Putin, Politics, and the Billionaire Puppet Show

Alencia Johnson dives into her new book, Flip the Tables, shaking up the status quo of political activism with a heavy dose of spirituality. She talks about why communities need to get messy, the raw journey of self-discovery, and why self-worth shouldn’t be defined by society's bullshit standards. Alencia also takes a hard look at today's democratic leaders, demanding more guts, more heart, and way more action from activists who actually want to make a difference. https://www.alenciajohnson.com/book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, V and Sami are joined by the self-proclaimed “Hatch of morning television”, MSNBC host Ali Vitali. Together, they cover the White House Correspondents’ Dinner cancelling of Amber Ruffin, PBS and NPR DOGE cuts, and the Trump administration’s obsession with Greenland. And finally, in an attempt to have a fun diversion from the hellscape we live in, the three of them played ‘Sesame Street Side Hustle’ where they guessed what second careers our dear muppets would have to take on because of Donald Grump, excuse us, Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this interview, V sits down with Jillian Olmsted, the Executive Director of The Inn Between, an organization that serves unsheltered individuals by giving them a place to stay, providing necessary medical attention, as well as hospice care. They deep dive into the intersection of end-of-life care, NIMBY-ism, stopping the cycle of homelessness, and how you can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, V and Sami unpack “cyber checks” while traveling and Sami describes her recent experience returning from Paris. Then, they do a deep dive into the Easter ‘Egg Roll’ on the White House lawn that is now brand sponsored like a NASCAR race, because we do, indeed, live in hell. Following that, Sami and V discuss Chuck Schumer’s Senate leadership capabilities and MSNBC host Katie Phang stops by to explain Trump’s overnight attack on law firms. Oh, and the editor of The Atlantic was accidentally invited to a Trump administration Signal group chat which leaked future war plans to the press. Super chill! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

V and Sami are joined by comedian Suzanne Lambert as they dive headfirst into the chaotic collision of humor, politics, and culture. Joined by guests Suzy and Bruce, they dissect everything from potential government shutdowns and the political power of fashion, to the hilariously awkward realities of navigating relationships in the digital age. They riff on the absurdities of politics, the dysfunctions of government versus business, and the shifting dynamics of media—from cable news to social feeds. Along the way, they highlight the unspoken rules of resilience, friendships, and why you can’t take the culture wars too seriously. Oh, and there’s some surprisingly deep talk about Catholicism, Judaism, and gendered wealth perceptions. @itssuzannelambert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, V and Sami dive into the Hallow App and its god-fearing celebrity endorsements. Then, they cover Trump’s purchase of a Tesla and his parade of it on the White House lawn. And to top off our coverage of fascist men that failed upwards, Sami and V break down Sarah Wynn-Williams’s Facebook memoir Careless People. And finally, Carlos Eduardo Espina stops by to speak to his experience covering immigration and parsing through the deluge of misinformation from the Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, V and Sami dive into some 1990's level political gossip and what it says about today's circus of American politics. Then, they take a wild turn north, wondering if Trump has his sights set on annexing Canada (because, of course, that’s a thing now). From political blunders to healthcare nightmares, they break down why our neighbors might not be so friendly for long. Plus, a look at Canada’s new prime minister, the future of telemedicine, and why USAID cuts could make things even messier. X: @senatorslotkin Threads and IG: @SenSlotkin Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/slotkin.senate.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, V and Sami break down Zelensky’s U.S. visit and what it means for foreign policy—because nothing screams “global alliance” like a right wing reporter playing fashion police in the Oval Office. They also dive into Zelensky's visit to King Charles's house, the European response, and why billionaires just can't resist meddling in politics. And because reality isn’t unhinged enough, they explore the bizarre collision of celebrity culture and space travel—because apparently, launching influencers into orbit is the next big power move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, V and Sami are talking to Marianne Williamson as she dives into the challenges and dynamics within the Democratic Party, the evolving political landscape, and how paving the way for Trump has been in works since the 1990’s. She shares her opinion on immigration, explaining why no amount of private charity or personal transformation will ever compensate for true social justice. With a deep focus on America’s foundational ideals, historical struggles for equality, and the intersection of spirituality and activism, Williamson calls for a collective awakening. She critiques media representation, highlights the urgency of addressing societal despair and mental health crises, and urges individuals to reclaim the moral compass of politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, V Spehar and Sami Sage unravel the absurdities of modern politics—from AI-generated satire to the Senate’s latest Voterama. As federal budget cuts hit local communities and far-right movements surge across Europe, they draw unsettling parallels to history in the making. Plus, who is Big Balls and why does everyone working at DOGE act like an intern?? With sharp analysis, biting humor, and a deep dive into the power of creativity as resistance, V and Sami break down the chaos and make sense of the madness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices