American Fever Dream

Kaitlin and Amanda breakdown the first two days of the Derek Chauvin trial, and react to leading arguments from the defense that rely on dehumanizing stereotypes about Black people, and explain the trauma of reliving a case so clear cut. They share an update following the brutal anti-Asian hate crime in New York this week. Finally, a freshly vaxxed Alise Morales joins to react to an investigation into whether Matt Gaetz had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl, and his bizarre explanation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back to celebrate universal vaccine eligibility in most states, and contrast that with the “impending doom” coming as CDC heads warn of more sickness and death. They reflect on how the pandemic has altered social media, and the collective growing pains we’ll experience as normal life resumes. Then, they break down Amazon workers’ efforts to unionize in Alabama, the appalling workplace conditions that led to it, and Jeff Bezos’s batshit response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Sami, and Amanda are back to break down the moral panic following Lil Nas X’s new video, and explain how the post-Trump news void has left some on both sides of the aisle clawing for relevance. Then, they cover the fallout from Georgia’s new voting legislation and how to undo it. Best route? Elect Stacey Abrams. Finally, they share details from Minneapolis as the city begins its case against Derek Chauvin, including details about jury selection and signals for what the rest of the trial might hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami is joined by TV host, journalist, and correspondent for NBC4-LA and IMDB, Danielle Robay. They start with a conversation about Danielle’s career journey from growing up in Chicago, moving to LA to live in a garage and work for free until eventually landing her first paid event on the red carpet. Next, Danielle talks about the intersection between politics and pop culture, what it was like having Larry King as her mentor, and some of her experiences as a woman working in media. They also talk about what men can do to be active allies for women in the workplace, where she sees the news industry heading, and why diverse newsrooms matter. Finally, it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about Danielle’s wish to solve the global learning crisis (climate change too). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise and Bryan catch up on the latest in vaccination news, including Bryan’s experience getting his second dose and that messy bitch AstraZeneca. Then, they detail yet ANOTHER scandal involving Andrew Cuomo, this time related to giving family and VIPs access to COVID testing at the height of the pandemic. Then, they introduce you to the Republican Senate candidates so bad they might hand two ruby red states to Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Kaitlin, and Amanda are back to address the real root of the gun reform debate: upholding white supremacist patriarchy. We explore how Democrats could pursue filibuster reform and break down the Republicans (and Democrat) who are trying to stop it. Seems like we need to background check the Senate, or at least, check to find the Democrat left in Joe Manchin. Finally, they address misguided reverence for the original Constitution, which even the founders knew would need some updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise and Amanda react to yet another mass shooting in America, this time in Boulder, Colorado. They discuss the fact that shooters in Atlanta and Boulder are 21-year-old men, and how our society needs to get better at interrupting violent ideation before lives are lost. They run through the familiar gun safety refrains related to universal background checks and automatic weapons bans, and consider whether Congress will finally take action. Then, they discuss Spring Break crowds in Miami and why the Florida government is to blame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami and Amanda are joined by journalist Emma Gray to discuss how the most recent season of “The Bachelor” botched yet another important conversation about race, this time at the emotional expense of its Black lead. We look back on the choices the franchise made for decades that led to the most recent implosion, analyze why Chris Harrison is such a big part of the problem, and explain why we’re unlikely to see meaningful change anytime soon. Then, they break down Andrew Cuomo’s positive poll numbers despite mounting sexual misconduct allegations and an FBI investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Amanda is joined by two leaders in the Asian American community. First, NBC reporter Kimmy Yam explains how a direct line can be made from the historical marginalization of Asian women in America to Tuesday’s mass shooting in Georgia, and describes her own fears as an Asian woman in an urban area. Then, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) shares his family’s experience in Japanese internment camps, the legal origins of anti-Asian discrimination, and the intersection of racism and homophobia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami is joined by comedian and writer Blaire Erskine, who gained popularity making satirical Twitter videos in response to prominent right-wing political figures. They start with Blaire’s upbringing in a small town in South Georgia, how