Rant on a RollThis is a pure Rant Episode because sometimes you just get fed up! From the neverending presence of Donald Trump in our lives to the neverending support, the Republican Party has actions that are destroying our country nothing is off the table. Buckle up it's gonna be a bumpy ride!Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

EP 81 - "Thanks For Popping My Balloon!"Steve and Caroline talk about the NYC mayoral race and ranked choice voting and Caroline takes the pulpit to rant about how misinformation has contributed to a lower vaccination rate. Finally, we chat with Nathan Schneider, a journalist, author and professor of media studies at University of Colorado - Boulder, where he focuses on building democratic ownership and governance over online platforms. An interesting discussion about the dangers of misinformation, building successful co-operative models, and how we can apply protocols from past/ancient systems of governance to build a better online community.You can find Nathan's book, Everything for Everyone: The Radical Tradition That Is Shaping the Next Economy at bookshop.org - a terrific online bookseller that supports local bookstores.Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

The Absence of ShameSpecial episode dropping this week - While Caroline wraps up shooting on Mrs. Maisel, Steve sat down with David Bender, Political Director for the Progressive Voices Network and one of the legendary people behind the late, great Air America Radio. David lends his insight into the existential threats facing the United States, the need to rebuild a common language between political parties, and why the federal government looks like nothing he's encountered in his 50+ years as a progressive activist and political journalist. Plus, he shares a story of covering the late 60's campaign trail as a high school reporter alongside Walter Cronkite! Hosted by Steve Saporito and Caroline Aaron. Produced by Eric Anderson.

Vax in the Saddle AgainCaroline and Steve head outside for their first in-person interviews in 16 months! First up, a trip to the Bronx Music Heritage Center to talk with Co-Artistic Director Elena Martinez about the rich musical legacy of the Bronx, how the arts recover from COVID, and what their new facility brings to the community. Then, Caroline and Steve visit their good friend, Emmy-winner Margo Martindale for a late-night chatfest that covered everything from quarantine drinking to Zoom movies to alien abductions! Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson

Even Rand Paul's Neighbor Hates Him...Caroline is off shooting this week, so Steve and Producer Eric got together for a mini-sode to talk about the Liz Cheney of it all, whether honest Republicans can actually still be a part of a GOP party that embraces "the Big Lie", and whether Gavin Newsom can fend off a recall now that California is nearing herd immunity for COVID. We still have a fight on our hands for voter equality. Contact your representatives to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the end of the Senate Filibuster!Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson

The Consequence of the CircumstanceSpecial Sunday Pod - In a raw, unfiltered chat after watching the Derek Chauvin trial, Caroline and Steve explore what level of consequence is needed to force law enforcement to address the rampant racism, fear, harassment, and violence they are perpetuating in communities of color. It is incumbent on elected officials to take the bold action to repudiate the abuse of power normalized after four years of the former guy. Until then, join us in speaking out for those who no longer can: Tamir Rice, George Floyd, Adam Toledo, Elijah McClain, Philando Castile, Breonna Taylor... Say their names. Know their stories. Demand more from your local officials. Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

Bipartisan Book ClubAfter technical snafus and scheduling delays, we're finally able to present the first Bipartisan Book Club - a series of episodes we'll present throughout the year, where we explore literature from both sides of the political spectrum and debate the issues with our resident Zoomer Sydney Foreman and our good friend Dave the Republican. For the inaugural episode, we read Ta-nehisi Coates "Between the World and Me", a powerful account of the Black experience, as told from a father to their son. Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson

"Casting a Benjamin Franklin Shadow..."We're back, we're vaccinated and we had the wonderful opportunity to come together safely to record a mini-sode while Caroline is on break from shooting Mrs. Maisel. Steve and Caroline debate who is driving the latest "cancel culture" phenomenon, and the difference between willful ignorance and a need to learn/grow. Plus, Caroline stole Steve's nesting tables. TW: Certain words of an offensive nature were used in the context of a personal experience shared by Caroline. The hosts do not condone the use of these words in daily conversation and stand against hate or bigotry exhibited towards any individual due to their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or religious preference. Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve SaporitoProduced by Eric AndersonFind Us on Social: Twitter & Instagram: @AngstandDaisies Facebook: Angst and Daisies Podcast

