In this episode, Paige sits down with Cait Conley, a veteran, national security expert, and candidate for New York’s 17th congressional district, currently represented by Mike Lawler. Cait discusses the urgent need for government to deliver real results for everyday Americans, focusing on economic stability, family well-being, and restoring trust in public service. Drawing on her leadership experience in high-pressure national security roles, she makes the case for pragmatic, people-centered solutions that put American families first.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack  Learn more about Paige     Cait's website: https://caitconley.com/ Donate to Cait: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/conley-web Cait's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitconley Cait's Twitter: https://x.com/CaitforNewYork Cait's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitConleyforNY/  

In this episode, social workers Chelsea Laliberte Barnes and Chante Gamby unpack the realities of the fentanyl crisis, exploring how public health, politics, and human impact collide. They discuss the ways the current administration has leveraged the crisis for political gain, often at the expense of evidence-based solutions and the families most affected. Drawing on their frontline experiences, Chelsea and Chante highlight how social workers shoulder the consequences of policy failures and why lived experience, advocacy, and honest storytelling are essential for shaping compassionate and effective drug policy. They also reflect on what real support for people struggling with substance use disorders should look like and what it means to fight for a system that prioritizes care over headlines.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack (launching January 1st, 2026) Learn more about Paige   Follow Chelsea on Instagram Follow Chante's organization on Instagram Follow Chante on TikTok

This episode features Adriano Kalin, a Chicago-based social justice photographer whose work has become a living record of protest movements, community resilience, and the voices too often pushed to the margins. The conversation traces his path into photography, the evolution of his style, and the ethical considerations of documenting people in vulnerable and high-stakes moments. Adriano discusses Chicago’s unique political climate, the growing pressures of censorship, and the complicated role AI now plays in shaping (and sometimes distorting) photographic truth. The episode explores the tension between creating art and preserving evidence, and why historical context is essential for responsible visual storytelling. Through personal stories from the streets, Adriano illustrates the power of images to amplify community voices and the responsibility photographers carry to witness with honesty, dignity, and respect.   Follow me on Instagram!   Order a print or view Adriano's gallery Follow Adriano on Instagram Subscribe to Adriano on Substack  

Happy final solo episode of the year!! In this episode Paige reflects on the past year (thank you all!!!) before diving in. She delves into the recent masss shootings at Brown University and Bondi Beach, the implications of Rob Reiner's death and the political discourse surrounding it, as well as a lawsuit against Instacart for alleged political discrimination. The episode also covers ICE operations in Minneapolis, escalating tensions with Venezuela, and insights from a Vanity Fair article about Trump's inner circle. Paige concludes with Trump's affordability tour, and the political landscape as the year comes to a close. Washington Post Instacart article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/12/15/instacart-congress-campaign-democrat/ Vanity Fair article: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1?srsltid=AfmBOoqi9-2IaWl7Poc3j40bqAuFA84KgMuLfWHaCSbLLwwD0lfs4LKN   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige

In this episode, Paige sits down with Hot Takes to unpack his journey from lifelong Republican to political independent, tracing how the rise of Trump and a shift in GOP rhetoric pushed them to reevaluate their values. Together, they explore how Trump’s messaging reshaped the party, and the national conversation, while examining what’s been lost in the era of outrage politics. The conversation dives into the grievances driving the MAGA movement, the challenges Democrats face in reaching disillusioned moderates, and where real common ground might still exist in a deeply divided America.   Follow me on Instagram!   Follow Hot Takes on TikTok Follow Hot Takes on X Follow Hot Takes on Instagram

In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered, Paige breaks down a whirlwind month in politics, from Kash Patel’s eyebrow raising private jet habits to Trump’s bulldozing of the East Wing for his own personal ballroom and the wave of pardons that followed. She digs into escalating military activity off the coast of Venezuela, what the latest Election Day results signal about the political landscape, and the real fallout from the most recent government shutdown. Paige also unpacks new Department of Education rules that could reshape access to professional degrees. She closes the episode with some personal reflections and a look ahead at what’s coming next for the podcast...   Articles: Tatiana Schlossberg article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/a-battle-with-my-blood WaPo second strike article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/28/hegseth-kill-them-all-survivors-boat-strike/     Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack (launching January 1st, 2026) Learn more about Paige  

In this episode, Paige and Abby (Political Psych with Abby) unpack the growing intersection of technology, psychology, and politics through the lens of dehumanization. They explore what happens when we start labeling others as “NPCs,” the dangers of the Liar’s Dividend in an AI-saturated world, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping both political discourse and human perception. At its core, the conversation is a call to preserve empathy, connection, and community in an era increasingly defined by algorithms and automation.   Follow my on Instagram!   Check out Abby's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/politicalpsychwithabby Check out Abby’s dehumanization and AI video  

In this episode, Paige sits down with Phil Andrew, a gun violence survivor and former FBI agent turned candidate for Illinois’s 9th District, to talk about leadership rooted in trust, accountability, and collaboration. Phil reflects on how his life experiences shaped his commitment to public safety and democracy, emphasizing that thriving communities begin with people who feel secure and heard. He discusses how negotiation and empathy can bridge divides in Congress, the urgency of restoring faith in government, and why he believes the next generation’s engagement will determine the future of American democracy.   Follow me on Instagram!   Follow Phil on Instagram Learn more about Phil on his campaign website Donate to Phil Andrew's campaign!   Relevant articles: "Illinois community and leaders react as Israel and Hamas exchange hostages and prisoners" (Phil is foreign policy expert interviewed) Wilmette’s Phil Andrew — a mass-shooting survivor and former FBI agent — gets in race for Schakowsky’s seat

In this episode, Dylan Blaha, Congressional candidate for Illinois' 13th district, joins Paige to talk about his leap from military service to politics and why he thinks Washington needs fewer career politicians and more public servants. They dig into the realities of running against an incumbent, how money distorts democracy, and what it actually takes to connect with voters who’ve tuned out. Blaha lays out his vision for a government that serves people, not donors, from healthcare reform and humane immigration policy to a more balanced foreign policy approach in Israel and Palestine. He also touches on the dangers of misinformation, the need to rebuild trust in institutions, and what an anti-oligarchy, anti-authoritarian future could look like.   Follow me on Instagram!   Check out Dylans Campaign Website Donate to Dylan's Campaign Follow Dylan on Instagram Follow Dylan on TikTok  

Meet Patrick Hanley. Northbrook native, community organizer, and newly minted target of Chaya Raichik’s online outrage machine. In this conversation, Patrick discusses his background growing up in Northbrook, Illinois, and how it shaped his vision for public service. He emphasizes the importance of state politics, grassroots organizing, and community engagement. Patrick shares his experiences running for office, the challenges he faces, and his commitment to environmental sustainability. He also addresses federal overreach, the significance of the 10th Amendment in the fight of government overreach, and the need for accountability in federal enforcement. Throughout the discussion, he expresses hope for democracy and the resilience of communities in the face of challenges.   Follow me on Instagram!   Follow Patrick on Instagram Donate to Patrick Read more about Patrick on his campaign website  

Paige sits down with  Bushra Amiwala, congressional candidate for Illinois' 9th district as she shares her journey as a young political leader, discussing her experiences running for office, the importance of integrity in campaigning, and her commitment to community-driven policies. She emphasizes the need for educational reform through her 'Books Not Bombs' initiative, the challenges posed by AI in the job market, and her approach to immigration reform. Throughout the discussion, Bushra highlights the power of community and collective action in driving change.   Follow me on Instagram!   Follow Bushra on Instagram Learn more about Bushra on her campaign website Donate to Bushra's campaign!   Relevant articles: Chicago Tribune: Texas House Democrats accept Skokie official’s invite to north suburban mosque  Chicago Magazine: This Gen Z Congressional Candidate Is Actually From Here  Evanston Now: Amiwala hosts Texas Dems for prayer service  HerCampus Media: Bushra Amiwala was the First Gen Zer Elected into Office. Now, She's Running for Congress Journal Topics: Bushra Amiwala Of Skokie Announces Run For 9th Congressional District     

In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered, host Paige shares her firsthand experience at the nationwide No Kings protest on October 18th, 2025, a day that reignited hope and solidarity across millions of Americans. Paige reflects on the power of collective action and what it felt like to stand shoulder to shoulder with people who refuse to accept creeping authoritarianism. She breaks down the right-wing panic that surrounded the protests, debunking the fearmongering and absurd narratives that followed. Through humor, insight, and honesty, Paige explores why peaceful protest still matters and how movements like No Kings can spark lasting civic engagement long after the signs come down. Learn how to get involved and act on it!   Follow me on Instagram! Be a keyboard warrior in my TikTok comments    

Paige sits down with Karen Boyd, the director of research at the Policy & Innovation Center, for a conversation about the rise of artificial intelligence: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s reshaping the way we live and work. Together, they unpack AI’s basic principles and cut through common misconceptions that fuel both hype and fear. The discussion moves beyond the buzzwords to explore how automation and machine learning are transforming the job market, demanding new skills, and redefining professional responsibility. Paige and Karen also examine the ethical and legal questions surrounding AI’s use across sectors from Silicon Valley’s profit-driven innovations to nonprofit and humanitarian applications that aim to serve the public good. Along the way, they highlight the enormous promise of AI in fields like healthcare, research, and personal growth, while confronting the real risks of bias, misuse, and the growing gap between technology and human understanding. This conversation challenges listeners to think critically about what “responsible AI” really means — and how we can ensure that progress serves people, not the other way around.   Follow me on Instagram!   Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Check out more about Karen and her work: Drkarenboyd.com Ouraifutureslab.com Link to Sustainability article by Dr. Karen Boyd

Lets get messy! (literally).   In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered Paige tries to hold together her own thoughts while everything unravels. First: a government shutdown but maybe not the typical gridlock story. Then: Trump has deployed Texas National Guard troops into Illinois, and attempted to do the same in Portland injecting the military into domestic politics in a move that should make every American uneasy. Not to mention, ICE terrorizing anyone it can find in and around Chicago. And finally: in Broadview, Illinois, federal enforcement and local protests collide, pushing civil liberties to their breaking points. This isn’t a neat analysis episode. It’s frantic and emotional. Because I don’t have all the answers but I know this is a moment where we have to see what’s happening before it’s too late.   Follow me on Instagram!   Helpful articles: Democrats win Momentum over GOP in Shutdown Fight Opinion Piece by IL-4 Representative Lilian Jiménez Chicago Pastor Shot with Pepper Bullet Immigration Agents Become Increasingly Aggressive in Chicago Broadview Mayor Limits Protest Time

In this conversation, Kevin Ryan, candidate for one of Illinois' Senate seats, discusses his motivations for running for the U.S. Senate, emphasizing the need for a hard reset in the Democratic Party following Trump's presidency. He highlights the challenges faced by outsiders in politics, the importance of campaign finance reform, and the need for a humane immigration policy. Ryan critiques the influence of money in politics and advocates for term limits and age limits for politicians. He also addresses the complexities of U.S. support for Israel and the necessity of a two-state solution. Ultimately, Ryan envisions a future where campaign finance reform is achieved, allowing for a more representative democracy.   Follow me on Instagram!   Learn More About Kevin Follow Kevin on Instagram

In this episode, Paige discusses the assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring the political and social ramifications of the event. Make no mistake, we are on the precipice of something scary, and it's okay to admit that. She delves into the reactions from both sides of the political spectrum, the role of social media in amplifying extremist views, and the implications of cancel culture in the aftermath of Kirk's death. The conversation highlights the dangers of political violence, the erosion of civil discourse, and the need for a nuanced understanding of free speech in today's polarized environment.   Now is the time to use your first amendment rights. Stand up, use your voice, do not let anyone silence you.    Follow me on Instagram!   Ta-Nehisi Coates Vanity Fair Article: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/charlie-kirk-ezra-klein-tanehisi-coates?srsltid=AfmBOoqVDkAWDjCDZzlvKppEwBvEttK-Y8OLlL5xnLPiU2aAvBbxc9bl CATO Institute article on extremism: https://www.cato.org/blog/politically-motivated-violence-rare-united-states    

In this conversation, Matthew Adams, Democratic candidate for California's 9th assembly district, shares his journey into politics, discussing his motivations for running for the California Assembly and the challenges he faces as a candidate. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the complexities of navigating local and national political issues, and the impact of California's new redistricting plan on representation. Matthew also offers insights into the opportunities for reform, particularly in campaign finance, and encourages aspiring politicians to overcome their fears and get involved. The discussion highlights the evolving political landscape in California and the hope for a more engaged electorate.   Follow me on Instagram!   Matthew's Campaign Website:  sites.google.com/view/adams4assembly/home Follow Matthew's Campaign on Instagram!

In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered, Paige discusses the recent deployment of the National Guard in (potentially) Chicago and Washington D.C., the beating of a dead horse surrounding Trump's obsession with voter ID and mail-in voting policies, and significant changes in CDC leadership affecting vaccine policies. The conversation highlights the normalization of federal intervention in local matters, the political motivations behind these actions, and the implications for public health and safety. Paige also touches on legal challenges to Trump's tariffs and the broader political landscape as the midterms approach.

In this conversation, former Turning Point USA Staffer Caroline sits down with Paige and shares her journey from growing up in a conservative household in Texas and working for TPUSA to becoming a progressive. She discusses the early influences that shaped her political beliefs, her experiences with Turning Point USA, and the ideological crisis she faced during Trump's campaign. Caroline emphasizes the importance of questioning one's beliefs and finding community after leaving a tightly-knit ideological group. She expresses hope for the future and the power of civic engagement in creating change.   Follow Me On Instagram!   Check out Caroline's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyblue.tx

This episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered dives deep into the topic of gerrymandering, exploring its historical roots, techniques, and modern implications. Paige discusses the ongoing political battles surrounding redistricting, particularly in Texas and California as Greg/Trump and Gavin Newsome duke it out, and highlights the consequences of gerrymandering on democracy and voter engagement. Are there potential solutions to combat gerrymandering? Maybe.    Follow Me On Instagram! Links: https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2024/07/gerrymandering-the-origin-story/ https://www.newamerica.org/political-reform/reports/what-we-know-about-redistricting-and-redistricting-reform/where-we-have-been-the-history-of-gerrymandering-in-america/