
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

Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 17min
#853 “We’ll Be Back On Monday” (Tucker Carlson)
Topics:
Fox and Tucker Carlson abruptly part ways. What led to the break-up everyone’s talking about?
Waxing Nostalgia about Bed, Bath, & Beyond
We need to talk about how Kyrsten Sinema is spending her campaign donations – a $8,000 hotel room in Boston?
Rewire News Group’s Jessica Mason Pieklo and Garnet Henderson join to explain the Supreme Court’s move to pause court-mandated restrictions on mifepristone. They also explain how this case signals the anti-abortion movement’s latest strategy: going after the mail.
We’ve launched a new segment called LISTENER TOWN HALL, where we’re inviting listeners to share their most pressing comments and queries for the hosts. Listen to today’s episode for a great example, and call (212) 287-5244 to leave us your voicemails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 20, 2023 • 60min
#852 Armed And Aging (Shootings, Dianne Feinstein)
Topics:
Ron DeSantis was on a book tour in New Hampshire while his constituents were underwater. Is he actually hurting his chances at the Republican nomination by ignoring Floridians to win it?
A series of young people are shot in quick succession. We know Americans are armed, but why are they so scared and trigger happy? We have our suspicions.
What’s next after the Supreme Court’s delay on abortion pill restrictions
Do growing calls for Dianne Feinstein’s resignation have a tinge of sexism? Probably not… but here’s how they could.
CALL US! Got a question, anecdote, or light-hearted comment to share? Need to vent about a local politician who’s the worst? Have a pop culture or politics story you want our take on? Leave us a voicemail! We’re launching Listener Town Hall, a weekly segment where we read and react to your voicemails. Call (212) 287-5244 and leave a brief voicemail (under 30 seconds, please) and we might feature it on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17, 2023 • 60min
#851 Hall of de-Fame (Fox Dominion Voting Systems) ft. Erin Ryan
Topics:
Why was the highly anticipated defamation trial against Fox postponed? We speculate what’s going on behind the scenes, and how the outcome of this historic lawsuit could impact the political landscape
Republican presidential candidates spend decades promising to undo abortion rights. Why are they suddenly so quiet?
Are women especially great at running companies, or are men just really bad it at?
Erin Ryan, host of “Hysteria” and author of the newsletter “Just Enjoy It While You Can,” joins as a guest hostCheck out our latest promo codes here: https://betches.com/promos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 13, 2023 • 59min
#850 Now They’re Coming For Matildas (Defunding Libraries)
Topics:Which investigation brought Trump back to NYC this week?Judges tell on themselves by letting huge portions of the mifepristone ruling standRepublicans in Missouri propose defunding libraries to… retaliate against librarians?Our favorite insights from a Vanity Fair report about Rupert Murdoch, including the email he sent to notify his wife of a divorce and whose forbidden from talking to Succession writers. Check out our latest promo codes here: https://betches.com/promos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2023 • 53min
#849 He-Man Woman Haters Club (Mifepristone Ruling)
Topics:
What happens now that the Tennessee legislature expelled Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson, plus a shocking question about the Speaker of the House who made it happen
When will we know the fate of medication abortion? The confusion is part of the point
The most absurd revelations about Clarence Thomas and his luxury vacation habits
Are Men OK? Why Bud Light probably isn’t too bothered by Kid Rock shooting up their six packs.
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Apr 6, 2023 • 56min
#848 Was It Good For You?
Topics:
Debriefing on a quick and unsatisfying first time (to watch Trump get arrested)
Wisconsin proves abortion wins elections. Some Republicans are catching on.
An upsetting edition of women’s rights and women’s wrongs, featuring a North Carolina gender traitor who’s switching parties and could help outlaw abortion in NC
Toasting two millennial female world leaders who both stepped down this week: Sanna Marin and Jacinda Ardern
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3, 2023 • 52min
#847 Arraign On Me
Topics:
MTG is on her way to NYC. Where would we send the Georgia representative if she asked us for directions?
The latest in preparations for Trump’s arraignment this week
Celebrating an historic and electrifying NCAA women’s basketball tournament
Analyzing the double-standard in how spectators react to players’ behavior
Should women’s sports coverage be sanitized of tension and rivalries? Or is it good for their growth?
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Mar 31, 2023 • 37min
#846 Trump’s Indictment: What’s Next?
In a full circle moment Sami and Alise react to the news that Donald Trump has been indicted by a grand jury in Manhattan over a hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels. Yup, they got him with the case that started the Betches Sup podcast.Check out our latest promo codes here: https://betches.com/promos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 30, 2023 • 1h
#845 I Love My Homophobic Mom ft. Zach Zimmerman
Addressing Monday’s tragedy in Nashville, what Republicans won’t do about it, and what it means for teachers
Comedian Zach Zimmerman joins to talk about his new book “Is It Hot In Here? Or Am I Suffering For All Eternity for The Sins I’ve Committed on Earth.” How does he handle talking politics with his conservative family, let alone writing about them? Plus, that time a lady stole fancy chocolate from his bag.
Republi-Can You Not lie about Bernie’s wealth?
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Mar 27, 2023 • 44min
#844 The Teens Don’t Deserve This!
Topics:
Is the ski collision trial of the century actually the Gwynessaince? We discuss why the Utah courtroom has transfixed a nation.
Utah passes sweeping social media restrictions for kids that would allow parents to monitor accounts, including private messages. This is… not the regulation flex we were looking for.
V Spehar of Under The Desk News shares insights from the TikTok congressional hearing after being seated right behind CEO Shou Chew, explaining the unintended consequences of cutting off 150 million users from other parts of the world.
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