Making the case for Biden despite Biden, with the most fierce frontline organizer Linda Sarsour. Plus the importance of flipping the Senate, voting local, and using elections as a tool in the toolbox of real social change. And the ongoing fight for justice for Breonna Taylor in Louisville, living the legacy of Civil Rights leaders, and imagining what horrors would adorn Trump’s Hell. Featuring Linda Sarsour (Activist, author of "We Are Not Here To Be Bystanders”) Matt Lieb (Filmdrunk Frotcast, P...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Contagion in the White House! It’s not just the Covid in Chief. The list of infected reads like a Who’s Who of Trump loyalists. Joining Francesca to mock it all is co-creator of The Daily Show and founder of Abortion AF Lizz Winstead, and comedian Atsuko Okatsuka. Plus why reproductive rights are vital to healthcare and equal treatment under the law, and the danger posed if Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed. And finally, reading the tweets we didn't dare send in “Draft Tweet Dodgers.” Featuring: Li...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 52
A crooked president, why the Green Party isn’t serious, and how to get a can of spinach to Joe Biden before the debate. Oscar-nominated filmmaker and activist Josh Fox, and comedian Jenny Yang join Francesca to traverse the current American political hellscape together. Plus, which cartoon character would make a better supreme court justice than current nominee, ACB or "Sharia Sharon”? Featuring: Josh Fox (@joshfoxfilm) Jenny Yang (@jennyangtv) Francesca Fiorentini (@franifio) Tip us to help the...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Democracy hangs in the balance after RBG’s passing. But luckily The Sunrise movement is still blazing a trail toward climate justice? Executive Director Varshini Prakash enters The Bitchuation Room to talk about a Green New Deal, the Bernie-Biden task force on climate change, and why we can’t give up on the Democratic party even though it often gives up on progressives. Plus comedian Matt Lieb joins Francesca to talk about a crappy USPS mailer and imagining our favorite bands becoming anti-maske...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 50
Are Democrats serious about stopping climate change? It’s hard to believe when California Governor Gavin Newsom approves new fracking wells and the much of the state senate is bought by oil and gas. Ana Kasparian and comedian Solomon Georgio join Francesca to discuss that, plus the week’s news and the best twitter etiquette for dunking on conservatives. And in a new segment Anxiety Watch Party, tips on how to find peace despite the fires raging in our hearts and out of our windows. Featuring:Fra...
Sep 14, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 49
What does ending homelessness and a Green New Deal at the city level look like? Progressive candidate for Los Angeles City Council Nithya Raman has some ideas. She and comedian Mitra Jouhari join Francesca Fiorentini to talk about why local politics are surging in 2020, plus a look at last week's most ridiculous news from Pelosi's salon visit to the sunken Trump boat parade. And finally, what could possibly be left on your 2020 bingo card? Featuring: Nithya Raman ( www.nithyaforthecity.com ) Mit...
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Who can poop good anymore after so much white extremist violence? And then there’s November. Author and activist Malkia Devich-Cyril and comedian Nato Green join Francesca to talk the RNC, media, and how to stay joyful despite so much grief. Plus why “the party of Lincoln” is an awful phrase, full-bodied coffee, freedom-seeking kittens, and where we would go in our very own Bill and Ted’s excellent phone booth. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini (@franifio) Malkia Devich-Cyril (@culturejedi) Nato G...
Aug 31, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Mass demonstrations against police killing of Black Americans, state repression, a rampant pandemic, climate emergencies and a crooked celebrity klansman to kick out of the White House. 2020 in America is shaping up to be more volatile than 1968, when millions rose up to demand systemic change and a break with the status quo. Good thing we’ve got the wonderful Max Elbaum, author of “Revolution In The Air”, to assess where we are on that long arc toward justice. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini Ma...
