In this culture-focused episode, Carri and Brad share many examples that shed light on Carri's saying, "Culture is how Americans understand the world." From the Gold Globes adding a podcast category to Tom Cruise's work ethic to Carri's dislike for Spotify's Wrapped. Brad's deep dive into the H Mart / Madeline TikTok controversy sheds light on America's race issues, culture, and cultural appropriation, becoming a battleground for identity and inclusion. They also expound on how the White House's rage-bait social media tactics are setting us up to expect propoganda-esk future seasons of  ICE and Border Patrol procedurals on our TV screens. Political theatre in all its forms is working to distract and overwhelm so that we don't dig deep and create generational protest art and doomscrool instead.  As Public Enemy says, "Fight the Power." Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this episode of Twigg & Jenkins, Carri and Brad dive into the new politics of fame, where clout, charisma, and camera-readiness are treated like core qualifications for office. From Donald Trump’s glowing Oval Office embrace of Zohran Mamdani to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s dramatic exit from Congress after cashing in on her brand, they trace how “just wanting to be famous” has become the shared job description for journalists, candidates, and influencers-turned-candidates alike. They turn to the Olivia Nuzzi saga and her buzzy new book, digging into how the media class has responded with a mix of fascination, venom, and disappointment. Carri and Brad talk about how much of the backlash feels gendered, and what Nuzzi’s transformation into a main character says about a political media ecosystem. They break down why Trump’s easy charm and star-gazer instincts still keep catching Democrats flat-footed, how Zohran managed to win the day without getting sucked into Trump’s orbit, and what MTG’s departure says about the future of MAGA and a post-Trump Republican Party. Then they zoom out to the influencer primary in New York, where online clout crashes into real-world vote totals, raising the question: does being good at content actually translate into power at the ballot box? PLUS, they discuss the Netflix Warner Brothers merger and what it means to the state of democracy and the power that the media has over information. Across it all, Carri and Brad wrestle with what this era of attention-as-currency means for democracy itself: who wins, who loses, and whether substance can still break through in a system increasingly optimized for spectacle. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this engaging episode, Carri and Brad interview cultural strategist Yosi Sargent, diving into how culture and politics intersect. Yosi shares his experiences from his iconic Obama campaign work to more recent efforts in integrating creative arts into political movements. The conversation explores the history, challenges, and potential solutions for fostering a vibrant, influential cultural infrastructure that supports progressive values. The discussion also highlights the importance of micro-communication, perpetual engagement, and the need for strategic investment in cultural storytelling. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

