So-called “renovictions” are gaining in popularity, displacing renters and erasing affordable units in tight housing markets. What can whales teach us about fighting cancer? And V chats with Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender athlete to compete in a NCAA Division 1 men’s sport, about gender justice and his upcoming book “ He/She/They: How We Talk about Gender And Why It Matters .” Follow Schuyler on Instagram @pinkmantaray and TikTok @pinkmantaray . Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Two performers made history this week when they became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. AI-generated images and videos are infiltrating politics, causing concern over the dangerous potential of deepfake technology in the 2024 presidential election. And V chats with “American Hysteria” podcaster Chelsey Weber-Smith about the phenomena of moral panics, urban legends, and the legacy of “Jackass.” Follow Chelsey Weber-Smith on Instagram @chelseywebersmith and @americanhysteriapo...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 1 min
It seems the NYPD unknowingly painted a questionable acronym on the side of their cop cars for Pride Month. A new docu-series shows what happens when you disguise Christian extremism as a wholesome TLC reality show. And V chats with award-winning journalist Tre’vell Anderson about Tina Turner’s legacy, “possibility models,” and their new book “ We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film .” Follow Tre’vell Anderson online @TrevellAnderson on Twitter and @rayzhon on Instagram . ...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 5 min
V shines a spotlight on four of their favorite nonprofits, from a comedy troupe of abortion activists to a theologian holding community naps as a form of resistance. Then, V chats with Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr and journalist Erin Reed about their recent engagement and ongoing quest to protect trans rights. Follow Zooey @zoandbehold on Twitter and TikTok and Erin @erininthemorn on Twitter and @ErinInTheMorning on TikTok . Keep up with V on TikTok and Instagram at @underthedesknew...
Jun 02, 2023•47 min
A deluge of money is streaming into the southwest to incentivize people to save the Colorado River. The long-awaited video game “Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” has gamers talking about their carbon footprint. Then, what are we to do with art we love made by people we don’t? V chats with author and critic Claire Dederer, whose latest book, Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma , explores our relationship with music, films, and other art in the wake of #MeToo. Can we, and should we, separate the art f...
May 26, 2023•54 min
It’s true! The Food and Drug Administration has moved to allow gay and bisexual men to once again donate blood, and V explains exactly what’s changed. Plus, how one congressman is schooling us on what it means to outsmart AI. Then, adults rejoice! We’re talking through a more effective and less stressful parenting strategy that everyone can learn from. V chats with “whole parenting” expert Jon Fogel about relinquishing control of kids’ every move and embracing the idea that they are whole people...
May 19, 2023•56 min
In just the past two days, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed a huge package of anti-immigration legislation for the state, and we entered a world where COVID-19 is no longer an official public health emergency. V breaks down all the big changes these decisions will bring. Then, they talk to a champion of change, courage, and civic engagement: former Miss Tennessee Tally Bevis. Tally pulls back the curtain on what it was like to represent her state on a national stage, and all the ways she fou...
May 12, 2023•59 min
When most people think of home economics, they imagine women baking muffins and caring for practice babies. But this week, we’re learning that the field was much more than just “stitching and stirring.” It was an empowering way for women to gain respect and recognition. Journalist and author Danielle Dreilinger joins V for a look back at the history of home economics and how it shaped American culture. We’ll hear about the personal lives of home economics women who decided to either stay at home...
May 05, 2023•47 min
In light of big media personalities getting booted from their platforms and other outlets shutting their doors, V discusses the phenomenon of news deserts and where to find good information in spite of this. Plus, they run through the pros and cons of broadcasting one’s relationship status to the world. V then sits down with MTV trailblazer and veteran journalist SuChin Pak to discuss the value of connecting with curious audiences, especially before social media. SuChin, who now co-hosts Lemonad...
Apr 28, 2023•59 min
As conservative officials continue to restrict abortion access, Republican constituents are starting to put their foot down. V explains why, for many people, bans on the mifepristone pill have crossed a line and are making them question their party’s judgment. Also, V highlights new research showing that the financial health of millennials is looking… better than we thought? Then, a peek into V’s favorite sport and how it’s slated to change after a massive merger. Pro wrestler, journalist, and b...
