
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

Sep 22, 2022 • 49min
#762 A Bad Week For Cheaters
Hosts: Amanda, Milly, AliseTopics:
Our most basic Fall confessions
Trump has a series of delightful losses, including a $250 million civil lawsuit in New York and a hand-picked special master who didn’t get the corruption memo
How the Adam Levine cheating scandal mirrors a larger conversation around gender dynamics
What’s getting us through the week
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Sep 21, 2022 • 38min
#761 Your 5-State Midterms Plan
Hosts: Amanda Duberman, Amanda Brown LiermanTopics:
Amanda Brown Lierman (Obama WH, DNC, executive director of Supermajority) joins to share a game plan for the next 50 days (!) until the midterms
Why some of the most effective organizing has nothing to do with phone calls to strangers (stay with us)
How to influence the midterms with Supermajority to win key races in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania
Founded in 2019, Supermajority is a membership-based organization dedicated to making women the most revered and respected voting bloc in the country. Volunteer with Supermajority to canvass, write letters, or make phone calls at the link belowhttps://www.mobilize.us/supermajority/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 20, 2022 • 36min
#760 Adnan Syed And The ‘Serial’ Era
Hosts: Milly, AliseTopics:
The entire population of Puerto Rico lost water and power due to Hurricane Fiona. What has and hasn’t happened since Hurricane Maria to make this tragedy worse?
Adnan Syed’s conviction has been overturned. What does this mean for his future, and for the family of Hae Min Lee?
We reflect on the problematic elements of the 2014 phenomenon “Serial” and how society costumes murder as entertainment.
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Sep 19, 2022 • 29min
#759 Senate Senioritis?
Hosts: Amanda, SamiTopics:
The Queen’s funeral marks the end of wall-to-wall coverage in the UK and the US. We appreciate – and critique – the compulsory mourning.
Why the United States is also fixated on the coverage
The Senate is delaying an important vote on same-sex marriage. They have an explanation - but we’re not buying it
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Sep 15, 2022 • 53min
#758 The GOP’s Abortion Hail Mary
Hosts: Amanda, Milly, AliseTopics:
Ron DeSantis had migrants abducted from Texas and flown to Martha’s Vineyard. Will he pay for his cruelty? Unlikely.
The Republican strategy behind Lindsey Graham’s 15-week abortion ban. Will voters fall for it?
Unpacking the week in pop culture, from hysterical reactions to “The Little Mermaid” to the nationwide shutdown for Queen Elizabeth’s death
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Sep 14, 2022 • 26min
#757 The White House Vibes Are High
Hosts: Amanda, SamiThe hosts interview members and friends of the Biden White House to discuss a signature legislative achievement ahead of the midterm elections. Featuring interviews with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, OMB Director Shalanda Young, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico), and White House Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 13, 2022 • 58min
#756 We Hate The Ivy League Now Ft. Malcolm Gladwell
Hosts: Sami Sage & Malcolm GladwellTopics:
Malcolm Gladwell starts off by sharing the inception of Revisionist History and the idea behind his "Magic Wand Experiments" theory.
Sami dives into The Triplicate System, its original purpose, and how it can either benefit or hinder todays healthcare system.
Malcolm introduces his new series "I Hate The Ivy League".
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Sep 12, 2022 • 34min
#755 Whose Queen Was She?
Hosts: Amanda, Alise, SamiTopics:
Reacting to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the aftermath. Who decides what’s “appropriate” when a controversial public figure dies?
What to expect from King Charles’ reign. Is he the royal climate activist the world needs?
Why the speculation about why Trump is in D.C. might be overblown
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Sep 8, 2022 • 43min
#754 Operation London Bridge
Hosts: Milly, AmandaTopics:
The Queen has passed away. What happens in the UK now? Breaking down “Operation London Bridge”
Why the school year began with teacher’s strikes across the nation – and the future of education of teachers aren’t valued
The racist uproar over the blockbuster Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones series
What’s getting us through the week
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Sep 7, 2022 • 33min
#753 Hillary Clinton Left Chelsea Where?!
Hosts: Amanda, Alise, KaitlinTopics:
Revealing the gems from Hillary Clinton’s press tour and why she’s the Barbie of politics (in a good way… stay with us…)
A federal judge in New Mexico finally wields the 14th amendment to remove an insurrectionist from office! Does this change the game for participants in elected office?
Reflecting on Serena Williams’ legacy and making the (easy) case for why she’s the greatest athlete of all time
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