This week, we hear a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, Kate Willett. Kate is a comedian, actress, and writer known for telling intelligent, relatable stories that are both feminist and raunchy. Her comedy album, Glass Gutter, is available now and she stopped by to speak with Matt in a conversation that touches on feminism, sexism, sexuality, and politics. We’re also joined by Jacqueline to discuss the recently released movie, American Made, directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s John Knefel with his thoughts about how Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore represents the future of the GOP; we’ll hear from a woman named Vanessa about the time she rode a bike down “Death Road” in Bolivia -- an experience she marks as the most dangerous thing she’s ever done; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by South Korean indie band Hyukoh from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:13 - START /// Kate Willett Interview w/ Matt Ruby

02:20 - Moving from SF to LA to NYC and the differences between them

04:55 - San Francisco changes / living in an art commune / Burning Man

10:50 - Spirituality / meditation

12:40 - Psychedelics / alcohol / sobriety

15:45 - Feminism and changing in approach over last 6 months

19:12 - Social media posting and blowback / 2016 election

21:09 - Hillary Clinton and the right wing, Bernie Sanders, etc.

27:25 - Misogyny and Hillary Clinton

31:16 - Sex parties / “Down To Meditate” / Polyamory

33:08 - Porn and gender roles, sexuality, expectations, etc.

36:50 - Donald Trump as an example of how not to act /// END

37:19 - 1st Person: Vanessa // Going Down Death Road

40:49 - Movie Review: ‘American Made’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

42:02 - Movie Chat: ‘American Made’ (spoiler alert)

54:58 - John Knefel // Roy Moore Is The Future Of The GOP

57:39 - “Jesus Lived In A Motel Room” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Hyukoh

63:10 - Special Message: Las Vegas and Gun Violence Discussions on ‘The Daily Beat’

64:14 - Outro / Credits

64:59 - Finish.

This week, contributors Shalewa Sharpe and Matt Ruby return to discuss the “Take A Knee” protests of the past weekend, as well as many related issues like police brutality, mass incarceration, race in America, and President Trump. We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, Battle of the Sexes, directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, and starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her thoughts on Colin Kaepernick’s protest; we’ll hear from a woman named Faith about the time she shaved her head to impress someone she had a crush on; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Norwegian indie-folk artist Siv Jakobsen from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Also mentioned in the episode:

“The Day the NFL Finally Acknowledged the Real World” /// The Ringer

“The WNBA has been at the forefront of protesting racial injustice” /// SBNation

00:00 - Intro

01:26 - President Trump antagonizes pro athletes during a busy weekend

03:03 - Couldn’t Trump getting involved bring more attention to the original issue?

06:22 - Comparing #TakeAKnee to civil rights protests of the past

08:22 - Is the coverage missing the point? / NFL owners’ motivations

12:22 - Despite NFL owners’ motivations, does their involvement allow more players to speak out?

16:35 - Trump and police brutality / mass incarceration and the right

20:30 - “All Lives Matter” and lack of understanding about history of racism in USA

23:24 - Shalewa Sharpe on growing up as a black child in Stone Mountain, GA

25:08 - Engaging on race issues with people who don’t want to discuss it

28:48 - Was there any coverage/reaction that made you optimistic?

32:11 - “Ungrateful” as the new “uppity”

34:56 - WNBA players as pioneers of athlete protests / other athlete protesters

40:10 - Ongoing question: Is Trump a grand strategist or not? / Trump’s motivations

41:53 - Dealing with Trump fatigue / prioritizing the issues

43:10 - Will the discussion ever get back to police brutality and racial inequality?

44:36 - “Jeff Sessions is fucking this country up.” / people don’t care until it’s personal

48:19 - 1st Person: Faith // Cutting Off Hair For A Crush

50:58 - Movie Review: ‘Battle Of The Sexes’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

53:27 - Movie Chat: ’Battle Of The Sexes’ (spoiler alert)

64:18 - Molly Knefel // What Kaepernick Started

66:36 - “Blanket” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Siv Jakobsen

70:18 - Outro / Credits

71:03 - Finish.

This week, contributors Rena Karefa-Johnson and Matt Ruby return to discuss the politics on display at the 69th Annual Emmy Awards -- mainly Sean Spicer’s appearance and how that relates to conversations about “normalization” and issues of diversity and representation in relation to some historic wins by nominees of color and comments by Issa Rae, creator and star of HBO’s Insecure. We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, mother!, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s John Knefel with his thoughts on Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposed Medicare-For-All bill; we’ll hear from a woman named Ayanda about her experience of discovering friends of hers were Trump supporters; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Brooklyn synth-pop outfit gobbinjr from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Also mentioned in the episode:

“Sean Spicer and the Lubrication of Fame” /// Matt Ruby

“Sean Spicer’s Emmys 2017 Cameo Is What Normalization Looks Like” /// Teen Vogue

00:00 - Intro

01:26 - Politics at the 69th Annual Emmy Awards

02:32 - Matt Ruby on Sean Spicer and the Lubrication of Fame

03:53 - Group chat on Sean Spicer’s Emmy appearance

09:29 - Which is more offensive? Spicer’s at Emmys or his fellowship at Harvard

13:50 - “Normalization” (and Lauren Duca’s article on Spicer)

19:44 - Diversity and representation at the Emmys

20:28 - Issa Rae says she’s “rooting for everybody black” / Tucker Carlson throws a fit

35:25 - Shonda Rimes finds the Emmy firsts "embarrassing”

44:09 - 1st Person: Ayanda // Realizing Friends Were Trump Supporters

48:28 - Movie Review: ‘mother!’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

51:27 - Movie Chat: ‘‘mother!’ (spoiler alert)

70:36 - John Knefel // BernieCare For All

73:58 - “fake bitch” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - gobbinjr

77:40 - Outro / Credits

78:25 - Finish.

This week, we’re joined by contributor Matt Ruby to discuss four Twitter Moments trending at the time of recording:

1. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls for firing of ESPN's Jemele Hill

2. One dead, multiple injured after active shooter situation at Spokane school

3. Why Hillary Clinton sees herself as Cersei Lannister

4. For many, bodegas are a part of the immigrant experience

We’re also joined by Charles Hinshaw to discuss the recently released movie, The Unknown Girl, directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her thoughts on how the ways in which we talk about DACA affect the ways in which we think about all immigrants; we’ll hear from a man named Daniel about the difficulties he experienced because of an arrest for dealing drugs; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Mosquitos from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Mentioned in the episode:

"The Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: Active Shooter Edition" /// On The Media

"Two Ex-Googlers Want To Make Bodegas And Mom-And-Pop Corner Stores Obsolete" /// Fast Company

00:00 - Intro

01:12 - Twitter Moments (w/ Matt Ruby)

01:58 - Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls for firing of ESPN's Jemele Hill

11:30 - One dead, multiple injured after active shooter situation at Spokane school

18:31 - Why Hillary Clinton sees herself as Cersei Lannister

26:55 - For many, bodegas are a part of the immigrant experience

36:39 - 1st Person: Daniel // Arrested For Dealing Drugs

41:10 - Movie Review: ‘The Unknown Girl’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

43:54 - Movie Chat: ‘The Unknown Girl’ (spoiler alert)

58:47 - Molly Knefel // How We Talk About DACA

61:06 - “Far Like Stars” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Mosquitos

64:41 - Outro / Credits

65:24 - Finish.

This week, we hear a conversation between contributor Matt Ruby and his guest, Rabbi Avram Mlotek, on the role of Judaism in our current times. We’re also joined by Jacqueline Soller to discuss the recently released movies Wind River, directed by Taylor Sheridan and starring Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, and Graham Greene and Ingrid Goes West, directed by Matt Spicer and starring Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her take on the “both sides” argument that often surfaces regarding political parties or activist groups with differing beliefs, which suggests neither side is completely correct in their actions -- especially when it comes to violence; we’ll hear from a man named Frank who we’ve come to know as the “baddest 72 year old in New York” as he shares stories from his time driving a taxi before rushing out to meet his much younger girlfriend; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Domino Kirke from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - Rabbi Avram Mlotek on the role of Judaism today (w/ Matt Ruby)

02:50 - Response to Charlottesville and Neo - Nazis

04:18 - More on response to Neo - Nazis and bigotry

05:51 - Rev. Jerry Falwell’s support for Trump, etc.

06:51 - Jewish support for Trump because of policy on Israel...

09:59 - ...and in context of reaction to Israel policy under Obama.

11:28 - Split in Jewish population between conservative and others

12:28 - Role as a rabbi

13:53 - Too orthodox for some and not orthodox enough for others?

14:48 - Jewish Pride flags at Chicago rally / Zionism + Liberalism

16:05 - anti - Zionism

17:45 - Palestine

20:28 - One fifth of American Buddhists are Jewish

21:55 - Evolving Judaism

23:20 - Intermarriage

24:00 - Challenges of secularism / Is world getting more secular or religious?

25:31 - Background of Jewish performance / Yiddish

27:55 - Yiddish song on waiting for a Messiah and redemptive times

29:14 - Messages for the upcoming holidays

30:34 - 1st Person: Frank // The Baddest 72 Year Old in New York

33:44 - Movie Review: ‘Wind River’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

35:30 - Movie Chat: ‘Wind River’ (spoiler alert)

50:02 - Movie Review: ‘Ingrid Goes West’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

51:55 - Movie Chat: ‘Ingrid Goes West’ (spoiler alert)

68:01 - Molly Knefel // There Is Only One Side

70:44 - “Beyond Waves” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Domino Kirke

75:23 - Outro / Credits

76:07 - Finish.

This week, we welcome both our regular contributors on movies, Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw, to preview and discuss the top five movies we’re each most looking forward to this fall. Among those discussed are: All The Money In The World, American Made, Battle Of The Sexes, Blade Runner 2049, The Current War, Darkest Hour, Downsizing, The Florida Project, Happy End, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, Lady Bird, Last Flag Flying, Lucky, Mary Magdalene, The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), Mother!, The Papers, Roman Israel Esq., The Shape Of Water, Suburbicon, Thor: Ragnarok, Under The Silver Lake, The Unknown Girl, Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Project, Wonder Wheel, Wonderstruck, Woodshock,

We also revisit some of the movies from our summer preview with thoughts on what impressed and disappointed us: Atomic Blonde, A Ghost Story, Lady Macbeth, War For The Planet Of The Apes, Baby Driver, Detroit, The Mummy, Menashe, Wonder Woman, The Keepers, Ozark, Good Time, Wind River.

And we discuss Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Additionally, we hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel about how natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey are also political disasters; we hear from a woman named Susan, who reflects on her time traveling alone; and we take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Sad13 from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Mentioned in the episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:12 - Fall Movie Preview

02:36 - But first… our Summer Movie Review

07:48 - Our number 5 picks

11:48 - Our number 4 picks

15:05 - Our number 3 picks

20:33 - Our number 2 picks

22:44 - Our number 1 picks

29:24 - Runners up, etc.

39:45 - And… Star Wars!

48:54 - 1st Person: Susan // Traveling Alone

51:46 - Molly Knefel // Natural Disasters Are Political Disasters

54:18 - “Devil In U” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Sad13

58:38 - Outro / Credits

59:20 - Finish.

This week, contributors Rena Karefa-Johnson and Matt Ruby return to discuss the many topics that have arisen from the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, earlier this month in which a white supremacist rally led to the death of one counter-protester and two state police officers. Also, Jacqueline Soller returns to discuss the recently released movie, Logan Lucky, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, and Riley Keough. And along the way, a man named Robert tells us about the difficult time in his life when his parents kicked him out of the house and how that experience changed him; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Amy O from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Mentioned in the episode:

The Antifa: Who are the anti-fascists, and what are their roots? // Trumpcast

Using Violence to Defend Against Neo-Nazi Aggression // Brian Lehrer Show

00:00 - Intro

01:12 - After Charlottesville: Intro (music by Black Salad)

05:45 - Coverage/Reponse: Vice Documentary / Tina Fey / Joint Chiefs Response

22:37 - Molly Knefel // The True Face Of White Supremacy

25:16 - Contributor Responses: White Supremacy / White Liberals / Republicans + Racism

34:56 - Free Speech: White Supremacy Websites & Accounts Shut Down / Internet Regulation

47:07 - Antifa

57:56 - Final Thoughts: System rigged? / White supremacy is not the Alt-right / Confederate Statues

61:10 - 1st Person: Robert // Manning Up

64:50 - Movie Review: ‘Logan Lucky’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

66:28 - Movie Chat: ‘Logan Lucky’ (spoiler alert)

83:20 - “History Walking” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Amy O

85:40 - Outro / Credits

86:26 - Finish.

This week, we welcome new contributor Jonah Levy to to discuss the effort to repeal NYC’s Cabaret Law (also known as the ‘No Dancing Law’). Also, Charles Hinshaw returns to discuss the recently released movie, Detroit, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. And along the way, a woman named Latishe tells us about her experience with a relationship that taught her the importance of being true to herself; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Bonelang from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:08 - NYC’s Cabaret Law, aka “No Dancing Law” // Background Info

03:00 - History of the law

08:55 - Groups in favor of the law today

09:38 - Current repeal effort

11:15 - ‘Night Mayor’ legislation

15:15 - More about the repeal effort

16:18 - The constituencies served, other regulations, etc.

19:25 - Enforcement + where responsibility lies

21:28 - Other regulations that may/should fill the gap

23:34 - After the Ghost Ship fire / NYC Artist Coalition

28:17 - Urgent Repairs Fund / safe spaces / networking

31:39 - National implications/standing

34:24 - 1st Person: Latishe // Learning To Love Herself

38:00 - Movie Review: ‘Detroit’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

39:55 - Movie Chat: ‘Detroit’ (spoiler alert)

61:30 - “Nitelite” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Bonelang

65:20 - Outro / Credits

66:04 - Finish.

This week, we welcome new contributor Rena Karefa-Johnson to discuss the Democratic Party establishment’s potential willingness to support anti-choice candidates in upcoming election cycles and moves by the Department of Justice under Attorney General Jeff Sessions to undo affirmative action in college and university admissions. Also, Jacqueline Soller returns to discuss the new movie, Good Time, directed by Ben and Joshua Safdie and starring Robert Pattinson. And along the way, Radio Dispatch’s John Knefel explains recent policies from the White House that indicate the administration is promoting politics of white resentment in an effort to appeal to President Trump’s base; a man named Eòghan tells us about his experience teaching Gaelic in Scotland; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Re-TROS from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Mentioned in the episode:

“Dem campaign chief vows no litmus test on abortion” // The Hill

“Dear Democrats, Equality Is Impossible Without Reproductive Rights” // Teen Vogue

“Justice Dept. to Take On Affirmative Action in College Admissions” // NY Times

00:00 - Intro

01:22 - Democratic support for anti-choice candidates

20:57 - US Dept of Justice targets affirmative action in schools

38:34 - 1st Person: Eòghan // Teaching Gaelic In Scotland

42:08 - Movie Review: ‘Good Time’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

43:37 - Movie Chat: ‘Good Time’ (spoiler alert)

60:28 - John Knefel // White Resentment In The White House

63:30 - “Pigs In The River” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Re-TROS

70:40 - Outro / Credits

71:21 - Finish.

This week, we return to a topic from a previous episode: Lafayette, Louisiana. Lafayette is a large town or a small city, not quite urban and not quite rural, right in the heart of the Southwest Louisiana region known as Acadiana -- otherwise known as Cajun country. There’s a strange dichotomy at play in Lafayette between its artistic spirit and conservative values, which we get into with Jean Ancelet, who offers many interesting perspectives on the possible causes for Lafayette’s cultural and political situation rooted in observations from his own life -- especially experiences with his family, coworkers, and fellow students back in school.

Also, both Jacquline Soller and Charles Hinshaw return to discuss the recently released movie, Atomic Blonde, directed by David Leitch and starring Charlize Theron and James McAvoy. And along the way, Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel discusses President Trump’s endorsement of police brutality; a woman named Regina tells us about how she used to dress up in costumes when she was younger, including one particular occasion when, while dressed as a tiger, her mother thought she was lost; and we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Roselit Bone from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

00:00 - Intro

01:15 - Blue In A Red Town, Part 2: Jean Ancelet

03:30 - BIART: What is Lafayette to you?

04:38 - BIART: “The most Cajun?”

06:38 - BIART: Living further out of town / uniqueness of speaking French

08:25 - BIART: Lafayette/Carencro today versus past

11:28 - BIART: The effects of technology and French Immersion

14:09 - BIART: Mixing traditional culture with new elements / age-based political divide

19:22 - BIART: Dealing with conservative neighbors/co-workers

20:57 - BIART: Catholic schools vs. public schools / school board reputation

24:00 - BIART: What will change people’s minds?

26:03 - BIART: Is it possible to shift people’s opinions without alienating? / Finding your own political beliefs

31:15 - BIART: Wrapping up

32:06 - 1st Person: Regina // Napping Tiger, Hidden Child

35:20 - Movie Review: ‘Atomic Blonde’ w/ Jacqueline Soller

36:29 - Movie Review: ‘Atomic Blonde’ w/ Charles Hinshaw

37:42 - Movie Chat: ‘Atomic Blonde’ (spoiler alert)

46:16 - Molly Knefel // Trump Endorses Police Brutality

48:44 - “Blister Steel” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Roselit Bone

53:05 - Outro / Credits

53:46 - Finish.