
American Fever Dream
From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Sage will tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2024 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night.For constant news updates, sign up for the Sup email newsletter at betches.com/newsletters and follow us on Instagram at @betches_news. And follow V on TikTok and Instagram @underthedesknews.Watch American Fever Dream On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetchesnews
Latest episodes

Jun 26, 2025 • 39min
The Left Needs a Pep Rally Ft. Akilah Hughes
This week on American Fever Dream, V and Sami are joined by Akilah Hughes to break down the mess that is the Democratic Party. They unpack their political atrophy, their lack of authenticity, and how Republicans have mastered political theater over them. And finally, the talk about the power of protest, but most importantly, they want a time machine so that Oprah could win the 2016 presidential election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24, 2025 • 44min
America Joined a War and VidCon Was Hell
This week on American Fever Dream, V and Sami unpack hell on earth - Hawk Tuah’s live podcast at Vid Con. Then, they deep dive into how President Trump bombed Iran without telling anyone (including Congress) and the implications of Christian nationalism in politics. It’s all getting very 2003 again — but with a president that’s a fascist instead of one that can paint dogs.
Watch this and more today youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2025 • 56min
Why the “No Kings” Protests Hit Different
This week, V and Sami unpack the No Kings protests and explore how a grassroots movement sent a powerful message across the country. Then, they discuss what made these demonstrations feel different, why small-town actions mattered, and what Democrats must learn from the moment. Finally, they take a deep dive into the growing collaboration between tech companies like Palantir and the U.S. military—and what it means for the future of democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 10, 2025 • 58min
The Crypto Grift That Could Break America ft. Charlotte Howard
This week, V and Sami unpack the ICE protests in LA and dig into the disinformation spreading through on-the-ground reporting and the media ecosystem at large. Then, they’re joined by Charlotte Howard, Executive Editor of The Economist and co-host of the Checks and Balance podcast, for a deeply worrying look at Trump’s economic chaos, crypto grifts, and how the U.S. economy went from best-in-class to dumpster fire. Spoiler: we also picked a new mascot for the Democrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 17min
NJ Governor Race EXCLUSIVE: Mikie Sherrill on Trump, Congress & the Future and We Can’t Afford To Wait
In this bonus episode of American Fever Dream, Sami Sage sits down with New Jersey Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill for a candid conversation about why Congress is stuck, what it’s like trying to change a broken system from the inside, and why the Democratic Party needs a serious reboot. From glitter at Pride to calling out Biden after his debate performance, Congresswoman Sherrill doesn’t hold back.
Watch this and more today youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Truth About Trump, Sex Addiction, and Religious Trauma Ft. Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan
This week, V and Sami are joined by Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, hosts of the I’ve Had It podcast, to talk about their new book Life Is a Lazy Susan of Sh*t Sandwiches. They dig into dealing with religious trauma, marriage to a sex addict, and what it’s really like being progressive in the Bible Belt. Then, they deep dive into the overlap between faith and politics, the Democrats' ongoing messaging struggles, and why Trump still unfortunately has a hold on so many voters.
Watch this and more today youtube.com/@thebetchesnews!
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May 27, 2025 • 44min
How The Supreme Court Got Hijacked: Leah Litman Breaks It Down
This week, Sami sits down with Strict Scrutiny's Leah Litman to discuss her new book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes. They unpack the chaos that is the Supreme Court and what can be done to fight back.
Watch this and more today at youtube.com/@thebetchesnews!
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May 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
Biden's Health, Vatican Controversy & Chasten Buttigieg On LGBTQ Lit
This week, Sami and V talk about the breaking news on Biden’s health. Then, they unpack the Pope’s comments on marriage and the Louisiana plantation that burned down. And finally, they’re joined by Chasten Buttigieg to talk about his new children’s book Papa’s Coming Home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2025 • 53min
Democrats Are Getting This One Thing Right With Alyssa Mastromonaco
In this bonus episode, Sami and V are joined by former White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Barack Obama, Alyssa Mastromonaco, to chat about jam-making, Gen Z Catholicism, and key messaging strategies for Democrats. Then, they reveal their picks for Delulu Girlie Of the Month and make 2028 presidential dream tickets .
Watch this and more today at youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
Tara Palmeri Talks Lindy Li Showdown
This week, Sami and V are joined by independent journalist Tara Palmeri to talk about her recent interview with Lindy Li, a Democratic commentator turned MAGA enthusiast. Then, they deep dive into content creator journalism and Tara unpacks her experience covering the Jeffrey Epstein case. And finally, they play Yay or Nay, where they decide what’s good news and what’s bad with a simple one word answer.
Watch this and more today at youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices