Confused by what’s happening in the United States? You’re not alone. What’s Up With America? is your weekly explainer of the latest news, political shake-ups, cultural flashpoints, and social undercurrents shaping the current American zeitgeist. Each week, we break down what Americans are talking about, why it matters, and how it affects the wider world. New episodes every Wednesday. Because America never takes a break from being America.
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David Traynor And Kim Napier Podcasts
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The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Movement
49:05
49:05
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49:05This week, I am joined by Diane Pagen, a friend of mine from my days in the Universal Basic Income (UBI) movement and Aimee from First Hand Media. Diane is a social worker who worked for the New York City Department of Education but who ultimately lost her job because she refused to take the covid vaccine. Aimee is a freelance journalist who has re…
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I report on the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York's 111th mayor, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly nine percentage points. The episode captures the reactions of residents of people in Jackson Heights, Queens at a neighborhood bar. Locals reflect on the implications of electing a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist mayor and looks a…
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Zohran Mamdani -V- Andrew Cuomo: NYC Elects a New Mayor This Week
44:56
44:56
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44:56New York City goes to the polls this week to elect a new Mayor. This week, David delves into the landscape of New York City politics with good friend, Jason Clinkscales, a freelance sports writer and lifelong New Yorker. Together, they chart the meteoric rise of Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist vying to become NYC's next Mayor who is pitted a…
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Charlie Kirk, Guns in America and the Future of DEI
49:48
49:48
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49:48This week, I speak with Chivona Newsome, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York and an activist for Black empowerment. We discuss the implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination, her views on gun rights, and the politically polarized climate we find ourselves in this current moment. Chivona discusses the importance of youth empowerment …
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David reacts to the results coming in live at a Queens bar with his sister-in-law, Kat, visiting from Australia. While there, they bump into the victory party of local NY State Assembleyman for the 30th District, Steven Raga.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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Election Day is finally upon us. Kim and David discuss the state of play going into it.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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David turns up at Madison Square Garden to get vox pops of the people who turned up to hang around outside the Trump rally.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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VP Debate, Trump Revisits Assassination Site and NYC Mayor Woes
33:43
33:43
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33:43Kim and David discuss the impact of the vice presidential debate, the latest polling in swing states as we are going into the last 30 days of the race. They also delve into the woes of New York City's Mayor Eric Adams who has been embroiled in a corruption scandal and is facing possible impeachment and jail time. As always, if you have any question…
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Taylor Swift Endorsement, Viral TikToks and Listener Questions
27:27
27:27
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27:27Kim and David discuss the impact of Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris, answer questions from you, our listeners, as well as looking at the impact of viral TikToks and memes on the campaigns of both candidates.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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Kim and David react to vox pops collected at the Jackson Heights subway station in Queens.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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This episode is the second part of our debate analysis from the presidential debate last Tuesday. In the episode, Kim and David discuss how Kamala Harris managed to get under Donald Trump's skin in the debate and then how he hit back at her by making the accusation that Biden hated her.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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In this episode, Kim and David discuss the most notable events from the debate. Their debate analysis is split into two episodes. Part 2 to follow later this week.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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Meghan Mc Donough and David Traynor react in real time to the US presidential debate as it unfolded, live from Doc Watson's bar on Manhattan's Upper East Side.By David Traynor and Kim Napier
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In this episode, we discuss the lead-up to the only remaining scheduled presidential debate between now and November 5th, what the challenges are for both campaigns and where the election is at right now.By David
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