V Interesting with V Spehar

Latest Episodes:

Not-So-Naughty List, Advent-lanche, Literacy Lags Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

The holidays are here! And V’s got some festive facts that can liven up even the worst dinner conversations. From the cost of pear trees to an advent calendar from Tiffany, there’s so much trivia to toss around. They’ll also introduce you to some groups of people who don’t deserve their naughty-list designation. Then, V takes a deep dive with American Public Media correspondent Emily Hanford, who explains why so many U.S. classrooms are following an outdated reading curriculum. With all the problems this can cause later in life, they discuss what can be done to fix it.

Find Emily on Twitter at @ehanford and her podcast Sold A Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Santa at @santajclaus on YouTube and TikTok and at @santa_j_claus 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.

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The Buffalo Billions, Get Dragged, Be GLAAD Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

Oh, you thought the World Cup was expensive? V shows you how billions of dollars are spent annually on sports, and that’s just in the United States. Plus, they’ll break down the risks posed by AI-generated art — and how, on the other hand, there’s nothing to fear about drag performance, despite what some people say. They’ll then chat with GLAAD’s Chief Communications Officer, Rich Ferraro, to share the importance of supporting and normalizing queer stories in the media year-round, not just during Pride month or after a crisis.

Follow Rich’s work with GLAAD on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram at @glaad.

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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Gaslighting and Yeeting, Lame Duck, Sweet Holidays with Cherry Bombe Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

Over the weekend, it was inaccurately reported that Iran disbanded its morality police. V explains what really happened. They’ll also talk about the power of adding new words to the English lexicon, official or not. Then, two guests join to discuss how we can make the holiday season healthy AND happy. We learn the steps to take to protect ourselves from the current “tripledemic” of respiratory illness, courtesy of immunologist Dr. Zach Rubin. Then food connoisseur Kerry Diamond cooks up suggestions for holiday hosts, no matter the budget or occasion.

Big thanks to the Cherry Bombe team for recording Kerry and V’s conversation at their Hell’s Kitchen studios. Check out their other great work on the Radio Cherry Bombe podcast, including episodes guest-hosted by V!

Follow Dr. Rubin at @rubin_allergy on Instagram and TikTok, and get tips from Kerry and her culinary crew at @cherrybombe 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.

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Deck the Hallmark with Bran, Dan, and V Dec 02, 2022

Show notes

Hallmark has become an expert at cranking out holiday movies. And Brandon Gray and Daniel Thompson have become experts at watching and reviewing them. V brings on these good friends to duke it out over which Hallmark movies are actually good and to share everything they’ve learned about the Hallmark universe, like how the network has evolved under new leadership. As hosts of the popular Deck the Hallmark podcast, Bran and Dan have a whole sleighful to unload.

For more of Bran and Dan’s hot Hallmark takes, follow @hallmarkpodcast on Twitter and Instagram. You can find Deck the Hallmark wherever 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.

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

Technocrats, Teddy Bears, Hospice for the Unhoused Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Happy Giving Tuesday! Today we’re giving you a lot to think about, from how the U.S. government has found ways to bridge a divided Congress to why we care about some animals more than others. Plus, can technocracy save society? Then, V talks to Jillian Olmsted, the executive director of The INN Between. Her organization offers medical care and hospice services to the unhoused population, leading the fight in Salt Lake City and inspiring similar efforts around the country.

Keep up with The INN Between on Instagram and Twitter at @_theinnbetween and online at https://tibhospice.org/. And give to your favorite organization this Giving Tuesday — and every day!

Follow 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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Listen Now: FIRST! with Kareem Rahma Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

You heard him on Tuesday’s show — now check out comedian Kareem Rahma on his new podcast from Lemonada Media, SomeFriends, and SALT. On FIRST!, Kareem dives into the untold stories of BIPOC icons from around the world that you won’t want to miss. Most importantly, in Kareem’s hands, these stories are laugh-out-loud funny as he recounts them to fellow comedians, and they both learn a lot along the way.

On the episode you’re about to hear, Kareem talks to comedian, writer, actor, and Golden Globe winner Ramy Youssef about Omar Sharif, who was the first Arab actor to be nominated for an Academy Award.

To check out more episodes of FIRST!, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or click here.

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Famous Firsts, Legendary Lasts, Iran’s Revolution Powers On Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

We may have just bid farewell to Elton John’s touring career, but there’s so much excitement in learning about “firsts,” not just lasts. V is joined by comedian Kareem Rahma to talk about his new podcast where famous firsts are the focus. V also relays important updates on the language and resources supporters should be using to help the Iranian people leading the anti-regime efforts — that is, leading the revolution, which has grown well past a protest.

For calls to action and up-to-date information, follow the organization Middle East Matters (@middleeastmatters) on Instagram.

You can find Kareem at @kareem on Instagram and @kareem.rahma on TikTok, and catch his series Keep the Meter Running at @keepthemeterrunning on TikTok. To listen to FIRST!, search wherever you get your podcasts or click here.

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Adventures with the Female Indiana Jones Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Alison Teal was literally born into a life of adventure. Raised by professional explorers, she’s lived in some of the most remote and tropical places on the planet, befriending monkeys and geckos along the way. Armed with a pink surfboard made from recycled trash, Alison now sets off to teach people about plastic pollution and to motivate change. V and Alison discuss everything from sustainability to survival, including her successful run on Naked and Afraid. Plus, she shares why you don’t have to go far to start living a life of adventure.

Follow Alison at @alisonsadventures on Instagram and TikTok. For a closer look at her adventures, check out Alison’s book and blog series.

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Survey Says, Secret Fees, Secretary Buttigieg Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Beyond candidate races, the midterms were a battle of ballot questions. V breaks down the impact these results will have on communities across the country, from capping power in the highest courts to consolidating law enforcement in local counties. Plus, are you frustrated about all the fees you pay when you buy concert tickets? You’re not alone — your president’s fed up, too. Then, V is joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg! On the first anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the two discuss the changes the country has already seen and everything that’s coming down the pike. Buckle up, ‘cuz we’re talking planes, trains, and infrastructure bills.

Follow @USDOT on Twitter and find even more updates online at https://www.transportation.gov/.
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

The Price We Pay the Legal System Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Imagine getting pulled over because your car’s tail light is out or your window tint is too dark. For millions of people each year, the price of one traffic ticket creates a never-ending cycle of punishment and poverty, keeping adults and juveniles tethered to the U.S. criminal justice system through predatory fines. V sits down with Miranda Sheffield and Joanna Weiss, two advocates who work directly with impacted communities to eliminate the fines and fees associated with the legal system. Ranging from license suspensions to the loss of voting rights, there are many ways people are punished for not paying off minor offenses, and these experts discuss what can be done to stop it.
To get involved in Miranda and Joanna's work, follow the National Center for Youth Law @NYCLnews and the Fines and Fees Justice Center @FinesandFeesJC on Twitter.
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.
Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows 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