V Interesting with V Spehar

Latest Episodes:

High Achieving with Christy Carlson Romano, 'Soros' This 'Soros' That, Off The Rails Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

The news within the news of Donald Trump’s criminal indictment is that anti-Semitic conspiracy theories unfortunately still prevail. V debunks the thin threads that theorists try to spin between money, power, and religion, and what all this has to do with politics. Plus, elsewhere in the government, it’s coming out that unmanned, remote-controlled trains are far less regulated than they should be. To ease all this stress, V takes a trip down memory lane with 2000s icon Christy Carlson Romano, known for hits like Even Stevens and Kim Possible. Christy tells V what it was like leaving their shared home state of Connecticut to perform, how she got her start on Broadway and the reason she returned, and the ways she’s continuing to use her platform to advocate for child labor reform within the entertainment industry.

Check out Christy’s podcast Vulnerable and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Spaghetti Sucks with Dan Pashman, V’s View from DC, Get a Job, Kid! Mar 31, 2023

Show notes

Legislation is wildin’ these days. Fresh off their trip to Congress, V breaks down the who, what, and why behind the recent grilling of TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. They also outline which states are introducing bills to get more teenagers into manufacturing plants and construction sites. Then, some penne for your thoughts: just in time for the announcement of this year’s James Beard Award finalists, V chats with past recipient Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful podcast. From exploring the problematic origins of certain food branding to unpacking fine dining experiences, Dan shares all the ways he’s pushing kitchen table conversations in new directions. You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy this conversation — just an eater.

Keep up with Dan at @thesporkful on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram and listen to The Sporkful whenever you get your podcasts.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bonus: CARE for Women, Girls, and Global Equality Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

This bonus episode was made possible by CARE and P&G. V chats with Emily Janoch from CARE International about what it looks like to compassionately serve and connect with more than 100 countries around the world. While most organizations have good intentions when traveling to help overseas, Emily shares how CARE’s “Do No Harm” approach sets it apart. From centering women and girls in all of their work, to knowing when to step back and leave space for others, CARE is giving power back to the communities that need it most.

Follow CARE’s work at @careorg on Instagram, at @CARE on Twitter, and at @careusa on TikTok. Check out these reports for more information on how CARE is empowering communities and helping them fight for social justice.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

God Loves the Gays with Kevin Garcia, This World is On Fire, Sinful Surveillance Mar 24, 2023

Show notes

A UN committee just released its newest report on climate change, and it’s dire. V explains the stakes, the goals, and the action we need to hold our governments accountable for in order to get on the right track. Plus, V details how a Catholic organization in Colorado abused mobile data to uncover private information about clergy members — and how it’s not the apps that we use, but the purchasers of our data, that are to fear. Then, to reset our spiritual palate, V welcomes Kevin Garcia, a spiritual coach and expert on deconstructing the harmful effects of certain religious practices. Kevin is no stranger to the pain of oppressive religion, and they’ve made it their mission to help others find faith that works for them, no actual mission required.

Note: This conversation contains mention of suicidal ideation. If you think this will be hard or harmful to listen to, you can turn off the episode after the headlines/first commercial break. For immediate support, dial 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis lifeline.

For more information about religious deconstruction, check out Kevin’s spiritual coaching work and follow them on Twitter and TikTok at @thekevingarcia_ or at @thekevingarcia on Instagram.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Real Self-Care with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, Is SVB SOL?, TikTok on the Clock Mar 17, 2023

Show notes

Did this week seriously just turn from 2008-style panic to status quo? In a way, yes. And V explains all the other ways Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse differs from the bank bailouts of the aughts. They also break down why TikTok is on the chopping block of federal regulators, plus the reasons it really ought to not be. Then, let’s take a breather! V is joined by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin to talk about authentic self-care practices, plus their faux counterparts and why they’re so alluring. Dr. Lakshmin is an author, psychiatrist, and founder of women’s health org Gemma, and she’s here to help identify the most effective ways to care for ourselves. And no, they don’t include drinking out of a crystal water bottle or buying vitamins from an Instagram ad.

