ADVERTISEMENT

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.
View Promo Codes

Latest Episodes

Where to Start

Friday, March 21st, 2025 - EU sanctions Russia; Trump’s Ukraine offer; Israel-Gaza conflict; Columbia ultimatum; Cybertruck recall

Today’s Headlines: EU leaders (minus Hungary’s Orban) plan to expand sanctions on Russia but remain divided on a $40 billion defense fund. Meanwhile, details from Trump’s call with Zelensky reveal he proposed U.S. control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant—a suggestion Zelensky rejected. In Gaza, war has fully resumed, with Hamas launching rockets at Israel and Israeli forces expanding ground operations while blocking humanitarian aid. Israeli officials estimate Hamas still has over 25,000 fighters. The Trump administration has given Columbia University a deadline to place its Middle Eastern studies department under academic receivership. A French scientist was reportedly denied U.S. entry over private criticisms of Trump’s research policies. Meanwhile, a leaked memo shows the Social Security Administration may limit its toll-free customer service line, despite previous denials and Tesla is recalling nearly all 46,000 Cybertrucks due to exterior hardware issues. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  The Guardian: EU ready to impose more sanctions on Russia after summit talks | European Union NY Times: Trump Wants to Take Over Ukraine’s Nuclear Plants. What Would That Mean?  NY Times: Israel Expands Gaza Ground Offensive as Hamas Fires Rockets at Tel Aviv NY Times: Why Trump’s Ultimatum to Columbia Could Upend Higher Education  The Guardian: French scientist denied US entry after phone messages critical of Trump found | US news  Axios: Leaked memo: DOGE plots to cut Social Security phone support  Reuters: Tesla recalls most Cybertrucks due to trim detaching from vehicle Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Thursday, March 20th, 2025 - Ukraine ceasefire; NATO shake-up; Tariffs slow US growth; Pentagon cuts; JFK files & more

Today’s Headlines: Trump called his talk with Zelensky about the Ukraine ceasefire “very good,” as U.S. and Russian officials prepare to meet in Riyadh. Meanwhile, his administration is considering giving up the U.S. military’s top NATO command role, held by an American general since WWII, while the Pentagon plans to cut 60,000 civilian jobs, many held by veterans. The Fed held interest rates steady but signaled two cuts later this year, citing slower growth and inflation driven by tariffs. The DOGE-led takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace is now facing legal challenges. In the courts, a judge ordered Trump officials to prove they followed a deportation ban, another blocked the administration’s transgender military ban, and a third halted the EPA’s attempt to cancel $20 billion in climate grants. And finally, 63,000 newly declassified pages on JFK’s assassination just dropped—happy sleuthing! Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  The Independent: Ukraine-Russia war latest: Trump tells Zelensky US could take ownership of energy plants after new Putin airstrikes NBC News: Trump admin considers giving up NATO command that has been American since Eisenhower  Military.com: Pentagon Pushes Ahead on Cutting 60,000 Civilian Workers Using Firings, Resignations and Hiring Freeze  CNBC: Fed decision recap: Powell says tariffs could delay progress on lowering inflation  NBC News: U.S. Institute of Peace sues to block DOGE 'takeover by force'  NY Times: Trump Officials Say Deportees Were Gang Members. Few Details Were Disclosed.  WSJ: Federal Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Transgender People Serving in Military  CBS News: Judge temporarily blocks EPA's effort to cancel $20 billion in climate grants  CBS News: What's in the 80,000 pages of JFK assassination documents released by the Trump administration  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 - Gaza ceasefire ends; Trump-Putin deal; SC rebukes Trump; Musk Blocked; FTC Firings; NASA crew returns

Today’s Headlines:  The ceasefire in Gaza has officially collapsed after months of stalled negotiations. The IDF launched widespread strikes, while the U.S. blamed Hamas for rejecting past proposals and refusing to return hostages. Meanwhile, Trump and Putin’s highly anticipated call resulted in a 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia, suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine, and negotiations for a maritime ceasefire. The Kremlin also claimed they discussed hosting a U.S.-Russia hockey series. At the same time, the Trump administration terminated a U.S.-funded initiative tracking Russian war crimes, including the deportation of Ukrainian children. Trump faced rare criticism from Chief Justice John Roberts for calling for a judge’s impeachment after a ruling against his deportation policy. Separately, a federal judge blocked Elon Musk’s attempt to shut down USAID, ruling it unconstitutional, and another judge ordered the Department of Education to restore grants cut during the administration’s DEI purge. In a controversial move, Trump fired two Democratic members of the FTC, who argue the decision was illegal. And finally, NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth after an unplanned nine-month stay on the ISS due to a failed test flight. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode:  BBC: Gaza ceasefire deal - the latest on the truce  NBC News: Trump and Putin begin laying groundwork for a ceasefire in Ukraine as Russia agrees not to attack energy targets AP News: Trump and Putin discuss a US-Russia hockey series during their call, the Kremlin says  WA Post: Trump terminates program tracking mass abductions of Ukrainian children  AP News: Roberts rejects Trump's call for impeaching judge who ruled against his deportation plans CNN: Federal judge says Elon Musk exceeded his authority and that dismantling USAID was ‘likely’ unconstitutional  Axios: DOGE staff enter U.S. Institute of Peace building after standoff  NY Times: Judge Orders Education Dept. to Restore Some Grants to Schools  CNN: Democratic FTC commissioners say they were ‘illegally fired’ 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.

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.

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.

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.