Like most of us, Caroline is in need of some political therapy. Fresh off the set of Mrs. Maisel, she takes a seat on Steve's virtual couch to vent about the impeachment and why the mainstream media continues to give credibility to the GOP's lies and obstruction. How do we shape the narrative in a positive direction when the country is becoming more and more polarized? Steve guides Caroline back to her place of zen, as they talk about the opportunity Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Elizabeth Warren have to influence President Biden down the path of progress, and prescribes a reduced-corporate media diet with added viewing of Amy Goodman's "Democracy Now" to boost motivation and awareness. Enjoy this mini-sode. Our dynamic duo will be back for another brief catch up next week, followed by the premiere of our Bipartisan Book Club discussion of Ta-henisi Coates' Between the World and Me. Steve's recommended viewing: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Listen on NPR or at democracynow.orgHosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

Truth or Consequences, Because Apparently You Can't Have BothThis week's episode is all about truth and consequences. First, Caroline speaks poignantly about the responsibility she has to continue practicing proper COVID safety as Mrs. Maisel returns to film their next season. Then, the truth finally sunk in that he was no longer Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell had to relinquish control of the Senate; while over in the house, the QAnon lady thumbed her nose at those holding her accountable for her lies. Next, we look at some of the more questionable Presidential pardons throughout history. And finally, Dominion and Smartmatic are gearing up for the lawsuit of the decade, as they take on Fox News, Sidney Powell, Rudy Guiliani and all the other Trump loyalists who damaged their brand beyond repair. All that, plus Producer Eric chimes in about Adam Schiff, Gavin Newsom and the latest in California politics.Our Bipartisan Book Club begins in three weeks as we take a deep dive into Ta-henisi Coates' Between the World and Me. Want to participate? We'll be posting our discussion guide next week, and you can submit additional comments or questions about the book to angstanddaisies@gmail.com by February 20 to be read on air during this special episode! Stay safe and take time to breathe.Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve SaporitoProduced by Eric AndersonFind Us on Social: Twitter & Instagram: @AngstandDaisies Facebook: Angst and Daisies Podcast

On this week's episode, Steve baked an Inauguration cake, Caroline flips out over Michelle Obama's pansuit, they both rave about Amanda Gorman's stirring oration, and Steve rants about the hypocrisy behind so many of the insurrectionists being released on house arrest. After that, Steve and Caroline talk to Iris Cruet-Rubio, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of Miracles Counseling Center in Los Angeles, about the importance of positive mental health, the red flags of depression and anxiety, self-care strategies, and how to plan the next chapter post-Covid. Coming late February - the first installment of our Bipartisan Book Club - where Steve, Dave the Republican, and Resident Zoomer Sydney Foreman explore various writing that might challenge our long held beliefs. First up - Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me. Send us your thoughts at angstanddaisies@gmail.com.If you or someone you know needs mental health or crisis support, you can contact any of the following hotlines:National Domestic Violence Hotline - thehotline.org | 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)National Dating Abuse Helpline - loveisrespect.org | 1.866.331.9474 | text LOVEIS to 22522National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1.800.656.4673National Suicide Prevention lifeline - suicidepreventionlifeline.org | 1.800.273.8255To learn more about Iris Cruet-Rubio, LMFT and Miracles Counseling Center in Los Angeles, visit miraclescc.org | fb and ig: @miraclescounselinghosts: Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito | producer: Eric Anderson

Recorded just before New Years Eve - before we won the Senate, and before the horrific events on January 6 - we chat with Dave the Republican, and Caroline's daughter Sydney, about new year's resolutions, pandemic takeout, and how the Democrats and Republicans should evolve as parties. Come for the bubbly, stay for the spirited discussion about universal basic income... We'll be back with regular episodes after the Inauguration! Plus, stay tuned for news about our 2021 Angst & Daisies Book Club - starting this February with Ta-Nehisi Coates "Between the World And Me". Stay safe out there. Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

In the first of two special episodes to start 2021, Steve and Caroline reflect on the failed insurrection, Trump's second impeachment, and what we need to do to restore integrity into our politics. Has the line finally been crossed where enough of the GOP says it's had enough of the Big Lie? Based on the number of Representatives who refused to wear masks while they were in lockdown, there's a long road ahead. But banning Trump and QAnon bots from Twitter is sure a good start! Stay safe and remember to take time to breathe. Hosted by Caroline Aaron and Steve Saporito. Produced by Eric Anderson.

We finally have reached the end of this unending year, with some light at the end of the tunnel indicating a better, happier, more humane one lies ahead. To celebrate, Steve and Caroline threw their version of a virtual holiday party, and they've invited some of our their favorite past guests to check in and look ahead to the new year. First up, Josh Rubin of Witness at the Border, and Sister Susan [COMPLETE HER INFO] to catch up on the tremendous work they are doing for the migrant and refugee population. Then, it's a boozy chat about Christmas favorites with our friends at Bar Crawl Radio podcast. Caroline knows what she wants to give Trump for Christnmas, and we all predict when we'll feel a sense of normalcy in 2021.Thank you to everyone who has listened and joined us in advocacy this past year. We hope you all have a safe, happy, and better 2021. The fight in Georgia still isn't over - visit fairfight.com to see how you can help us take back the Senate!Please visit Witenss at the Border and Donate or Take Actions to help: https://www.witnessattheborder.org

This week, we're exploring the idea of gratitude. For four years, our country has been missing a leader capable of showing empathy and gratitude. What impact has that had on our society? What is the state of generosity during the pandemic? Steve and Caroline explore these questions, Producer Eric walks us through the #GivingTuesday movement, we all share some charitable organizations we support on a regular basis, plus we talk about the philanthropist of the moment - Dolly Parton!We're so close to taking back the Senate - support the GA runoffs by visiting fairfight.com. To support the organizations mentioned during this episode:Los Angeles Rebellion (Inclusivity in Sports) - larebellion.orgBreak the Cycle (Teen Dating Violence) - breakthecycle.org | loveisrespect.orgthe Harmony Project (Arts for Low Income Families) - harmony-project.orgBronx Defenders (Legal Aid and Social Advocacy) - bronxdefenders.orgProducer: Eric AndersonFollow us on Social Media:Twitter:         @AngstAndDaisiesFacebook:    https://www.facebook.com/AngstAndDaisies/Instagram:    @AngstAndDaisies

On today's episode, is there a chance the Supreme Court might actually uphold the ACA? Would it be fun to be a supreme court justice? And what other dirty tricks are up Trump's sleeve as we inch closer to Biden's Inauguration? Steve and Caroline try to answer these questions as they dive into the week's headlines. Plus, Steve talks about how we can all help Jon Ossoff and Rev. Warnock win their Georgia Runoffs and take back the Senate. And we introduce the new guy helping steer the A&D ship into a new post-Trump era. We're live at the Supreme Courtyard by Marriott!Support the GA Runoffs - Visit Fair Fight at fairfight.com to make a donation.

We have a new President and Vice-President Elect! Congratulations to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for their decisive victory. This week's episode is now a time capsule of sorts - Caroline and Steve recorded conversations on Election Day and 48 hours later (when the race still hadn't been called.) They give their impressions of their impressions of many down ballot races, Caroline wonders if the Republicans will govern differently moving forward, and Steve defends the Democrats need to declare this election a mandate. We have two must-win runoff elections in Georgia, and a lot of faith in Stacey Abrams and the brilliant organizers down there, so the fight for democracy continues... As a bonus, we tacked on some of our favorite moments from President-Elect Biden and Vice President Elect Harris' speeches from Saturday evening. Feels good to call them that doesn't it?

On this week's episode, the Pope approved same sex civil unions, the Director of National Intelligence claimed Iran is conducting a disinformation campaign to hurt the President, COVID is on the rise while the Senate still hasn't approved additional stimulus, and Rudy Guiliani got caught with his hands down his pants. Just a normal week in Trump Town. It's our final episode before the election. If you haven't voted, make a plan to drop off a ballot at your polling center or vote in person. We'll see you on the other side...Caroline's Pandemic Recommendation of the Week:The Way I See It focusfeatures.com/the-way-i-see-itSupport the candidates we mentioned today!Stephanie Schmid (US Congress, NJ-04) StephanieforNewJersey.comLesly Figueroa (Mayor, Coachella Valley) LeslyforCoachellaMayor.com

A Crisis of Comprehension:In this week's episode, Caroline and Steve discuss the Amy Covid Barrett confirmation hearings, the GOP's public motivations vs private opinions caught on tape (#HypocrisyInAction). Caroline gets inspired by Stacey Abrams (we call that Tuesday around here!). Plus, Steve's going Poll Watching on Election Day and Caroline attends a Zoom-Mitzvah! Everyone should watch "All In - The Fight For Democracy"https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08FRQQKD5/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Debate Before DiagnosisWe the debate last week we recorded this the following evening and unfortunately didn't get a chance to edit it before yesterday.... We promise you we will have a lot to say about the Rose Garden Masacre next week!

