American Fever Dream

Latest Episodes:

Afternoon Tea With Blaire Erskine Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

On this week’s Afternoon Tea, Sami is joined by comedian and writer Blaire Erskine, who gained popularity making satirical Twitter videos in response to prominent right-wing political figures. They start with Blaire’s upbringing in a small town in South Georgia, how she became more politically involved once she moved to Atlanta, and her thoughts on the Georgia elections. Next, they talk about her early comedy career in improv and standup comedy before going viral overnight with her parody video of Dan Maples' wife, and how she comes up with these skits. They also talk about pandemic puppies and weddings, their TV binge list, and Blaire’s next career move in writing for TV. Finally, it’s time for the Four Questions, which leads to a conversation about Blaire winning an Audience Choice Award for her short film about forbidden love featuring sock puppets.

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#451 Eliza Orlins Is The Glow Up The Manhattan DA Office Needs Mar 18, 2021

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Alise and Amanda sit down with Eliza Orlins, a candidate for Manhattan District Attorney and a public defender in New York City for 12 years. Orlins details her experience representing the city’s most marginalized people, and how the cash bail system criminalizes poverty and has lifelong impacts on people jailed for minor crimes they might not have even committed. She explains what a DA can do on day 1 to dramatically change the lives of New Yorkers, and how the DA could have intervened sooner in Harvey Weinstein and Donald Trump’s crimes. Finally, the “Survivor” and “Amazing Race” alum tells us which New York politician she’d take with her on the “Amazing Race.”

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#450 “Misogyny Is A Gateway Hate” Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

Kaitlin, Alise, and Amanda react to the racially motivated murder of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian women. They connect the tragedy to rising anti-Asian hate crimes in America that disproportionately impact women, and look at how American popular culture has systematically dehumanized East Asian women for centuries. They discuss how salon workers are often marginalized and victimized, and analyze why perpetrators of mass shootings almost always have a history of misogyny. Finally, they explain why you need to check your friends who are rude to salon staff.

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#449 What Changes After “Allen v. Farrow”? Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

Sami, Milly, and Amanda react to the Biden administration’s victory lap after ramping up vaccine production and sending cash to Americans. Is Joe Biden already angling for a 2024 run? Plus, they react to conservative tantrums that he isn’t doing enough press conferences. Then, they break down the documentary series “Allen vs. Farrow.” Why did it take so long for people to push Allen off a pedestal, and why has he had control of the narrative for all these years? Finally, they discuss what has shifted since the 1990s that cast Dylan Farrow’s story in a different light.

TW: This episode contains vague references to child sexual abuse and grooming.

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#448 Women's 'Bad Bargain' Mar 15, 2021

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Sami, Bryan, and Amanda discuss rising calls for Andrew Cuomo’s resignation and reconcile bad faith accusations that Democrats won’t hold themselves accountable with the reality of Cuomo’s misconduct. Then, they react to the murder of London resident Sarah Everard and subsequent protests. What steps can men take to make women in their cities safer, and how do media and entertainment normalize the brutalization of women? We reflect on whether it’s time to give up true crime.

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Afternoon Tea With Vishen Lakhiani Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

It’s time for Afternoon Tea, and this week Sami is joined by author, motivational speaker, and Mindvalley founder Vishen Lakhiani. They start with a chat about Vishen’s transition from working at a thriving Silicon Valley startup to becoming a meditation teacher, and ultimately starting the company he runs today. He gives insights into meditation techniques that really work, shares the key lessons he’s learned for starting a business, and explains why it’s important to celebrate every small victory along the way. They discuss the current state of American culture, including how it’s connected to echo chambers and the primitive mind. Finally, Sami asks the Four Questions and they close the show with a conversation about how to save the planet (no big deal).

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#447 Pandemiversary Mar 11, 2021

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Milly, Sami, and Amanda reflect on the one year anniversary of the day the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. They recount the early, terrifying days when Milly almost got stuck in Europe, and recall the national failures that led us to 529,000+ deaths. They discuss mixed feelings about their own vaccine eligibility and share how the last 12 months have changed them. Finally, they explain what’s happened in the Breonna Taylor case one year after her death.

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#446 Le Cancel Culture Mar 10, 2021

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Alise, Kaitlin, and Amanda do a biannual survey of the state of cancel culture, analyzing three recent events that highlight increased polarization that only one side seems to be complaining about. They look back at “Looney Tunes’” Pepe Le Pew amid news the sexually aggressive skunk will not be included in the “Space Jam” sequel. They analyze a controversial columnist’s warnings that nice white people are being silenced, and compare accusations of “cancel culture” to who has actually suffered as a result of a changing internet: good journalists laid off from their jobs.

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#445 The COVID Bill Needs A Hype Woman Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

Alise, Milly, and Amanda are back to elaborate on how race factored into the British press’s discrimination against Meghan Markle, and how her biracial status earned her support among the most dedicated advocates. Then, they react to Piers Morgan throwing a tantrum on behalf of the queen. Finally, they discuss how the COVID relief’s transformational child tax credit -- a $300 monthly benefit per child! -- will impact their friends and families, and discuss the role finances have played in delaying parenthood in their own lives.

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#444 Until The End Of The Monarchy Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

Sami, Bryan, and Amanda react to Oprah’s bombshell interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. They unpack the special’s most shocking revelations and how closely they mirror Princess Diana’s experience in the Royal Family, while discussing how racism compounded the vitriol Meghan experienced. They discuss allegations that Meghan and Harry “want it both ways” or seemed “disingenuous” by zooming out to the broader role the monarchy plays in British society. Finally, they react to the palace’s refusal to provide emergency mental health treatment during Meghan’s serious mental health episodes and which family member might have inquired after Archie’s skin tone.

TW: This episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation.

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