Bay Area writer Kevin Nguyen and educator Minh Nguyen fill you in on the biggest stories about the community, politics, civic engagement and everything in between.
Goodbye for now friends! Join the guys as they give one final toast to the TCM community and share some stories with listeners.
In this penultimate episode, the guys do a final debrief on Minh's election; look through some of the remaining results from the midterms; and chat about why it seems like every major tech company is collapsing at the same time.
Hello! It's been two days since the polls have closed — and while the votes are still being counted — the picture is starting to come into focus: Dems have seemingly blocked the vaunted “Red Wave” and Trumpism lost. Plus, the guys reflect on Minh's first run for school board and other storylines and trends across the country.
Happy Halloween! The guys sort through the scary campaign mailers and newspaper editorials so you don't have to! They go over the major statewide Props and discuss notable races across the state and country. Then, there's the attack at Nancy Pelosi's house; Chief Twit Elon; and more.
Kevin and Minh walk you through the timeline of events that brought Liz Truss's sudden resignation as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after only 44 days in office. They talk about the themes of conservative politics, tax-cuts and what to make of Rishi Sunak. Then, they talk about the temporary blocking of Joe Biden's student debt forgiveness plan, which has already received over 22 million applicants.
Kevin and Minh dive into what to make of the Los Angeles City Council scandal involving a leaked audio recording of three of its Latinx members using racist terms and language. They talk about it means for identity politics and the Democratic party moving forward. Then, with the election less than two weeks away, the guys talk about some notable races around the country where Trump-ian candidates such as Herschel Walker and Dr. Oz are the latest litmus test for that brand of politics.
Back from our brief hiatus! Kevin and Minh talk about the latter's run for public office this November. They discuss what it's like to go through the system and experience that world for the first time, as well as other lessons learned. Then, they briefly touch on the state of the nation and world: Biden moving on weed, Hurricane Ian, protests in Iran, and more.
Kevin and Minh are joined by the wonderful Jana Kadah to discuss her coverage of the mayoral race between Cindy Chavez and Matt Mahan. Her recap of their recent debate can be read here, her story on a house hit by cars 23 times here, and her feature on the “Silver Tsunami” here. -- Then, the guys look into a listener's question about how victims of police violence are paid when a court rules in their favor (46:50). Finally, as advertised last week, the guys chat about ‘Five Days at Memorial,” an eight episode series on AppleTV about Hurricane Katrina (1:00:00).
Kevin and Minh dive into what recent news about deportation, cash bail, and yes, even the television show, say about the state of the nation's attitudes towards public safety. Read: Josie Huang's story in LAist about deportations and the VISION Act.
Kevin and Minh dive into the San Jose mayoral race, where two candidates are trying to differentiate themselves in a “blue” town. They also talk about the recent 49ers/Santa Clara showdown and what CARE Courts mean for the state.
Kevin and Minh react to Joe Biden's recent announcement that he will use executive action to tackle student loans. Then, they discuss what to make of yet another terrible killing of an Asian woman in Oakland. Finally, they examine governor Newsom's decision not to sign SB 57, the safe injection sites pilot bill. Check out Anita Chabria's (LATimes) coverage of sites here.
Kevin and Minh dive into what to make of the FBI raiding Donald Trump's Mar A Lago residence. Is it a big deal? Does it feel like it? Why? Then, they discuss what Afghanistan, Myanmar and Taiwan might say about U.S. foreign policy in 2022.
Kevin and Minh dive into a Bloomberg report which found that media mentions of violent crime (in New York) greatly outweighed the number of incidents. Then, they catch up on other news: Manchin sort of comes around… SF School Board drama AGAIN… and R.I.P. to Bill Russell & Nichelle Nichols
Hello from the two capitals! Kevin and Minh discuss Viet Thanh Nguyen's (no relation) essay on asking “What About?” in a time where support for Ukraine and the denunciation of Russia is bipartisan. Then, they discuss police tactics often deemed “the price of doing business,” and why a city in California has them rethinking car-culture.
California has been zigging while SCOTUS alienates and the federal government is oftentimes stuck on the biggest issues. Kevin and Minh Nguyen parse through recent laws and initiatives passed regarding public medicine, healthcare, housing and guns to think about what's meaningful and what this could mean for a country searching for political answers.
Live from D.C. (sort of) - Kevin and Minh Nguyen survey the homelessness/unhoused crisis across Northern California and talk about what the state and major cities are doing. They also chat broadly about a summer of suffering worldwide and San Francisco's new interim DA.
Kevin and Minh reconvene to talk about a busy, awful week that saw the Supreme Court end Roe v Wade; reverse key gun control laws; side with prayer at school; and limiting what federal agencies (i.e. EPA) can do. They discuss what to make of so much settled law getting swept away in such a short amount of time. Then, the guys chat about ‘We Own This City.' Help those in need, give to: abortionfunds.org/funds/
Kevin and Minh Nguyen sit down with Jana Kadah, city hall reporter for San Jose Spotlight, who helps them unpack how Tuesday's primary elections went and what it could mean for the future of the city/county (2:54). Then, the guys are joined by Lloyd Alaban, where they dive deeper into the District Attorney races that some are claiming to be a referendum on criminal justice reform. They chat about how crime is covered by the media and how public perceptions (and policy) can be shaped (40:00). Finally, the two cohosts reflect on 100 episodes and two years worth of conversations (1:35:00) Follow @Jana_Kadah & @lloydalaban
Kevin and Minh Nguyen sit down again with Sajid Khan, a public defender running for Santa Clara County District Attorney, where the incumbent has run unopposed for 12 years. They talk about how the race has evolved in light of renewed pressure on crime reduction and how progressive ideas are being debated. To learn more about Sajid's campaign, visit VoteSajid.com
A gunman killing 21 people, including 19 kids, at a school with guns he legally obtained is tragically not a unique occurrence in the United States. Kevin and Minh Nguyen look into what can be garnered from an open-source database of mass shootings compiled by Mother Jones and break down some research on how the next mass shooting can be stopped.
After the previous weekend brought about another string of horrific mass shootings (Buffalo, Dallas and Orange County), Kevin and Minh continue talking about what it all means and what can be done. They interview Melissa Montenegro, an associate at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP, the law firm currently representing the city of San Jose against all legal seeking to invalidate its recently passed gun ordinance (11:20 - 41:15). *Disclaimer* Melissa's appearance on this podcast does not mean that she endorses any of its views or opinions. The interview was for informational purposes only.
In light of the bombshell leak of the Supreme Court's draft majority opinion on abortion, Kevin and Minh Nguyen try to cut through some of the noise and talk about what happened and what's really at stake. Then, Lloyd Alaban joins the guys to remember Norm Mineta, an Asian-American and San Jose political icon, who passed away at the age of 90 this week (35:05).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about how the recent nurses strikes fit into the larger conversation about labor, capitalism and “The Great Resignation.” Then, they touch on what to make of Elon Musk buying Twitter, and revisit the Ukraine war two months after Russia's mass invasion. *Here's why hospital nurses, the pandemic's ‘health care heroes,' are so ticked off *UCSF Official report on impact of COVID-19 on Nursing workforce * “Nursing Homes Are in Crisis. We Can't Look Away Any Longer.” *I'm a Nurse at a Stanford Hospital. I'm Burned Out, Fed Up, and Ready to Strike. *Why my fellow nurses and I are ready to strike at Stanford Hospital
The recent end of the airplane/transit mask mandate was another watershed(ish) moment in the pandemic in the U.S. On the other hand, images from Shanghai paint an entirely opposite picture of a country still executing a zero-COVID policy. Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about both approaches and what to make of it all.
In light of the Brooklyn subway and downtown Sacramento mass shootings, Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the ramifications of these latest episodes in a year where the media and public are debating crime, race and policing. Then, maybe connected to all of this is record-high inflation in the U.S.
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the significance of Amazon's first unionized warehouse in Staten Island (NY) and what it means for the modern labor movement (7:30). Then, they look into the details of the House recently passing bills regarding the cost of insulin and decriminalizing marijuana (35:50).
Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings, book bans and even “don't say gay.” Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about how Critical Race Theory has transformed into a culture war and explore who wields it, and for what purposes (15:20).
March 16 coincidentally represents a couple of new-lows for racialized violence in U.S. history involving “Asians.” Kevin and Minh reflect on where “Asian Americans” fit in the current discourse about race one year after the Atlanta Spa Shootings and the start of the popular “Stop AAPI Hate” movement.
Kevin and Minh follow up on some major developments from the invasion of Ukraine. They talk about getting up to speed on the history of the region; the global community's reaction; and the detrimental effect the war is having on other pressing issues such as the climate. Then, the guys go over the ongoing Cain Velasquez story, where the MMA legend and former UFC champion was arrested and is currently detained for attempted murder. The details of his case have shined a new light on incarceration and criminal justice reform (40:00). Look into different ways to help Ukrainians or Russian protesters in need here.
Kevin and Minh Nguyen chat about processing the Russian invasion of Ukraine through a critical examination of the military industrial complex.
Kevin and Minh are joined by friend of the show, journalist and writer Lloyd Alaban to get the latest pulse on politics in Silicon Valley. They talk about how the pivotal 2022 elections are shaping up and discuss where they think the political winds are blowing. Later, they also touch on the situation in Ukraine, and track the fallout from the SF school board recall. Follow Lloyd on Twitter: @lloydalaban
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about recent and past events where Asian Americans have organized: recently, for the infamous San Francisco School Board recall election and also for the continued attacks and violence against members in the community (16:45). They also break down “Down a Dark Stairwell,” a documentary by Ursula Liang that chronicles what happened when a Chinese American cop killed an innocent Black man in New York. It follows both Black and Asian communities in the aftermath of that crime (31:36).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the "Jan. 6th-ish" vibes of the "trucker" protests in Canada and the motivations behind them. They also talk about the death of Amir Locke who was killed by police in Minneapolis (19:47); GOP chaos and musical chairs (43:14); and why the vote on single-payer healthcare died in deep blue California (50:07). Full video of Minneapolis press conference on Amir Locke: here Tom Brady song: here
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the passing of Thích Nhất Hạnh, a legendary figure in mainstream Buddhism and Vietnamese history. They also talk about U.S. politicians buying/selling stocks (24:10); major news in San Jose including: nation's first gun legislation of its kind, a new jail, and the political hot-stove (37:40). Lastly, a quick look at the U.S.-Ukraine-Russia timeline (53:10).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the tragic death of Michelle Go. Then, the guys discuss the memeification of MLK and how the battle for Voting Rights is still playing out 55 years after his death; and a quick word on tests coming to a mailbox nearest you (20:35).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen make sense of continued fallout of the Omicron surge in the U.S. They talk about how the latest science shows encouraging signs but how systems continue to buckle due to strain. The guys also talk about what the past can teach us about blaming teachers' unions for student learning loss during natural disasters. Then (30:54), the guys catch up on California's loaded spending budget; Biden's speech on Voting Rights in Atlanta; and reminisce about the legendary career of Bob Saget, who passed away at the age of 65.
Positive tests and no contingency plans. Kevin and Minh Nguyen explore how the latest Omicron surge is affecting the nation's reopening plans and return from the holiday break. Minh explains how positive tests are affecting his school and the guys talk about other trends such as testing shortages, confusing guidelines and political will. Then, the guys catch up on Jan 6th a year later; crime data vs fear; and the Elizabeth Holmes and Ghislaine Maxwell's verdicts (40:50).
Kevin and Minh are joined by Sajid Khan, a public defender in San Jose, who is running a progressive campaign for Santa Clara District Attorney in 2022. They talk about the state of the criminal justice system, police accountability, the root causes of harm, and society's capacity to change. To learn more about Sajid, please visit: votesajid.com Also, follow him on Twitter and Instagram @ thesajidakhan
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about how the country is processing the current Omicron variant, which has spread quickly around the world and sending communities into retreat. Then, the guys cover the latest Democrat messaging debate (31:00) and how many local governments have turned back towards re-funding the police in response to crime (46:35).
Kevin speaks with investigative journalist Ethan Gregory Dodge about the expansion of surveillance technology in law enforcement, which has recently been approved in light of the viral robberies in the Bay Area (19:36). Then, Kevin and Minh Nguyen also unpack the latest hysteria around inflation; accusations of an alleged “anti-police” brunch restaurant in SF; and Trump's dizzying media tour. Follow Ethan on Twitter and Instagram @ egd_io
Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about Joe Biden's low approval ratings. The thinking was that Democrats just needed to deliver policy victories, so what gives??? Then, the guys talk about the reactions to the recent string of organized robberies and gun violence that is gripping the Bay Area (41:56).
Before breaking for Thanksgiving, Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk about the booster shot dilemma phase of the pandemic; the truth behind the recall of DA Chesa Boudin (15:50); Kenosha outside of the Rittenhouse verdict (33:35); and John Oliver's “Union Busting” segment (46:41). Please visit: www.justiceforjuliusjones.com
Kevin and Minh Nguyen discuss the Democrats' decision to split Biden's agenda and pass the traditional infrastructure bill without their other, more ambitious “safety net” one. Then, the guys reflect on the separate trials of the killers of Ahmaud Arbery and that of Kyle Rittenhouse, whose incidents sandwiched the George Floyd murder during the season of protest in 2020.
Kevin and Minh Nguyen recap Tuesday's nationwide elections and break down the overreactions and takeaways heading into the 2022 midterms. Then, the guys discuss Colin Kaepernick's new Netflix show “Colin in Black and White” (53:40).
The guys discuss the muddy waters of racial discourse at educational institutions. Minh recounts a candid conversation he had with students at his high school and Kevin talks about his reporting on a community college ousting its minority president amidst talks of advancing equity. Then, the guys check in on national news. They reflect on the state of American politics 1 year after the November election; the Great Resignation; and the Facebook Papers (32:46)
This week, Kevin and Minh Nguyen help you parse through what the “Great Resignation” and nationwide labor strikes have been about. Hint: It's certainly not about entitlement (10:35)!!! Then, the guys talk about the tedious, unsexy work of redistricting, which will inevitably stick people with leaders they didn't ask for and vice versa (51:23).
In light of the Facebook Whistleblower story shining a new light on an old topic, Kevin and Minh Nguyen discuss misinformation in immigrant diaspora communities again. John Oliver's Last Week Tonight Segment Found Here In Quick Hits - the guys cover the Kyrie Irving versus mandate saga; the Jon Gruden email fiasco; Texas versus Federal Government; Ethnic Studies in High School; a 3-way DA race in Silicon Valley; and ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome' (21:35).
On the theme of gambling - Kevin and Minh Nguyen talk through the recent decisions U.S. politicians have made regarding not blocking the next debt ceiling vote, to reports that Biden has decided to scale back his agenda. Then, the guys parse through the fallout of the major Facebook Whistleblower story that broke over the weekend (29:30).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen discuss the double whammy facing Democrats at the US Capital: yet another potential government shutdown and salvaging Biden's agenda before time runs out. Then, Kevin chats with reporter Lloyd Alaban from San Jose Spotlight about the upcoming 2022 mayoral race in San Jose now that the major candidates have announced their runs (33:05). Follow Lloyd's work @lloydalaban
Kevin and Minh Nguyen break down the latest set of housing bills signed by Governor Newsom aimed at addressing the State's housing crisis and curtailing “NIMBYs.” Then, the guys talk about some recent developments in American foreign policy: Biden's address to the UN; a botched airstrike in Afghanistan; the Haitian refugee crisis; and AUKUS (34:12).
Kevin and Minh Nguyen dive into the aftermath of the CA Recall Election now that the race has effectively been called. They talk about prominent narratives; the recall process unique to CA; and takeaways from the landslide result. Then, reporter Vicente Vera joins the show to chat about the trial of Elizabeth Holmes, which he is covering in San Jose. Holmes is indicted on wire fraud and conspiracy charges as a result of her involvement with her now defunct company Theranos (42:35). Follow Vicente on IG: vicentejosevera or on Twitter: vicentejvera
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