Dave the Republican -- Convention EditionSomewhere in the middle of the right side of center politics sits our good friend, Dave the Republican. While we all know he is no Trump fan, he's still holding onto the (unreasonable) belief that Donald Trump is an aberration and not the future of the Republican Party (boy is he in for a rude awakening!) It's a sometimes tumultuous hour, but we think it's really illuminating, we hope you do too!

#DontBuyJohnBoltonsBook #FuckZucAs the reality of the ongoing pandemic curtails our activities we talk through some things you can still do to create the change you want from your couch.Discussions of who should be the vice-presidential candidate for the democrats are balanced with growing animosity of the complete cowardice of the Republican Party. A good time was had by all...

Back on the CouchToday's episode deals with the effects of the pandemic on the Presidential Race and politics in general. We wonder... "Will Joe Biden ever get out of his basement?" This week's essays are bout Deleting your Facebook Account and Caroline's free-floating ANXIETY!

It's All About the VP, Whoever She May Be!After a sad sack start to the show because Steve couldn't go on a planned trip to The Grand Canyon there is a lengthy discussion about who are the potential VP picks for Joe Biden. We talk about the 10 top "candidates" for the job and learn a little about each! That's why we ran over an hour today (I really don't know what the excuse was for the last 58 times we did that!)

An Interview With Ron Steslow of The Lincoln ProjectWe met Ron when we went to The Lincoln Project's lecture at The Great Hall at Cooper Union. We wanted to have Ron on the show to remind ourselves that we Americans have more in common than what separates us. The show runs long but the conversation was informative, engaging, informative and most importantly inspiring!

The Return of Sister SusanOur most inspiring guest, Sister Susan Wilcox, is back to offer us some inspiration about how we can remain activists and how to put the most positive view and vision for our time. It's time to create the world we want for when we get through this epidemic and a vision of solidarity is Sister Susan's essential message; after which Caroline and Steve read their latest Essays From the Couch wherein the call for separation and blame, I guess those two will never learn, but that's why we have Susan on the show -- to keep us thinking positively, just listen to her and ignore us!

Notes From the Couch Vol. IIWhile the Virus rages outside on the street in NYC, Caroline and Steve talk about being cooped up, how the national shutdown has impacted the political landscape and recitation of their essays of observations in the time of quarantine....

Back to the Couch: Podcasting in the Age of Social Distancing.With the onset of the CoronaVirus going out to the street just isn't an option. In Fact with New York City's Stay at Home Order, we had to go to virtual recording and had to use the internet to get the show recorded. And while what's going on with the political landscape is still important to us we had to deal with the effect and reaction to the virus. To keep thinking about things we have created a new section of the podcast called "Essays From The Couch" where were ask each other to write a short essay on a topic we select for each other... We are not going away and we want to thank everyone for staying with us!

Embrace Your Former Adversary But Wash Your Hands First! Today's episode covers Coronavirus, Super Tuesday and The Resurrection of Joe Biden, and our field trip out to hear the members of The Lincoln Project speak at The Great Hall at Cooper Union. The experience reinforces the idea that while we may have differences with people we can still work together as Americans....

Off the Couch and Into the BarToday's Episode is a cross-over episode with our friends from Bar Crawl Radio Podcast. We drink some drinks and talk about how we all started podcasting and what we try to do with our time on the internet! Thanks to Alan and Becky we know we will do this again!

They Shoot Caucuses, Don't They.....After a long break for Caroline to bask in award season, our favorite pair review what happened, or didn't happen in the Iowa Caucus, The State of the Union, and the final vote of Impeachment.

Impeachment on the Street!Caroline and Steve head out to the street to participate in the Impeachment protest on the eve of the historic vote in the House of Representatives! Along the way we speak with protesters, organizers and someone Caroline went to sleep away camp with as a little girl! Caroline learns that protesting is hard work and you always have to keep up with the crowd!

Impeachment, Debates and Tom SteyerIn the throws of the Impeachment hearings, Steve explains to Caroline why everything is going the way it is in the hearings. An argument ensues over how white the Democratic debate is and Caroline reveals she has a political crush on Tom Steyer....

Let The Inquiry BeginOn the day after the historic vote to set the rules for the Trump Impeachment proceedings, Caroline and Steve go through the process both where it's at and where it may be headed... The show ended with our co-hosts catching each other up on what they have been doing (rather than making this podcast!)

And the Children Shall Lead UsWhile Caroline was on her way to the Emmy Awards (she's so glamorous) A&D's Millennial Correspondent, Sydney Foreman (Caroline's daughter, and all-around awesome person!) went with Steve to the Climate Strike March in NYC. We recorded this episode in the street during the March. Thanks Sydney for doing an awesome job we hope to have you back some day.....

Don't Fall For The Cheap Jedi Mindtrick!Caroline and Steve go through the events of the day, including the recent change of heart of Anthony Scaramucci. They also get back to their homework giving candidate reviews of Tulsi Gabbard and Cory Booker.

Mueller: Don't Believe the Hype!This show is all about the perception of what happened when Rober Mueller testified before Congress versus what actually transpired. Because of her work schedule, Caroline could only listen to pundits and see clips of testimony until she sat down to do prep for this recording and watched the full video. It was a lesson in perception and reality as the disaster never materialized and instead, she witnessed a damming indictment of the Trump Campaign and Administration. The talk centers on the always annoying question of Why do the Democrats always snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?!!!

The Investigation, The Debates, and The WardrobeSometimes work gets in the way of podcasting, but in this case, it made a great episode! Caroline interviews Steve about his experiences producing a reading of the Mueller Report at historic Riverside Church. Excerpts are played and discussed. Then we move onto talk about the two Democratic debates and the aftermath and bump for Kamala Harris. Assignments are given out for next week (I hope we do our homework)....

It's Debate Season Already? Caroline and Steve talk about the upcoming Democratic Debate, how does a candidate get in, who's in, who's on the bubble, and who's in trouble! In our continuing Candidate Profile segments, Julian Castro and Elizabeth Warren get the full A&D treatment, and we discuss the experience of Outrage Fatigue ending with a brief discussion of the meaning of "Pro-Life" in the context of all the anti-choice laws being passed by conservative legislatures around the country.

Do We Have a Country or Not?As the Trump Administration gives rise to the greatest example of the Unitary Executive in American history, Congressional subpoenas go unanswered, the Attorney General contemptuously snubs any Congressional oversite and Caroline's head was about to explode so we had to go through it for her. Steve told her not to expect much and await the fate of the entire Republic on that one Righteous Republican to rise and say NO to the madness (Don't hold your breath) There's a nice scene by the Resistance Players and reading or two from the Muller Report.

Pee Pee Tapes Are Just Fun: The Return of Dave the RepublicanIt's the return of one of our favorite guests, Dave the Republican and we pepper him with questions and comments about the current Republican Administration. We play the game "I'm OK With That" with Dave to see what actions by the Trump administration is and isn't OK with Dave! The good thing about having guests is we got to put our homework off for a week, so we will back with our candidate review next week!

I Can't Believe We're Talking About the Election Already!With over a year to go until the first vote is cast in the primaries, we have to start talking about the election already! With 12 declared candidates on the Democrats side, such a consideration is necessary and we start out by getting to know two of the lesser known candidates: Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, IN and Andrew Yang, rich dude! We also talk about Muller (of course) Roger Stone and and the course of the investigation....

Virginia, Virginia, Virginia....After recounting some personal travel stories, this week's episode is about how we respond to both the State of the Union and the widening events in the State of Virginia. We don't go down the "EVERYONE MUST RESIGN!" rabbit hole.... It's complicated! We give each other homework to learn about the people running to be President of the United States.....

