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American Fever Dream

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 Saage 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.
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Latest Episodes

Where to Start

Friday, April 26th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday regarding whether Donald Trump has absolute immunity from prosecution due to his actions while president in attempting to overturn the 2020 election, arguing that anything a president does can be considered an "official act." Trump's attorney even suggested that assassinating a political rival could be an official act depending on circumstances. However, the Court didn't seem swayed by the full immunity argument, potentially opening the door for partial immunity or delaying the case. Meanwhile, in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his involvement in a hush money agreement with Stormy Daniels, revealing that the Enquirer buried the story to help Trump's presidential campaign. President Biden issued a joint statement urging Hamas to accept a hostage and ceasefire deal, while a Commerce Department report showed weaker-than-expected economic growth in the US for the first quarter of 2024. Lastly, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was overturned by a New York Appeals Court, prompting plans for a retrial. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Trump could get partial victory after Supreme Court hears immunity case AP News: Trump hush money trial day 7 highlights: David Pecker cross-examination begins  Axios: Biden and 17 world leaders call on Hamas to release the hostages CNBC: GDP growth slowed to a 1.6% rate in the first quarter, well below expectations  AP News: Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial overturned Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: Congress passed a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with a TikTok ban, allowing TikTok up to a year to secure a sale to an American company. Hamas released a video of an Israeli-American hostage, increasing pressure for negotiations. In Arizona, a grand jury indicted 18 people, including Trump affiliates, for efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Supreme Court heard arguments on Idaho's abortion ban vs. federal emergency care law, showing a divided stance. Tennessee passed a law permitting concealed handguns for teachers, and the Department of Transportation issued new rules mandating automatic flight refunds. Lastly, bird flu concerns arose after FDA detection in milk samples, leading to new regulations for dairy cow transportation. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: What happens now that Biden has signed the TikTok bill  Axios: Qatar passed U.S. proof-of-life of Israeli-American hostage on Monday WA Post: Meadows, Giuliani and other Trump allies charged in Arizona 2020 election probe  SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court divided over federal-state conflict on emergency abortion ban WA Post: Tennessee passes bill to let teachers carry guns, a year after mass shooting  CBS News: New airline rules will make it easier to get refunds for canceled flights. Here's what to know  Axios: U.S. expands testing for bird flu in dairy cows  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Today’s Headlines: Yesterday was the second day of testimony in Defendant Donald's criminal trial, which was filled with drama. While there won't be any cameras in the courtroom, the New York State Court System announced that transcripts of each day's proceedings will be published on their website due to "unparalleled public interest." Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified about his role in directing favorable stories to Donald's campaign, dating back to the 2015 republican primary. Meanwhile, there's anticipation for a ruling on whether Donald will be held in contempt of court for violating his gag order. The Supreme Court heard arguments on a dispute between Idaho's near-total abortion ban and a federal law requiring emergency abortion care, while the FTC voted to ban non-compete agreements nationwide, facing potential legal challenges from pro-business lobbyists. The Justice Department reached a $139 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar, resolving claims of FBI mishandling. Lastly, the Senate was voting on a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with the TikTok ban, signaling a late-night passage. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WA Post: Ex-publisher David Pecker details ‘catch and kill’ in Trump trial testimony CBS News: Supreme Court to consider clash of Idaho abortion ban with federal law for emergency care  The Hill: FTC votes to ban noncompete agreements Reuters: US reaches $138.7 million civil settlement with victims of Larry Nassar CNN: Senate passes $95 billion package sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

The Hosts

Sami Sage
Sami Sage is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Betches. She’s the host of the @Betches and Morning Announcements podcasts and in her spare time likes to scroll on her phone and stare at her dogs, Bruce Bader Ginsburg and Larry David.
V. Spehar (They/Them)
Vitus “V” Spehar is an accomplished TikToker, political advocate, and host of the newest podcast from Betches Media. Their signature brand, Under The Desk News, started out as a series expanding on news events in a nutshell and quickly became GenZ and Millennials go-to source for news. V’s in-depth citizen journalism led them to collaborate with notable figures like former President Obama, President Biden and more than a dozen members of Congress to inform their massive audience in a sustainable way while pushing for civic participation.

