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.

Subscribe, rate, and share Sane(ish)—and follow Jojo from Jerz and Brooklyn Dad Defiant on Substack, YouTube, and X for more fearless commentary and community.

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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.

Subscribe, rate, and share Sane(ish)—and follow Jojo from Jerz on YouTube for video episodes.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part 2 of our launch week! This time, Jo is joined by Michael Cohen—former Trump attorney and bestselling author—for a deep dive into the chaos of American politics in 2025. They break down the explosive news of the $5 million government settlement with Ashli Babbitt’s family, the right’s relentless attempts to rewrite January 6th, and the jaw-dropping grift machine that’s fueling Trump’s comeback—from meme coins and crypto schemes to the Qatar luxury jet and the so-called “Golden Dome” defense project.

Subscribe, rate, and share Sane(ish) to help build a community that’s searching for truth, justice, and a little more sanity in a world gone wild.

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