Hellbent

It's impeachment o'clock, motherfuckers.

Devon and Varsha discuss the SCOTUS ruling that effectively cancels asylum in the United States. They also discuss Kavanaugh and the in-depth reporting about one of his accusers, Debbie Ramirez 

Devon and Varsha discuss Comic Con, racist tweets by Trump (shock!) and the "send her back" chant. They also talk about immigration policy at large, ICE's latest attempt to circumvent due process and the contrast to the patriarchy's obsession with due process for rich white men. There are a few SPOILERS (from Devon's time a Comic Con) Captain Marvel SPOILER: 9:50-10:34 Endgame SPOILER: 12:57-13:27 So SKIP those parts if you haven't seen the movies!

Devon and Varsha discuss the atrocities being committed against migrants at the southern US border. They discuss important historical context and how this has become a concerted ethnic cleansing effort against migrants. They also analyze congress' response to the issue and how we as a country can mitigate ongoing damage from this horrific situation.

Devon and Varsha discuss the humanitarian crisis at the border and the 6 children who have died as a result of ICE and Border Patrol. They also discuss impeachment, Nancy Pelosi, and why there is hope for the future. 

Devon and Varsha are back after a brief unplanned hiatus to discuss the litany of bullshit abortion laws going on the book in red states, ikncluding the freshly-passed steaming pile of garbage that was just passed in the Alabama state senate.

Devon and Varsha discuss NOT the Mueller report, but Attorney General William Barr's 4 page word vomit ABOUT the Mueller report. Varsha sits down with Kaitlin Byrd, aka GothamGirlBlue, to discuss the Aunt Becky college admission scandal and 2020 politics. THIS IS OUR LONGEST EPISODE TO DATE AND WE CUT MOST OF THE KAITLIN BYRD INTERVIEW. If you'd like to hear the whole Kaitlin Byrd interview, which we HIGHLY recommend, you can find it on http://www.patreon.com/HellbentPodcast on the feed for our $5/mo subscribers. Follow Kaitlin Byrd @GothamGirlBlue https://twitter.com/gothamgirlblue

Varsha interviews Kaytlin Bailey, comedian, podcaster on The Oldest Profession Podcast, and the communications director for Decriminalize Sex Work. She is also a sex worker herself. They discuss the history of sex work, current laws that hurt sex workers and Pretty Woman. This is one of Devon's favorite interviews ever on this show. You can follow Kaytlin @kaytlinbailey https://twitter.com/kaytlinbailey Listen to Kaytlin's podcast The Oldest Profession wherever you get your podcasts.

Devon and Varsha discuss Beto entering the 2020 race, Ilhan Omar's antisemetic remarks and the devastating terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand that left 50 dead and injured 50 more.

Devon and Varsha discuss HHS's new rule that prohibits Title X funding recipient (aka Planned Parenthood) from even REFERRING their patients for abortions - they have put a domestic gag rule in place. They also yell about the Michael Cohen House Oversight Committee testimony and the racism faced by congresswomen there.

Devon and Varsha discuss a horrible proposed bill in Arkansas, another white men who was plotting a domestic terrorist attack, and Bernie Sanders' announcement that he will seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, despite not being a Democrat.

Devon and Varsha sit down with Charlotte Clymer, Press Secretary of Rapid Response for the Human Rights Campaign. She is also a prolific and insightful political commentator and the coolest person you can follow on Twitter. Join them for an "audio brunch," in which they bitch about the ongoing dumpster fire that is the Commonwealth of Virginia, the slate of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, and how Twitter is shaping politics and policy. There is also lots of swearing. Follow Charlotte @cmclymer - https://twitter.com/cmclymer Follow Devon @DevonHandy - https://twitter.com/DevonHandy Follow Varsha @_varsha_venkat - https://twitter.com/_varsha_venkat

Devon and Varsha respond to the State of the Union address. They were not impressed. Varsha's interview with Ian Millhiser coming shortly!

Varsha interview scholar and historian Erin Bartram about sexism, racism and other sins in academia. They also discuss Erin's new magazine, Contingent. It's a glorious nerd-out about what it's like to work in academia when history has never been more important. Follow Erin: https://twitter.com/erin_bartram Follow Contingent Magazine: https://twitter.com/contingent_mag

Devon and Varsha discuss the racist and homophobic attack on actor Jussie Smollett, the misinformation in the bullshit "late term" abortion debate and the growing slate of 2020 Democratic party presidential hopefuls. Again. This primary may kill your hosts.

Devon and Varsha discuss the government shutdown, the UNKNOWN number of children that have been taken from their parents at the border and other stories that flew under the radar while the government closed for a RECORD SETTING 35 days. They spend some time reveling in the fact that Nancy Pelosi saved the goddamned day.

Devon and Varsha discuss the rapidly developing Democratic field of 2020 presidnetal candidates, the destructive and ongoing Trump Shutdown and marginal tax rates.