Featured Guests
Katie Couric
Tammy Duckworth
Kirsten Gillibrand

Reviews

My favorite way to get the news
“Just the vibe I need to hear troubling news in a crazy world”
Informative and fun to digest
“This podcast is amazing! With the news constantly being such a drag, it’s great to have a safe place to learn what’s going on, with a side of comic relief. Can’t recommend it enough!”
Digestible and entertaining
“I’m a news junkie and I work in media. The Sup is one of my favorites. They’re incredibly entertaining, relatable, and knowledgeable. They make news concepts digestible and reach out to a broader audience than many traditional media organizations do.”
All Podcasts

@Betches

Co-founders Aleen Dreksler, Jordana Abraham, and Sami Sage — aka the OG Betches friend group that started it all — welcome you to their pop culture group chat. Each week, they cover all the latest in celeb drama, the hottest TV and movies out now, and never fail to say some v funny sh*t (ofc). Come for the hot takes, stay for the group chat vibe.

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.

Ask Men Anything

There’s one question that has stumped our universe for centuries: Why do men? Emma Willmann is on a quest to find out the answer in this podcast from Betches Media. Each week, Emma is inviting some of the funniest and most interesting men she knows into the studio and pulling from the Ask Men Anything inbox to ask your biggest, weirdest, and most pressing questions of earth’s most mysterious beings. What makes a man ready to settle down and choose a partner? Why don’t men ask their friends follow-up questions? And men know golf is boring, right?

Betches Brides

When a bride accepts a proposal, they’re not expecting to say yes to distress. But wedding planning can be the most stressful time in any relationship — families collide, personalities clash, and wallets empty even before your mother-in-law adds her entire bridge club to the invite list. Good thing Betches’ bride guide, Fallon Carter, is in the house.

Call Waiting

When the drama is just too long to text, comedian Robyn Schall is here to take your call.

Childproof

Parenting is hard, but it's even harder when you feel alone and have only the sounds of Cocomelon to keep you company. Betches Media’s Childproof is a parenting chat show for when you’re craving adult conversation.

Crown Jewels

Hear ye, hear ye! Welcome to Crown Jewels by Betches Media – the elite podcast for the royally obsessed! Every week, hosts Samantha Bush and Lex Niko break down the latest royal updates around the world.

Diet Starts Tomorrow

In a world where wellness can make you unwell and beauty standards feel anything but standard, Betches Media presents a podcast that digs into the emotional side of well-being.

Mention It All

Bravo, Bravo, f*cking Bravo. Three times a week, we break down everything Real Housewives and more, from episode recaps to social media drama.

Morning Announcements

Every morning, Betches co-founder and host Sami Sage gives you quick daily updates with the most important info you need to know about politics and current events.

Not Another True Crime

Your two funniest friends talking about crime. Each week, we break down a crime, cult, scam, or scheme with a healthy dose of irreverent humor.

Oversharing

Think of Jordana and Dr. Naomi as your BFF and your therapist, sitting side-by-side at the brunch table trying to help you get through your problems. Because sometimes we really need advice from people with no skin in the game. And let’s face it, your friends can’t stand to hear that story one more time.

Pop Crime

If your idea of a fun Friday night includes pouring over #FreeBritney testimonies, reciting Alexis Neiers’ phone call to Nancy Jo from memory, and checking in on Carole Baskin’s wiki page for the 4,327th time, then Pop Crime is the show for you. In this new podcast from Betches Media, host Kiki Monique is combining her two true loves – pop culture and true crime – into a cocktail of scandalous storytelling. Each week, she makes sense of the messiest celebrity legal drama, infamous crimes of the past, and dirty deeds of the rich and famous so you have something to talk about at your next happy hour… or at least a new wikipedia page to bookmark.

So Bad It's Good

When culture pops, so does Ryan Bailey. On So Bad It's Good, a daily podcast presented by Betches Media, Ryan dissects the best (and worst) entertainment has to offer, welcoming special guests to chat about all the latest headlines, big TV moments (past and present), and literally every scandal, feud, or Hollywood controversy that’s made us lose our shit. (We’re looking at you, Tom Sandoval.)

The Betchelor

We’re here to say all the things you’re screaming at your TV while watching The Bachelor — because that finale dress was disgusting.

U Up?

From interpreting dating app messages and weird sexual encounters, to defining the relationship and everything in between, we’re here to make sure you don’t die alone. 

Betches Moms

Get ready to lock yourself in the bathroom (or wherever else you hide from your kids) and listen to this podcast. Because you’ll literally never be alone again.