What's Up With America?
Confused by what’s happening in the United States? You’re not alone. What’s Up With America? is your weekly explainer of the latest news, political shake-ups, cultural flashpoints, and social undercurrents shaping the current American zeitgeist. Each week, we break down what Americans are talking about, why it matters, and how it affects the wider world.
New episodes every Wednesday. Because America never takes a break from being America.
Episodes
15 episodes
Undocumented Irish Migrants in Trump's America
This week, I speak with Dan Dennehy, Immigration Chairman for New York State's Ancient Order of Hibernians, as we delve into the complexities of immigration in Trump's America, focusing on the Irish-American experience and how that fits into th...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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34:28
The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Movement
This week, I am joined by Diane Pagen, a friend of mine from my days in the Universal Basic Income (UBI) movement and Aimee from First Hand Media. Diane is a social worker who worked for the New York City Department of Education but who ultimat...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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49:05
Live NYC Mayoral Election Reactions
I report on the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York's 111th mayor, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly nine percentage points. The episode captures the reactions of residents of people in Jackson Heights, Queens at a neighborhoo...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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18:57
Zohran Mamdani -V- Andrew Cuomo: NYC Elects a New Mayor This Week
New York City goes to the polls this week to elect a new Mayor. This week, David delves into the landscape of New York City politics with good friend, Jason Clinkscales, a freelance sports writer and lifelong New Yorker. Together, they chart th...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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44:56
Charlie Kirk, Guns in America and the Future of DEI
This week, I speak with Chivona Newsome, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York and an activist for Black empowerment. We discuss the implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination, her views on gun rights, and the politically polarize...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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49:48
Live Reactions to Election Results
David reacts to the results coming in live at a Queens bar with his sister-in-law, Kat, visiting from Australia. While there, they bump into the victory party of local NY State Assembleyman for the 30th District, Steven Raga.
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16:18
Election Day
Election Day is finally upon us. Kim and David discuss the state of play going into it.
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29:21
Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden
David turns up at Madison Square Garden to get vox pops of the people who turned up to hang around outside the Trump rally.
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23:22
VP Debate, Trump Revisits Assassination Site and NYC Mayor Woes
Kim and David discuss the impact of the vice presidential debate, the latest polling in swing states as we are going into the last 30 days of the race. They also delve into the woes of New York City's Mayor Eric Adams who has been embroiled in ...
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33:43
Taylor Swift Endorsement, Viral TikToks and Listener Questions
Kim and David discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris, answer questions from you, our listeners, as well as looking at the impact of viral TikToks and memes on the campaigns of both candidates.
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27:27
Vox Pops
Kim and David react to vox pops collected at the Jackson Heights subway station in Queens.
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33:20
The Debate Pt 2
This episode is the second part of our debate analysis from the presidential debate last Tuesday. In the episode, Kim and David discuss how Kamala Harris managed to get under Donald Trump's skin in the debate and then how he hit back at her by ...
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13:05
The Debate Pt 1
In this episode, Kim and David discuss the most notable events from the debate. Their debate analysis is split into two episodes. Part 2 to follow later this week.
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33:06