she became more politically involved once she moved to Atlanta, and her thoughts on the Georgia elections. Next, they talk about her early comedy career in improv and standup comedy before going viral overnight with her parody video of Dan Maples' wife, and how she comes up with these skits. They also talk about pandemic puppies and weddings, their TV binge list, and Blaire’s next career move in writing for TV. Finally, it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about Blaire winning an Audience Choice Award for her short film about forbidden love featuring sock puppets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise and Amanda sit down with Eliza Orlins, a candidate for Manhattan District Attorney and a public defender in New York City for 12 years. Orlins details her experience representing the city’s most marginalized people, and how the cash bail system criminalizes poverty and has lifelong impacts on people jailed for minor crimes they might not have even committed. She explains what a DA can do on day 1 to dramatically change the lives of New Yorkers, and how the DA could have intervened sooner in Harvey Weinstein and Donald Trump’s crimes. Finally, the “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” alum tells us which New York politician she’d take with her on the “Amazing Race.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin, Alise, and Amanda react to the racially motivated murder of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian women. They connect the tragedy to rising anti-Asian hate crimes in America that disproportionately impact women, and look at how American popular culture has systematically dehumanized East Asian women for centuries. They discuss how salon workers are often marginalized and victimized, and analyze why perpetrators of mass shootings almost always have a history of misogyny. Finally, they explain why you need to check your friends who are rude to salon staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Milly, and Amanda react to the Biden administration’s victory lap after ramping up vaccine production and sending cash to Americans. Is Joe Biden already angling for a 2024 run? Plus, they react to conservative tantrums that he isn’t doing enough press conferences. Then, they break down the documentary series “Allen vs. Farrow.” Why did it take so long for people to push Allen off a pedestal, and why has he had control of the narrative for all these years? Finally, they discuss what has shifted since the 1990s that cast Dylan Farrow’s story in a different light. TW: This episode contains vague references to child sexual abuse and grooming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Bryan, and Amanda discuss rising calls for Andrew Cuomo’s resignation and reconcile bad faith accusations that Democrats won’t hold themselves accountable with the reality of Cuomo’s misconduct. Then, they react to the murder of London resident Sarah Everard and subsequent protests. What steps can men take to make women in their cities safer, and how do media and entertainment normalize the brutalization of women? We reflect on whether it’s time to give up true crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for Afternoon Tea, and this week Sami is joined by author, motivational speaker, and Mindvalley founder Vishen Lakhiani. They start with a chat about Vishen’s transition from working at a thriving Silicon Valley startup to becoming a meditation teacher, and ultimately starting the company he runs today. He gives insights into meditation techniques that really work, shares the key lessons he’s learned for starting a business, and explains why it’s important to celebrate every small victory along the way. They discuss the current state of American culture, including how it’s connected to echo chambers and the primitive mind. Finally, Sami asks the Four Questions and they close the show with a conversation about how to save the planet (no big deal). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Sami, and Amanda reflect on the one year anniversary of the day the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. They recount the early, terrifying days when Milly almost got stuck in Europe, and recall the national failures that led us to 529,000+ deaths. They discuss mixed feelings about their own vaccine eligibility and share how the last 12 months have changed them. Finally, they explain what’s happened in the Breonna Taylor case one year after her death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda do a biannual survey of the state of cancel culture, analyzing three recent events that highlight increased polarization that only one side seems to be complaining about. They look back at “Looney Tunes’” Pepe Le Pew amid news the sexually aggressive skunk will not be included in the “Space Jam” sequel. They analyze a controversial columnist’s warnings that nice white people are being silenced, and compare accusations of “cancel culture” to who has actually suffered as a result of a changing internet: good journalists laid off from their jobs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Milly, and Amanda are back to elaborate on how race factored into the British press’s discrimination against Meghan Markle, and how her biracial status earned her support among the most dedicated advocates. Then, they react to Piers Morgan throwing a tantrum on behalf of the queen. Finally, they discuss how the