Devon and Varsha discuss the Trump Game of Thrones poster, newly-elected HBIC Nancy Pelosi, and the Trump administration's newest attempt at rolling back and getting rid of civil rights laws and regulations. Feels good to be back!

Devon and Varsha discuss ICE, Republian power grabs in Wisconsin and Michigan, and the hot fucking mess that is Trump's trade policy.

Devon and Varsha get a little tipsy and discuss the Mueller Russia invstigation and Melania Trump's murder forest.

Devon and Varsha discuss Trump firing tear gas into a crowd of migrants at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the sexist smear machine that is starting up for the 2020 presidential election.

Devon and Varsha discuss the arrests of undocumented immigrants trying to sponsor migrant children at the border and the sexism surrounding Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez.

Devon and Varsha discuss Trump's lack of respect for the military and the dangerous threats to democracy creeping up in the wake of the 2018 Midterm elections. Our sponsor this week is giving away FREE birth control prescriptions. Go to http://www.simplehealth.com/hellbent or use promo code hellbent at check out to get a free prescription of birth control.

Devon and Varsha discuss midterm election results and the one and only Nancy Pelosi.

For our final episode, Devon sits down with EMILY's List executive director Emily Cain to discuss this historic midterm election cycle, and where we are all headed next. Thank you to everyone for joining us on this 10 week journey. If you want to run, please visit emilyslist.org and sign up! You never know what you can do until you try. Here's to an amazing Election Day, and remember: no matter what happens, we've done something amazing. The sea change is already upon us.

For their final episode, Devon and Marisa discuss how to take good care of yourself on election, how they've personally crushed the midterms, and they invited some friends and colleagues to share how they have crushed the midterms this cycle. It's an inspiring pep rally for you to use as a sound track to casting your ballot on this historic day. Thank you so much for listening on this INCREDIBLE journey. Now get out there and VOTE! --------- Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Varsha sits down with author Rebecca Traister to discuss her new book, Good and Mad, which seeks to understand women's rage in the political space. 

Devon sits down with Arizona Attorney General candidate January Contreras and New Mexico congressional candidate Deb Haaland to talk about what it's like to be Women of Color running in this election and why their voices are more important and necessary than ever. Learn more about January Contreras at januaryforaz.com/ Follow her @JanuaryAZ Learn more about Deb Haaland at debforcongress.com/ Follow her @Deb4CongressNM

Devon sits down with Michigan gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Secretary of State candidate Jocelyn Benson to talk about Michigan's all-female state wide ticket for this year's midterm elections.  Learn more about Gretchen Whitmer at gretchenwhitmer.com/ Follow her @gretchenwhitmer Learn more about Jocelyn Benson at votebenson.com Follow her @JocelynBenson

Devon and Marisa discuss voter suppression and the fear mongering being employed by Trump in these last days until the Midterms. They are joined by Constitutional lawyer Angelo Guisado, who explains what Trump can and cannot do and how voter suppression works. Follow Angelo Guisado @VoltaireLaFlare --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon and Varsha discuss the anti-Semitic massacre of 11 Jewish people at a Synagogue, bombs sent via the mail to Democratic leadership, and Trump's refusal to acknowledge either tradgedy, in favor of pushing racist rhetoric about the caravan of migrants heading towards the United States.

Devon and Varsha discuss Jamal Khashoggi, the Trump administration's false panic over a caravan of migrants, and the attempt to erase trans identities.

Devon and Marisa discuss everyone's favorite topic: money! They dive into why candidates need to fundraise so much, where your money goes when you donate and what reforms for campaign finance could look like. They sit down with NY-02 candidate Liuba Gretchen Shirley, who earlier this year petitioned the FEC to allow her to use campaign funds for childcare. Follow Luiba Gretchen Shirley @liuba4congress Learn about her campaign at liubaforcongress.com/ --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon sits down with Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. They discuss voting rights, failure and the importance of democracy. Learn more about Stacey Abrams at staceyabrams.com/ Follow Stacey @StaceyAbrams

In this very special episode, Devon and Varsha get tipsy together on a Friday night to make fun of Ted Cruz and discuss their shared love of John Cho. Varsha comes up with an excellent nickname for Brett Fucking Kavanaugh. Please be advised: we aired this show live and it has been left largely unedited.

Devon and Marisa discuss networks, community and how reaching out can lead to real wins in the midterm elections. They sit down with the Political Director of The National Domestic Worker's Alliance, Jess Morales Rocketto and dive into what community means and what community can do for all of us. Follow Jess @JessLivMo --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon and Varsha discuss voter suppression tactics being used by the GOP across the country, but focused particularly in the South. They also talk about Elizabeth Warren and Republicans who lie about wanting to protect healthcare. Get inovlved in a campaign near you! Go to SwingLeft - http://www.swingleft.org/hellbent and get connected to volunteers working to make a difference in the midterm elections.

Devon sits down with La'Tasha D. Mayes, Executive Director of New Voices for Reproductive Justice. They discuss wholistic health of Black women, femmes, and girls and the danger that someone like Kavanuagh presents to that mission. La'Tasha also explains why this work is so hard and the pain and suffering we can expect. Fortunately for us, she hasn't quit to become a DJ yet.

Devon sits down with Gina Ortiz Jones (TX-23) to discuss immigration, crafting a narrative, and the importance of accurately representing your constituents. She recounts her own story of being the daughter of an immigrant and the profound affect that experience has had on her. Learn more about Gina Ortiz Jones at ginaortizjones.com/ Follow Gina @ginaortizjones

Devon and Marisa discuss polling, data, and what to make of contradictory polls. They speak with Rachel Bitecofer, Assistant Director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University. She takes us through how to look at and analyze polls and get the most out of polling without making yourself panic. Follow Rachel @RachelBitecofer --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon and Varsha discuss Kavanaugh's confirmation, DHS's refusal to take responsibility for the children they took from their parents at the border, and a cruel new State Department policy.

Devon and Varsha discuss the Kavanaugh hearing and the depth of women's rage.

Devon sits down with Cindy Axne (IA-03), Betsy Dirksen Londrigan (OH-13) & Dr. Kayser Enneking (FL State Senate-08) to discuss a signature Democratic issue: healthcare. With their own personal stories about their interactions with the healthcare system, each candidate tells her story about how she wants to make affordable healthcare accessible to all. ---------------------------- Learn more about Cindy Axne at cindyaxneforcongress.com Follow her @Axne4Congress ------------ Learn more about Betsy Dirksen Londrigan at betsydirksenlondrigan.com/ Follow her @BetsyforIL ------------ Learn more about Dr. Kayser Enneking at ennekingforflorida.com/

Devon and Marisa discuss ballot measures and the importance of researching what will be on the ballot beyond the candidates. Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo joins to shed some light on the process and give guidance on how to research what will be on your state's ballot. Follow Chris @Fieldsy Follow BISC @BallotStrategy --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon and Varsha discuss migrant children being taken from foster care homes and sent to tent cities in the middle of the night, more Kavanaugh bullshit and Trump's BANANANANAS press conferences.  Please visit our sponsors: Brooklinen - get $20 off AND free shipping on the most comfortable sheets we've ever had (Varsha is obsessed) http://www.brooklinen.com and use promo code hellbent SwingLeft - sign up to volunteer and help save our democracy. Go to http://www.swingleft.org/hellbent to get connected to volunteers in your area to help out in crucial swing districts in your state.

Devon and Marisa discuss threats to democracy and the importance of voting. Devon sits down with author, scholar and expert on authoritarianism, Sarah Kenzior to discuss the structural and societal issues surrounding the right to vote. Follow Sarah @sarahkendzior --------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas

Devon sits down with Rebecca Bauer Kahan (CA-Assembly District 16) and Liuba Grechen Shirley (NY-02) to discuss why they chose to run, how their campaigns have changed since they made that decision and what their kids think about them running for office. They talk about the wide range of issues facing their districts and how they plan to solve as many problems as possible once elected. Learn more about Rebecca Bauer Kahan at rebeccabauerkahan.com/ Follow her @RBKforAssembly Learn more about Liuba Grechen Shirley at liubaforcongress.com/ Follow her @liuba4congress

Devon and Varsha spend the entire hour talking about the allegations against SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh. They give historical context for what is going on, as well as a break down of the right's attempt to discredit the survivors and invalidate their experiences.  TW/CW: Explicit discusson of sexual harassment and sexual abuse.

Devon and Varsha discuss missing immigrant children, undocumented immigrants' fears about seeking help during Hurricane Florence, and Trump's deregulation spree. Varsha conducts her first-ever interview with historian Dr. Nicole Hemmer. They discuss conservative media, white nationalism and the importance of histoical analysis, not just historical analogies.

Devon sits down with Delegate Hala Ayala (VA) and Emma Collum (FL-State House 93) to discuss the importance of local politics and why, in some ways, local policies are even more powerful than federal ones. Learn more about Delegate Ayala at ayalafordelegate.com Follow her @halaayala Learn more about Emma Collum at emmacollum.com Follow her @collum_emma

Devon and Marisa discuss the importance of local elections and some tips on how to find about the lesser known races in your area. They sit down with flippable CEO Catherine Vaughan to talk about challenges local candidates face and solutions to some of those problems. Follow flippable @flippable_org Follow Catherine @cv0 -------- Please remember to rate and subscribe to Hellbent Presents: Crush the Midterms so you don't miss a single call to action or conversation about the importance of getting involved in the 2018 midterm elections.  Crush the Midterms is on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon @DevonHandy Follow Marisa @MarisaKabas