for conservatives to chip away at reproductive rights? 20:20 Everyone knows that religion affects politics, but less di...

Jun 20, 202433 min

Media Literacy 101 - What’s Legit & What To Quit

00:00 Welcome to your guide on media literacy. V and Sami explore how social media is used in hybrid warfare to manipulate public opinion through disinformation and emphasize the need to rebuild social trust. 16:00 How can you spot a bot? In a few easy steps you too can spot disinformation through fake accounts, false engagement, and artificial intelligence. 50:00 Don’t forget to mind the gap. Sami and V give listeners the tools to combat problematic accounts and how to find reliable information...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 14 min

A Vision for Progressive Capitalism & Economic Patriotism

1:20 Sami and V are joined by Representative Ro Khanna to share his economic philosophies and proposed changes to the legislative and judicial branches, which already have bipartisan support among voters (though not lawmakers!) 9:00 They discuss the threat of AI to elections and discourse, and what regulations are needed around to rebuild trust in political information on social media. 16:30 They dive into Rep. Khanna’s Political Reform Resolution, which presents a comprehensive roadmap to achie...

Jun 13, 202428 min

We Are The Exhausted Majority

13:00 TEMP CHECK: Will this week’s headlines give you a fever or make you freeze? 45:00 MAIN NEWS: Sami and V define the term ‘Manufactured Consensus’ and how social media has been used to sway popular opinion towards believing that a third party has more support than we think. Not sure how to spot a bot? Make sure to tune in next week for an in depth media literacy lesson. 1:01:40 DOWN BALLOT: Our down ballot girlie of the week goes to The Working Families Party, which is going about the third ...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 15 min

Will Social Media Kill Elections?

7:55 TEMP CHECK: Sami and V are back this week to check your temperature on 6 new headlines. Have you ever heard of auto-brewery syndrome? 33:40 MAIN NEWS: After reviewing Trump’s convictions, Sami and V uncover how social media could be the end to elections and how foreign interference poses a significant threat to democratic processes (and also the Olympics). 1:01:30 DOWN BALLOT: Representative Kathy Manning was gerrymandered out of her district, but her bill Right to Contraception Act which w...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 15 min

Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health

2:00 Sami and V are joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to discuss the impact of New York becoming the first state to create a paid family leave program for prenatal care. 8:00 A $1 billion plan was put forward to overhaul New York state’s mental health system, allocating $1.6 million specifically for maternal mental health initiatives. They discuss what happens when mental health issues and law enforcement interface, and how future plans in New York seek to reduce incidents. 24:00 Looking ...

May 30, 202428 min

The Military Isn’t As Conservative As You Think

2:30 TEMP CHECK: New take on Temp Check where we cover 8 wild headlines. Does your fever spike or sink? 25:15 MAIN NEWS: In honor of Memorial Day, they sound the alarm against the treatment of veterans and the proposed changes to veterans’ benefits under Project 2025. But don’t worry, Biden dropped a new fiscal budget with $369 billion for the DoD and VA. 43:00 DOWN BALLOT: Our Down Ballot bestie this week goes to VoteVets.org. Vote Vets elevates the voices of veterans and military families thro...

May 28, 202453 min

Allred for Texas, Adios Ted!

Topics: Representative Colin Allred discusses his vision for a more equitable Texas and his campaign to unseat Ted Cruz, stressing the need for a more engaged and representative leader. Allred shares his journey from being an NFL linebacker to a lawyer and now a representative, driven by a desire to represent all 30 million Texans. Sami and V ask Allred to address looming issues such as the Texas power grid, paternity leave, and the near-total ban on abortion. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

May 23, 202430 min

This Is Why We Choose The Bear

4:27 TEMP CHECK: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, and six passengers were found dead at the site of a helicopter crash on Monday, one month before the next election. Was it foul play or an inevitable accident? 20:30 MAIN NEWS: After uncovering the brutality of P. Diddy’s assault on Cassie Ventura and Sami, V exposes the deadly problem of not believing women, the uniquely American “Boyfriend Loophole,” and the need for comprehensive legislation like the Violence Ag...

May 21, 20241 hr 12 min