V Interesting with V Spehar

Climate solutions aren’t out of reach. They’re already here, and California is leading the way. In 2025, the state hit a historic milestone: for more than 200 days, its grid hit 100 percent clean energy, often for hours at a time, making it the largest economy in the world to reach this goal. In this episode, host Gloria Riviera speaks with Mary Creasman, CEO of California Environmental Voters, about the state’s race toward total clean energy by 2045, what this transformation means for tackling wildfires, flooding and droughts, and how we can all push politics toward climate solutions that work. This episode was made in partnership with California Environmental Voters. To learn more about their work, visit envirovoters.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rent is too damn high, housing quality standards are far too low, and Tara Raghuveer is doing something about it. Tara is director of Kansas City Tenants, a tenant union which organizes to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. In this powerful conversation with host Gloria Riviera, Tara explains how the union of more than 10,000 members is fighting against our country’s dysfunctional housing market and standing up for what they truly deserve. This episode is presented by the Marguerite Casey Foundation. MCF supports leaders who work to shift the balance of power in their communities toward working people and families, and who have the vision and capacity for building a truly representative economy. Learn more at caseygrants.org or visit on social media @caseygrants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Bishop used to be a youth probation officer. He wanted to help young people navigate out of a juvenile justice system he knew was flawed. Now, as the Associate Director for Probation and System Transformation at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Steve works to transform youth probation systems around the country – from one that punishes making mistakes in ways that leave young people worse off and neighborhoods less safe to one that holds kids accountable for their actions by steering them toward the guidance and support that can help them grow into responsible adults. In this eye-opening conversation with host Maya Rupert, Steve talks about how we can create a more just and restorative system that’s steeped in relationships, trust, and community. This episode was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, an organization that develops solutions to build a brighter future for children, youth, families and communities. Learn more at aecf.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are countless barriers facing immigrant communities when it comes to finding success and economic security in the US. Today we hear from two women who are working tirelessly to level the playing field by reimagining capitalism. Lemonada’s Hoja Lopez chats with Ruby Bolaria Shifrin, head of community at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and Claudia Arroyo, executive director of the non-profit Prospera. They discuss the value of supporting latinx entrepreneurs and putting female-owned businesses at the forefront of their local economies. This episode is supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our local communities. CZI's mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone. To learn more, visit https://chanzuckerberg.com. Thank you to Prospera for joining this conversation. Prospera advances Latina economic empowerment through leadership development, entrepreneurship and cooperative business ownership. Prospera believes that when women are at the forefront of our local economies, entire communities thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit https://prosperacoops.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think of care workers, we often picture individuals who nurture, assist, and heal other human beings. But behind that picture are the harsh realities of domestic work and the many sacrifices this marginalized group makes to uplift others. In this episode, producer and former Lemonada host Hoja Lopez chats with someone who’s uncovering the truth behind the care economy and its exploitative roots. Activist, historian, and Barnard College professor Premilla Nadasen walks Hoja through her most recent book, CARE: The Highest Stage of Capitalism. The two discuss the unfair treatment low-wage workers, immigrants and women of color face in an industry that’s built on inequality, and how despite all this, they’re actually the people whose work “makes all other work possible.” You can learn more about Premilla’s work by following her on Twitter @premillanadasen. This episode was made possible by the Marguerite Casey Foundation. Learn more about Marguerite Casey Foundation at https://www.caseygrants.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We live in an undeniably violent world. Gender-based violence poses a particular threat to the intersecting identities of women, people of color, and marginalized communities. But these survivors are the same folks spearheading some of the biggest efforts to end it. In this special episode, Lemonada co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs sits down with two leaders who understand the importance of supporting and empowering survivors in order to achieve change. Stephanie speaks with Aleyamma Mathew, executive director of The Collective Future Fund a donor collaborative organization that works to shape a future free of violence, and Mónica Ramirez, founder and president of Justice For Migrant Women, a nonprofit funded by CFF to help address injustices within the migrant community. The three discuss the harsh