Aug 27, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 46
The Joe Biden infomercial of establishment Democrats went better than many imagined. Nomiki Konst and Erin Gloria Ryan join Francesca to talk about what went well and what was missing from The Democratic National Convention, why we need working-class issues front and center, and how politics is about “killing illusion and keeping hope." Plus swapping Steve Bannon stories and a much-needed rendition of the Full House intro theme song. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini Nomiki Konst (The Nomiki Show)...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 45
An election under attack via mail, a vice presidential candidate with bite but problems, and a virtual democratic convention that gives AOC only sixty seconds to speak. This week Francesca is joined by journalist Jason Carter and native organizer Dallas Goldtooth to hash it all out. Plus, what four years of Trump has meant for the indigenous climate justice movement, and the need to think about giving land back to its original stewards. And, *new segment*: 60 second DNC speech! Featuring:Frances...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 44
How can progressive movements bring Biden to the Bernie side? Marisa Franco of Mijente joins Francesca with some insights into how the joint policy task force on immigration went down, and the push needed to hold Biden accountable in the first 100 days of office. If we even get there. Plus, comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh joins to sing bits from her forthcoming musical on the decline of American civilization. And introducing a new new segment “Extreme Postal Makeover” about how to make the USPS irresi...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 43
What to do about tech overlords profiting from hate? Carlos Maza (Vox’s Strikethrough) joins to discuss YouTube’s love of the alt-right and any hope for change. Plus comedian Eliza Skinner (Late Late Show, Earth to Ned) and Nato Green join Francesca to talk about unemployment benefits ending, salads, the toxicity of Ellen Degeneres, and what should be a new Sam Jackson flick, "Masks on Planes". Also a very important look into the future with the game "My Sources Say." Featuring:Francesca Fiorent...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 42
Trump’s private police has used Portland as a testing ground for the rest of the country. Turns out, the city has long been the testing ground for white nationalist violence and complicity from police. And residents have had enough. Journalist Arun Gupta (Daily Beast, Guardian, Intercept) joins Francesca and guest Matt Lieb to talk about the origins of Portland's anti-fascist movement, and what weeks of repression from DHS thugs has accomplished. Spoiler: *everyone* is now an anti-fascist. Featu...
Jul 30, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Could single payer healthcare work in New York State first? Not with democratic governors like Cuomo, or “Crisis Daddy”, in the way. State Senator Gustavo Rivera joins Francesca and Nato to discuss how Coronavirus has made the need for universal healthcare even clearer, and what is required politically to pass statewide Medicare legislation, The New York Health Act. Plus comedian Naomi Ekperigin joins to talk about Rep.Ted Yoho’s future as horse veterinarian who disrespected the first female pre...
Jul 27, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Just cause Weinstein and Cosby are in jail doesn’t mean workplaces are free of “harrassholes”. Author Adrienne Lawrence joins Francesca and Nato to talk about her handbook for surviving and stopping sexual harassment. BUT FIRST, comedian Kate Willet (Late Show) discusses Portland going full Pinochet. And finally, Kanye’s manic episode leads to a promise of free weed and Francesca shares her weirdest fantasy. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini (Newsbroke) Nato Green (The Whiteness Album) Adrienne La...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 39
The movement goes electoral in California as badass indigenous Latina organizer Jackie Fielder runs for state senate. Jackie joins Francesca and Nato to talk about what it'll take to change politics in the Golden State. Plus guest comedian Brodie Reed joins us for "The Week Where" to talk cake memes, freak trains, Covid numbers, and making it to Tik Tok. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini, Nato Green, Brodie Reed, Jackie Fielder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn mo...
Jul 13, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Some are more concerned about the PC police brutality than actual police brutality. Francesca is joined by comedian and her beau, Matt Lieb (Newsbroke, Good Mythical Morning, Frotcast) to talk about an academic "open letter" from the likes of JK Rowling, Malcom Gladwell, and even Noam Chomksy! Enjoy this bonus bitchuation. Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini, Matt Lieb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 09, 2020•55 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Your worm compost is cute, but we can't stop climate change unless we stop the fossil fuel industry. Author Kate Aronoff joins Francesca and Nato in The Bitchuation Room to talk about how both activists and a nosediving oil market are making the case for a different future. Perhaps one that involves a rethinking of our relationship to "land, life and labor" through a Green New Deal? Plus we decide who would go in our "Garden of American Heroes." Featuring: Kate Aronoff, Francesca Fiorentini, Nat...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 36
How can progressives win when so many are shut out of mainstream outlets? John Iadarola of The Damage Report on TYT joins Francesca to talk coronavirus, white supremacists on golf carts and Medicare, and the ever-constant struggle for left voices on major outlets. Plus progressive electoral wins, The Week Where, and a new segment where we predict the future. That always ends well.Featuring: Francesca Fiorentini, Nato Green, John IadarolaMusic by: Bobi Wine Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Jun 29, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 35
It seems like every statue is falling except Jackie Robinson and Paddington Bear. It truly is a new day. So what does the 2020 American civil rights movement mean for November's election and turning out black voters? Black Voters Matter organizer and Memphis county commissioner Tami Sawyer joins Francesca and Nato to hash it out. Plus the double-edged sword of "Veepstakes" and corporate woke-washing on streaming platforms. Does watching The Bodyguard make one an ally? Was Kevin Costner the first...