Apr 21, 2023•59 min
This bonus episode was made possible by Flourish Ventures. Today, V learns hard money lessons in an easy way with “zillennial” financial expert Haley Sacks — or, as her droves of followers know her, Mrs. Dow Jones . As it turns out, it can be fun to learn about finances, especially when your teacher wields compassion, pop culture references, and financial advice especially geared toward women. Haley and V talk through which kind of bank account best matches your needs and help you learn how to a...
Apr 18, 2023•42 min
Justice Clarence Thomas has been living the high life and not telling a soul… except all the people who dimed on him for a new ProPublica report. V breaks down what exactly this top judge did — and didn’t do — wrong in his role as a public servant. V also talks about the lengths that researchers have to go to for people to care about the environment. Fortunately, V is then joined by investigative journalist Amy Westervelt for the ultimate climate conversation. Amy outlines the real cost of fossi...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min
The news within the news of Donald Trump’s criminal indictment is that anti-Semitic conspiracy theories unfortunately still prevail. V debunks the thin threads that theorists try to spin between money, power, and religion, and what all this has to do with politics. Plus, elsewhere in the government, it’s coming out that unmanned, remote-controlled trains are far less regulated than they should be. To ease all this stress, V takes a trip down memory lane with 2000s icon Christy Carlson Romano, kn...
Apr 07, 2023•59 min
Legislation is wildin’ these days. Fresh off their trip to Congress, V breaks down the who, what, and why behind the recent grilling of TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. They also outline which states are introducing bills to get more teenagers into manufacturing plants and construction sites. Then, some penne for your thoughts: just in time for the announcement of this year’s James Beard Award finalists, V chats with past recipient Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful podcast. From exploring the problemati...
Mar 31, 2023•58 min
This bonus episode was made possible by CARE and P&G. V chats with Emily Janoch from CARE International about what it looks like to compassionately serve and connect with more than 100 countries around the world. While most organizations have good intentions when traveling to help overseas, Emily shares how CARE’s “Do No Harm” approach sets it apart. From centering women and girls in all of their work, to knowing when to step back and leave space for others, CARE is giving power back to the ...
Mar 28, 2023•43 min
A UN committee just released its newest report on climate change, and it’s dire. V explains the stakes, the goals, and the action we need to hold our governments accountable for in order to get on the right track. Plus, V details how a Catholic organization in Colorado abused mobile data to uncover private information about clergy members — and how it’s not the apps that we use, but the purchasers of our data, that are to fear. Then, to reset our spiritual palate, V welcomes Kevin Garcia, a spir...
Mar 24, 2023•58 min
Did this week seriously just turn from 2008-style panic to status quo? In a way, yes. And V explains all the other ways Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse differs from the bank bailouts of the aughts. They also break down why TikTok is on the chopping block of federal regulators, plus the reasons it really ought to not be. Then, let’s take a breather! V is joined by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin to talk about authentic self-care practices, plus their faux counterparts and why they’re so alluring. Dr. Lakshmin ...
Mar 17, 2023•59 min
It’s the six-month mark of the revolution in Iran — what might the future look like? V checks in with Moj Mahdara, co-founder of the Iranian Diaspora Collective, to understand more about what the Iranian people are fighting for. And together, they explain how an Iran Nuclear Deal could actually give more power to the current regime. V also digs into all the hullabaloo that went down after Utah officials encouraged residents to eat invasive frogs. Then, with the help of Dr. Orisanmi Burton, socia...
Mar 10, 2023•58 min
The 2022 midterms broke up partisan gridlock across the country, turning four state governments fully blue. V walks us through what these states have already been up to. Plus, who knew you could track the influence that air pollution had on famous artwork? Scientists, that’s who! V breaks it down. Then, they bring on another science-minded individual: the no-BS therapist Dr. Courtney Tracy. But don’t forget — Dr. Tracy is a human first, and she and V explore all the ways that bringing your full ...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr
In this episode, we go full fangirl over the incredible life of former President Jimmy Carter. V also zooms in on how one Broadway production is shaking up a classic story on stages across the U.S. Then, they dive into the big changes slated to hit the SNAP food assistance program on March 1. And to explore all the ways this program helps our communities, V brings on Gina Plata-Nino, the deputy director of SNAP for the Food Research and Action Center. Gina debunks the “welfare queen” stereotype,...
Feb 24, 2023•56 min
We're sharing an episode from a podcast we love called Pop Culture Happy Hour. In this episode, Aisha Harris talks to Brittany Luse and Odie Henderson about the three-decade run of the Maury Povich show and the end of an era as he retires. Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2023•19 min
Several weeks out from the train derailment in Ohio, there’s reason to be concerned about long-term contamination in the area. V boosts the advice of citizen scientists to help people protect themselves and keep records of the damage. There’s also been a ton of buzz about UFOs in recent weeks, so V breaks down what’s actually flying around our atmosphere. Then, they’re joined by professional maintenance technician Mercury Stardust, who empowers people to fix pesky problems in their homes. Mercur...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min
The state of this union is that V is back from D.C., bringing stories from the White House and quotes from the politicians who serve us. V gets them talking about the role of government and community resources, then highlights some of the work that’s already been done this year. Later, V is joined by longtime pal Jordan Harbinger, an expert in social dynamics and host of The Jordan Harbinger Show. They talk about creating a space for men that isn’t based on bro culture, plus how therapy and chal...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In places beyond Memphis, deadly police squads remain in operation. In Hobbs, New Mexico, abortion clinics have been banned. In Ohio, thousands of homeschooling parents have been teaching white supremacy. How is all this happening? V explains what's going on in all these states, then gets joined by “America’s Government Teacher” to fill in the rest. V sits down with Sharon McMahon, host of the podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, to talk congressional committees, impeachment, and the histor...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min
This week has brought a lot of change for public health. On one hand, the first electric school buses have started rolling out, courtesy of bipartisan infrastructure funding. On the other, politicians proposed severely limiting SNAP benefits. V breaks down what all this means for our communities. Then, V welcomes medical-rights advocate and comedian Laura High to talk about being a donor-conceived person. From serial sperm donors to sibling pods, there are many ways that a lack of regulation can...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min
V pops in with a quick update: new weekly episodes will drop on Fridays! Yes, Fridays! So long, Tuesdays! Fridays will be our new home, where we’ll bring you all the news and novelty you’ve come to love. So hang tight — we’ll see you soon! Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today ...
Jan 24, 2023•44 sec
New year, new… ways to get hooked on smoking? V explains how tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds has been attempting to sidestep regulation. Plus, they’ll walk you through the ongoing conundrum of Ozempic, diabetes, weight loss, and healthcare access. Then, V sits down with Whole30 co-founder and CEO Melissa Urban to discuss lifelong healthy habits. Whether it be finding “food freedom” or building better boundaries, there are many ways to prioritize your well being — and not feel guilty for it. Follow M...
Jan 17, 2023•1 hr 8 min
This bonus episode is brought to you with support from The Marguerite Casey Foundation. V sits down with Atlanta-based artist, celebrated community organizer, and Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative Executive Director Toni-Michelle Williams. When she isn't protesting injustices or going toe-to-toe with police and city council, Toni-Michelle is finding ways to make Atlanta more joyful for Black and trans folks. From documenting the city’s public safety failures to partnering with the Citizen a...
Jan 13, 2023•42 min
From the NFL to the halls of the Capitol, there were a few too many close calls this past week. V digs into Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s recovery and the hard knocks that Republicans served to their barely elected speaker Kevin McCarthy. Plus, they’ll get into the nuances of the FDA’s new ruling on pharmacies and abortion pills. Then, they continue the conversation on bodily autonomy with Lizz Winstead, creator of Abortion Access Front and co-founder of The Daily Show, about how comedy ca...
Jan 10, 2023•1 hr 16 min
In this New Year’s offering, V welcomes Comedy Central writer and comedian Rose Kelso. Rose uses her Long Island upbringing and Jewish background to connect with viewers both on professional stages and on social media platforms. We’ll hear about writing jokes for different audiences, dealing with hecklers and criticism, and staying rooted in compassion even when she’s firing people up. Plus, what inspired some of her hit musical comedies like Boomer Stoop and European Boys. Follow Rose at @longi...
Jan 03, 2023•51 min