Today, Carri and Brad are joined by special guest Bao Nguyen—Emmy-nominated, award-winning Vietnamese American filmmaker best known for documentaries such as Be Water and Netflix’s The Greatest Night in Pop. Bao’s latest film, The Stringer, releases on November 28, 2025, on Netflix. The Stringer delves into the real story behind the iconic “Napalm Girl” Vietnam War photograph, exploring questions of authorship, historical memory, and the power of visual storytelling. Carri, Brad, and Bao discuss exploring how memories, archives, and the stories we overlook shape the heart of our communities and our politics. Bao shares his journey from a childhood spent in his family’s fabric shop to directing some of the most talked-about documentaries of the decade, tracing how personal history turns into public storytelling and why representation matters—on screen, in the archives, and at the ballot box. They discuss the complexities of who gets to tell their story and whose voices are valued or lost in our collective memory, drawing connections from family entrepreneurship to “We Are the World” and the power of process in filmmaking. Bao, Carri, and Brad unpack how silence and agency intersect across generations of immigrant and working-class families, why it’s hard to speak up, and how the stories that don’t make the headlines often carry the deepest truths. Whether you’re a fan of documentary film, an advocate for civic engagement, or just searching for the soul in American storytelling, this conversation navigates the space where memory, belonging, and the future of democracy all meet. Watch The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix and  Be Water on Disney +. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this episode, Carri and Brad sit down with Jacqueline De León, trailblazing attorney at the Native American Rights Fund, to shine a light on the urgent, often invisible battle for full voting rights in Indian Country. They break down the modern barriers keeping Native communities from the polls—voter ID laws, distant polling places, forgotten infrastructure, and policies that disguise racial exclusion as bureaucracy. Jacqueline shares hard-won stories from the front lines, from her work documenting discrimination to winning landmark legal battles that shape access to democracy for hundreds of thousands across the country. What does it take to bring justice to a system that still sidelines Native voices? How do we move from coverage and conversation to real, structural change? This episode dives into the myth that America is “post-racial,” the persistence of modern literacy tests, the community power behind grassroots organizing, and what success looks like—on paper and on the ground. The Voting Rights Act is under threat; the stakes for protecting democracy have never been higher. Carri, Brad, and Jacqueline explore how power, representation, and the promise of multiracial, participatory democracy remain inextricably linked, and why the fight for the soul of American democracy runs through Native Country. Go to https://narf.org/ to learn more about their work and donate! Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this episode of Twigg & Jenkins, Carri and Brad tackle the aftermath of the 40-day government shutdown now grinding toward an anticlimactic end. With Senate Democrats breaking ranks to cut a deal with Republicans, Carri and Brad break down how nothing is on the table, and what everyday people stand to lose as a result. The conversation confronts the sense of fatigue and frustration running through the country and among the Democratic base. Why did Senate Democrats drop their upper hand at the eleventh hour? What does it say about the risks of compromise, lost leverage, and the deeper instability bubbling beneath the surface in Washington? Carri and Brad lay bare the costs of a shutdown that dragged millions of federal workers, SNAP recipients, and working-class families into uncertainty—all for a Senate deal that leaves health care and food security on shaky ground. From progressive backlash to voter cynicism and a caucus in crisis, the hosts don't sugarcoat what caving on principle means for the party, public trust, and the next battles on the horizon. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

The election results are in, and Carri and Brad are excited to break it all down. Democrats win across key battlegrounds, including Abigail Spanberger’s historic gubernatorial victory in Virginia, Mikie Sherrill’s win in New Jersey, ushering a rare third consecutive Democrat governorship, and Zohran Mamdani’s groundbreaking mayoral triumph in New York City as the city’s first Muslim mayor and youngest in over a century. Brad and Carri analyze how energized turnout from Black, Latino, and young voters reshaped the political landscape, defying narratives of voter apathy and pushing progressive leadership to the forefront. Amidst these political victories, they dive into the ongoing government shutdown’s impact on essential programs like SNAP, exposing systemic racism that disproportionately harms working-class families. They connect the urgent struggle of survival in food lines with the fight for political power, highlighting how economic hardship fuels a new working-class wave demanding justice and change. The episode also explores bold leadership moments—from Gavin Newsom’s brash success with Prop 50 to historic grassroots energy fueling these wins—ultimately offering a hopeful yet urgent vision for the future of American democracy amid social and political upheaval. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

It’s Election Day, Brad and Carri’s favorite day of the year! Carri and Brad dive into the shifting sands of Democratic politics with a sharp focus on the rising tensions within the party. They unpack Gavin Newsom’s bold strategy and leadership style that’s reshaping California’s political landscape, showing how his alignment of culture, comms, and tactics is crushing the competition. The episode then shifts eastward to the highly contested New Jersey governor’s race where Mikie Sherrill holds a narrow but hopeful lead. Brad and Carri explore what’s at stake as Sherrill battles to maintain blue ground in a state defined by its diversity and political complexity. They highlight how micromessaging around reproductive rights and cost of living is driving energized grassroots turnout, even in traditionally challenging territories. Finally, the conversation turns to Barack Obama’s enduring role as the gold standard of Democratic leadership. From behind-the-scenes signaling to strategic public appearances, Obama remains the compass for many Democrats navigating a fractured party and turbulent political times. Carri and Brad discuss how his subtle influence could shape the path forward and inspire new leaders. Amid fractures and challenges, this episode finds threads of hope, strategy, and resilience in a party wrestling with its future—and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the 2025 elections approach. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

Carri and Brad are back to break down a week where everything feels both headline and punchline. This episode kicks off with the spectacle at the White House—Trump’s pay-to-play presidency, a donor-funded ballroom, and the symbolism of tearing down the East Wing for personal gain. This is all the more concerning amid a government shutdown with no end in sight. The administration has no problem letting the everyday American people, government workers, and children struggle to pay their bills and access food. They discuss how harmful the SNAP stigma is and how American workers are not being paid a livable wage.  They unpack how billionaires and megadonors are shaping the day-to-day priorities of government, and why it matters for democracy. Next up, it’s Zohran Mamdani’s moment: from 13,000-strong stadium rallies in Queens to navigating unprecedented public islamophobia by his opponents. Carri and Brad explore why Mamdani has become the face of grievance and hope for grassroots Democrats—and what it could mean if he delivers a 30-point landslide victory. Finally, they turn to the week’s most jaw-dropping headlines from the world of sports: an NBA gambling scandal shakes fans’ faith in the game, blurring the already thin line between entertainment and corruption. From federal workers lining up at food banks to NBA stars caught up in insider trading, this episode explores how money, power, and spectacle are reshaping America’s most trusted institutions. Check out our friends' books! Roy Wood Jr.'s book, The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir, you can purchase it here. Sam Kass’s book, The Last Supper: How to Overcome the Coming Food Crisis, get your copy here. Julia Ioffe’s book, Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy, get your copy here. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with. 

In celebration of Roy Wood Jr.'s book release, The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir, we are re-releasing our hilarious episode with Roy from season 1 of Twigg & Jenkins. The Man of Many Fathers hits stores today, October 28th, and you can purchase it here. The Man of Many Fathers is an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud funny memoir revealing that sometimes the best advice comes from the most surprising teachers. Twigg & Jenkins are back with comedian and Alabama legend, Roy Wood Jr. The trio talk about the upcoming Kamala Trump debate, Roy’s toxic relationship with sleep, how 24’s Kiefer Sutherland taught him how to process stress, his upcoming CNN show, and makes bets on who wins the big show.  Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg & Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

Your favorite politically codependent besties are back to unpack another wild week in politics and culture. Carri and Brad dig into the record-setting No Kings protests that brought more than seven million Americans into the streets, turning outrage into community and chaos into inflatables and family time. They explore how the Democratic Party missed the moment and why even party leadership wasn’t invited to speak. From there, they examine the AI absurdity rocking the White House: President Trump’s viral deepfake video where his digital doppelgänger flies a fighter jet over New York City to literally dump on protesters. What does it mean when US politics looks more like a South Park episode than State of the Union? Then, they turn to Maine’s Graham Platner, the Senate hopeful facing down oppo dups and Reddit receipts with a public apology that’s mobilizing voters and transparently showing what accountability looks like in the digital age. Finally, a bit of joy! Carri and Brad celebrate the return of truth-telling humor as comedy pushes back against cancel culture and political performances alike. Where late-night hesitates, stand-ups, like Ronny Chieng and Hasan Minhaj, are finding their spine again – reminding us why laughter is one of the most important forms of resistance. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg + Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this episode, Carri and Brad take a hard look at the crumbling unity within the Democratic Party. They delve into the fractures caused by policy disagreements, single-issue battles, and internal power struggles. From Corey Booker not answering direct questions to the Zohran Mamdani’s insurgent rise in New York politics and lack of Democratic leaders endorsing him. They unpack why voters, across ideologies and regions, are fed up with leadership that talks more than it delivers, and how this discontent threatens both policy progress and electoral success. From missed opportunities to unify, to what it will take for Democrats to regain trust and enthusiasm before 2026, they peel back the curtain on a party at a crossroads. And because the culture never sleeps, they get into the latest media partnership—Netflix partnering with Spotify to stream video podcasts staring in 2026. This marks a new era for podcasting and streaming services working to tap into their advertising power.   Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg + Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

In this special episode, Carri and Brad sit down with Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) on day nine of the government shutdown. They discuss what a shutdown is, why it is happening, and what it is accomplishing, in line with the administration's goals.  Why is the current administration refusing to govern? What’s on the table –  increased healthcare costs, essential governmental jobs, and tax cuts to the rich.  “Speaker Johnson not having the House in session, that is not a power play. It is a sign of weakness, and it shows that he knows that he's on the wrong side of the American people.” Senator Andy Kim  In the grand scheme of things, the people have the power. Call your members of Congress to share how the government shutdown is affecting you, especially regarding healthcare costs. Get involved in the midterm elections. Show up at town halls. Let your voice be heard.  You can take action THIS WEEKEND! Attend your local No Kings Protest. Go to nokings.org for more information.   Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg + Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

Welcome to Season 2 of Twigg & Jenkins. Your favorite politically co-dependent besties are ready to discuss all things politics and culture. In this episode, Carri and Brad catch up on a lot of events that have happened since they’ve been away.  The invasion of the National Guard in DC, the government shutdown, how the TikTok sale is connected to the Paramount sale, and so much more.  Plus, we have some big news to share. This season of Twigg + Jenkins, we’ll be transitioning to bi-weekly episodes. You’ll get to hang with us two episodes per week. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us attwiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, humans you want to foster political discourse with.  Twigg + Jenkins is produced by Culture House and Enfranchisement Productions.

America's favorite dad, Rob Dyer joins the show for a 2028 Democratic presidential athlete draft!! Candidates discussed include Gavin Newsom, AOC, Pete Buttigieg, Wes Moore, and Cory Booker. The trio go deep on their strengths, weaknesses, and public perceptions from the POV of a sports fan. Let's go.

T&J welcome award-winning filmmaker Chase Joynt and his new film, STATE OF FIRST! T&J and Chase discuss the film's brilliant journey with Sarah McBride, America’s first Trans Member of Congress, the challenges of representing trans issues in the current political climate, and the creative process behind the film. The trio also dig deep into the Democratic Party's continued fumbling of trans rights, the media's role in shaping narratives, and the importance of well executed political content. You can watch the whole episode on Spotify, YouTube, and listen on Apple.

A crossover podcast with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s “What If We Get It Right.” In this episode, join us for a deep dive into the Big Beautiful Bill, the devastating cuts to the most vital programs, and the importance of community and activism. Twigg also shares her big move news from Santa Monica to Washington, DC, and reflects on her experiences with housing and community.  The conversation also touches on increasing misinformation and the powerful influence of music and culture, with a nod to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour.

This week, we sit down with America’s favorite speechwriter turned New York Times best-selling author turned Jersey surfer, DAVID LITT. We dive deep into David’s new book, It’s Only Drowning, a hilarious and beautiful memoir about learning how to surf and find common ground. The book also gives T&J the urgent playbook on what the Democratic Party must do as soon as possible to connect with young men. Spoiler alert: it’s not about creating another Joe Rogan. Go cop David’s book today.

On the third Anniversary of the Dobbs Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade, T&J is honored to have our friend, Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom For All to break down the horrific developments in abortion rights across the country. This week, Mini and her team are leading actions on Capitol Hill to hold Members and Senators accountable for the disastrous cuts proposed to strip away health care from millions of Americans. Text REPRO to 59791 to get connected and join the fight.

Millions of people took to the streets on June 14th for the No Kings mass protest. The ACLU's Anu Joshi walks us through how it all came together, how we protect our communities, and what comes next. We also go through the history of failed immigration reform from Republicans and Democrats, he fight to protect Medicaid and the heroic work that ACLU lawyers, organizers, and advocates are doing to protect families from being ripped apart.