A Coequal Branch (feat. Rep. Mike Levin)
Digest
The podcast begins with a news roundup discussing the North Carolina Supreme Court race, the loss of Navy jets from the USS Harry Truman, increased US intelligence gathering in Greenland, and LGBTQ+ rights issues, including pride flag adoptions in Salt Lake City and Boise and harassment of a lesbian couple. A significant portion features an interview with Congressman Mike Levin. He focuses on his platform, emphasizing the protection of veterans' benefits, preventing insider trading by Congress members, and combating climate change. He criticizes the current administration's actions on these issues. The episode concludes with listener mail, good news segments, and advice on navigating political discussions while traveling.
Outlines

News Roundup and Congressman Levin Interview
This segment covers current events including the North Carolina Supreme Court race, the loss of two Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets, US intelligence activities in Greenland, and LGBTQ+ rights issues. It also features a detailed interview with Congressman Mike Levin focusing on veterans' rights, preventing insider trading in Congress, and the need for stronger climate action.

Listener Mail and Good News
This section shares listener emails, positive news stories, and updates on local activism. It also includes discussions about adoptable pets and advice on navigating political conversations while traveling internationally.
Keywords
North Carolina Supreme Court Race
The closely contested 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court race between Republican Jefferson Griffin and Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs.
USS Harry Truman Jet Loss
The loss of two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier.
Greenland Spying
Increased US intelligence gathering efforts in Greenland focusing on independence and resource extraction.
LGBTQ+ Pride Flags
Salt Lake City and Boise adopted official city pride flags in response to state laws banning non-official flags.
Transgender Rights
Challenges faced by the transgender community, highlighted by an incident of harassment.
Veteran's Benefits
Congressman Levin's concerns regarding potential cuts to veteran's benefits.
Insider Trading in Congress
Congressman Levin advocates for stricter regulations to prevent insider trading by Congress members.
Climate Change
Congressman Levin criticizes the current administration's approach to climate change.
Congressman Mike Levin
Interview with Congressman Levin discussing his political platform and concerns.
Q&A
What were the key findings in the North Carolina Supreme Court race?
The Republican challenger conceded after a federal judge ordered the certification of the election results, upholding the Democratic incumbent's victory.
What happened with the two Navy jets lost at sea?
Two F/A-18 Super Hornets were lost from the USS Harry Truman; pilots ejected safely.
What is the significance of the Salt Lake City and Boise pride flag adoptions?
These cities adopted official pride flags as a workaround to state laws prohibiting the display of non-official flags.
What are Congressman Levin's main concerns regarding veterans' benefits under the current administration?
Congressman Levin expresses deep concern over plans to cut veteran's benefits, reduce healthcare access, and increase homelessness risk for veterans.
What is Congressman Levin's stance on stock trading by members of Congress?
He advocates for stricter regulations to prevent members of Congress from using non-public information for personal financial gain.
How does Congressman Levin view the current administration's approach to climate change?
He criticizes the administration's efforts to undermine climate action initiatives and defund related research.
Show Notes
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Today, Republican Jefferson Griffin has conceded the North Carolina Supreme Court race to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs; a second US Navy jet has been lost at sea under the watchful eye of Pete Kegstand; the Trump administration has ordered the intelligence community to amp up spying on Greenland; Salt Lake City and Boise have adopted official pride flags in response to state laws banning them; a US appeals court allows Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk to be transferred to Vermont to challenge her immigration detention; lawyers have asked for a restraining order to stop the removal of migrants to Libya; the Abrego Garcia case is delayed again - this time because Trump is invoking privilege over discovery; a woman says a rent a cop at a hotel in Boston confronted her in the bathroom and demanded she prove her gender; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.
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MSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlue
Guest: Rep. Mike Levin (CA 49th)
Mike Levin - House.gov
Rep. Mike Levin (@levin.house.gov) - Bluesky
Mike Levin (@repmikelevin) - Instagram
Rep. Mike Levin (@RepMikeLevin) - twitter
Stories:
Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
Exclusive | U.S. Orders Intelligence Agencies to Step Up Spying on Greenland | WSJ
Detained Tufts student must be transferred to Vermont, appeals court rules | The Washington Post
Salt Lake City and Boise Adopt Official Pride Flags in Response to State Laws | The New York Times
Good Trouble:
Protests are being planned to counter US President Donald Trump's military parade on June 14. The 'No Kings' group is organizing nationwide demonstrations against Trump's policies. These events coincide with the US Army's 250th-anniversary parade. Over 100 'No Kings' events are registered across the US. The group aims to reject authoritarianism. No Kings.org
Indivisible And Partners Announce ‘NO KINGS’ Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day, During Trump’s Birthday Parade
'We Don't Do Kings': Mass Protests Planned to Counter Trump's Birthday Military Parade | Common Dreams
Find Upcoming Actions - 50501 Movement
From The Good News
Abortion Every Day by Jessica Valenti | Substack
Strong Paws Rescue
Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That’s just one of the perks of subscribing!
Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That’s just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote
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