The Velvet Hammer Episode 12: We get off to a quirky start this week by sharing the nuances of mate tea drinking culture in Argentina. It’s an acquired taste, but definitely worth the effort for expats. In response to US president Biden’s poor performance at a latino vote rally, we discuss the effect we as expats have on Argentina. We end up agreeing we’re worthy ambassadors, embracing the country with open arms. After Milei’s first 100 days, we take a quick update: with inflation slowing, poverty is still on the rise, the people don’t think their politicians are helping, and winter is just around the corner. We move to our worries about American politics and why there’s no other options – people are even voting for candidates that aren’t on the ballots. We imagine what a war would look like if it comes to that, but quickly move to some good news. In a national forest in Argentina, endangered jaguars have finally had cubs and are sparking hope for the species that almost went extinct.

Coming every Thursday, this is The Velvet Hammer with your hosts, Jonny, Tom, & Tadeo, three American expats recording from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Brought to you by One Eleven Entertainment.