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.
Episodes
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 att...
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March 20, 2025 • 49 mins
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 busine...
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Today, V and Sami dive into the Hallow App and its god-fearing celebrity endorsements. Then, they cover Trump’s purchase of a Tesla and his parade of it on the White House lawn. And to top off our coverage of fascist men that failed upwards, Sami and V break down Sarah Wynn-Williams’s Facebook memoir Careless People. And finally, Carlos Eduardo Espina stops by to speak to his experience covering immigration and parsing through the ...
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March 11, 2025 • 79 mins
Today, V and Sami dive into some 1990's level political gossip and what it says about today's circus of American politics. Then, they take a wild turn north, wondering if Trump has his sights set on annexing Canada (because, of course, that’s a thing now). From political blunders to healthcare nightmares, they break down why our neighbors might not be so friendly for long. Plus, a look at Canada’s new prime minister, the future of ...
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March 4, 2025 • 60 mins
Today, V and Sami break down Zelensky’s U.S. visit and what it means for foreign policy—because nothing screams “global alliance” like a right wing reporter playing fashion police in the Oval Office. They also dive into Zelensky's visit to King Charles's house, the European response, and why billionaires just can't resist meddling in politics. And because reality isn’t unhinged enough, they explore the bizarre collision of celebrit...
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February 27, 2025 • 65 mins
Today, V and Sami are talking to Marianne Williamson as she dives into the challenges and dynamics within the Democratic Party, the evolving political landscape, and how paving the way for Trump has been in works since the 1990’s. She shares her opinion on immigration, explaining why no amount of private charity or personal transformation will ever compensate for true social justice. With a deep focus on America’s foundational idea...
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February 25, 2025 • 51 mins
Today, V Spehar and Sami Sage unravel the absurdities of modern politics—from AI-generated satire to the Senate’s latest Voterama. As federal budget cuts hit local communities and far-right movements surge across Europe, they draw unsettling parallels to history in the making. Plus, who is Big Balls and why does everyone working at DOGE act like an intern?? With sharp analysis, biting humor, and a deep dive into the power of creati...
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February 20, 2025 • 29 mins
Today, V sits down with Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss the chaos of the first few weeks of the new Trump era and the influence of power players like Elon Musk. Baldwin calls for bold action against unconstitutional moves and stresses the need for constituents to demand change in assertive and creative ways. Baldwin also dives into the shocking Senate confirmations that are shaping public health and the potential for harm, urging ...
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February 18, 2025 • 61 mins
Today, V and Sami are explaining what went down at the Munich Security Conference and why the United States is like a toxic ex that needed to go. There were literal tears shed by political leaders and JD Vance gave a very weird, and unnecessary, speech in response to the war in Ukraine. They delve into visa and immigration concerns, generational political perspectives, and the complexities of evolving Middle Eastern politics. Plus,...
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February 13, 2025 • 35 mins
Today, V and Tik Tok's favorite immigration lawyer, Kathleen Martinez, discuss the current climate of immigration law and the realities deportation. Kathleen shares her journey to becoming an immigration lawyer, the importance of understanding rights, and the implications of recent legislation like the Laken Reily Act. Plus, she explains why she thinks building a wall is 'so dumb.' The discussion rounds outs with an emphasis on the...
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February 11, 2025 • 51 mins
Today, V and Sami explain why satire, empathy, and individual action are the best tools for resistance; emphasizing a balance between activism and personal well-being. They go on to break down the power dynamics between Trump and Musk, explaining the not-so-complex psychological games that may be at play. They also delve into the absurdities of how social media shapes perceptions, behaviors, and the complexities of generational dif...
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February 6, 2025 • 40 mins
Today, Sami is joined by Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, to discuss the optimistic future of AI, emphasizing its potential to enhance daily life and work. Hoffman addresses public's trust in technology, the importance of regulation, and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI. He advocates for a balanced approach to regulation that fosters innovation while ensuring safety. The conversation reflects on whether humans a inherently goo...
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February 4, 2025 • 47 mins
Today, Sami and V talk 2025 Grammy Awards before they break down the implications of recent changes in the Democratic National Committee's leadership. The conversation touches on Project 2025, Project Russia, and how geopolitical strategies, economic shifts, and cultural influences are re-shaping the modern world. They discuss the implications of hybrid warfare, the potential destabilization of the US dollar, and the religious unde...
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January 30, 2025 • 53 mins
Today, V and Sami sit down with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to discuss a range of crucial topics, including climate change, renewable energy, and immigration policies. From Illinois' commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and investing in wind energy to the challenges faced by immigrant communities, Pritzker shares his insights on how the state is moving forward. He also reflects on the role of empathy in public policy, offering ...
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January 23, 2025 • 43 mins
Today V speaks with Angela Giampolo, aka Your Gay Lawyer, about the nine key documents every couple needs to protect their rights and assets. From healthcare power of attorney to trusts (and even planning for your pets), they cover how to safeguard your future, navigate family dynamics, and avoid probate headaches. Whether you’re LGBT or not, Giampolo's nine documents were created to help bind partners together, regardless of marit...
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January 20, 2025 • 59 mins
From the latest on what happened to TikTok over the weekend to the inauguration, we're pushing our Tuesday episode to you Monday night.
00:00 - TikTok was gone for 12 hours over the weekend, and V reacts to creators who left a tear-filled goodbye, and why Trump is getting credit for bringing it back.
07:30 - Sami & V reflect on Biden's presidency, what was most disappointing about his term, and what Trump will take credit for.
14:...
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January 14, 2025 • 61 mins
We're days away from the TikTok ban being decided and Trump's inauguration --- Sami & V share how they're trying to take care of themselves, even if it just means lots of sugar and caffeine. Mourning the final days, V talks about what the future of TikTok could look like if it continues to exist, but no matter what, it'll probably never be the same.
Then, last week Mark Zuckerberg went on the Joe Rogan show, and it's giving Sandra ...
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January 7, 2025 • 58 mins
We're back, and we've got a lot to cover! From Jimmy Carter's death, to Ann Telnaes, cartoonist for The Washington Post, resigning and what it means for the paper that's been plagued by layoffs.
MAIN STORY
12:30
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a new advisory, showing a direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Sami & V talk about why this information wasn't made public, how the...
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December 31, 2024 • 43 mins
Happy New Years Eve, Fever Dreamers! We're wrapping up 2024 on a high note -- reading your emails. From the bourgeoisie, to how to navigate gender identity, Sami & V are answering all your questions (well, as many as they can.)
Have questions for Sami & V? Email us at americanfeverdream@betches.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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December 24, 2024 • 55 mins
Sami & V are back from The White House holiday parties! Despite too much eggnog, they're ready to share their highlights, which include getting to take a photo with Hunter Biden.
Revisiting the controversy, V & Sami defend their position on their The Pitfalls of Popularity & Pod Save America episode.
Plus, V dives into some holiday lore, recounting the time German and British troops called a ceasefire during WWI and ended up in a c...
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