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The hosts debrief on Labor Day weekend and deliberate what actually marks the “end” of summer

What this year’s extreme Burning Man conditions revealed about the new demographics of the counter-culture festival

We preview some upcoming political moments will profound state-level impacts that could reshape the 2024 election: the Virginia state legislature could flip, and Democratic governors in these red states could lose out to Republicans

Is the government shutting down later this month?


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#890 Fall Syllabus (Elections this year, Burning Man)

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.

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Daily News

2:00 Sami and V are joined by New York Governor Kathy Hochul to discuss the impact of New York becoming the first state to create a paid family leave program for prenatal care.
8:00 A $1 billion plan was put forward to overhaul New York state’s mental health system, allocating $1.6 million specifically for maternal mental health initiatives. They discuss what happens when mental health issues and law enforcement interface, and how future plans in New York seek to reduce incidents.
24:00 Looking to flip six New York House seats, Governor Hochul reinforces that voter engagement is crucial in upcoming state races to ensure that our democracy is upheld and life-saving legislation is passed.
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Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health

2:30 TEMP CHECK: New take on Temp Check where we cover 8 wild headlines. Does your fever spike or sink?
25:15 MAIN NEWS: In honor of Memorial Day, they sound the alarm against the treatment of veterans and the proposed changes to veterans’ benefits under Project 2025. But don’t worry, Biden dropped a new fiscal budget with $369 billion for the DoD and VA.
43:00 DOWN BALLOT: Our Down Ballot bestie this week goes to VoteVets.org. Vote Vets elevates the voices of veterans and military families through progressive legislative policies and electoral endorsements that impact the lives of active service members and their families.
44:30 AMER-I-CAN’T: Sami and V air their frustrations with the lack of etiquette around voice notes and the changing nature of communication among the different generations. How do you use voice notes? Let us know at AmericanFeverDream@betches.com
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The Military Isn’t As Conservative As You Think

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Representative Colin Allred discusses his vision for a more equitable Texas and his campaign to unseat Ted Cruz, stressing the need for a more engaged and representative leader.

Allred shares his journey from being an NFL linebacker to a lawyer and now a representative, driven by a desire to represent all 30 million Texans.

Sami and V ask Allred to address looming issues such as the Texas power grid, paternity leave, and the near-total ban on abortion.


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Allred for Texas, Adios Ted!

4:27 TEMP CHECK: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, and six passengers were found dead at the site of a helicopter crash on Monday, one month before the next election. Was it foul play or an inevitable accident?
20:30 MAIN NEWS: After uncovering the brutality of P. Diddy’s assault on Cassie Ventura and Sami, V exposes the deadly problem of not believing women, the uniquely American “Boyfriend Loophole,” and the need for comprehensive legislation like the Violence Against Women Act.
43:40 DOWN BALLOT: Our down-ballot girlies of the week are the organization Run for Something, community leader Dulce Vasquez, veterans Marche and Marquetta Johnson, and accomplished Afro-Latino organizer Brandon Fletcher Dominguez.
48:07 AMER-I-CAN’T: Sami and V rant about the state of American healthcare highlights the inefficiencies, lack of communication, and disregard for patient care that they recently witnessed.
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This Is Why We Choose The Bear

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Sami is joined by Sharon McMahon, the author of “The Small and the Mighty,” to share how history can be constructed and verified as accurately as possible.

Sharon stresses the importance of local journalism and how it has been the backbone of America’s microcultures.

How different generations navigate gathering information, disseminating it, and learning that the best way to be right is to be wrong first.


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#890 Fall Syllabus (Elections this year, Burning Man)

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