
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

May 6, 2025 • 52min
Rep. Jasmine Crockett Slams MTG, DOGE & Donald Trump
Join Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett as she dives into the tumultuous world of politics, bringing her vibrant voice to the forefront. She discusses the fears gripping Republicans, her fiery clashes with Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the need for real government oversight to rein in the 'Trump swamp.' Jasmine also explores the importance of transparency, storytelling, and how her experiences fuel her commitment to create meaningful change for her constituents. An engaging look at the challenges and triumphs of modern governance!

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
A Sleepy White House Correspondents' Dinner, A 2024 Election Tell-All, And Democratic Hope With Amanda Litman
This week, V and Sami unpack why the "Democratic Party is a delusional circle jerk." Well, kinda! They cover the very quiet White House Correspondents' Dinner and deep dive into Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes's 2024 election cycle book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House. Then, Run For Something's Amanda Litman stops by to give us hope about future Democratic Party wins.
Watch today on Youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Pope Passed, The Market Crashed, And A Free Press Is Somehow Still Intact with Catherine Rampell + Stephanie Ruhle
This week, Sami and V are joined by MSNBC co-host of The Weekend: Primetime Catherine Rampell to discuss the difficulties of a free press in 2025. Then, they unpack top headlines of the Pope’s passing and Harvard vs. Paul Weiss. And finally, Sami interviews MSNBC host of The 11th Hour, Stephanie Ruhle, on business and the rule of law.
Watch today on Youtube.com/@thebetchesnews! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 13min
Bernie At Coachella, Luxury Good Chinese Propaganda, And Talking Gen Z with Rachel Janfaza
This week, Sami and V cover Bernie at Coachella and the Chinese propaganda machine that is making social media users distrust European and American brands. Then, they unpack the latest updates on how the Trump administration is literally trying to buy Greenland. Spoiler: it’s as insulting as you think. And finally, Rachel Janfaza of The Up and Up stops by to deep dive into the minds of Gen Z and their political beliefs. Watch Episode Now: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetchesnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
How Are Trump's Tariffs Are Affecting Me with Chris Hayes
This week, V and Sami deep dive into yet another financial crisis millennials will live through due to Trump tariffs. Can we not live through an unprecedented time, just once? And then, they play a game called, Delululu Derivatives, where they guess if an economic theory is ‘girl math’ or 'MAGA math'. And finally, Chris Hayes stops by to talk about his new book, Sirens’ Call. Watch this and more today on the Betches News YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
More Guts, Less BS: Alencia Johnson Says It's Time To Flip Tables
Alencia Johnson dives into her new book, Flip the Tables, shaking up the status quo of political activism with a heavy dose of spirituality. She talks about why communities need to get messy, the raw journey of self-discovery, and why self-worth shouldn’t be defined by society's bullshit standards. Alencia also takes a hard look at today's democratic leaders, demanding more guts, more heart, and way more action from activists who actually want to make a difference.https://www.alenciajohnson.com/book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 1, 2025 • 51min
WHCD Cancels Amber Ruffin, Trump Wants Greenland, And Snuffleupagus Joins OnlyFans
This week, V and Sami are joined by the self-proclaimed “Hatch of morning television”, MSNBC host Ali Vitali. Together, they cover the White House Correspondents’ Dinner cancelling of Amber Ruffin, PBS and NPR DOGE cuts, and the Trump administration’s obsession with Greenland. And finally, in an attempt to have a fun diversion from the hellscape we live in, the three of them played ‘Sesame Street Side Hustle’ where they guessed what second careers our dear muppets would have to take on because of Donald Grump, excuse us, Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 27, 2025 • 41min
Jillian Olmsted On Serving The Homeless Population, NIMBYism, And Running The Inn Between
In this interview, V sits down with Jillian Olmsted, the Executive Director of The Inn Between, an organization that serves unsheltered individuals by giving them a place to stay, providing necessary medical attention, as well as hospice care. They deep dive into the intersection of end-of-life care, NIMBY-ism, stopping the cycle of homelessness, and how you can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 25, 2025 • 56min
Democracy Dies At The White House Easter Egg Roll: Cyber Checks, Katie Phang On Paul Weiss, And DMs Leaking War Plans
This week, V and Sami unpack “cyber checks” while traveling and Sami describes her recent experience returning from Paris. Then, they do a deep dive into the Easter ‘Egg Roll’ on the White House lawn that is now brand sponsored like a NASCAR race, because we do, indeed, live in hell. Following that, Sami and V discuss Chuck Schumer’s Senate leadership capabilities and MSNBC host Katie Phang stops by to explain Trump’s overnight attack on law firms. Oh, and the editor of The Atlantic was accidentally invited to a Trump administration Signal group chat which leaked future war plans to the press. Super chill! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 2025 • 49min
Trump Is Applying His Make Up Wrong Ft. Suzanne Lambert
V and Sami are joined by comedian Suzanne Lambert as they dive headfirst into the chaotic collision of humor, politics, and culture. Joined by guests Suzy and Bruce, they dissect everything from potential government shutdowns and the political power of fashion, to the hilariously awkward realities of navigating relationships in the digital age. They riff on the absurdities of politics, the dysfunctions of government versus business, and the shifting dynamics of media—from cable news to social feeds. Along the way, they highlight the unspoken rules of resilience, friendships, and why you can’t take the culture wars too seriously. Oh, and there’s some surprisingly deep talk about Catholicism, Judaism, and gendered wealth perceptions.@itssuzannelambert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices