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James uses a lager with a lemony flavor as the base for a traditional Mexican-inspired beer cocktail.
Send us Fan MailJenny is the founder of Pasteles Y Más, makes custom cakes in DFW specializing in elevated Mexican-American-inspired desserts. Host Crispin Valentin sits down with Jenny to unpack her full journey — from Mexico City to Los Angeles, culture shock in Rowlett, Texas, at 17, dropping out of nursing school, working her way up through high-end Dallas restaurants, and launching her own business during the pandemic with a newborn at home.Her cakes are edible memories. Bubu Lubu, Lemon Drop, Mixed Berry, and handcrafted mini conchas are all rooted in the flavors of a Mexican-American childhood.This one is for anyone sitting on a dream they haven't started yet.IN THIS EPISODE:— Hot takes: California tacos vs Texas tacos— The first cake at age 7 that started it all— Watching Ace of Cakes at 13 — the aha moment— Dropping nursing school and telling her strict Mexican parents— Sneaking into the back of the house at Suzie Cakes— Landing a job at Nou Dallas despite full imposter syndrome— Two weeks perfecting the Bubu Lubu marshmallow fluff— The secret her conchas have that she refuses to reveal— How delivering a wedding cake confirmed this is her calling
James brews a refreshing lager for summertime with broken sake rice pieces and Lemondrop hops for flavor.
Don sits down with political analyst and friend of the show Mike Nellis to break down the growing wave of high-profile defections from Trump's orbit. Voices like Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Candace Owens, once some of his most vocal supporters, are now publicly distancing themselves from Trump and his policies. So what changed? Is this a temporary break, or the beginning of a deeper fracture within MAGA? And when the loudest supporters start walking away, what does that mean for Trump's grip on the movement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Everyone was surprised last week when Melania Trump made an unexpected announcement, walking out to a podium affixed with The President's Seal. In her roughly 5 minute speech the First Lady denied her well-documented ties with Jeffrey Epstein and claimed that she has never had knowledge of his abuses. Why did she do this now? The president had semi-successfully distracted us from the Epstein files through the war in Iran, so what gives? Enter Amanda Ungaro and Paolo Zampolli. Who are they? What do they have to do with the Trumps and Jeffrey Epstein? Join Don to help shine a light on this wild story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a week, and somehow, it's only getting more chaotic. We're ending on what's being called a “ceasefire” with Iran, but signs are already pointing to it unraveling. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, tensions are still sky-high, and the risk of further escalation hasn't gone anywhere. Back home, Donald Trump is turning his fire inward, launching into a Truth Social tirade against many of his own former supporters. The cracks within his base are getting harder to ignore, and the infighting is getting louder by the day. And then, in a moment that raised more questions than it answered, Melania Trump issued a sudden statement denying any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, a strangely timed move that's only fueling more speculation. What exactly is going on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From the moment Donald Trump threatened to wipe out an entire civilization, something that can only be described as a war crime, the world was once again forced to confront just how dangerous and reckless this moment has become. And then, just as quickly, he backed down. No explanation. No accountability. Just chaos. Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth went on the offensive, lashing out at the press in a move that feels straight out of the authoritarian playbook: discredit the media, deflect from the crisis, and double down on misinformation. All of it points to one unavoidable conclusion, this administration isn't just struggling, it's spiraling. On this week's Saturday Wrap-Up, we break down the dangerous rhetoric, the whiplash policy shifts, and the growing instability at the highest levels of power. Because when the stakes are this high, the chaos isn't just noise, it's a warning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with journalist and friend of the show Ahmed Baba to break down the latest in the Iran crisis as the fragile ceasefire shows signs of falling apart. What was announced as a two-week pause is already being tested by accusations of violations, continued strikes across the region, and major disagreements over what the deal even includes. So where do things actually stand now? And are we already heading back toward escalation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political analyst Mike Nellis to break down the sudden shift in the Iran war, from threats of “annihilation” to a two-week ceasefire announced just hours before a potential strike. But stepping back from the brink doesn't mean things are better. The conflict has already escalated, the global economy has been shaken, and analysts warn the U.S. may now be negotiating from a weaker position than before the war began. So what actually changed and what didn't? Was this de-escalation, or just a pause in a much more dangerous trajectory? And after everything that's happened, are we now in a worse place than when this started? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with Congressman Ro Khanna to break down the fallout from Pam Bondi's firing, and he's not holding back. Khanna says good riddance, arguing that accountability should matter, even at the highest levels of government. What led to this moment, and does it signal real consequences or just another reshuffle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Big Breaking News! Attorney General Pam Bondi is fired. Trump announced today that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, former personal lawyer for Trump, will be acting AG until a new person is selected. Wow! First Kristi Noem and now Pam Bondi. Join Don and Ahmed Baba to discuss this breaking news! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don is joined by freshly independent journalist Scott MacFarlane, formerly of CBS news. Don and Scott talk about a wide variety of topics but you'll want to hear what they have to say about the current legacy media landscape and what the future of journalism, both independent and corporate, will look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with friend of the show and political analyst Mike Nellis to unpack a growing pattern within parts of the MAGA movement where some of the loudest voices policing others' identities are now facing scrutiny of their own. They discuss the culture of projection, the politics of personal identity, and why so many public figures feel compelled to attack others while keeping parts of their own lives hidden. Is it hypocrisy, strategy, or something deeper driving it all? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don breaks down the latest eyebrow-raising reports surrounding Kristi Noem's husband and the questions they raise. While personal lives are just that, personal, Don looks at what's being reported, what's actually verifiable, and whether situations like this could pose potential political or security risks. What's real, what's rumor, and why does it matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is the MAGA movement starting to fracture? Don breaks down the growing divide as once-loyal voices like Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Megyn Kelly begin speaking out, especially over the escalating Iran war. From sharp criticism of U.S. involvement to outright breaks with Trump's agenda, the cracks are getting harder to ignore. What happens when the loudest supporters start turning on the movement, and what does it mean for Trump's grip on MAGA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don breaks down the bizarre and often baffling moments from Trump's latest Cabinet meeting where, instead of focusing on a growing war and economic instability, the conversation veered into rambling tangents, self-praise, and mixed messaging. At the same time, reports suggest Trump is already signaling boredom with the Iran conflict, even as it continues to escalate and drive global economic uncertainty. So what's really going on here? Don unpacks the contradictions, the messaging chaos, and what it says about leadership in a moment that demands anything but distraction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The chaos out of the White House is reaching new levels. Don sits down with journalist and friend of the show Ahmed Baba to break down a Cabinet meeting that felt more like a praise session than governance, the eyebrow-raising moments that followed, and the constant stream of contradictions coming from the administration. As the tone from the top grows more erratic, they ask the bigger question: what does this mean for leadership, and how much longer can this continue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are mainstream news outlets starting to look a lot like podcasters? Don sits down with Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall to unpack the noticeable shift in tone, style, and presentation across traditional media. From looser formats to personality-driven coverage, they discuss whether this evolution is about staying relevant or chasing clicks. What does this mean for credibility, trust, and the future of news? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don is joined by Reuters Chief National Security Reporter Phillip Stewart, Atlantic writer and friend of the show Tom Nichols, and independent reporter Jasper Nathaniel to break down the latest U.S. troop deployments to the Middle East. As tensions with Iran continue to rise, they discuss what this move really signals, whether escalation is inevitable, and how far this crisis could go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with Ibram X. Kendi, renowned author, professor, and leading scholar on race and discriminatory policy in the United States, to discuss his latest book and the ideas shaping this moment. They dive into how “great replacement” theory has been used by authoritarian movements to exploit fear, racism, and division in order to gain and maintain power. From historical context to modern-day politics, the conversation explores how these narratives spread, why they resonate, and the real-world consequences they carry.
Don takes a closer look at the growing disillusionment among some voters who supported Donald Trump expecting relief, change, or opportunity, and instead are facing more hardship. In this video, Don explores the gap between promises and reality, highlighting stories of voters who now feel left behind by policies they once believed would help them.
Don sits down with Mabel Kabani and Wren Woodson of @newsgirls.reports , both former 60 Minutes journalists who left legacy media to build something of their own. They discuss the shifting landscape of mainstream media, the internal changes and pressures at CBS, and why so many journalists are stepping away from traditional outlets. Most importantly, they break down the growing importance of independent media in a time when trust, access, and editorial freedom are all being tested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don reacts to Donald Trump's response to the death of Robert Mueller and calls it exactly what it is: vile, disrespectful, and beneath the office. Instead of showing basic decency for a longtime public servant, Trump chose to attack and celebrate in a moment that should have been about respect and reflection. Don breaks down why this matters, what it says about leadership, and how moments like this reveal the character of those in power. This isn't about politics, it's about basic humanity.
Don sits down with Ambassador John Bolton who served as Trump's national security advisor during his first term. Hear his thoughts on Trump's plan (or lack-thereof) for the war in Iran, Israel's targeting of journalists, Tulsi Gabbard's future in the Trump administration, and Joe Kent's resignation from a top counter-terrorism role.
Don sits down with journalist and friend of the show Ahmed Baba to break down the sheer insanity coming out of Washington right now. From the escalating war with Iran to a struggling economy, the chaos is everywhere, and then came the shocking testimony from Tulsi Gabbard, which appeared to directly undercut Donald Trump's narrative. Don and Ahmed unpack what it all means, why the cracks are getting harder to ignore, and where this all could be heading next.
Donald Trump's unlawful and unnecessary war in Iran has already lead to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, the deaths of over 170 Iranian girls, and hundreds of other deaths in countries throughout the middle east. The war is also causing economic chaos at a global scale. At home, gas prices have skyrocketed 96 cents per gallon since the start of the war, with this number rising almost daily. Don spoke with some Californians to hear what they have to say about the war and it's impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political strategist and friend of the show Mike Nellis to break down a day that somehow managed to be both chaotic and completely absurd.From Markwayne Mullin's tense confirmation hearing to Tulsi Gabbard's eyebrow-raising testimony, the serious cracks inside the administration are getting harder to ignore.And then… there's whatever is happening in right-wing media right now between Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin. Yes, that controversy. You really can't make this stuff up.Don and Mike break it all down, the politics, the dysfunction, and the pure circus of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don is joined by independent reporter Aaron Parnas to discuss the combative Senate confirmation of Markwayne Mullin, the testimony of Tulsi Gabbard, and what we might learn now that Attorney General Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed to appear before a House panel in relation to the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with Steve Schmidt to break down the rapidly escalating situation surrounding the war with Iran and the political shockwaves now hitting Washington. This morning, Joe Kent resigned, reportedly over disagreements with the direction of the war. A MAGA-aligned hardliner stepping down over this conflict raises serious questions about just how far things have gone and how deep the fractures are becoming within Trump's own circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political commentator Adam Mockler to make sense of the absolute chaos dominating today's political landscape. Mockler, a rising Gen-Z voice known for his digital political reporting and commentary with MeidasTouch, brings the perspective of a generation that will soon shape the political future. From Donald Trump's costly and controversial war with Iran to growing infighting inside the MAGA movement, the political circus shows no signs of slowing down. Don and Adam break down the dysfunction, the constant scandals, and why the instability feels endless.
Don sits down with attorney and legal analyst Dina Doll to unpack the latest developments in the escalating war and the disturbing reports of atrocities emerging from the conflict. As the human cost grows, Don and Dina examine the legal and political implications and why so many Americans feel the administration's shifting explanations simply don't add up. They also discuss the growing belief that the sudden escalation overseas is serving as a convenient distraction from the unanswered questions surrounding the Epstein files. Most importantly, Don and Dina break down why accountability matters now more than ever and what it will take to hold lawmakers responsible for misleading the public.
Don sits down with journalist and commentator Ahmed Baba to break down the rapidly escalating war with Iran and the devastating human toll it is taking. They examine the atrocities emerging from the conflict, the growing fears of a prolonged war, and the reality that Iran's new leadership is signaling it has no intention of backing down. How long could this war last? And what happens if neither side is willing to step back? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the conflict with Iran intensifies, Don examines the stark contrast between the families who bear the human cost of war and the political families who seem far removed from it. In a moment demanding sacrifice, who is actually paying the price? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political strategist and friend of the show Mike Nellis to break down the latest chaos coming out of Washington. As the conflict with Iran escalates, the political fallout is growing and the economic consequences are already being felt at home, with rising oil and energy prices threatening to push inflation higher and slow U.S. growth. Don and Mike discuss why the war is proving wildly unpopular with Americans, what it could mean for the economy and the upcoming elections, and whether the administration has any real strategy as the situation spirals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On February 28th the United States and Israel bombed Iran. One tomahawk missile hit a girls' primary school, killing 180 people. Blame over which nation did this has been passed back and forth but the evidence seems clear: Israel and Iran do not have tomahawk missiles, and the United States does. Join Don to break down how Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are trying to explain this horrific strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with activist Elizer Darris for a powerful conversation about the ongoing investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. As questions continue to swirl about accountability, the conversation turns to who should actually be leading these investigations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with journalist and friend of the show Ahmed Baba to break down the bombshell news that Kristi Noem has officially been fired. After that disastrous testimony and days of political fallout, “ICE Barbie” has finally been shown the door by Donald Trump. But the real question now: who's next? Could Pam Bondi be the next name on the chopping block? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political strategist and friend of the show Mike Nellis to break down the biggest headlines of the day. From the escalating crisis in Iran following strikes ordered by Donald Trump, to the surprising Texas primary win by James Talarico, to the unhinged congressional testimony from Kristi Noem, Don and Mike connect the dots on what it all means for American politics right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
INTRO (00:24): Kathleen opens the show drinking a Flash Cat Imperial IPA from Creature Comforts Brewing Company in Athens, GA. She reviews her weekend in Huntsville, AL and Atlanta, eating breakfast at an iconic Waffle House and hanging out with Weather Channel pals backstage. TOUR NEWS: See Kathleen live on her “Day Drinking Tour.” TASTING MENU (3:42): Kathleen samples Paul Thomas Chocolate, Chinook Seedery Jalapeno Ranch Sunflower Seeds, and Cheetos Baked Not Fried Crunchy Cheese Snacks. COURT NEWS (22:00): Kathleen shares news about Martha Stewart's new ambassadorship with Kohler and Dolly pledges to be at the opening day of Dollywood's 2026 season. HOLLYBOBBY (28:36): HollyBobby provides the latest news in Hollywood. UPDATES (42:50) : Kathleen shares updates on the new Louve Director, Southwest Airlines bans seat switching, the first sporting event to be held at The Sphere is announced, Sarah Ferguson has been spotted in a wellness retreat, FRONT PAGE PUB NEWS (17:58): Kathleen shares articles on Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the cartel names El Mencho's replacement, a Waymo robotaxi blocks EMS responding to a mass shooting, inside the villa where El Mencho spent his final days, Metallica announces a Vegas Sphere residency, a tour guide is arrested for drawing on a 4,000 year old pyramid, a martini is found in an elementary student's lunchbox, the worst drivers by state are listed,Uber Air is launching in the Emirates, and the Fairmont in Dubai combats unfair tourist reviews after they are hit by missiles. HOLY SHIT THEY FOUND IT (1:03:59): Kathleen reads about a confirmed jaguarundi sighting in Texas. WHAT ARE WE WATCHING (1:25:04): Kathleen recommends watching “Love Story” on FX, and “Death By Lightening” on Netflix. SAINT OF THE WEEK (1:29:09): Kathleen reads about Julian of Norwich. FEEL GOOD STORY (1:22:21): Kathleen shares a story about Indiana and Michigan allowing people to pay parking tickets by donating cat and dog food to local shelters.
Don is joined by friend of the show Dr. Frita Fisher to take a closer look at something the White House would probably prefer we ignore, a visible rash that recently appeared on Donald Trump's neck. What is it? A harmless skin irritation? Stress? A reaction? Or something more? While no one is diagnosing from a distance, Dr. Frita breaks down the possibilities and explains what kinds of conditions can cause rashes like that, especially in older adults under intense stress. Because for someone who repeatedly claims to be in “perfect health,” the optics raise questions. How transparent should presidents be about their medical status? And why does health disclosure suddenly become controversial depending on who's in office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with Congressman Ro Khanna to break down today's biggest stories facing our country. First, they unpack the escalating situation in Iran after the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, a conflict that has already killed Americans, drawn retaliation across the region, and left lawmakers deeply divided over war powers and executive authority. Then, the conversation shifts to the Epstein files, where unanswered questions remain about transparency, accountability, and powerful individuals tied to the scandal. Finally, Don and Khanna dive into today's Senate grilling of Kristi Noem, a hearing marked by repeated challenges to her leadership and calls for accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with journalist John Harwood for a candid conversation about the escalating attacks on the free press by Donald Trump and what it means for journalism in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with friend of the show Dr. Frita to break down the confirmation hearing for Casey Means, President Donald Trump's pick for Surgeon General. Means lacks the traditional public health leadership experience typically associated with the role and her rhetoric echoes the anti-vaccine positions popularized by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. What could this nomination mean for vaccine guidance, public trust in medicine, and the overall health of the country? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
THE FANTASTIC POUR Brett welcomes The Monitor Tapes' DC Dave to the Fantasti-Lounge for a new edition of the Fantastic Pour as we talk Superman in the Silver Age! We enjoy a Lemon Drop Martini and read Action Comics #335. Join us in the Fantasti-Lounge as we discuss: Did Superman break the bro code? Re-starting the universe. Practical types of Kryptonite. And much, much more! Secret Pour-igins: Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail: Lemony Luthor Ingredients (per drink): 2 oz vodka of choice 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/4 oz simple syrup 1 twist of lemon Sugar rim 1/2 cup granulated sugar Zest from 1 lemon Instructions Add sugar to a plate, then add zest of a lemon into the sugar and rub into the sugar with your fingers until tinted yellow and fragrant Moisten the rim of a chilled martini glass with the juiced lemon, rim the glass with lemon sugar and set aside Fill shaker with ice Add vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker Shake well and strain into martini glass Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy Comic: Action Comics Vol.1 #335, DC Comics, 1966 Have a question or comment? E-MAIL: fwpodcasts@gmail.com You can find The Fantastic Pour on these platforms: Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify The Fantastic Pour podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK: Fire & Water website: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com Fire & Water Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Fire & Water on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fireandwaterpodcast Fire & Water on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fwpodcasts.bsky.social Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Use our HASHTAG online: #FWPodcasts DC Dave is the co-host of the Monitor Tapes. Listen here: https://brickcrisis.com/
Don takes a look at Donald Trump's long-documented habit of calling reporters while pretending to be someone else, often a supposed spokesperson singing Trump's praises. Don breaks down the recordings, the reporting, and the implications of a public figure allegedly using fake names to shape his own media narrative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with political strategist and friend of the show Mike Nellis to break down the blockbuster ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States blocking Donald Trump's tariffs as illegal. After repeatedly declaring he could impose them unilaterally “because I'm the president,” Trump has now been handed a sharp constitutional rebuke, and he's not taking it well.
Don sits down with Congressman Eric Swalwell for a candid conversation about the state of the nation and the growing concerns surrounding attacks on the free press. They discuss the broader implications of Donald Trump and MAGA's actions toward journalists, what it means for democratic institutions, and why protecting the First Amendment is essential in moments of political tension. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Don sits down with Jim Acosta to break down the Trump administration's escalating war on journalism. From revoking press credentials to pursuing charges against reporters, the message to the media seems clear: fall in line or face consequences.