In this urgent episode of Sane(ish), Jo is joined by sits Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut following a powerful Capitol Hill hearing on the Republican “Big Beautiful Betrayal” bill—or as Jo calls it, the “Billionaire Boner Bill.” Together, they break down the real-world consequences of this catastrophic legislation, which threatens to kick millions off Medicaid and slash SNAP benefits, all to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires and corporations.

Senator Murphy and Jojo share heartbreaking stories from the hearing, including a mother of an autistic child whose family’s survival depends on Medicaid, and a former public school educator who knows firsthand what it means to rely on food assistance. They discuss how the bill would devastate working families, children with disabilities, and the most vulnerable Americans—while padding the pockets of the ultra-wealthy.

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Jojo from Jerz brings together legal heavyweight George Conway and historian Heather Cox Richardson for a candid, unscripted conversation about the chaos of June 2025. With Trump launching strikes on Iran, Congress sidelined, and the world on edge, Jo, George, and Heather cut through the noise to ask: How did we get here—and what happens next?

George & Heather swap stories from their Harvard days and dig into the psychology of Trump’s power: Why do smart people keep caving to him? Why does the GOP keep bending the knee? And what does history tell us about strongmen, performative politics, and the collapse—or survival—of democracy?

From the performative presidency to the dangers of unchecked executive power, the trio breaks down the legal, historical, and human stakes of this moment. They talk about the Supreme Court, the role of institutions, and why—when the rule of law is on the ropes—the only thing left is for people to get out in the streets and fight for what matters

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With the world on edge over the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, Jo sits down with national security expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin for a deeply human conversation about what’s really happening behind the headlines. As Trump’s stance on U.S. involvement in the region shifts by the hour, swinging from “no new wars” to openly hinting at strikes alongside Israel, Joel explains the risks, the ripple effects, and the consequences for American families.

Together, they unpack why Trump’s impulsive foreign policy is leaving allies, adversaries, and even his own party guessing; how the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal set the stage for today’s crisis; and what a potential U.S. strike could mean for global security, oil prices, and the safety of American service members. They also tackle the chaos in Washington, the influence of pro-Putin voices, and the anxiety so many Americans are feeling as talk of war and nuclear threats dominates the news.

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Rachel and Jo discuss the disconnect between political theater and the lived realities of veterans, including the impact of recent VA policy changes on healthcare access. They explore the professionalism of service members, the importance of lawful orders—even when they’re “awful”—and why storytelling is essential for advocacy and driving change.

They also tackle the pitfalls of measuring political success by social media impressions, the need for authenticity in political communication, and why grassroots movements must adapt and allocate resources strategically to make real progress. From family milestones to the urgency of voter registration, Rachel and Jo remind listeners that political change is a collective effort—and that genuine connection, not spectacle, is what moves the needle.

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Majid Padellan, better known as Brooklyn Dad Defiant joins for a spirited conversation about the state of America in 2025. They take aim at Stephen Miller’s legacy of cruelty, the ongoing ICE raids and National Guard deployments, and the propaganda fueling chaos in Los Angeles. Majid shares how he uses humor and activism to push back against despair, and why calling out villains by name is more important than ever.

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We welcome independent journalist and The Jim Acosta Show host, Jim Acosta, to break down the crisis in Los Angeles—one fueled directly by Donald Trump’s political gamesmanship. As ICE raids spark mass protests and Trump deploys the National Guard over the objections of Governor Newsom, LA has become the latest stage for Trump’s manufactured chaos.

Jojo and Jim dig into how Trump is deliberately escalating tensions in LA to distract from his own scandals—including his public fallout with Elon Musk—and to stoke fear for political gain. They discuss the real-life consequences for immigrants, activists, and everyday Angelenos caught in the crossfire, the dangerous abuse of federal power, and what this moment means for democracy and dissent in America.

Jim Acosta shares his on-the-ground insights, the importance of independent journalism in holding power to account, and why the media must call out this orchestrated crisis for what it is.

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Today we catch up with Allison Gill, Navy veteran, former VA executive, and host of The Daily Beans, to talk about how the Trump administration and the GOP’s latest “Billionaire Bailout Bill” are impacting America’s military, veterans, and working families.

Allison breaks down the real-world consequences of proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including plans to fire tens of thousands of VA workers and privatize veterans’ healthcare. She shares her personal experience as a veteran and VA insider, exposes the hypocrisy of “support the troops” rhetoric, and explains why so many in the military and veteran community still fall for the GOP’s propaganda, even as their benefits are threatened. Jojo and Allison also tackle the influence of Fox News and disinformation on military bases, the media’s failure to hold power accountable, and the dangerous rise of propaganda in American politics. Plus: a candid look at why knowledge is the antidote to anxiety, how community can break the gaslighting cycle, and what keeps both of them Sane(ish) in a world gone mad.

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Is Joni Ernst f’ing kidding me? We’re breaking down the viral Joni Ernst “we’re all going to die” Medicaid response and what it reveals about the GOP’s approach to healthcare. Then, special guest Dr. Annie Andrews—a pediatrician, public health advocate, and Democratic Senate candidate taking on Lindsey Graham in South Carolina—joins for a conversation about the real consequences of Republican Medicaid cuts, the fallout from RFK Jr.’s controversial tenure as HHS Secretary, and the party’s escalating attacks on children’s health, SNAP, and basic decency. Dr. Andrews shares her front-line perspective as a doctor and mom, why she’s running for Senate, and how the culture wars are distracting from policies that hurt families.

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