American Fever Dream

Bryan and Amanda debrief after Alise’s wild-style wedding. Then they share updates on Hurricane Ida’s impact on Lousiana, and why some people can’t heed “mandatory evacuations.” For the main topic, they break down how a shocking Texas law that puts a bounty on abortion providers managed to survive multiple court challenges, likely to take effect Wednesday. How did this happen? Finally, they share updates on civilian casualties from the US drone strikes in Afghanistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda reunite for a jam-packed show. First they react to the new COVID vaccine names and propose some punchier alternatives. Then, they discuss the rising death rates in Florida and the sense of identity that has overcome anti-vaxxers, even when it’s children who are paying the price. Then they discuss the soulless monsters attempting to profit off the Afghan evacuations before asking the very important question: Why did Kylie Jenner get Stormi a school bus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Litman of Run For Something and The Recount’s “battleground” podcast join our hosts to look ahead to 2022. They explain why Democrats have historically ignored the state-level races that have created problems for national democracy, and the work Republicans have put in behind the scenes. They discuss the potential of “critical race theory” to swing white suburban voters and how 2020 funding could have been better spent. Finally, they discuss how Democrats can govern without constantly weighing how Republicans will react. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda are back to ask the question on everyone’s minds: did Andrew Cuomo try to rehome his dog? Survey says: not likely. Then, they break down a truly wild night in the House of Representatives as a group of moderates test Speaker Pelosi’s patience. But who is this fight really for? Finally, they share a story from the Arizona audit absolutely dripping in irony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Irene Merrow joins us to react to the impact of OnlyFan’s decision to ban sexually explicit content on its site. What is the difference between “sexually explicit” content and “nudity”? Irene explains why the policy will be left intentionally vague in order to punish some creators (non-white with diverse body types) more than others. She explains how celebrities have appropriated stripper culture and what people like Bella Thorne could actually be doing to support sex workers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Yellin (@jessicayellin) joins Amanda for a timely bonus episode reflecting on the week of reporting on Afghanistan and the evacuation efforts. Yellin, founder of News Not News and former White House Correspondent who’s reported on Afghanistan for 20 years, explains exactly what we need to do to sustain pressure on leaders to ensure Afghans’ safety, why this is our obligation as Americans. Then, Yellin shares an excerpt of her interview with a woman in Afghanistan whose life has been turned upside down, in which she shares her greatest fears and a message for the rest of the world. Listen to the full 25-minute interview on Jessica’s page at @jessicayellin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back with your weekly politics/pop culture round-up, starting with the mess that has surrounded new Jeopardy host Mike Richards. They discuss why Richards was chosen over other fan favorites and his history of lewd comments about women. Then, they react to the charges against R.Kelly and the first high-profile #MeToo trial with mostly Black victims. Finally, they praise Larry David for going off on Alan Derschowitz in Martha’s Vineyard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts are back to react to news that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has COVID and take some time to unpack the social and political factors that prolonged this pandemic longer than we ever expected. What happened to our great hopes for social change? They also share updates from Afghanistan, specifically how projecting western ideals -- including about feminism -- contributed to hopelessness after the Taliban takeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda reflect on the end of a 20-year war that began dramatically in their childhoods and they watched end abruptly as adults. They discuss what we owe to the nation of 38 million people, many of them at risk because of their role in helping us. Then, they break down the basics of the California recall election and why Mitch McConnell really doesn’t want voters to know about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Mosheh Oinounou joins Bryan and Amanda to break down the chaos and devastation in Afghanistan. He explains how the Taliban managed to take over Kabul so quickly, the effort to evacuate Americans and the tens of thousands of Afghans who helped us over 20 years, and what the US government failed to anticipate in its withdrawal. Finally, they consider the fate of women and girls whose rights and lives hang in the balance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Afternoon Tea, Sami hosts former US Secretary of Education John B. King, who is currently running for governor of Maryland. To kick things off, John shares the trajectory of his life so far, from leaving school at an early age to being part of the Obama administration and beyond. After that, they discuss the recent controversy surrounding Critical Race Theory, and why the whole issue is clouded by misinformation and bad-faith arguments. They also discuss his thoughts on the current state of education in the US and his policy ideas on how to improve the education system to better serve the needs of the country. To round it all off, they end by discussing his vision for the state of Maryland as he campaigns to become its governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Amanda, and Kaitlin start with an unfortunate story involving Subway, Megan Rapinoe, and Alise’s first job. Then they discuss the fallout from Governor Cuomo’s resignation. Who is Kathy Hochul and what is she walking into? They react to Cuomo’s claim the lines have been “redrawn” and why disgraced Democrats are more likely to resign than