How is it that two of the biggest stories in politics today are that MAGA influencers with massive platforms are whitewashing neo-Nazis and pedophilia? Hear S.E.'s take on just how low MAGA will sink to twist reality to defend MAGA's a-moral faction (that Trump opened the door for in 2016, by the way) or help launder Jeffrey Epstein's posthumous reputation. To what end? Also, S.E. gets NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert's take on some of stories of the week.

Leland Vittert's new memoir, Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism, is out now.

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Rahm Emanuel has many former big titles attached to his name: President Obama's chief of staff, mayor of Chicago, ambassador to Japan. He also has a pretty hefty — potential — future title (*cough* 2028 presidential contender) attached to his name as of late. But that's not what S.E. and Rahm are here to talk about. In this episode, the two dig into Rahm's past, his family, his pivots and passions, and maybe a little bit of politics sprinkled in. The two also get to nerd out on a surprising number of parallel paths and hobbies, from ballet to fly fishing.

And if you're feeling a little lost in the murky language of fly fishing, check out S.E.'s very alluring fly fishing vocab break down bonus episode. It might just make you want to wade into the hobby.

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Tomorrow’s episode is an interview with Rahm Emanuel, who, like S.E., happens to be very into fly fishing! The two wade into the topic during the conversation and quickly find themselves comfortably in the deep end of in-the-know fishing jargon, so consider this BONUS episode your life preserver. S.E. is joined by returning podcast champion (and husband) John Goodwin to define all the key terms you’ll hear in this week’s main podcast. It’s a short, fun conversation that is sure to reel in both land-dwelling and seafaring listeners. Take the bait!

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S.E. is joined by her producers Lauren and Derrick and her husband John to discuss the most memorable coffee-related scenes in movies. Plus, our caffeinated panel considers the important question, “what is coffee?” And all the news that’s fit to sip!

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If last election week ended with a bang for Democrats, this week ended in a whimper with eight Senate Democrats breaking from their party and signing a deal to end the historic government shutdown. And voters are not happy about it. Our Talkin' Politics guest today, Andrew Gillum [former Mayor of Tallahassee and co-host of Native Land Pod], helps S.E. dissect this game of chicken — who won, who lost, and what lessons can Democrats take from these past two weeks as the 2026 elections loom over the broken party. Stay tuned for S.E.'s own hot take — did Democrats even have a shot at winning this fight? And is there potential for any long-term rewards despite blowing their momentum?

Make sure to check out what Andrew Gillum and his co-hosts, Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross and Bakari Sellers, have to say about all week's biggest news stories at Native Land Pod.

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This week, S.E. goes behind the headlines, the camera, and the 5am call time with Mika Brzezinski. The co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe and founder of the Know Your Value Initiative, Mika talks about her 'rough around the edges' upbringing with her artist mom and DC-insider dad where evenings might have mixed foreign dignitaries and the Pope with sawdust and chainsaws. She also shares her career journey, including the challenges women face in media, the importance of bringing others up, and the mental health challenges of covering the relentless trauma of the news cycle. Also stay tuned for a fun lightning round where a surprise guest shows up!

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This week was a big one for Democrats so S.E. sits down with Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin to get her takeaways from Tuesday’s elections, why Democrats need their midwestern cohort now more than ever, and what she’s really thinking about the 2028 race. Then, S.E. weighs in on this question, were these big Democratic wins actually a referendum on Trump? Well, it's complicated. Plus, listener mail!

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This week, S.E. gets to indulge in one of her favorite shows, The West Wing, with Janel Moloney, who played Donna Moss across the series' 7 seasons. In this strange new streaming era where the past is present, Janel explains what it's like be on a 25-year-old hit show.  Janel brings us back to her early audition days, getting — and not getting — the big breaks, and how she's evolved as a writer and actor since. For more Janel, check out her Substack.

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This week on Talkin’ Politics, S.E. chats with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) about his take on a new generation of leaders (and issues) to carry the Democratic Party into the future. Then, S.E. weighs in on some recent chatter about whether Trump will actually try to break American democracy in order to allow himself to serve a third term in office. (Believe him!) Plus, listener mail!

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This week, S.E. sits down with Chely Wright, an award-winning country music artist, activist, and author to discuss her multifaceted career and personal journey. Before they get into the emotional and professional challenges Wright faced as a closeted gay woman in the country music industry, S.E. asks Chely her thoughts on some big news (from Beyonce to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban) that has come out of the country music industry of late. They also talk about Chely’s trailblazing reputation, what happens behind the scenes when you take risks, and whether the industry is evolving. And stay for a very country lighting round!

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