realities migrant women and their families are facing, and why helping share their truths also means letting them decide what healing and justice looks like for them. You can find The Collective Future Fund at collectivefuturefund.org, @cofuturefund on Twitter, and @collectivefuturefund on Instagram. Justice For Migrant Women can be found at justice4women.org, @mujerxsrising on Instagram, and at Justice For Migrant Women on Facebook. Thank you to both of these organizations for making this episode possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This throwback 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 app, V learns how Toni-Michelle is supporting her community's needs and helping cultivate their sense of belonging. Follow Toni-Michelle’s work at @Snap4Freedom on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on policing, reformist, and abolitionist efforts in Atlanta, check out the Deeper Than Visibility report. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When most people think of home economics, they imagine women baking muffins and caring for practice babies. But in this throwback episode, 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 or join the workforce. Plus, what role HBCUs and science universities like MIT played in creating this field, and how unsung economists of color helped push the movement forward. Follow Danielle on Twitter at @djdreilinger. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this best-of episode, V opens up about something very personal that has shaped the last seven years of their life. Through this tragedy, V found comfort and support in Lemonada’s mission to help “make life suck less” and decided to leave their dream job to pursue a higher purpose. At a time when V didn’t have all the answers, they leaned on one of the most stabilizing forces in their life to help make sense of a loss. In this powerful and insightful conversation, V meets with Lemonada co-founder and Last Day host Stephanie Wittels Wachs to talk about substance use disorder, harm reduction, and grief. We’ll hear about the healthy ways of managing an addiction and the resources available to help you or your loved one get through those tough times. Follow Stephanie at @wittelstephanie on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to catch her series Last Day and Call For Help. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Don’t have sex. You will get pregnant — and die.” This line was delivered by a fictional high school coach in the movie Mean Girls, but it alludes to a real problem within the education system: that the vast majority of U.S. states don’t teach medically accurate or inclusive sex education. Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an OBGYN and author, is trying to change that. Instead of scaring or shaming people, she’s meeting them where they are and setting the record straight, starting with the vulva. In this throwback episode, V invites Dr. Jen to answer all the necessary questions about periods, STIs, pubic hair, and vaginal emergencies. Plus, she gives a look at the lengths she’s had to go to educate, like planting books in libraries where talk of contraception and abortion is restricted.Follow Dr. Jen on Twitter at @DrJenLincoln and at @drjenniferlincoln on Instagram and TikTok. Pick up Dr. Jen’s book, Let's Talk About Down There, and check out her website on reproductive healthcare products.Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming out as a person seeking therapy to your partner, parents, or friends can be difficult, and sometimes even dangerous. Sometimes the people who are supposed to love us most are the first to hold us back, or we feel guilty for “leaving them behind” as we grow through various seasons of our lives. You’re not alone in your journey — in fact, millions follow clinical counselor Shani Tran for her candid takes on therapy, and this week she chats with V about who can benefit most from therapy and how newbies can get started. From questions you might not know to ask in an appointment to when to go no contact with harmful people, this throwback episode offers tips that will leave you more prepared than ever. Follow Shani on TikTok and Instagram at @theshaniproject. Her book, Dope Therapy: A Radical Guide to Owning Your Therapy Journey, is out now. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we revisit V’s birthday episode! As a gift to their listeners, V invited one of their favorite comedians, Adam Conover, on the show to talk about his Netflix special, “The G Word.” Adam went from ruining everything from weddings to airlines, to investigating the U.S. government. He’ll talk about getting access to some of the most guarded government buildings and taking viewers behind the scenes to build trust. We’ll hear about how the country regulates food and why we’re not subsidizing more fruits and vegetables. Plus, how the government has complete control over the money supply and why PPP loans benefited the wealthy instead of the small businesses they were intended for. Follow Adam @adamconover on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently, the dominant framing of climate in our media and policy ecosystems centers stories, experiences, and thus solutions that serve privileged communities. The Hip Hop Caucus is working to help rewrite this narrative and center the climate movement in a justice framework. V asks Hip Hop Caucus’ Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Liz Havstad why we need to stop thinking of the climate crisis as just an environmental issue, how to spot greenwashing on social media, and how you can get involved in the movement. This episode is made possible in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation, a family-led foundation that tackles tough social and environmental problems with urgency and a long-term approach to create access to opportunity for people and communities. Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org. Thank you to Liz Havstad from the Hip Hop Caucus for participating in today's discussion. The Hip Hop Caucus uses the power of our cultural expression to empower communities who are first and worst impacted by injustice. Learn more and get involved at hiphopcaucus.org. Follow Hip Hop Caucus online at @HipHopCaucus on Twitter and @hiphopcaucus on Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota doesn’t want cops to use excessive force on students at school. Is that really so much to ask? There’s a new biography of Elon Musk out, so let’s highlight all the amazing books to read instead. And V is joined by 1990s TV icon Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner on “Full House.” They catch up on what she’s been up to since then, from working in drug recovery to performing on “Dancing with the Stars,” and ask ‘were the 90s better or were we just more naive?’ Follow Jodie Sweetin @jodiesweetin on Instagram and @jodiesweetin on TikTok. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CNN wants to disrupt your favorite HBO show with breaking news alerts, and people are pissed about it. A rise in homeschooling may have ties to Christian Nationalism and dangerous ripple effects for public schools. And V chats with James Beard Award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz about being a restaurateur during the pandemic, some of her favorite recipes from her latest cookbook, and the humbling experience of having her toddler reject her cooking. Follow Karen Akunowicz @chefkarenakunowicz on Instagram. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A non-consensual kiss at the World Cup has led to calls for a resignation, an investigation, and a mom on a hunger strike. We’ll look into Spain’s #MeToo reckoning. Back-to-school season is unluckily coinciding with a late-summer wave of coronavirus infections. And V chats with constitutional attorney Andrew Seidel about how the Supreme Court is weaponizing religious freedom and how and why we must win the fight against Christian Nationalism. Follow Andrew @AndrewLSeidel on Twitter and @andrewlseidel TikTok. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spirit-centered activist and social justice leader Aqeela Sherrills is a firm believer that public safety can’t exist without the public. As the co-founder of Community Based Public Safety Collective and the force behind the famous peace treaty between two of the most violent street gangs in America, Aqeela knows what it takes to provide solutions that center the people most vulnerable and most affected by violence. He tells V what it looks like to successfully implement community-based solutions and how more cities can adopt them. Plus, Aqeela shares why residents are uniquely equipped to provide protection in their own communities and how educating and training people on the ground serves as a complementary strategy to policing. This episode was made possible by The Just Trust. Follow Aqeela on Twitter at @aqeela28 and keep up with his community-based work at @cbps_collective on Instagram and Twitter. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking revelation about menstrual products has women pissed to learn how their tampons have been tested for all these years. Scientists are using Pink Floyd to study how our brain processes music, which could pave the way for composing music through thought. And V chats with IllumiNative’s Lashay Wesley about her podcast American Genocide, which tells the story of one Native boarding school in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Follow Lashay @Lashay_Wesley and @IllumiNative on Twitter. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more Americans are traveling overseas to get medical procedures they can’t afford in their own country. Is that safe? Local Hawaiians are telling tourists to cancel plans to visit Maui while wildfire rescue and cleanup efforts continue. And V chats with Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones about his approach to progressive activism and winning reelection after being ousted by state GOP leaders. Follow Rep. Justin Jones @brotherjones_ on Instagram and @brotherjones_ on Twitter. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

V chats with advocates who are pushing for evidence-based, comprehensive, and inclusive sex education in schools. V asks 18-year-old Aspen Schenker how they’re breaking down misconceptions about sexual health and helping their peers stay safe. Then, Advocates for Youth Director of Training Brittany McBride and physician Jennifer Cowart weigh in on the important life skills sex ed teaches. We’ll learn about why these courses allow students to confidently transition into adulthood and how to get comfortable having uncomfortable but vital conversations with people in your life. Thank you to Advocates for Youth for making today’s conversation possible. Follow Brittany McBride’s work at @AdvocatesTweets on Twitter and @advocatesforyouth on Instagram. And keep up with Jennifer Cowart’s group at Public School Defenders: Duval County on Facebook. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new pill could help hundreds of thousands of women who suffer from postpartum depression each year. Thousands of beagles are celebrating one year of freedom after being rescued from an inhumane breeding facility. And V chats with NPR culture critic Aisha Harris about her new book, “Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Shapes Me,” and what it means to be a critical consumer of pop culture media. Follow Aisha Harris @craftingmystyle on Twitter and @aha88 on Instagram. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Lemonada and Apple Books have teamed up for an audiobook club. This month's pick is "Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Shapes" by Aisha Harris. Learn more at www.apple.co/lemonadabooks. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blood from young mice could be the new anti-aging serum we’ve all been looking for. New virtual surveillance along the English Channel could help save the lives of migrants crossing perilous waters, but it could also lead to harsher border policies. And V chats with former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich about the urgent need to get involved with organizations fighting for progressive change and how to protect democracy against authoritarian movements. Read Robert’s Substack and follow him @RBReich on Youtube, @RBReich on Twitter, and @rbreich on Instagram. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A certain doll movie is making millennials feel all kinds of nostalgic for the 90s. Financial exploitation of older generations is getting more prevalent – and trickier to spot. And V is joined by New York Times bestselling author Mary Roach, whose latest book explores what happens when animals do things that run a-fowl of human laws. They talk about making science writing fun and accessible, how Mary’s lack of a science background actually helps her with her science writing career, and why her least popular book is her favorite. Follow Mary Roach at @mary_roach on Twitter. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

V chats with two retired State Supreme Court chief justices about the role these often-overlooked courts play in defending our democracy. V asks North Carolina’s Cheri Beasley and Ohio’s Maureen O’Connor what exactly state supreme courts do, how you can be a more informed judicial voter, and their thoughts on everything going on at the U.S. Supreme Court. This discussion was made possible by United for Democracy, a new campaign shining a spotlight on the impact of this Supreme Court on our families, our communities, our freedoms, and our democracy. Find out more at unitedfordemocracy.us. Follow Chief Justice Beasley online at @CheriBeasleyNC on Twitter and @cheribeasleync on Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New York City architect is charged with murder in the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK) case. Sarah Silverman joins a class action lawsuit against OpenAI and Meta over their AI programs. And V hangs out with podcast host and creator Nikki Boyer, who wants you to feel more comfortable and empowered to have the tough conversations with your friends and family about “making a date with death.” Follow Nikki @nikkiboyer on Twitter and @nikkiboyer on Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bonus episode was made possible by the Marguerite Casey Foundation. V chats with Jared Ball, professor of communication studies at Morgan State University, about the importance of scrutinizing the media we consume, why he doesn’t feign objectivity in the classroom, and why he describes the term “Black buying power” as both a myth and propaganda. Plus, his thoughts on how performers like Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z have evolved – or not – as they've reached middle age. Follow Jared at @imixwhatilike on Twitter and Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We celebrate a major win for women’s reproductive health in the form of a new blood test. If you didn’t keep track of who got canceled this week, don’t worry – we kept a list. And V chats with University of Texas-Austin media researcher Samuel Woolley about how social media bots, artificial intelligence, and algorithms can manipulate public opinion and what that means for the future of democracies. Follow Sam @samuelwoolley on Twitter and @woolleysam on Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're off this week, but we wanted to share a new series we think you'll love! Who should you root for at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup? Get to know soccer’s most inspiring players and the causes they champion on My New Favorite Futbolista. Team USA defender Becky Sauerbrunn describes herself as an “introvert,” but she proudly steps out of her comfort zone to advocate for causes she finds important, from trans inclusion to gender equity. To hear more of My New Favorite Futbolista, head to https://link.chtbl.com/WorldCup2023 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The extreme travel industry is leading more and more billionaires to die on dangerous adventures. Chicken grown in a lab may be hitting your plate soon – how should we feel about that? And V chats with Grammy award-winning country music artist Ashley McBryde about her new album, “Light On In The Kitchen,” sharing stages with country legends, and making country music a space for everyone. Plus, you’ll hear about the time Ashley almost burned down Dolly Parton’s lake house. Follow Ashley on Twitter @AshleyMcBryde, on TikTok @ashleymcbrydemusic, and on Instagram @ashleymcbryde. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bonus episode was made possible by the Marguerite Casey Foundation. V speaks with Trinity College professor and urbanist Davarian Baldwin about how universities extract wealth from their host communities and drive inequitable growth in cities. Davarian, who analyzes this behavior in his book, “In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower: How Universities are Plundering Our Cities,” explains why schools act more like hedge funds than places of learning and what to do about it. Follow Davarian on Twitter @DavarianBaldwin. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 @americanhysteriapodcast and on Twitter @AmerHysteria. Keep up with V on TikTok @underthedesknews and on Twitter @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 @underthedesknews. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 from the artist? Note: This conversation contains mention of abuse. If you think this will be hard or harmful to listen to, you can turn off the episode after the first commercial break. Follow Claire at @clairedederer on Instagram and Twitter. 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. Apple Books has teamed up with Lemonada Media for an audiobook club. The May pick, Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer, is a highly topical and blisteringly smart examination of whether we can separate artists from their art, asking: what are the responsibilities that come with being a fan? For more details, visit http://apple.co/lemonadabooks For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 who can make their own decisions — even if that means more bedtime boycotts. Follow Jon at @wholeparent on TikTok and Instagram. Keep up with V on TikTok and Instagram at @underthedesknews. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 fought for progress in the process. All images of Tally Bevis in crown or sash are from 2021-2022 as Miss Tennessee 2021. Her opinions are her own and not a reflection or a representation of the Miss America or Miss Tennessee scholarship organizations. Follow Tally at @thenashvilleblondie on Instagram and at @tallybevis on TikTok. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 or join the workforce. Plus, what role HBCUs and science universities like MIT played in creating this field, and how unsung economists of color helped push the movement forward. Follow Danielle on Twitter at @djdreilinger. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Lemonada’s podcast Add To Cart, gets honest about what it’s been like to transition from reporting hard news to chatting about shopping from the comfort of her home. (Spoiler alert: it’s only in the latter that she’s been able to, as she says, truly embrace her auntie behavior.) Check out Add To Cart wherever you get your podcasts, and follow SuChin on Twitter at @suchinpak and on Instagram at @addtocartpod. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 best-selling author Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer joins V to explain the recent WWE-UFC deal valued at over $21 billion. The two talk about inclusivity and leadership within the sports entertainment industry and how it has a fighting chance at becoming an even bigger powerhouse. For more wrestling updates, follow Bryan at @bryanalvarez on Twitter and at @f4wonline on Instagram, and check out his work on Wrestling Observer. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 avoid financial pitfalls driven by emotion. In other words, personal and personable tips to make money work for anyone. Follow Haley at @mrsdowjones on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. And learn more about Flourish Venture’s projects and pursuits at flourishventures.com. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 fossil fuels, plus how oil companies still manage to appear “eco-friendly” while they actively exacerbate the climate crisis. She and V then talk solutions, including the idea of bestowing rights to the earth itself. To learn more about the climate crisis, check out Amy’s latest podcast and follow her at @amywestervelt on Twitter and Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, known for hits like Even Stevens and Kim Possible. Christy tells V what it was like leaving their shared home state of Connecticut to perform, how she got her start on Broadway and the reason she returned, and the ways she’s continuing to use her platform to advocate for child labor reform within the entertainment industry. Check out Christy’s podcast Vulnerable and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 problematic origins of certain food branding to unpacking fine dining experiences, Dan shares all the ways he’s pushing kitchen table conversations in new directions. You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy this conversation — just an eater. Keep up with Dan at @thesporkful on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram and listen to The Sporkful whenever you get your podcasts. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 communities that need it most. Follow CARE’s work at @careorg on Instagram, at @CARE on Twitter, and at @careusa on TikTok. Check out these reports for more information on how CARE is empowering communities and helping them fight for social justice. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 spiritual coach and expert on deconstructing the harmful effects of certain religious practices. Kevin is no stranger to the pain of oppressive religion, and they’ve made it their mission to help others find faith that works for them, no actual mission required. Note: This conversation contains mention of suicidal ideation. If you think this will be hard or harmful to listen to, you can turn off the episode after the headlines/first commercial break. For immediate support, dial 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis lifeline. For more information about religious deconstruction, check out Kevin’s spiritual coaching work and follow them on Twitter and TikTok at @thekevingarcia_ or at @thekevingarcia on Instagram. 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. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.