COVID relief’s transformational child tax credit -- a $300 monthly benefit per child! -- will impact their friends and families, and discuss the role finances have played in delaying parenthood in their own lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Bryan, and Amanda react to Oprah’s bombshell interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. They unpack the special’s most shocking revelations and how closely they mirror Princess Diana’s experience in the Royal Family, while discussing how racism compounded the vitriol Meghan experienced. They discuss allegations that Meghan and Harry “want it both ways” or seemed “disingenuous” by zooming out to the broader role the monarchy plays in British society. Finally, they react to the palace’s refusal to provide emergency mental health treatment during Meghan’s serious mental health episodes and which family member might have inquired after Archie’s skin tone. TW: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami is joined by civil rights activist, MSNBC legal analyst, and New York City mayoral candidate Maya Wiley. They start with a chat about what inspired Maya to run for mayor and the exceptional challenges we face in a pandemic. Maya tells us what her top priorities would be in office, which leads to a conversation about rising housing prices and the need for programs to help marginalized communities recover. They discuss the prospect of being the city’s first female mayor, and why it’s so important to address job loss among women in the last year. They talk about the impact of women of color in civil rights activism (including how Maya’s parents inspired her success) with some stories about how to achieve genuine progress with policing. They also explain why ranked choice voting (which will be used in this year’s mayoral election) is a better way to select our leaders and preserve democracy. Finally, it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about a warm, sunny vacation in Saint Lucia with Beyonce and James Baldwin. Learn more about Maya at: mayawileyformayor.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Sami, and Amanda are back to talk all about voting rights and recent attempts to suppress them. They break down the onerous voter restrictions passed in Georgia, and how they are retribution for a strong Democratic showing thanks to Black voters. They describe how H.R. 1, the sweeping voting rights and election reform bill, could pass without eliminating the filibuster entirely, and react to Republicans admitting in the Supreme Court that without voter suppression, they can’t win. Finally, they give Democrats a report card for their first two months in power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin and Amanda are back to discuss some Democrats having a very bad week, most of their own making. They break down the good and bad reasons Neera Tanden won’t be confirmed to a Cabinet position and explain why Senators were less likely to overlook a woman of color’s flaws. Then, they discuss even more allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Are the quiet calls for his resignation a sign of hypocrisy among Democrats who have demanded accountability for GOP men with similar allegations? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda is back to break down the day’s headlines after a mishap stole our recording. Tune in for a quick rundown of the racist depictions that resulted in six Dr. Seuss books coming out of circulation and for why Donald and Melania Trump should have been vaccinated in public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Bryan, and Amanda are back to break down the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. What does it say about men and power, and is there any chance the three-term governor will resign? Then, they discuss the media’s misleading framing of COVID relief as a partisan push for Democrats. Why are we letting Republicans hold hostage a bill that 70% of Americans support? Finally, they explain how the Voting Rights Act can give Democrats the leverage they need to govern. Today’s Black History clip features Renee Montgomery, who just became the first former WNBA player to both be an executive and owner of a team after she bought out Kelly Loeffler’s share of the Atlanta Dream. She retired from play last year to focus on social justice, and explains that decision in a clip for this TED Talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami Sage is joined by Molly Jong-Fast, author, podcaster, and editor-at-large for The Daily Beast. They start with a post-mortem on the Senate impeachment trial and how the Republican party has responded to (read: turned a blind eye to) the Capital riots. They talk about the political future of Mitch McConnell and what it’s like for a party to operate without a de facto leader. They discuss whether or not Trump could face a criminal (or civil) trial in the coming months and whether or not he could even get a competent lawyer to represent him. They also talk about Molly’s participation in a COVID vaccine trial, and what’s next for vaccine rollout in America. Finally, it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about creative ways to address child poverty (and why it shouldn’t be so hard to fix). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Amanda, and Bryan are back to discuss your responses to vaccine reluctance in your networks. Then, they break down shocking revelations from this week’s congressional hearing on the Capitol attack. They describe the breakdown in communication that led the FBI’s warning of violence to languish unread. How does a credible threat of an armed insurrection fall through the cracks? That the perpetrators were white probably had something to do with it. Finally, they check back on the state of the Equality Act and its no. 1 enemy Marjorie Taylor Greene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda is joined by Pooja Asnani, director of the Immigration Project at Sanctuary for Families. Pooja details the immigration stories that have gone unreported for years. She explains just how dramatically the previous administration altered immigration processes -- specifically in ways that made it harder for undocumented domestic violence survivors to ensure safety in the US. She outlines how the Violence Against Women Act has provided vital protections, and how sweeping immigration reform and a path to citizenship would change -- and likely save -- the lives of undocumented domestic violence survivors. Today’s Black History clip is Amara La Negra on “The Real” answering, once again, what it means to be Afro-Latina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda react to Joe Manchin’s refusal to confirm Joe Biden’s cabinet appointees, many of whom happen to be women of color. They detail Manchin’s previous votes for controversial picks and unpack why women, specifically women of color, are held to a higher standard. Then they unload on the moderates in Congress who need some reform themselves. Then, they summarize the immigration reform bill coming to Congress. What are the politics, and could this be the issue Dems use to blow up the filibuster? Today’s Black History Month clip is the late Rep. John Lewis speaking at the March on Washington at age 23. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan and Amanda reflect on reaching the grim milestone of 500,000 COVID deaths, and what about American society let us even hit such an unthinkable number. They discuss anti-vaccination sentiments they’ve encountered in their own life, and share ways to promote vaccine confidence among friends and family. Then, they break down the Equality Act re-introduced in Congress last week. They explain how this legislation would change lives for LGBTQ people and how it differs from existing protections. Finally, the ask: Will Senate Democrats eliminate the filibuster to pass LGBTQ rights? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content Warning: This episode contains references to rape and sexual assault. It’s time for Afternoon Tea, and this week Sami Sage is joined by Amanda Nguyen, civil rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and founder of Rise. They start with the story of how Amanda founded Rise and began actually writing her rights into law. They explain the concept of “Hopeanomics,” the process of how agendas are set, and why it’s critical to understand how the lawmaking rules work in order to play the game yourself. They also discuss a recent viral video featuring Amanda, and what’s coming up next for her (it includes Paris Hilton, believe it or not). Finally, they round things out with the four questions, leading to a conversation about how empathy is the solution to all the world’s problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Alise, and Amanda reflect on men failing their at duties, specifically Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Chris Cuomo. First, they react to news Senator Ted Cruz flew to Cancun while his constituents were freezing to death, and give updates on the on the overall situation in Texas. Then, they react to inquiries into New York Governor Chris Cuomo, whose administration undercounted nursing home deaths in a possible attempt to cover up policies that might have resulted in more fatalities. How did the man who soothed America in the early days of the pandemic squander so much good will? We analyze. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin and Amanda share details of the winter storm that has left millions in Texas without heat and electricity. They zoom out to analyze what the moment says about how Americans understand their relationship with government, and look at other northern cities where residents are regularly left without basic human needs. Finally, they explain the outsized role that climate change denial played in this particular outage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back from a long weekend to react to the end of Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. They break down the good reasons and the bad reasons Democrats ultimately backed down on witnesses, and discuss paths for holding Trump accountable in the future. Finally, they analyze why Republican parties around the country have given into their greatest foe: cancel culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda is Joined by Samantha Miller of Black Girl Environmentalists for a conversation about how environmental activism intersects with racial justice. Miller explains how racism and discrimination have historically played out in the mainstream environmental movement, and how failing to include diverse voices and experiences results in bad ideas and policy implementation. Miller also discusses how the pandemic involving a deadly lung disease has exposed issues related to environmental justic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami Sage is joined by Samantha Power, former US Ambassador to the UN and bestselling author of The Education of an Idealist. They start with a conversation about the nature of courage, where it comes from, and how she took the leap to leave her job at Harvard and join Barack Obama’s team before he was president. They talk about working in a male dominated field (you know, like international diplomacy) and why it helps to compare notes with your female colleagues. They discuss the challenge of battling for human rights on an international stage, how people rationalize atrocities in the name of fear, and the role of human nature in our decisions (yeah we get deep here). Finally, they dive into the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about why battling misinformation is the key to solving our climate crisis (and by extension most of our political problems). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly and Amanda open the episode with a history-making clip of Delegate Stacey Plaskett, who yesterday became the first non-voting member of the House to argue as an impeachment manager. Then, they briefly react to Day 2 of the impeachment trial and it might have actually changed some Republican votes. Then, they’re joined by Symone Sanders, the senior advisor and chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris to talk all about the American Rescue Plan. How will the White House’s relief plan get us out of our houses and back to the club? They discuss how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women -- especially women of color -- and how the plan targets solutions towards working women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda and Kaitlin react to the first day of Trump’s second impeachment trial, from House Impeachment managers’ emotional case against the former president to the Trump team’s shocking display of ineptitude. They listen to Rep. Jamie Raskin’s opening argument and talk about the collective trauma we’re all feeling from reliving that terrifying day and roast Bruce Castor’s freshman drama class monologue. Finally, Kaitlin describes watching lawmakers she knew as a child run for their lives from an angry white mob. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda kick off impeachment week 2.0. They summarize today’s proceedings before covering the recent spate of deadly violence against Asian Americans amid rising hate crimes during the pandemic. They discuss how the “model minority” stereotype has distorted the degree of racism against Asian Americans, and explore how Asian American activism should be better incorporated into the larger project of racial justice. Then, they dive all the way into #FreeBritney, analyzing the documentary “Framing Britney Spears” and considering which aspects of today’s celebrity culture we’ll collectively come to regret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan, Sami, and Amanda are back to neg the Super Bowl and hype the vaccine. They run through the state of the inoculation rollout as 8 percent of Americans have been vaccinated. They share a stat that only half of Americans would take vaccine ASAP, and explore lingering reasons for reluctance, including the medical establishment’s lack of trustworthiness in minority communities. Finally, Amanda is joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to explain why DC statehood should be at the top of Congress’s agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the second installment of Afternoon Tea, Sami Sage is joined by Amanda Litman, author and co-founder of Run for Something, for another dose of political therapy. They begin with an explanation of how Amanda started helping normal people run for office and do a mini role-play to demonstrate how you might convince someone it’s worth taking a chance on themselves and run for elected office. They also talk about the biggest barriers to transitioning into a life in office (yeah, you still gotta pay your bills) and how someone might go about fundraising at a local level. Amanda tells us what makes a great candidate (hint: it doesn’t include a background in politics) and how to make up for a lack of experience in running a campaign. Then it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a shared daydream about going on a beach getaway with Michelle Obama. Can you imagine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Milly, and Amanda check in on Jared and Ivanka’s personal financial fallout from the pandemic they failed to contain. Then, they break down Republican’s secret “family meeting” to determine the fate of two women who represent diverging wings of the party. They analyze what happened with Liz Cheney and Marjorie Taylor Greene and look forward to Democrats voting to remove the latter from her committee assignments. Finally, Amanda is joined by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) who shares his harrowing experience during the Capitol attack and what he expects for next week’s impeachment trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda start with the news that lauded Black women creators were snubbed at the Golden Globes. Then, they break down the respective arguments from Trump’s lawyers and the House impeachment team and what they foretell for next week’s trial. They acknowledge that Trump will likely be acquitted and remain eligible to hold federal office while extremism spreads unfettered. That’s unless Trump and his abetters are tried under the 14th Amendment, and how the Reconstruction era gives us a road map to use it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda, Alise, and Milly Tamarez are back to react to Rep. AOC’s account of what happened during the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6. They lament the state of politics that forced a millennial woman to relive her trauma before millions to make accountability more likely, and why women on both sides of the aisle are becoming symbolic figureheads at a time when America is emotional and distraught. Then, Amanda is joined by Jessica Morak and Caroline Grosshans, attorneys who explain which Trump-era Title IX rule changes are here to say and how sexual assault survivors can find resources on campus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda, Sami and Bryan are back on a snowy Monday to ask where the fuck our $2,000 checks are?! They check in on the state of COVID relief negotiations and ask why winners are even negotiating at all. They debunk the idea that $2,000 couldn’t benefit every family or that certain income levels should be excluded from help. They weigh the political backlash if Biden doesn’t pass a bipartisan bill and discuss the problems posed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Finally, they play an excerpt from Rep. Barbara Jordan’s 1974 speech opening impeachment proceedings for Richard Nixon that could have come right out of 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first ever episode of Afternoon Tea, Sami Sage sits down with author Liz Plank for an afternoon of political therapy. They start by talking about living in a post-Trump America (sigh of relief) and how hard it is to shift the way we think about politics. They also discuss the historic nature of Kamala Harris becoming VP and what it means for our country. Liz explains the best way to rectify the imbalance in gender equality (it involves men acknowledging they have a gender identity in the first place) and why it’s important to be open to supporting female leaders. Next they discuss why women are expected to overcome being women, and explore the hidden scourge of ableism in our society. Finally, Sami asks Liz the “Four Questions” which leads to a conversation about our happiest memories and why we all just wanna be held (wow, this really is a political therapy session after all). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alise, Bryan, and Amanda are back to break down the GameStop short squeeze and COVID fatigue. How did a group of retail investors on Reddit pull off a maneuver that exposed how hedge funds manipulate the market every day? They explain the practical impacts of this extremely satisfying parable. Then, they have a candid and honest conversation about COVID fatigue and hitting a wall at this stage in the pandemic. Finally, they parse mixed public health messages about whether the pandemic is finally getting better, or about to be the worst it’s ever been. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kaitlin and Amanda react to Senate Republicans voting overwhelmingly to put this whole deadly insurrection thing behind them. Then, they share disturbing polling that 56% of Republicans think Donald Trump should be president in 2024, and what Democrats need to do right now to stop it. Finally, Kaitlin explains how the filibuster has been used throughout US history to maintain white supremacy and asks why we’ve all gotten so comfortable with minority rule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milly, Alise, and Amanda are back to figure out why Mitch McConnell is controlling the Senate even after his demotion last week. They break down the history and practical uses of some procedural moves that could allow Democrats to pass legislation: budget reconciliation and removing the filibuster. What are the merits of each approach, and the consequences for taking them? Finally, we make the case for why Democrats should end the filibuster and do it fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda, Sami, and Bryan break down a surprisingly news-packed first weekend of the Biden administration. They peek inside the Senate’s bullet journal for the next few weeks and to see what will be prioritized amid impeachment hearings, COVID relief, and cabinet nominees. Then, they consider why Republicans are so eager to delay impeachment, and what the outcome bodes for Trump’s future impact on the party. Finally, they break down news that the New York Times fired an editor over a harmless tweet and how the media’s overcorrection to so-called “liberal bias” disproportionately hurts female journalists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sami, Bryan, and Milly are back to break down the first few days of the Biden administration. They start with a few updates in the Senate, including Mitch McConnell’s refusal to give up power and the status of the Articles of Impeachment against former President Trump. Is there any chance at all that Joe Manchin votes to get rid of the fillibuster? Then, they give a few updates on the Coronavirus, including rejuvenated Dr. Anthony Fauci’s vaccination targets for the summer and when we can expect to return to normalcy. Finally, they cover two new executive actions announced by Biden aimed at aiding families still struggling to afford food in the midst of the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices