America on Tap

Hi there! Before we begin just wanted to provide a trigger warning. This podcast provides an open space for the critical and civil exchange of ideas. Part of our conversation today will include references to sexual assault and sexual harassment that some may find offensive and/or traumatizing. There are not however, any mentions of graphic details.

On this episode of America on Tap we are tackling the question of will Democratic nominee for President Joe Biden will pick as his Vice Presidential ticket. What we know is that Biden has said his pick will be a woman, she'll look like America and that he's looking for someone that is 'simpatico' with him. Somewhat broad isn't it? Well that's why you have Carmen, Maeghan and I to break it down. We start things off by discussing what we think should go into picking a VP candidate and what Biden should be thinking about. After the break we go through our dream picks and who we think the Vice President will actually pick. 

Welcome back folks for another episode of America on Tap! This time around I am joined by my good friend Dakoda to discuss a major component of the 2020 elections: Foreign Policy. It's a tricky issue – it's tough to get votes out of it if done right, but it can go really badly if done incorrectly. Dakoda and I start things off by delivering an analysis of President Trump's foreign policy approach – framed through the "I alone can fix this" mentality and how that has impacted America, her allies and standing in the world. After the break we break down what we consider will be the issues waiting the next Commander in Chief – whether that continues to be President Trump or if everything goes well – former Vice President Joe Biden. 

Hey there socially-distancing friends! Hope you're all staying safe and healthy! This episode brings to the forefront an issue of great importance: healthcare. Friend of the pod Alejandro and my good friend Maeghan join me for a through debate on Medicare for All. We start by discussing why we think we need to have a conversation about reforming healthcare in this country and then expand on what Medicare for All stands for. After our break we go over some of the obstacles I believe to implementing such a program. Great informational conversation that will catch you up in less than an hour. One thing is abundantly clear regardless of where you stand on Medicare for All: Our current system is not good enough. 

Hello there! I am trusting you to be listening to this episode while you practice social distancing and take all the precautions possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If that is not the case, please pause and get yourself home pal! On this episode of America on Tap, I am joined by friends of the pod Ryan, Alex and Dakoda to discuss the politics of the coronavirus pandemic. We go through the Trump administration's response and how this is impacting the Democratic Primary. We then each share what we think we should be doing as a country but aren't and discuss the political ramifications of government action. Your necessary guide to these troubled times. Again, if you're out and about for some bewildering reason, get home now you crazy lunatic. 

Hey pals! Back with another episode – this time I'm joined by friends Carmen and Ryan, both. Carmen is a grassroots organizer and Ryan is recent law school graduate awaiting the results from the Bar exam – and they're both Drury alumni (@Drury, where's the sponsorship!). We discussed the debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders which took place this past Sunday and results from the March 17th primaries in Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Your weekly catch up on the world of politics!

The gang is back to discuss Mini Tuesday – referring of course to the 6 electoral events following Super Tuesday. Dakoda, Alex and I break down the results, the immediate aftermath and what comes next in the Democratic Primary. Spoiler: It was a great night for Joe Biden and a not so great night for Bernie Sanders. We dive into how it is that Joe Biden was able to do so well, where Bernie underperformed and more! The quick catch up you need!

I feel like the 2020 election has been going on for 10 years, and yet we keep on going! Lots has happened – many candidates have come and gone. From Beto O'Rourke speaking Spanish in a debate to Tom Steyer dancing on stage, this primary has had it all . To catch you up as the Democratic Primary is entering a new phase, I am joined by my friend Dakoda Trithara to offer a summary of what has happened in the race so far. We discuss key candidates, figure out what the heck is going on in the Republican Primary and conclude with a preview of the March 10th primary in six states. Don't worry, we kept the nerd talk to a bare minimum. A fire alarm did go off though.

On this episode of America on Tap we focus on the female experience in 2019.  I share a drink with three great women, Maeghan, Abby and Jazmine, to hear their opinions on how their female identity has shaped who they are today. We take a stab at understanding how they balanced their different identities with their gender, attempt to deconstruct the concept of female rage in 2019, analyze how 2020 female candidates have been perceived and much more. Join us for this conversation if you want to hear us praise Mindy Kaling for her awesomeness and at the same time take a personal journey through how your view on gender has shaped who you are today. Big Woman Energy is unlimited. 

On this episode of America on Tap I am joined by Sherell, Hadil and friend of the pod Aline to discuss one of my favorite topics: Religion. Each of my guests come from a different religious background – and with it different life experiences that have shaped who they are today. We discuss hoe their faith impacts their identity and their interactions with others, how morality and religion overlap, how the national rhetoric has treated their faith and much more. Join us for an enlightening conversation with good friends and great drinks. 

On this episode of America on Tap, I invite three friends, Laura, Alejandro and Masha to discuss a concept I may or may not have invented: Cultural Duopoly. All three of my guests have a cultural background that is different than the place they currently live and as someone that also shares this theme I was fascinated to figure out how their experience was different or similar. We chat about what it's like growing up in the United States with a family history that finds its origins elsewhere, how this duopoly impacts our social interactions, favorite places to travel and much more! 

We're back after a *short* 5-week break with a topic that needs plenty of discussing: masculinity. I'm joined by great pals Lillian, Jeremy and friend of the pod Rodolfo for a conversation marked by a combination of intellectuality, practicality and hilarious jokes. We break down how masculinity fits into the idea of identity, some of the ways masculinity has become a fluid concept and how we think it will continue to develop throughout the years. The concept of masculinity is rapidly changing and if you're interested in learning why and how then this is the episode for you. Come for the opportunity to learn and stay for the velvet shirt jokes (You'll get it, I promise).