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.

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.

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.   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.   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.

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.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

The state of this union is that V is back from D.C., bringing stories from the White House and quotes from the politicians who serve us. V gets them talking about the role of government and community resources, then highlights some of the work that’s already been done this year. Later, V is joined by longtime pal Jordan Harbinger, an expert in social dynamics and host of The Jordan Harbinger Show. They talk about creating a space for men that isn’t based on bro culture, plus how therapy and challenging oneself can go further than picking up degrading self-help books or idolizing toxic male influencers.   Keep up with Jordan on Twitter and Instagram at @JordanHarbinger and check out The Jordan Harbinger Show 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.

In places beyond Memphis, deadly police squads remain in operation. In Hobbs, New Mexico, abortion clinics have been banned. In Ohio, thousands of homeschooling parents have been teaching white supremacy. How is all this happening? V explains what's going on in all these states, then gets joined by “America’s Government Teacher” to fill in the rest. V sits down with Sharon McMahon, host of the podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, to talk congressional committees, impeachment, and the history that got us here.   Follow Sharon at @sharonsaysso on Instagram and TikTok and at @sharon_says_so on Twitter. You can find her podcast, Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, wherever you listen.   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.

This week has brought a lot of change for public health. On one hand, the first electric school buses have started rolling out, courtesy of bipartisan infrastructure funding. On the other, politicians proposed severely limiting SNAP benefits. V breaks down what all this means for our communities. Then, V welcomes medical-rights advocate and comedian Laura High to talk about being a donor-conceived person. From serial sperm donors to sibling pods, there are many ways that a lack of regulation can corrupt the infertility industry, and Laura shares how she's pushing for more protection.   Follow Laura at @laurahigh5 on Instagram, Twitter 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.

V pops in with a quick update: new weekly episodes will drop on Fridays! Yes, Fridays! So long, Tuesdays! Fridays will be our new home, where we’ll bring you all the news and novelty you’ve come to love. So hang tight — we’ll see you soon!   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.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New year, new… ways to get hooked on smoking? V explains how tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds has been attempting to sidestep regulation. Plus, they’ll walk you through the ongoing conundrum of Ozempic, diabetes, weight loss, and healthcare access. Then, V sits down with Whole30 co-founder and CEO Melissa Urban to discuss lifelong healthy habits. Whether it be finding “food freedom” or building better boundaries, there are many ways to prioritize your well being — and not feel guilty for it.   Follow Melissa on Instagram at @melissau and keep up with the Whole30 community at @Whole30 on Twitter and Instagram. Find The Book of Boundaries wherever books are sold, then join the conversation at lemonadabookclub.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.

This bonus episode is brought to you with support from The Marguerite Casey Foundation. V sits down with Atlanta-based artist, celebrated community organizer, and Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative Executive Director Toni-Michelle Williams. When she isn't protesting injustices or going toe-to-toe with police and city council, Toni-Michelle is finding ways to make Atlanta more joyful for Black and trans folks. From documenting the city’s public safety failures to partnering with the Citizen app, V learns how Toni-Michelle is supporting her community's needs and helping cultivate their sense of belonging.     Follow Toni-Michelle’s work at @Snap4Freedom on Twitter and Instagram. For more information on policing, reformist, and abolitionist efforts in Atlanta, check out the Deeper Than Visibility report. 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.

From the NFL to the halls of the Capitol, there were a few too many close calls this past week. V digs into Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s recovery and the hard knocks that Republicans served to their barely elected speaker Kevin McCarthy. Plus, they’ll get into the nuances of the FDA’s new ruling on pharmacies and abortion pills. Then, they continue the conversation on bodily autonomy with Lizz Winstead, creator of Abortion Access Front and co-founder of The Daily Show, about how comedy can be used to expose anti-choice hypocrisy and rally behind reproductive rights. Follow Lizz at @lizzwinstead on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and find out how to get involved in the fight for reproductive justice by following Abortion Access Front at @abortionfront on Twitter and Instagram and @abortionaccessfront on 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.

In this New Year’s offering, V welcomes Comedy Central writer and comedian Rose Kelso. Rose uses her Long Island upbringing and Jewish background to connect with viewers both on professional stages and on social media platforms. We’ll hear about writing jokes for different audiences, dealing with hecklers and criticism, and staying rooted in compassion even when she’s firing people up. Plus, what inspired some of her hit musical comedies like Boomer Stoop and European Boys.  Follow Rose at @longislanddirt_ on 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.

Go Ricki! Go Ricki! The V Interesting team wants to share this special episode of Raised by Ricki featuring another daytime legend. You may remember her from “The Flintstones” or even the OG “A League of Their Own.” Three years after The Ricki Lake Show first aired, Rosie O’Donnell made her talk show debut. The Rosie O’Donnell Show featured the likes of Tom Cruise and Madonna, where she was known for her authenticity and quirky sense of humor. Rosie joins Ricki and Kalen to talk about her old show, witnessing 9/11, motherhood, and coming out after leaving the daytime circuit.To hear more of Raised by Ricki, head to https://link.chtbl.com/RaisedbyRickiPodcast If you were a past guest or audience member of The Ricki Lake Show, email us at hey@lemonadamedia.com. Please note, Raised By Ricki contains mature themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fake the Nation is a series from our friends at HeadGum that we think you’ll love. Be sure to check out this special episode featuring our own V Spehar. Hosted by Negin Farsad, everyone’s favorite Iranian American Muslim Comedian Podcast Host with Black Hair and Red Glasses, Fake the Nation is a comedy show that isn’t afraid to talk about news, culture, and humanity’s weirdness. Every week Negin is joined by her funniest, smartest, and most politically astute friends. People like Samantha Bee, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Paula Poundstone, Margaret Cho, Larry Wilmore and others. They’ll make you laugh, think, and deliver a gut punch to the country we all love, America. It’s like a really fun dinner party where nothing is off limits but you don’t have to pretend to like salad. This week Negin is joined by host of the V Interesting podcast from Lemonada Media, V Spehar, and returning guest, the wonderful Sally Kohn, to explain what’s going on in Iran, why it’s sparked international interest, and if it’s our responsibility to get involved. The panel also discusses what’s going on in Italy and the most important things to do before you turn 40.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.