Republicans. Then they preview the upcoming battle over the reconciliation bill and debt ceiling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda discuss the Senate’s newly passed infrastructure bill before learning mid-show that Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has resigned. They react to the surprising move and what’s in store for future governor Kathy Hochul. Then, they discuss why Governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis are willing to let children die before admitting they were wrong about the pandemic and the state of outbreaks in Louisiana and Arkansas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Amanda reflect on their favorite moments from the Olympics as the bizarre 2020 games come to an end. They discuss updates on disgraced New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and react to Brittany Commisso’s dramatic interview accusing him of crimes. Finally, they break down the UN’s petrifying new report that promises a century of hell, unless…. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the hosts start off with another round of COVID updates as NYC becomes the first city to announce vaccine requirements for indoor events. Then, they discuss the recent controversy around Hollywood’s lack of meritocracy, kicked off by casting announcement of the short film THE RIGHTWAY. They round off the show with the Buzzworthy News headline brought to you by Dame, this time about Rihanna becoming the coolest billionaire yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hosts start with a quick convo with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy about what he’d tell the vaccine reluctant if he had a finsta, breakthrough infections, and why we already have the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel: vaccines. Then, Kaitlin and Sami join to react to the new eviction moratorium and the Attorney General investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo for sexual harassment and assault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda are back to break down Congress’s mad dash to finish its to-do list before senators simply must leave for vacation. They share easter eggs from the bipartisan infrastructure bill and what $550 billion actually gets done, and try to place blame in the eviction moratorium meltdown. Finally, they react to Senator Lindsey Graham getting COVID on Joe Manchin’s houseboat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Amanda are joined by comedian and guest host Lane Moore to indulge our collective rage about the pandemic and how they’re coping as Lane embarks on a 30-city tour. Then they react to Matt Damon letting go of his favorite gay slurs and why it took the 50-year-old actor so long to say goodbye. For the Dame Buzzworthy news segment, they discuss Scarlett Johansson suing Disney+ for lost earnings related to “Black Widow.” Buy tickets to Tinder Live show in your city at lanemoore.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda discuss the insufferable series of white men attacking Simone Biles for taking care of herself, rising COVID cases in Tokyo, and how these Olympic games could impact professional athletes long-term. Then, they break down the controversy surrounding DaBaby’s homophobic comments the same week a prominent Democratic donor was convicted for murdering gay Black men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Kaitlin, and Amanda start the show by sharing what’s brought them some light and joy amid the worsening pandemic and the climate apocalypse. Then, they look at some areas with surprisingly low vaccination rates and what’s contributing to it. Then they recap yesterday’s hearing on January 6 and how it broke us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda react to Simone Biles withdrawing from today’s Olympic event. Then, they contrast a male fencer credibly accused of sexual misconduct flown the games with a “safety plan” with female athletes with disabilities or children who have been denied special accommodations. Finally, Dr. Natasha Kathuria joins to answer your questions about the Delta variant, breakthrough infections, and how to tell whether you should be masking indoors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda and Sami are back to process the new phase of the pandemic, with Delta cases surging and questions about masking and breakthrough infections. They react to Republican course correcting on the vaccine, and who is still reluctant to get jabbed and why. They compare reactions to vaccine mandates in Europe and the US. Could the current polarization lead to a resurgence of dormant viruses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami is joined by Malcolm Gladwell, journalist, author, and host of Revisionist History. To start, Malcolm shares what we can expect in the newest season of his podcast, which leads to a conversation about COVID-sniffing dogs. Then Sami and Malcolm dive into his upcoming 3-part series on The Little Mermaid and why it’s actually problematic. They discuss the depiction of masculinity and male dominance, and even the film’s parallels with the #FreeBritney movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda discuss a spate of sexist incidents involving female athletes, from Norwegian handball players being fined for wearing shorts to a Paralympian runner chastised for not wearing shorts. They discuss the broader significance of banning swim caps made for Black athletes before pivoting to the Texas abortion law, which gives abusers a pass to harass and control women’s lives by bribing residents with $10,000 to sue providers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda react to Jeff Bezos’ 11 minutes in space. What would we spend $28 million to do for 11 minutes? Then they break down the reasons behind the rise in the Delta variant, our own experience with breakthrough infections, and why it’s important to distinguish between anti-vaxxers and the vaccine hesitant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda and Bryan are joined by special guest co-host Rep. Eric Swalwell to talk BTS of Trump’s second impeachment, processing trauma from the Capitol riot, and Democratic strategy for 2022. Pick up Rep. Swalwell’s updated version of Endgame: The Impeachments Of Donald J. Trump wherever you buy books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan and Amanda catch up on their recent international travels, the privilege of vaccination, and how other countries are managing the pandemic for a second summer. They discuss the latest #FreeBritney news and stay in the nostalgia zone for today’s Dame Buzzworthy news segment, which overs the 20th anniversary of “Legally Blonde” and Reese Witherspoon’s pending application to the billionaire’s club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda react to Megyn Kelly and Donald Trumps gaslighting. Then they break down President Biden’s forceful speech against voter suppression and why it missed the mark. Michelle Buteau joins ahead of season 2 of “First Wives Club” on BET+ to talk friendships during a pandemic, raising humane children in a chaotic world, and which politician would absolutely win The Circle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise and Amanda are back to break down why Texas Democrats have left their state for the next 27 days to prevent a vote on sweeping voting rights restrictions. They explain how the lawmakers can be arrested if they return and how they plan to troll Congress while in exile. They break down a story of a Texas man arrested for accidentally voting three months before his parole ends, and how it highlights a key provision of HR1 allowing formerly incarcerated people to vote more freely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Alise are back with an international smorgasbord of news headlines. First up, they cover the assassination of Hatian president Jovenel Moïse amidst historical unrest in the country. They breakdown the search for the culprits and the possible motives behind the murder. Then, they take a short hop over to Cuba, where protests have sprouted all over the country over food shortages, blackouts, and the government’s poor handling of the pandemic. Then it’s time for the Buzzworthy Story of the day brought to you by Dame, where they cover Richard Branson’s Space Adventure yesterday in which he became the first billionaire to visit space on his very own spacecraft. Be sure to visit dameproducts.com/sup to learn more about their amazing toys for sex and get 15% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, Alise and Milly are joined by Fat Carrie Bradshaw (Chris Burns) to break down the biggest pop culture news of the week. They start with a roundup of news from the Tokyo Olympics, covering Sha’Carri Richardson’s ban after testing positive for THC, a pair of Namibian women being barred from competing for their natural testosterone levels, and Japan’s state of emergency from rising COVID-19 infections. Then they bring us a few updates on Britney’s conservatorship case, before rounding it all out with Beverly Hills Housewife Erika Jayne’s latest setback from the courts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Kaitlin are back to discuss the projected winner of the NY mayoral race and what Eric Adam’s victory could mean about the state of the national Democratic ideology. Then, they breakdown Nikole Hannah-Jones announcement that she is rejecting UNC’s offer after a months long stand-off over tenure, and how conservative opposition of race politics has affected the course of education not necessarily for the better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise and Amanda break down headlines from the long weekend, including backlash to the Ukrainian military requiring women to march in heels. Then, they look at the fallout from the gas pipeline explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and how it relates to climate change. Finally, they reflect on the six months since the Capitol insurrection and what has and hasn’t changed since the attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Alise and Amanda bring you a special holiday episode based on your requests. First, they share how their lives and work have changed since Biden’s inauguration, from the mostly good to the surprisingly challenging. Then they play a July 4 edition of Would You Rather featuring all your faves plus the biggest threats to America since 1776. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Milly, Amanda, and Kaitlin are back for our first weekly episode with a new pop culture/feminism focus -- just in time for Bill Cosby’s release. They discuss the complicated nature of Cosby’s newfound freedom and look at how the system was designed to fail the women who sacrificed so much to get justice. They react to Phylicia Rashad’s painful response and whether it’s Black women who should be punished for men’s actions. Finally, they discuss why Bill Cosby is free when Britney Spears isn’t. CW: This episode does not contain descriptions of sexual assault, but does discuss how sexual assault cases move through the justice system in a manner that may be triggering for some listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin and Amanda break down the drama with NYC’s mayoral count this week. Then they react to Nancy Pelosi deciding to name an additional Republican to the ⅙ committee and play our hardest game of would you rather yet. Then, as requested, Kaitlin explains the obscure 1929 law that capped the House at 435 members, and why this doesn’t serve Americans in states big or small. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda discuss the heat wave endangering lives across the country and why some areas were so ill-prepared for it while explaining specifically how climate change impacts the temperature. Then they react to Joe Biden’s fumbling of the infrastructure bill, explain why everyone threw a tantrum, and consider what this signals about Biden’s agenda moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Sami, and Amanda are back to recount their rides on the struggle bus this weekend. Then they share breaking news that the Supreme Court will leave trans students alone about what bathrooms they decide to use. Finally, they reflect on how the corporatization of Pride impacted celebrations this year, and why people are becoming more suspicious of who profits from social justice movements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami is joined by Chicago-based entrepreneur, pop culture commentator and podcast host, Kate Kennedy. To start, they begin with a conversation on how Kate started her doormat venture following a 7 year career in corporate marketing and advertising. Next, they chat about how Kate grapples with being a solo female podcast host in the male-dominated world of podcasts and some of her favorite topics to discuss about on her podcast, Be There in Five. Then they share their love for pop culture, diving into some of the latest headlines including Erika Jayne’s financial scandal, before closing out with their takes on the Chrissy Teigen apology tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly and Amanda are joined by Betches resident pop culture expert Dylan Hafer to break down the state of Britney Spears’ conservatorship after the pop stars’ shocking statement that her handlers have abused and mistreated her, and track how everyone’s favorite 90s icon became a spokesperson for disability rights. Then, they react to accusations that “In The Heights” erases Afro-Latinos, and why a movie about Milly’s life story about being a Dominican Afro Latina in New York City would be just as entertaining. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda react to the Senate’s showdown over voting rights and what the future holds for the rest of the Democratic agenda if we don’t end the filibuster. Then, they check in on the NYC mayor’s race and make predictions about who will end up on top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Alise, and Amanda are back for a Pride/sports mashup. First they react to NFL player Carl Nassib coming out and what it means for young gay kids and the intersections of homophobia and masculinity. Then they break down the Supreme Court’s decision to open the door to college athletes earning money for their success, and how the NCAA’s policy against it hurts women and minorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Amanda react to news that the Olympics will welcome fans in Tokyo. Then they break down the American arm of the Roman Catholic Church’s move to deny Joe Biden from taking Holy Communion because of his support of abortion rights. What’s the endgame here? Finally, Imani Gandy of the Boom! Lawyered podcast and Rewire News Group joins to analyze recent decisions from the Supreme Court and what’s next in the abortion fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami is back for this week’s Afternoon Tea to chat with Em Schultz, co-creator and co-host of the award-winning podcast, And That’s Why We Drink. They start off by talking about where Em’s passion for paranormal came from, which leads to a conversation about Em’s very first ghost encounter with their grandfather. Next Em shares how they met their co-host Christine, the moment they decided to start a podcast, and some of their favorite paranormal topics to talk about. Then, they dive into a discussion about the role gender identity played in Em’s life and the process of coming to understand their identity. To close out, Em reflects on their experience growing up in the South and some of the proudest moments of their career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise and Amanda are back for a quick debrief on the SCOTUS cases that dropped this morning. Have Republicans finally become distracted enough by fake voter fraud to leave Obamacare alone? Then, they run through Joe Manchin’s list of demands when it comes to voting rights and what it has in common with When Harry Met Sally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Kaitlin, and Amanda try to read between the lines of Kamala Harris’s Senate ladies night. What did Veep talk about with Lisa Murkowski and where was Kyrsten Sinema? Then they react to the Senate unanimously voting to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday, but not without a tantrum from this Republican. Finally, they continue yesterday’s discussion on the mayor’s race and Kaitlin shares her perspective as a lifelong New Yorker, and why we hope to be surprised by the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Alise, and Amanda are back to recap Alise’s Bachelorette and react to a DC executive rejecting an oral sex scene. Then, they break down the upcoming New York City mayor’s race, the differences between candidates, the role of policing, and how this moment in the country’s national politics will impact who will become the next mayor of New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Bryan, and Amanda discuss the pandemic habits they just can’t seem to shake. Then, they break down a series of headlines about the Trump administration’s investigation into the media, members of Congress, and its own lawyers. They explain why some have been disappointed in Merrick Garland’s handling of the Biden DOJ, and why it’s important, even if unpleasant, to keep constant tabs on our failed but ambitious would-be fascist leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami is joined by activist, speaker, model, and writer Corey Rae. To start off the conversation (and in spirit of Pride Month) Corey shares her favorite Pride memory of the time she met Laverne Cox, and considers what a post-pandemic Pride will look like this year. They chat about Corey’s experience growing up transgender, becoming the world’s first openly transgender prom queen, then living in stealth for next five years. They also discuss how the 2016 Orlando shooting led Corey to share her viral blog post “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself.” They talk about navigating the world as a trans person and having a support system through the process. To finish off, Sami and Corey talk about Hollywood’s diversity problem and the need for more inclusive, positive transgender stories in media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Amanda commemorate Sup’s 500th episode and share future plans for the show. Then they dive deep into a ProPublica report showing just how little billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk pay in taxes compared to the average American. They offer a rebuttal to those who insist Jeff Bezos is entitled to hoard billions and what Elizabeth Warren was right about all along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices