Political Playlist Happy Hour
By Political Playlist
Political Playlist Happy HourJul 17, 2023
Congressional Playoffs
Wouldn't it be cool if we could have playoffs between the young Congresspeople under the age of 45? I know, it'd be sick. But until then, we'll settle for a happy hour where we talk about what folks like Sharice Davids, Jasmine Crockett and Lauren Underwood. Today's episode is all about the Ladies of the Legislature, plus Anna's impending bachelorette party. It's all very on brand.
Joint Causes
The craziness in the world ain't slowing down, so neither are Michael, Anna and Anthony. On this happy hour, the gang continues to cover the escalating campus protests, the proposed drug reclassification of marijuana, the shifting political landscape in the House, and the Supreme Court's fast rising star. It's a good one. So fill up and hit play!
Campus Chaos
Protest, Protest, Hear All About it!. With campus protests engulfing the news cycle, Michael, Anna and Anthony devote the entire Happy Hour to this topic, and (hopefully) show how we can have wide-ranging views on the topic while still staying cordial and fun. We promise, there's a way!
Congressional Chaos and Courtroom Catnaps
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony dive right in to all the latest in the Congressional Circus, including a failed cabinet impeachment and Ukraine aid. But first, the gang tackles the thorny news about their alma matter (USC) canceling the scheduled valedictorian speaker an account of her potentially antisemitic social media posts.
Unforced AZ Political Errors
If you didn't think Michael, Anna, Anthony, and Anna again were going to talk about the new confounding Arizona Abortion Ban, then you don't know this Gang as well as you should. It's an action packed Happy Hour with lots of other important news too like Ukraine aid and Israeli Hostage updates.
Congressional Spring Cleaning
In this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony push the limits on how many times they can say "it's been a busy news week." But indeed it has, with lots of things happening like leadership changeover in the Democratic House, escalating violence and tragedy in the Middle East, and making the tweet cut this week are Bryan Steil, Lauren Beobert, and three Dems from Florida: Jared Moskowitz, Maxwell Frost, and Darren Soto.
Hands Off My FDA-Approved Drugs
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony dive deep into the recent case heard by the Supreme Court revolving around Mifepristone and the FDA's 20-year-old approval of the widely-used abortion drug. Spoiler, the Justices seem likely to uphold the federal approval but it's not without its controversies.
The gang also covers the latest goings on in Congress like Mike Gallagher stepping down, bipartisan support for the SNAP program and what to do about the backlog of SIVs (special visas) for out Afghan partners who helped the US Military in our prolonged middle-east wars.
TikTok In The Crosshairs
That's right playlisters, Tiktok's days might be numbered, thanks to an overwhelming (and surprising) bipartisan piece of legislation targeting the Chinese-owned company. The gang breaks down the Mike Gallagher led bill and what they're saying, and what the further implications of it might be. Then, the gang discuss a bridge in Washington that has become a political hot potato for Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. And lastly, this episode covers the highlights from this past super Tuesday and which under 45-ers are having an exciting and contested election year.
Younger is the New Younger
On this episode of the Happy Hour, the gang talks about the latest supreme court ruling allowing Trump to stay ON the ballot and what this means for the young Congressional Republicans vying to be his VP. The PolPla trio also tackles the growing challenges facing underpaid teachers, as well what some newly minted maga-ites have to say about Hunter B these days.
Children of the State
Buckle up kids, because we're charging head first at the new Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos now legally constituting as...children?!?! Yep, it's a newsy, boozy, ranty episode you won't want to miss!
Nuclear Shenanigans In Space
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna literally silence Anthony by accidentally keeping him in the Zoom waiting room, while they gab and gab some more about all the news of the day, like the DHS Secretary's impeachment, Mike Gallagher not running for reelection, August Pfluger's new energy bill, Matt Gaetz, and of course Russia's nuclear shenanigans in space.
Decline and Fall of a Bipartisan Bill
On this Happy Hour, the gang dive into the bipartisan immigration deal that looked to defy the odds in the Senate only to see its hopes and dreams squashed by the House. Also covered in this episode is Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Guy Reschenthaler, and of course, the Grammys.
Swiftly Controversial
We could not, simply could not, begin this happy hour without addressing the conspiracy plot heard round the cable news cycle--that being the insanely hilarious and frankly asinine theory circulating right-wing media that Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce are part of the government deep state planted by Joe Biden to fake a world-wind romance and Super Bowl win for the sole purposes of endorsing his candidacy shortly thereafter. We known, insane. And hilarious. But sadly, real theories being address on real news networks.
And The Oscar Goes To...Not Us
Oscar Noms are out and alas, this Political Happy Hour also went the way of the Barbie snubbery. But fear not, Michael, Anna and Anthony still have their acceptance speeches ready to go. And accompanying those thank yous are a whole lotta hot takes from the the New Hampshire primary to hope for a child tax credit passage. And lastly, everyone's in agreement that this upcoming election from the top to the bottom of the ballot is going to be immigration vs. abbortion.
One Connected Amoeba
In this action packed episode of the Happy Hour, the gang discuss the latest Iowa Caucus results and what it all means. They then zero in on our young leaders by discussing the Senate race in Arizona with Ruben Gallego, the trouble with the Houthi rebels and what Seth Moulton things of that, and finally they talk about a surprising about-face with Anna Paulina Luna with regards to proxy-voting and motherhood.
New Year, Same Boozy Politics
Welcome back to the first Political Happy Hour of 2024, where the gang dives back into the chaos in Washington that didn't seem to take a holiday refresh. We talk impending spending bill deja vu facing the ever divided Congress, we talk election 2024, we talk immigration, political vitriol via tweet and we also discuss a special political surprise friend that dropped by Anna's house on New Year's Eve. Start the year off right by getting one bit smarter with Political Playlist Happy Hour!
This One's A Cutlet Above
On this episode of the Happy Hour, the Gang discuss the war in Ukraine, how Republicans in the House are holding Ukrainian aid hostage in exchange for demands on immigration, the alarming rate at which opioids are becoming more accessible and the push to make all drugs prescriptions electronic nation-wide, proposed by an unlikely figure in the Senate.
Mr. Tomato Head
On this episode of the Happy Hour, the gang dives into a few serious topics like the war in Ukraine and the maelstrom of warring rhetoric on college campuses. But perhaps the most important takeaway from this episode, and reason enough to listen, is that there's a man in Florida nicknamed Mr. Tomato and he presides over a consortium of Tomato farmers known as The Tomato Titans. Yes, this is real, and we promise you need to know about it.
Bravado, Botox, and Political Baggage
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony catch us up on the last three weeks of goings-on in the young Congress, including the ALMOST brawl in a Senate hearing, the latest in the Santos Saga, and how more and more of our young congressional leaders are attempting to storm into the Senate. It's a bit of a grab-bag, pot-luck, holiday punch-bowl episode, so take this opportunity to pour yourself an exotic mixed drink before you hit play.
Happy Hour* with Dream For America's William He
You may have noticed the asterisk in the title of this episode and that's not a typo... it was put their by our legal department because on this Happy Hour*--there it is again-- we welcome the founder of the progressive organization Dream For America who is...wait for it...only 16 years old! His name is William He and this young man is well beyond his years. Tune in for a very interesting conversation with a kid who's definitely smarter than Michael and Anthony combined.
Happy Hour with Forbes Tech Reporter Alexandra Levine
From fake Facebook accounts sowing division about Israel and Palestine to threats on Jewish-American journalists, this episode takes us deep into the work of Forbes Technology Reporter Alexandra Levine. She talks us through our susceptibility to posts we see on social media and how tensions have become heightened online ever since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. If you're looking for different perspectives and nuanced ways to think about the unfolding conflict, tune in!
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Consensus To Censure?
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna discuss the House's latest move to censure their only member of Palestinian decent, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, stemming from fiery and emotional comments she made regarding the War in Gaza and the perception it was antisemitic. Then they discuss the recent election and ballot measures, like the abortion one in Ohio, and predict the future for newly minted 7th-in-line GOP leader Blake Moore.
What Actually Constitutes Genocide?
On this episode of the happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony cover a lot of heavy stuff because, well, the world is sort of in chaos right now. With the war escalating in Gaza, we dive into the meaning of the word Genocide and discuss whether some on the far left are recklessly misusing this term when referring to actions taken by the IDF. We also discuss how this war has taken center stage on many of our college campuses, the political courage of one young leader in the wake of the tragic shooting in his hometown of Maine, and some newly proposed sanctions on Iran.
We're Never, Emmer, Emmer...Gonna Elect A Speaker
Most importantly, YES we discuss Taylor Swift on this episode of the Happy Hour, but we also discuss a lot of other important things too, like the growing political disenfranchisement among young voters, the ongoing tragedy plaguing Israel and the Middle East, and what exactly is going on in the leader-less House of Representatives!
The War In Israel
On today's episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the terrorist attacks in Israel perpetrated by Hamas, and breakdown the complex politics, at home and abroad, surrounding these horrific attacks, and how the stakes of this impending war have a direct impact on Americans right here at home.
And That's a Wrap on Kevin
Well, well, well, coming to you, listener, in a historic week. Kevin McCarthy just became the first Speaker EVER to get ousted from his seat, and you better believe the team's diving into all the drama, including the surprise vote to get him outta there that has Anna's wheels turning! Anna and Anthony fly sans Michael this week to also discuss the expiring emergency childcare funding that millions of families rely on and Newsom's appointment of Laphonza Butler as California's new senator. If there was ever a week to indulge your political obsession... this is certainly it!
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Anthony's Mom For Congress!
The gang discusses a lot in this Happy hour including immigration, government shutdown, one Republican calling his party a Clown show, leaders who inspire us today...oh, and Anthony's Mom makes a cameo by way of a moving story that Anthony shares.
And while we haven't had her on the pod yet, we're making the case that she come on and announce her candidacy for something...ANYTHING!
Happy Hour with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna welcome Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Democratic Representative from Illinois.
The conversation centers on the hot-button issue of immigration and rightfully so! Delia is a first generation American--her mother crossed the boarder from Guatemala while she was pregnant with Delia--and if that didn't give Delia enough street cred, her husband is a DACA recipient.
Join us for one of our more personal conversations with one of our newest young policy makers in Washington!
Boebert Gets The Broadway Boot
The podcast bros are back bro-ing it out with bro-tinis! With Anna off on assignment, Michael and Anthony cover a laundry list of topics (that Anna made for us) including the new Impeachment Inquiry, Mitt Romney calling himself and others OLD, the expiring student meal program that doesn't have Republican support, the immigration crisis hitting our cities, and of course, Ms. Lauren Boebert's date night fail.
The Centennial Babey !
Oh Baby, look out--we're 100 !!!! That's right folks, Political Playlist Happy Hour has just notched one hundred happy hours, plus the wisdom and hangovers to prove it!
On this celebratory episode, Michael, Anna and Anthony do a deeper dive into the crazy Kamala Senate Move Theory that made them (finally) go viral last episode.
They then dive into legislation to BAN Mask Mandates (with JD Vance and Josh Hawley), why negotiating drug prices is bad (do explain, Dan Crenshaw) and why Dan Goldman and Json Crow are desperately trying to remind us we have to do more on gun control.
It's action packed, so if you're a regular, pull up a stool, and if you're new, welcome to the Happy Hour! This is Political Playlist.
Tennessee Tailspin
Michael's skipping town again so Anthony and Anna are left to their own devices on this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour. But never fear! This info packed episode covers the D-R-A-M-A going down in the Tennessee state house and what it might say about the battle over gun control. And then we hear what young lawmaker Colin Allred (D-TX) is telling us about the monumental new rules around prescription drugs and some high hopes from NY Republican Elise Stefanik concerning the next election. Get your fill and tune in!
Debate This!
On this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, the Gang couldn't resist wading into debate waters with the upcoming GOP Presidential debate happening this week, and wouldn't you know that the only one of these candidates who'd make the cut on our platform is the shirtless, tennis playin', Eminem-lovin' far right youngin' named Vivek.
We then segue, beautifully done by Michael, we might add (he wrote this...) into issues surrounding China and the threat alarms Mike Gallagher is raising. Then we go our old favorite (GENUINE) do-gooder Andy Kim who's helping ensure kids have meals while school is on summer break, and lastly we introduce our listeners to freshman Republican Congressman Cory Mills of Florida.
It's a jam packed episode so tune in and share with your friends!
Political Penalty Kicks
The Political Playlist Triumvirate (that means three, Anthony) is back together again as they kick things off with the penalty shot heard round the world... that is, the missed soccer penalty kick from US women's star Megan Rapinoe that quickly became a right wing political football--okay we'll stop.
On this happy hour, the gang also discusses the one year anniversary of the PACT Act, which increased benefits to Veterans affected by burn pits, as well as some moderate environmental legislation up in Washington State, and finally, a shoutout to one of the best social media games among our Young Congress.
Aging and Melting
Anna and Anthony fly solo again - they're getting the hang of it! - for this info-packed episode. How old is Congress? OLD. How hot is America? DANGEROUSLY HOT. How bad is fentanyl? VERY BAD. Tune in to hear us unpack these overly-simplified answers and to learn what some of the youngest members of Congress are saying about them!
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She's Alien Barbie
Barbies and aliens? What more could you ask for in an episode of your favorite political podcast? Anna and Anthony fly solo this week without Michael's smooth hosting voice but manage to cover not just the lady in pink and potential otherworldly friends but also the incredibly important National Defense Authorization Act, which, for the first time in 60 years, might not pass on a bipartisan basis. All to be expected in the chaos we live in - but that's why we're here, to break it down and discuss the young politicians involved in the hottest congressional issues!
Happy Hour with Congressman Morgan McGarvey
This is an episode you do not want to miss! Michael and Anna welcome none other than Democratic Congressman Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky to the show. He is the co-chair of the House Bourbon Caucus (yes that's real!) so you better believe we're drinking Maker's Mark in his honor-- and yes we do so at the 10:30AM time of record! Hey, we're dedicated.
But don't let that fool you, the issues we cover couldn't be more important, ranging from sensible gun safety to helping provide free meals in schools to kids in need.
So pull up a glass and hear for yourself why we were so taken by this Congressman's genuine southern charm and clear-eyed thinking towards reaching sensible policy solutions that actually help Americans.
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The Ying-Yang Gang
Sometimes episodes just naturally find that perfect opposite pairing of subject matter and personality...and this episode of the Happy Hour is NO EXCEPTION. Perpetually unengaged Michael joins newly engaged Anna to discuss a few serious things (like Sweden's new pathway to joining Nato) and a few not so serious things (the World Map depicted in the upcoming movie Barbie). And to be clear, the Barbie movie is super, SUPER serious--just not the geopolitical implications of the crayon map supposedly supporting the controversial One China Policy.
The Spat Heard 'Round The Beltway
On this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Michael returns to the newly-minted PR Firm of Goldwyn & Barkett to discuss the latest news including the absolutely wild and hilariously ridiculous Congressional quarrel between Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene over... "plagiarizing" their impeachment bill?!?! Yeah, for real.
More importantly, we dive into the Biden State Dinner for India, what that means for the US and why some members of the House boycotted the Prime Minister's address to Congress.
Vets Not to Like?
With Michael off galavanting who-knows-where, Anna and Anthony put on their best podcast voices in this week's episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour. We're talking about the new limitations of home insurance which, eek! Then we read some tweets from (and about) our young lawmakers and talk about veterans as they pertain to two very different issues - psychedelics and guns. It's a wild ride today with lots of info so tune, in share, and subscribe!
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Happy Hour with Congressman Eric Swalwell
On this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Michael and Anna are joined by Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell of California for a fun, wide-ranging conversation that manages to hit both serious topics like meaningful gun reform, of which the Congressman is a vigilant fighter for, as well as some lighter topics like hallway fist-bumps with Ted Cruz and the dangers of Republicans' performative political games. It's a good one, so pour a glass and come get one bit smarter! Oh and if you don't follow Eric on social media yet, he's worth checking out @ericswalwell on IG and @repswalwell on twitter...let's just say he ain't afraid to throw some shade.
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Bros On The Hill
On this episode of the happy hour, Michael and Anthony take the helm...and in classic fashion, they have no map or plan for where they're sailing...so they sail right into the latest on the debt ceiling deal, what this means for Democrats and Republicans--who both seem to have many members of their respective parties who are not fans of the deal. And finally, they discuss some recent Supreme Court rulings that have major environmental implications with respect to the power of the EPA. So shake that martini and hit play!
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Heavy Like A Scotch
Some episodes are light and bubbly (that's a pun--wink) and other episodes are, well... a little more "scotch-y". This one is that. Because the gang dives into some of the more depressing news of the week, from Debt ceiling crisis to the battle of Bakhmut, the most brutal fighting in the Ukrainian war. Don't worry, it's not supper depressing but it's...concerning.
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Happy Hour with Congressman Robert Garcia
That's right, on today's episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Michael and Anna have the privilege of speaking with Congressman Robert Garcia of California. Congressman Garcia represents CA's 42 district, which includes the port of Long Beach, and as a freshman, sits on the powerful Homeland Security Committee. Therefore, we couldn't pass up this opportunity to speak with Robert about all things immigration, including the recent expiration of Title 42 and what this means for our southern border.
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Now Add "Liable" to Trump's Resume
Better make it a double...because this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour is looooong...and it get's spicy too! Michael, Anna and Anthony talk about Trump's latest legal loses as it relates to Republican leaders in Congress, what it means for current and future moderate reps like Nancy Mace. Then we tackle some Title 42 policy followed up with a twitter spat about Trans inclusion in the LGBTQ+ movement between (now criminally indicted) George Santos and Robert Garcia. Like we said, it gets spicy.
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Please Enjoy The Music While A.I. Takes Over
On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael Anna and Anthony discuss the recent abrupt exit of Geoffrey Hinton from Google, otherwise known as the Godfather of A.I., and the further startling alarm bells he's ringing regarding the future of A.I.... Spoiler, it's...alarming.
The gang then unpacks the latest goings-on in Congress, which saw some bipartisan surprises this week (Tom Cotton), some partisan un-surprises (the fight over the debt ceiling), the scoop on rare-earth minerals (Eric Swalwell) and perhaps the least surprising thing which is Michael is horrible at guessing these tweets.
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Granite Joe
In this Episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Anna and Anthony sit down with Republican State Representative Joe Alexander of New Hampshire (The Granite State) to discuss, among other things, the work of getting more Millennials and Gen Z Conservatives to run for office. What makes Joe qualified to speak on this , you ask? Well, he was the youngest elected NH State Rep in 2018 at age 24! He also helped start an organization called Run Gen Z...so yeah, he's kind of an authority on this. And aside from being a very smart guy, he's also a lot of fun to talk to. So pull up a glass, and come get one bit smarter with us.
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Leaky Ships and Underpaid Post-MATES
On this Happy Hour, Michael and Anna unpack the latest with the trove of leaked classified documents and discuss what certain members of Congress are saying about it, particularly the response to Marjorie Taylor Greene's seeming defense of the leak. Yeah, we know. Also discussed in this episode is the pushback on Biden's new proposed Labor Secretary and their past resume from their time in California office.
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I Want My M-E-D's !
Michael jokes, Anna rants, and Anthony offends...CLASSIC Political Playlist Happy Hour!
On this episode of the Happy Hour, the gang unpacks the recent Texas court ruling on the abortion drug Mifepristone, and discuss what some of our congressional leaders on the right and left are saying about it...and spoiler, there is one VERY unlikely bipartisan team-up on this one. Then, they turn their attention to the Pacific and discuss the latest gamut of tweets surrounding China and it's appetite for a Taiwan takeover.
So pull up a glass and get one bit smarter!
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Run For Something...Anything!
On this episode of Political Playlist Happy Hour, Anna and Michael sit down with the co-founders of Run For Something, a progressive organization that helps identify and support young progressive Democrats running for local, state and federal office. Amanda Litman and Ross Morales Rocketto discuss their journey through politics and what ultimately drove them to create this organization, which to date has supported over 2,500 candidates and won over 1,000 elections.
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Tragic Déjà Vu
Sadly we begin yet another Happy Hour mourning the tragic loss of American lives in mass shooting, this time another one involving 9 year old school children. The gang tries to examine this senseless (and preventable) epidemic in our country through the lens of leadership, specifically asking what kind of leadership exists among our elected officials and what’s it going to take to stop this?
Then we dive into Pell Grants, which Michael assumed had something to do with Peloton exercise bikes, before unpacking the political circus that was the Congressional field trip to a DC jail to visit…the jailed insurrectionists. It’s all a little bonkers, which is why we pour cocktails.
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