For more tips on practicing real self-care, check out Dr. Lakshmin’s book and sign up for her free weekly email list, Therapy Takeaway. Keep up with her on Twitter and Instagram at @poojalakshmin and on TikTok at @therapytakeaway.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

What Is a Conspiracy? with Dr. Orisanmi Burton, No Nuclear Deal, Bullfrog Breakfast Mar 10, 2023

Show notes

It’s the six-month mark of the revolution in Iran — what might the future look like? V checks in with Moj Mahdara, co-founder of the Iranian Diaspora Collective, to understand more about what the Iranian people are fighting for. And together, they explain how an Iran Nuclear Deal could actually give more power to the current regime. V also digs into all the hullabaloo that went down after Utah officials encouraged residents to eat invasive frogs. Then, with the help of Dr. Orisanmi Burton, social anthropologist and professor, V explores what it really means to carry out a conspiracy. Dr. Burton breaks down who’s been plotting and scheming over the decades, and how they’ve used this to harness power — for better or worse. This conversation was made possible by The Marguerite Casey Foundation.

Follow Dr. Burton at @orisanmi on Twitter, and keep an eye out for his forthcoming book on Black radicalism and prison repression from the University of California Press.

Find the resources on Iran mentioned in this episode at https://www.iraniandiasporacollective.com/

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Therapy Remixed with Dr. Courtney Tracy, Midwestern Might, What Was Monet Smoking? Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

The 2022 midterms broke up partisan gridlock across the country, turning four state governments fully blue. V walks us through what these states have already been up to. Plus, who knew you could track the influence that air pollution had on famous artwork? Scientists, that’s who! V breaks it down. Then, they bring on another science-minded individual: the no-BS therapist Dr. Courtney Tracy. But don’t forget — Dr. Tracy is a human first, and she and V explore all the ways that bringing your full self, struggles, and stories to therapy can make it better for everyone involved.

Follow Dr. Tracy at @the.truth.doctor on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Oh SNAP! with Gina Plata-Nino, Jimmy Carter’s Legacy, Beetlejuice... Beetlejuice... Equity! Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we go full fangirl over the incredible life of former President Jimmy Carter. V also zooms in on how one Broadway production is shaking up a classic story on stages across the U.S. Then, they dive into the big changes slated to hit the SNAP food assistance program on March 1. And to explore all the ways this program helps our communities, V brings on Gina Plata-Nino, the deputy director of SNAP for the Food Research and Action Center. Gina debunks the “welfare queen” stereotype, explains why we should have more compassion for people who are food insecure, and lays out what can be done to help protect SNAP benefits ahead of reauthorizing the 2023 farm bill.

Follow FRAC’s work at @fractweets on Twitter and at @fracgram on Instagram. Get more information on SNAP and find out how those benefits are changing come March.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Introducing: Pop Culture Happy Hour Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

We're sharing an episode from a podcast we love called Pop Culture Happy Hour. In this episode, Aisha Harris talks to Brittany Luse and Odie Henderson about the three-decade run of the Maury Povich show and the end of an era as he retires. Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour wherever you get your podcasts.

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Maintenance Ma’am-splaining with Mercury Stardust, The Ohio Fallout, GTFO UFOs Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

Several weeks out from the train derailment in Ohio, there’s reason to be concerned about long-term contamination in the area. V boosts the advice of citizen scientists to help people protect themselves and keep records of the damage. There’s also been a ton of buzz about UFOs in recent weeks, so V breaks down what’s actually flying around our atmosphere. Then, they’re joined by professional maintenance technician Mercury Stardust, who empowers people to fix pesky problems in their homes. Mercury, also known as the Trans Handy Ma’am, talks about the hardships she overcame as a queer person in a male-prioritized industry, then bestows coveted tips for fixing door frames and making your house a home.

Keep up with Mercury at @mercurystardust on TikTok and at @mercurystardusttopz on Instagram. You can also check out (and call into) her Handy Ma’am Hotline podcast for more maintenance DIY tips.

Keep up with V on TikTok at @underthedesknews and on Twitter at @VitusSpehar. And stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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