America on Tap

Welcome back y'all! On this episode of AoT I bring in friends of the pod Alejandro and Ryan to present an update to our original Politics of the Coronavirus episode. We discuss winners and losers and offer some predictions to what will happen with domestic politics when we return to the new normal post Coronavirus. Perhaps unsurprisingly President Trump does not fare very well in our analysis, but we give a shoutout to governors and mayors of both parties who have risen above the political drama to be effective leaders. Lastly we take a trip abroad to chat about how China – the origin point of the virus, will fare and how effective women leaders have been in dealing with the pandemic. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hi there! Before we begin just wanted to provide a trigger warning. This podcast provides an open space for the critical and civil exchange of ideas. Part of our conversation today will include references to sexual assault and sexual harassment that some may find offensive and/or traumatizing. There are not however, any mentions of graphic details. On this episode of America on Tap we are tackling the question of will Democratic nominee for President Joe Biden will pick as his Vice Presidential ticket. What we know is that Biden has said his pick will be a woman, she'll look like America and that he's looking for someone that is 'simpatico' with him. Somewhat broad isn't it? Well that's why you have Carmen, Maeghan and I to break it down. We start things off by discussing what we think should go into picking a VP candidate and what Biden should be thinking about. After the break we go through our dream picks and who we think the Vice President will actually pick. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Welcome back folks for another episode of America on Tap! This time around I am joined by my good friend Dakoda to discuss a major component of the 2020 elections: Foreign Policy. It's a tricky issue – it's tough to get votes out of it if done right, but it can go really badly if done incorrectly. Dakoda and I start things off by delivering an analysis of President Trump's foreign policy approach – framed through the "I alone can fix this" mentality and how that has impacted America, her allies and standing in the world. After the break we break down what we consider will be the issues waiting the next Commander in Chief – whether that continues to be President Trump or if everything goes well – former Vice President Joe Biden. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hello hello America on Tap enthusiasts! This episode covers an issue that I really don't think is getting enough attention: down-ballot races. This basically covers every race outside of the Presidential race. This refers to your local city council race, your congressperson, governor race, ballot initiatives – where the bulk of governing happens. It's understandable that the Presidential race takes up so much oxygen as voters tend to be more exposed to the ins and outs of that race, but it is vital that we pay attention to everything else. Friends of the Pod Ryan and Carmen join me to discuss what's at stake with down-ballot races (a lot) and we then spotlight some of the most interesting and important down-ballot races up for election in November.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hey there socially-distancing friends! Hope you're all staying safe and healthy! This episode brings to the forefront an issue of great importance: healthcare. Friend of the pod Alejandro and my good friend Maeghan join me for a through debate on Medicare for All. We start by discussing why we think we need to have a conversation about reforming healthcare in this country and then expand on what Medicare for All stands for. After our break we go over some of the obstacles I believe to implementing such a program. Great informational conversation that will catch you up in less than an hour. One thing is abundantly clear regardless of where you stand on Medicare for All: Our current system is not good enough. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hello there! I am trusting you to be listening to this episode while you practice social distancing and take all the precautions possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If that is not the case, please pause and get yourself home pal! On this episode of America on Tap, I am joined by friends of the pod Ryan, Alex and Dakoda to discuss the politics of the coronavirus pandemic. We go through the Trump administration's response and how this is impacting the Democratic Primary. We then each share what we think we should be doing as a country but aren't and discuss the political ramifications of government action. Your necessary guide to these troubled times. Again, if you're out and about for some bewildering reason, get home now you crazy lunatic. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hey pals! Back with another episode – this time I'm joined by friends Carmen and Ryan, both. Carmen is a grassroots organizer and Ryan is recent law school graduate awaiting the results from the Bar exam – and they're both Drury alumni (@Drury, where's the sponsorship!). We discussed the debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders which took place this past Sunday and results from the March 17th primaries in Florida, Arizona and Ohio. Your weekly catch up on the world of politics! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

The gang is back to discuss Mini Tuesday – referring of course to the 6 electoral events following Super Tuesday. Dakoda, Alex and I break down the results, the immediate aftermath and what comes next in the Democratic Primary. Spoiler: It was a great night for Joe Biden and a not so great night for Bernie Sanders. We dive into how it is that Joe Biden was able to do so well, where Bernie underperformed and more! The quick catch up you need! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

I feel like the 2020 election has been going on for 10 years, and yet we keep on going! Lots has happened – many candidates have come and gone. From Beto O'Rourke speaking Spanish in a debate to Tom Steyer dancing on stage, this primary has had it all . To catch you up as the Democratic Primary is entering a new phase, I am joined by my friend Dakoda Trithara to offer a summary of what has happened in the race so far. We discuss key candidates, figure out what the heck is going on in the Republican Primary and conclude with a preview of the March 10th primary in six states. Don't worry, we kept the nerd talk to a bare minimum. A fire alarm did go off though. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap we focus on the female experience in 2019. I share a drink with three great women, Maeghan, Abby and Jazmine, to hear their opinions on how their female identity has shaped who they are today. We take a stab at understanding how they balanced their different identities with their gender, attempt to deconstruct the concept of female rage in 2019, analyze how 2020 female candidates have been perceived and much more. Join us for this conversation if you want to hear us praise Mindy Kaling for her awesomeness and at the same time take a personal journey through how your view on gender has shaped who you are today. Big Woman Energy is unlimited. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap I am joined by Sherell, Hadil and friend of the pod Aline to discuss one of my favorite topics: Religion. Each of my guests come from a different religious background – and with it different life experiences that have shaped who they are today. We discuss hoe their faith impacts their identity and their interactions with others, how morality and religion overlap, how the national rhetoric has treated their faith and much more. Join us for an enlightening conversation with good friends and great drinks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap, I invite three friends, Laura, Alejandro and Masha to discuss a concept I may or may not have invented: Cultural Duopoly. All three of my guests have a cultural background that is different than the place they currently live and as someone that also shares this theme I was fascinated to figure out how their experience was different or similar. We chat about what it's like growing up in the United States with a family history that finds its origins elsewhere, how this duopoly impacts our social interactions, favorite places to travel and much more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

We're back after a *short* 5-week break with a topic that needs plenty of discussing: masculinity. I'm joined by great pals Lillian, Jeremy and friend of the pod Rodolfo for a conversation marked by a combination of intellectuality, practicality and hilarious jokes. We break down how masculinity fits into the idea of identity, some of the ways masculinity has become a fluid concept and how we think it will continue to develop throughout the years. The concept of masculinity is rapidly changing and if you're interested in learning why and how then this is the episode for you. Come for the opportunity to learn and stay for the velvet shirt jokes (You'll get it, I promise). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

First episode of the season and you know we have to talk about the incredibly diversity coming to the recently elected 116th Congress. This congress will bring a lot of firsts, but perhaps more importantly it will more accurately reflect the nation it represents. Identity is important when it comes to politics – those we elect should understand this. To discuss this I invited three friends of the pod, Carmen, Madison and Sydney to share a beer with me and discuss. We'll break down why representation in politics is important, who exactly just got elected and how we can continue to engage groups that traditionally sit out elections. Cheers! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Welcome back to America on Tap! Season 1 was a heck of a journey and Season 2 promises to be an upgrade. This season I'll be tackling the issue of identity – and the overlapping topics that come with it. Before we truly get into each episode, jump in to the trailer and check out what's changing, what's staying the same and how it is that I will attempt to tackle identity in this second season. Don't worry, we're still going to be enjoying a cold beer with each episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

The season 1 finale of America on Tap is finally upon us. To celebrate this milestone I invited the guests that started it all back on episode 1 – Alejandro and Ryan, to discuss a vital topic: The Midterms. Interested in figuring out why this election seems so important? You're voting but unsure of what's at stake? Want to hear three politically-obsessed friends discuss what could or could not happen on November 6th? Then this is the episode for you! We set the stakes, we dive into the issues that seem to be ripping apart the country and we finish things off with predictions for what the election can bring. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode we take a trip to Madrid and Shanghai to talk to Cathy and Megan, two Americans who decided to take the plunge and move abroad. Their experiences are similar in some ways – they both had a passionate thirst for exploration and discovery but their journey's have shades of interesting differences. Join us for a fascinating conversation figuring out why people leave the comfort of home to the challenge of the unknown, cultural differences and learn about great Spanish and Chinese beers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Some progressive candidates across the nation have managed incredible upsets this primary season, unseating long-term representatives. Why is this happening? Some say progressive ideals are finally catching on with the American mainstream, others say it's a response to President Trump. I invited Rodolfo, Collin and friend of the pod Carmen to discuss if socialism has come to America. Programming Note: Guest opinions are never shared or endorsed by host Juan Franco unless noted. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap I explore the complexity of international students coming to the United States to pursue their education. It's not as easy as getting on a plane and coming over – something my guests Pablo, Juan Fernando and friend of the pod Gill, make clear with their personal narratives. A complicated topic to be sure, but one that needs to be heard by many nevertheless. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap we take a trip south and discover what just happened in Mexico's recent elections. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador – or AMLO as he is commonly known, was the undeniable winner of said elections, but what kind of impact will he have and how exactly did he clinch the presidency? I am joined by my friends Aline, Allan and Carmen – all from different parts of Mexico and different ideologies to discuss this and much more. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap I discuss something everyone seems to want to figure out: millennials. Now, it's mostly because they want to sell us something, but do we as millennials even know what we are? To discuss the impact our generation has on the workplace, what makes us unique and why we have all those #buzzwords, I invited my friend Natasha and my brother Ricardo on the pod. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) comes with its challenges – first of which is to understand what that even means. Being someone that is raised in a country outside of your place of birth and your parents' culture makes you a TCK. Having lived in several different countries, I am without a doubt within that group. It's been a flurry of moving around and figuring out a new culture and society, but a life I would not change for anything. To discuss this experience I bring on my fellow Third Culture Kids, Andrea from Venezuela living in Luxembourg and Gill from Canada living in the United States. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

I seriously can't turn on CNN without someone speculating who the left is going to put up against President Donald Trump in 2020. Pundits on TV and Twitter get paid to share their opinions, which is why I am wondering if the hype matches the reality. Are Americans actually talking about 2020 already? And if so, what are they looking for in terms of candidates? Do they have an early favorite? To discuss this I brought on my two friends, Sydney and Madison who run a feminist-focused online magazine and are both strong Democrats. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap I am joined by my friends Henrik and Agnes – both live in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am not shy about admitting that living in Copenhagen was one of the best times of my life and I was always fascinated as to why. Henrik, Agnes and I discuss how they ended up in Denmark, why it's such a special place (or not?) and explore the best places to hangout in the Danish capital. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

On this episode of America on Tap, I am joined by my good friends, Ryan and Alejandro, to discuss an issue that I can’t seem to get away from: the intensity of the 24/7 news cycle. Your phone is buzzing away with alerts at all times, Twitter is blowing up with every new message from @realDonaldTrump and pundits on tv analyzing every little detail — we can’t seem to get away from it all! So join us for a cold beer, a great conversation and hopefully a chance to detach from batshit crazy news cycle of today. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support

Hey there! Welcome to America on Tap, a weekly podcast discussing the issues affecting my generation, your generation and our neighbor's generation — all while enjoying a cold beer. In this introductory episode I break down why I chose to do this, a bit about me and I discuss some of the topics I want to explore this season. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/america-on-tap/support