Jun 23, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Can we stop a coming economic depression with Democrats like these? After trillions of dollars and great acronyms like CARES and HEROS, Republicans have had enough of stimulus money (cause their friends have made enough off it). Yet the Democratic leadership hasn't exactly been pushing them. Francesca Fiorentini and Nato Green welcome Vasudha Desikan, policy director for United For Respect, to break down the stages of the stimulus and explain why Congressional gridlock will require a lot of outs...
Jun 15, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 33
The best cancel culture is rent cancel culture. This week Francesca and co-host Nato Green welcome tenants rights activist Shanti Singh to talk about why protecting renters is critical during coronavirus. Plus "The Week Where", "My Favorite Arrest" and what we're *not* bitching about for once: the many victories the #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd movement can already claim. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 32
George Floyd's murder re-ignited the movement against police brutality and for black lives. Francesca Fiorentini and comedian Nato Green welcome Maurice Mitchell of Working Families Party and Movement 4 Black Lives into The Bitchuation Room to discuss everything from capitalism and anti-racism to the "Flu Klux Klan" and Riverdance. Plus SpaceX's launch and a Nazi-collaborating alligator dies in Moscow. Thank you for supporting this show with your tips, 5 star ratings and reviews! Watch the show ...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Taking stock of Anti-Asian racism amidst a resurgence of hate crimes, and why identity politics still matter with author and journalist Jeff Chang. Plus co-hosts Francesca Fiorentini and Nato Green debut a brand new segment "This Week in Karen", why Diehard 3 makes little sense and Francesca's beef with Andrew Cuomo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
May 25, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Science! Think about it. The Bitchuation Room with Francesca Fiorentini returns as a shelter in place livestream. At her side is comedian, labor organizer and wannabe mixologist Nato Green. This week, clinical lab scientist Veronica Huerta joins to explain Covid-19 testing and why it is that we're so bad at it. Plus, Nato wants sourdough starters forever and Francesca wants to bring back the bush. Not George. Join in LIVE every Sunday at 6pm PST/9pm EST on YouTube, Facebook or Twitch to be part ...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Are you working to win power, guy listening to podcast in traffic? The Bitchuation Room LIVE! is back with the smart, no BS union organizer Jane McAlevey. Francesca is joined by comic Nato Green to talk about Jane's new book "A Collective Bargain: Unions, Organizing, and the Fight for Democracy" and how the left can get serious about taking economic power. Plus your Nato and Francesca tell some new jokes, some bad jokes, some woke jokes and some dad jokes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Feb 08, 2020•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 28
How Robert Mueller didn't indict the President or (more of) his grifters based on this report is ridonkulous. Francesca goes over the juiciest details of the Mueller report, and offers up impressions, tidbits, sweeping generalizations. Joined by comedian and sweetheart Matt Lieb (FilmDrunk), Francesca digs into it all including a very a fun edition of Mad Libs with the most redacted section. Enjoy! CONTENTS (to help you get through it.) 17:45 LAWS THAT ARE VIOLATED & DOCUMENTED IN THE MUELLE...
Jun 15, 2019•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 26
Is the President a witting, unwitting, or nit-witting Russian puppet? Francesca gives her take on the not-yet-released Mueller report while trying to avoid tribalist political sand traps. Also, why does the "left" insist on Tulsi Gabbard for president when her foreign policy is so inconsistently hawkish and Islamophobic? To talk about it in The Bitchuation Room is national social justice organizer of the Poor People's Campaign, Kait Ziegler, plus the regular degular schmegular guest comic Matt L...
Mar 24, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 25
The Beto bubble is bursting early while Biden is the spaghetti and meatballs of political imagination. To discuss the centrists jumping into the 2020 fire is comedian Johan Miranda (Larry Charles' Dangerous World of Comedy) and DSA organizer Brandon Ramirez. Plus how Democrats have no real plan to fix immigration and if they did, what would it look like? And the college tuition bribery scandal brings us an edition of "Sext, Elect, Overthrow" highlighting the scourge of "influencers". Hosted on A...
Mar 17, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In American politics there's only one right way to criticize Israel. Don't. But progressive congresspeople like Ilhan Omar aren't following suit, criticizing occupation and the Israeli lobby and being called antisemitic for it. This time however grassroots pressure is changing the narrative in the Democratic Party, and forcing Congress to have a good long think about its priorities. Francesca is joined by Professor Maytha Alhassen and comedian and organizer Josh Androsky. Plus a "Sext Elect Over...
Mar 08, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 23
