The Pitfalls of Popularity & Pod Save America

Kicking off the holiday season, V gives us a recap of the press Christmas party at Vice President Harris' home, and discusses the state of traditional media companies amidst massive layoffs. Next, we get the latest updates on the TikTok ban and potential sale. Sami and V also dive into the details of a New York Times article about Hunter Biden and his ex-girlfriend, including their significant age gap. Then, a Jane Doe who previously sued Diddy over rape allegations refiled the lawsuit over the weekend, adding that Jay-Z was at the party and participated in the assault. Is this just an attempt at extortion, or is there more to these accusations? (And what might Beyoncé have to say about it?) We end the episode by examining what we know about the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter and speculate on the meaning behind the Monopoly money and his love of fast food. Have any stories or questions for Sami & V? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, guest Jared Freid (comedian and co-host of Betches' U UP? podcast) dives into dating, cancel culture, and a world where your ballot might matter more than your Hinge bio. Jared also talks about turning dates into "content" (and vice versa,) as well as the ways sharing personal stories can sometimes backfire. Sami & V realize they may actually be "pick-me" girls, and consider a new approach to podcasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last few weeks, V has been getting messages from trans and non-binary folks about how to prepare for Trump's next presidency. While not comprehensive, and people may disagree, V shares their thoughts on the steps trans & non-binary people should consider taking. We also address policies under the Trump administration that may lead to increased discrimination against trans individuals under the 14th Amendment. Then, we introduce the first of Trump's Cabinet of Crazies: Stephen Miller. Sami breaks down Miller's upbringing including his involvement in the Duke lacrosse scandal, that time he threw a tantrum and flipped over a desk, and his work with Jeff Sessions. Sami & V end the episode by debating whether Trump will move into the White House, and the exorbitant price tag of becoming an ambassador. Have questions, thoughts, or just want to rant? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Sami & V are talking about everything from that viral photo of Musk, Trump Jr., and RFK eating McDonald's on Trump's private plane to the lady drinking raw milk that's been sitting in her fridge for six weeks. We also look back on the tension between Jill Biden and Kamala Harris over the years, including after a 2020 Democratic debate where Kamala pressed Biden on issues of race. Afterward, on a call with supporters, the now-first lady reportedly said, “With what he cares about, what he fights for, what he’s committed to, you get up there and call him a racist without basis? Go f*** yourself.” Are there things you don’t know that you feel like you should? In this week’s first installment of “Dumb Questions,” V asks Sami to explain what populism is and how the idea has been corrupted over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking at Trump's latest staff and cabinet picks, Matt Gaetz, Kristi Noem, and Marco Rubio are making headlines (again.) We’re breaking down what their roles could mean for Trump’s agenda and for the country, and we're asking the tough questions like -- Why pick these people? What message is he sending with each choice? And who is going to shake Pete Hegseth's hand now? Subscribe to Akilah Hughes' Substack Have questions, thoughts, or feelings around the 2024 election? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We thought we'd be ok this week... but we're not. Sami & V discuss what it means to rebuild the Democratic party from the bottom up, and why it's time for people like Nancy Pelosi (and Bernie Sanders) to step down. V also fills us in on Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, and why this pick might actually be a good thing for his administration, as well as how Trump's deportation plans could affect restaurants and the food industry (and why nonprofits like the James Beard Foundation should be taking action). Have questions, thoughts, or feelings around the 2024 election? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been over 24 hours since the results of the election have been announced, and Sami & V are trying to digest it. Of course we're upset, but we're also mad (and feeling a little petty.) Join us today as we vent about the things we feel like the Democratic Party did wrong, the role of influencers (and celebrities) in the campaigns, and the impact of immigration issues on voter sentiment, particularly within the Latino community. Where do we go from here? We're not quite sure yet. Next week we'll celebrate some of the wins from last Tuesday. But for now, maybe eat a donut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Election Day! Whether you listen to this episode before you hit the polls, or at the end of the day, Sami & V are here to keep you informed, and calm. First Sami breaks down the latest from J Ann Selzer's Iowa polls, and talks about why the results on election night could be a huge (and unexpected) win for Harris. Then we ask: Can Kamala pull an "Obama map" and win Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, AND Florida?We end the episode by talking about the The Runbeck Election Services facility, which is set to print around 35 million ballots for eight states, and what they're doing to make sure these ballots stay safe and secure. Don't forget to tune in to @underthedesknews on TikTok/Instagram/YouTube to watch the election night pizza party and celebrate democracy!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With less than 24 hours left before election day, emotions and anxiety are high, but former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reminds us it’s no time to cry. Instead, Sami, V, and Jen reflect on how people’s opinions and perspectives can evolve, as well as a generation that grew up knowing Donald Trump only as a presidential candidate. Jen also discusses how many of us have become addicted to the adrenaline Trump brings to the news cycle, and they debate whether we could ever return to "boring" news. Follow MSNBC & Jen Psaki: Instagram: MSNBC: @MSNBC Jen Psaki: @jenpsaki / @insidewithpsaki TikTok: MSNBC: @MSNBC Jen Psaki: @jenpsaki Twitter: MSNBC: @MSNBC Jen Psaki: @jrpsaki / @insidewithpsaki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices