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
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Flawed Justice, Early Voting, and Trump-chella

Despite his Sept 2024 release date, Brandon Parks-Burns is still in prison, waiting to be released. Joined by his sister, A.B. Burns-Tucker (@iamlegallyhype), Sami & V learn about Brandon's legal battles after unreliable testimony by an informant landed him in prison when he was 18 years old. Then, Sami & V go over "Trump-chella," early voting, and what the polls are saying. V shares some insights from Bob Woodward's newest book, "War," including how much Biden loves to drop an f-bomb, a...

Oct 15, 20241 hr 5 min

In the Eye Of the Storm ft. Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response

With hurricane Milton hitting Florida Wednesday night, V talks to Caitlin Durkovich, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response, about the dangerous storm, and the challenges Florida faces over the next few weeks. Durkovich explains why the storm surge is so dangerous, and what you should do if you have not evacuated Tampa yet. Fact check rumors about hurricane Helene & hurricane Milton: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-helene/rumor-response Learn more about ...

Oct 10, 202432 min

Nazis Getting Busted & Zuckerberg's Bro-ification

00:00 - Sami reflects on celebrating the Jewish New Year, and the anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel.MAIN NEWS 14:30 - Let's talk schadenfreude -- 68 American Nazi's were charged in an indictment last week in California's San Fernando Valley. The group calls themselves the PECKERWOODS, and is run by a 62-year old woman named Trish. According to the indictment, law enforcement found large quantities of illegal firearms, and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, and other drugs.AMERICAN'T 33:...

Oct 08, 202455 min

You Can't Fact Check JD Vance (VP Debate Recap) ft. Vibes Only's Glennis & Brian

Another debate, another recap! Today V & Sami are joined by Vibes Only's Glennis Meagher & Brian Derrick to compare notes on last night's VP debate. Was Walz's neighborly demeanor a liability? Can Vance answer a question without lying? What does the VP even do? We can answer some of these questions, even if the candidates didn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 03, 202450 min

How Sabrina Carpenter Got NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted ft. Rep. Maxwell Frost

What do Sabrina Carpenter and Eric Adams have in common? Maybe more than you think! TEMP CHECK 6: 00 - People are on Chappell Roan's ass over her current political stance. Should she be doing more, or are we expecting too much from the Midwest Princess? MAIN NEWS 16:40 - V & Sami explain the connection between NYC's Mayor, the Catholic Church, and Sabrina Carpenter. Already indicted on bribery charges, it looks like there may be more charges coming Adams' way. Should Governor Hochul pressure...

Oct 01, 20241 hr 9 min

When Sex Gets Weird, the Cults Will Crumble

Whoever is writing this week's storyline for America is going a little wild. V fills us in on her latest trip to the Pentagon, where they talk China, Russia, and of course TikTok with the Department of Defense. We also get some clarification on why they use the unsettling phrase "most combat ready lethal fighting force." TEMP CHECK 26:00 Georgia's Election Board voted on a measure which would require counties to hand-count ballots -- which even has some Republican's speaking up in opposition. Ne...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 2 min

The Fight For Florida ft. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Whether you call her The Latina Hammer, La Luchadora, or maybe just DMP: it's clear Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is making herself known in the Florida race for Senate against incumbent Rick Scott (who was involved in defrauding Medicare in 1997.) Mucarsel-Powell talks about the challenges that Floridians face, from high insurance rates to climate change, and how the normally Republican leaning Villages is showing up for the Harris-Walz campaign. Go to https://iwillvote.com/ to check your voter regist...

Sep 19, 202442 min

Breaking The Ice w/ Sen. Tammy Baldwin

This week V is joined by Senator Baldwin of Wisconsin. In addition to addressing the impact the reversal of Roe v Wade has had on the state, Senator Baldwin talks about how being raised by her grandparents and a childhood illness shaped her policies. V & Sen. Baldwin also talk about the future of clean energy, and why keeping these jobs in the US is so important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 202431 min

Are Americans Tired of Trump's Weird Rhetoric? (Debate Recap)

Between Trump bragging about talking to Putin, to his claims of people eating their pets, Tuesday's debate makes us wonder if people are finally getting tired of Trump's act, and are ready for some normality in the White House. Considered a win for Harris by all (even Newsmax's Geraldo Rivera) Sami & V break down the biggest moments for Harris, and the moments that left us confused. Check your voter registration here: vote.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 202441 min

Russia's 2024 Election Influence & Our Debate Predictions ft. Symone Sanders-Townsend

We're back this week talking about more disinformation, this time coming from massive a DOJ indictment which include several Russian nationals and entities, all working to influence 2024 election. The report calls out fake social media profiles, bots, and a front company based in Tennessee, all with the goal to create more division and suppress voter turnout. To wrap up the episode, we're joined by Symone Sanders-Townsend, co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, to make predictions on Tuesday night's Pr...

Sep 10, 20241 hr 25 min

How to Have Uncomfortable Conversations, ft. Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho

Sami sits down with co-authors Emmanuel Acho & Noa Tishby to talk about their book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew. Acho speaks about how his friendship with Tishby developed, and how that friendship allowed them to have constructive conversations with each other about race. Their conversation also highlights the struggles of the Jewish and Black communities and the importance of unity in fighting against oppression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 05, 202425 min

Debunking Trump's Arlington Cemetery Photo-op, X Blocked in Brazil & Chase Bank Fraud

This week we have a classic American Fever Dream episode for you! Let's break down some of the weirdest, fever dreamiest stories of the last week. TEMP CHECK 5:45 - Starting off, we break down why Trump's photo op at Arlington National Cemetery was so disgraceful. V also fact checks Trump's statement that no military members died under his presidency, when the numbers show a very different story. 27:30 - Next, we cover the Twitter/X ban in Brazil. A Supreme Court Justice in Brazil has taken acti...

Sep 03, 20241 hr 3 min

Can Politicians Be Truly Authentic? ft. Sen. Mallory McMorrow

From the giant Project 2025 book to her viral speech on the Michigan Senate floor in 2022, Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Sami talk about all of it. Although many call her a communications guru, McMorrow says she's just authentic in the way she talks to people, and that's what people connect with. Sami and McMorrow also discuss ways you can be engaged with politics, even if you don't want to run for office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29, 202428 min

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 sha...

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 Janua...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast