
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

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h
Kamala Might Win Iowa & How Our Ballots are Being Protected
Happy Election Day! Whether you listen to this episode before you hit the polls, or at the end of the day, Sami & V are here to keep you informed, and calm. First Sami breaks down the latest from J Ann Selzer's Iowa polls, and talks about why the results on election night could be a huge (and unexpected) win for Harris.Then we ask: Can Kamala pull an "Obama map" and win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, AND Florida?We end the episode by talking about the The Runbeck Election Services facility, which is set to print around 35 million ballots for eight states, and what they're doing to make sure these ballots stay safe and secure.Don't forget to tune in to @underthedesknews on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube to watch the election night pizza party and celebrate democracy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4, 2024 • 41min
There's No Crying in Politics
With less than 24 hours left before election day, emotions and anxiety are high, but former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reminds us it’s no time to cry. Instead, Sami, V, and Jen reflect on how people’s opinions and perspectives can evolve, as well as a generation that grew up knowing Donald Trump only as a presidential candidate. Jen also discusses how many of us have become addicted to the adrenaline Trump brings to the news cycle, and they debate whether we could ever return to "boring" news.Follow MSNBC & Jen Psaki:Instagram:MSNBC: @MSNBCJen Psaki: @jenpsaki / @insidewithpsakiTikTok:MSNBC: @MSNBCJen Psaki: @jenpsakiTwitter:MSNBC: @MSNBCJen Psaki: @jrpsaki / @insidewithpsaki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3, 2024 • 39min
Get Off The Poll-er-coaster ft. Symone Sanders Townsend
If you're feeling anxious about the upcoming election, the best thing you can do is VOTE. That's the advice Symone Sanders Townsend gives V on this special pre-election episode. Just a few days before the 2024 election, V and Symone go over what we should expect this week -- from when they think the race will be called, to how to handle the various outcomes. We also take a look at what Kamala's first 100 days could look like.Symone Sanders Townsend, Charles Coleman Jr., Trymaine Lee, and Melissa Murray will host the MSNBC special, “Black Voters: The Road to the 2024 Election,” Sunday at 4pm ET on MSNBC where they’ll speak with Black voters about the issues that are most important to them in the lead up to the election.Follow MSNBC & Symone Sanders Townsend:Instagram:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc
TikTok:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc
Twitter:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Symone Sanders Townsend: @symonedsanders / @theweekendmsnbc
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 2, 2024 • 54min
Why the Election is a Marathon Not a Sprint ft. MSNBC's Katy Tur & Alex Wagner
In a special episode with MSNBC's Katy Tur and Alex Wagner, Sami and Katy talk about election day safety precautions, and why rally attendance does not always reflect voter enthusiasm.Then, Alex Wagner shares her experience reporting on the ground, and why she expects the results of the 2024 election to be a "marathon not a sprint." Sami & Alex reflect on the psychological factors influencing voters, particularly the emotional resonance of Trumpism and the alienation felt by many Americans.MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Alex Wagner and Stephanie Ruhle will be a part of MSNBC’s “Decision 2024” special programming on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024Instagram:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katyturnbc
Alex Wagner: @itsalexwags / @wagnertonight
TikTok:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katy_tur
Alex Wagner: @wagnertonight
Twitter:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Katy Tur: @katyturnbc / @katyonmsnbc
Alex Wagner: @alexwagner / @wagnertonight
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 1, 2024 • 35min
The Real Reason Everything Is So Expensive ft. MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle
Sami dives into America's economy with Stephanie Ruhle, MSNBC’s senior business analyst and host of The 11th Hour. Together, they unpack the many layers of the economy and the upcoming election, exploring everything from billionaire influence to the complex position Kamala Harris faces in explaining her economic stance.MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Alex Wagner and Stephanie Ruhle will be a part of MSNBC’s “Decision 2024” special programming on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024Follow MSNBC & Stephanie Ruhle:Instagram:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @stephruhle
TikTok:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @stephruhletv / @11thhourmsnbc
Twitter:
MSNBC: @MSNBC
Stephanie Ruhle: @sruhle / @11thhour
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 31, 2024 • 54min
If You Shut Up, People Will Talk ft. Bob Woodward
Legendary journalist Bob Woodward dives into his latest book War, which pulls back the curtain on U.S. foreign policy and reveals what’s really going on behind the scenes. The book also gives us a closer look at President Biden's leadership and the relationship between VP Harris and the president. Woodward shares his thoughts on the state of journalism today, why context matters in reporting, how Biden’s foreign policy stacks up against past presidents, and who falls short. He also talks about Biden’s complex relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the role of Kamala Harris in shaping U.S. foreign policy, and the lasting impact of Trump’s ties with Putin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
Their Egos Are A National Security Threat
T-1 week to go until the 2024 election, Sami & V are here trying to keep you informed and sane(ish.)TEMP CHECK5:00 - The lowlights of Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden, including the repercussions of Tony Hinchcliffe's "jokes," and Hulk Hogan comparing Harris to the hawk-tuah girl.VIBE CHECK & MAIN NEWS24:45 - Election updates! From updates on what's happening on Polymarket (where those outside the US can bet on the outcome of the US election) to voters being illegally purged in Virginia, there's a lot to cover this week. But maybe there's some hope too?AMERICAN'T46:45 - The brologarch is here. Both the Washington Post & the LA Times refuse to officially endorse Kamala for president. What does this mean -- and more importantly, why won't they? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 24, 2024 • 45min
The (Space) Race in the Wild West, ft. Sen. Mark Kelly
This week we are joined by former astronaut, Senator Mark Kelly to talk about all things Kamala Harris, and his family's personal experience with gun violence and IVF. Kelly also reflects on how new laws are effecting OBGYNs in Arizona, and the danger of qualified doctors closing their practices and moving out of state. We end the the interview by asking Kelly our most burning question about space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Early Voting, Elon's Million Dollar Giveaway, and a Side of Fries
It's 2 weeks till the election and things are ramping up. With early voting in full swing, Sami & V break down the latest data and see what the results are showing in NC, GA, VA. Trump shuts down a McDonalds and pretends to work the fryer, and why they will never be able to drink an Arnold Palmer again. (Though we could go for a burger right now.)Elon Musk also runs a questionable $1 million giveaway in Pennsylvania, which may put him in legal trouble (if Trump doesn't win.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2024 • 32min
The Movie Trump Doesn't Want You To See
This week, the screenwriter of the film 'The Apprentice,' Gabriel Sherman, joins Sami to talk about the movie, and why it took 7 years to produce. 'The Apprentice' follows Trump's evolution and the impact of the TV show 'The Apprentice,' and aims to humanize him while addressing his darker traits. The movie also highlights Trump's role as an apprentice to Roy Cohn, and the broader implications of Trump's influence on American politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices