POP-LITICAL READ

Woke Tests & Real Mess: From Oklahoma to Salt Lake

This week, the Culture Caucus gets the full rundown: Portland pushes ahead “full force,” Florida finds itself on the pricey end of cancel culture. We’ll break down Oklahoma’s controversial new “America First” test aimed at teachers from California and New York — and what it says about the state of public education. Then we pivot from politics to pop: Jimmy Kimmel is back on late night, the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City return with subpoenas and snowstorms, an alien show wraps its first season, and yes… I finally dove into The Morning Show. It’s a whirlwind of policy and pop, served with wit, shade, and a little sass — exactly what you need in your week’s news debrief. Music: Let Good Times Roll by RA via UppBeat

From Vacation to Vigilance: Fascism, Profiling & the Fight for Our Future

Fresh off a fascist-free vacation in Europe, I’m back in the U.S. where chaos reigns. In this solo episode, I unpack the Supreme Court’s green light for racial profiling, the FBI’s bizarre targeting of trans people, and the Senate’s decision to give Charlie Kirk a “Day of Remembrance” alongside JFK and MLK. We’ll talk Jimmy Kimmel vs. the FCC, and the heartbreaking truth that gun violence is now the leading cause of death for kids ages 1–17. Music: Let Good Times Roll by RA via UppBeat

Newsom vs. Trump: Heroes, Villains & Hulu Escapes

This week, it’s just you and me, Culture Caucus — a solo episode where we go full superhero trailer mode: Newsom vs. Trump, Hero vs. Villain. But when the political chaos gets too loud, I share how I disconnect with comfort rewatches (hello, Mom on Netflix), messy new obsessions (Hunting Wives, anyone?), and even aliens on Hulu. Of course, no episode is complete without queer recs — from Overcompensating to Mateo Lane’s sharp, hilarious Hulu special. Think politics meets pop culture escape hatch. Music: Let Good Times Roll by RA via UppBeat

Trudeau, Taylor & the Celebrity Podcast Apocalypse

Katy Perry maybe dating Justin Trudeau? Dean Cain signing on with ICE? Taylor Swift serving full Vegas showgirl? We’re covering the cultural fever dream of the week: Pop Mart blind boxes, Las Culturistas’ awards, traveling without ID, the celebrity podcast invasion, Trump’s National Guard threats, and more. Guest: Tanya Mendoza Music: Let Good TImes Roll by RA via UppBeat

Shakira, Stalkers & Shady Raids

Shakira might be shaking her hips all the way into the Real Housewives universe, ICE raids are rattling LA, and the $30 gig worker referendum is stuck on pause. Plus, we break down the strange, slightly creepy world of Instagram stalking—why your “suggested follows” can feel like they’re reading your mind. It’s a campy cocktail of gossip, politics, and righteous side-eye, with receipts and resources in the show notes for when the tea turns into action. Guest: Jona Velasquez Music: Let Good TImes Roll by RA via UppBeat