Witness: Tornillo, a Christmas StoryIn one of our more upsetting episodes, Caroline and Steve speak, via Skype, to friend of the Cast Sister Susan Wilcox from outside the internment/concentration camp for children in Tornillo, Texas on the Mexico border. After a brief explanation Sister Susan introduces us to Josh Rubin, who started Witness: Tornillo and has spent 3 months outside the camp. We hope this podcast cuts through some of the confusion on this issue and lets you know what is really going on and, as always, what you can do to help!

It's the End of the Year so Let's Look Forward Not Back!In the penultimate episode for the year, we want to concentrate on things we can do moving forward, and though we try our best we ultimately talk a lot about the moral decay in the support of the current administration. In this episode, Caroline does most of the ranting, though Steve does take the opportunity to take one last shot at John Kelly, the lying scumbag, so you see how that goes......

"A Canvassing We Go"In this Election Day re-cap, Caroline and Steve go over the results and the reactions to them! After some local results, we go to our live recording from our Get Out the Vote canvass in New Jersey...

"It's Like Political Porn.... It's Fantastic!"As election day is just a week away Caroline and Steve take a moment to talk about the devastating events of the past two weeks. This episode is about rants and passion, and there's a lot of both... In the end, it's all about getting out and voting...

We Are Really Bad Podcasters....After a very busy week for Caroline and Steve's vacation in the wilderness (unplugged and off-line) Steve calls in the Cast's favorite liberal lady, Suzi Dietz, to catch him up on the events of the past few weeks while he was away. From Trump Tweets, to the Manafort Flip, to the ups and downs of the Brett Kavanaugh nomination! We end the Cast with a discussion of how both Suzi and Steve are off the couch and working congressional campaigns in their areas!

It Was Really Loud at the Gun Range, or Whatever You Call ItIn this episode, our two friends stay on the couch to go over recent events. Steve tells Caroline all about his trip to the gun range to fire an AK-47 (Caroline is not happy about any of this). There is a discussion about how "Truth Isn't Truth" (Just ask our friend "Dave the Republican"). We try to assess the damage a gaslight presidency has on the country and the best way to fight back; Is Avanatti right? Do we have to get in the mud with the pigs? And finally, a short discussion about how Andrew Cuomo doesn't think America was ever great, and what the reprocussions of that one statement may have on the rest of his political careare!

The Gun Show Loop-HoleIn our never ending quest to understand the other side (well, at least Caroline does anyway) we travel out to Pennsylvania to attend our first gun show! We recount our experiences, talk about the people we met and try and figure out the motivations and rationale behind gun culture. In the end we went for the guns and bought some pickles! Yeah, it’s crazy!

Rakontur....In a sit-down episode, Caroline wants to impart some inspiration to resisters who may be feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information in the news and Gaslighting by the administration. We do not want you to like this episode, which in Trump-Speak means we want you to like it....

The "C" Word! Yes, We Went ThereAfter accidentally erasing our last episode (it was awesome, trust us!) We spend an episode catching up on all things Roseanne, Samatha Bee, and especially the current Administration policy of Family Separation! It's a rough show to go through a lot of depressing news, but we forge on. And if there was any doubt we don't think Samantha Bee had anything to appoligize for!

He's Back! The Fits and Frustration of Dave the Republican!!!!For our 30th episode, we check in with Dave the Republican, and, not to our surprise not a lot has changed, but over the course of the conversations, we think we see a little crack in what was a blanket facade.... Take a listen and let us know what you think!

"It's Time to Find a Voting Buddy or What I did On the One Year Anniversary of the Mueller Investigation" We know it's been a while, but we are back talking a bit of history of American voting patterns, third party attempts and why they don't work, what's going wrong in the American political/government system and, of course, the Mueller Investigation because, well, it's his one year anniversary. We look at presidential investigations from the past to see just how long this one is "dragging on!"

"And the Children Shall Lead Them"This week's episode Steve takes Caroline out to a small town March For Our Lives demonstration in Morristown, NJ. While we were expecting a small dedicated crowd we were shocked at the site of 13,000 people in small town America marching for gun regulation and school safety! Along the way we speak to students, a politician running for Congress and, of course, Caroline finds the one pro-gun guy in the crowd!

We're Back on the Couch Because There's so Much Going On!With all that's been going on, we thought we needed to take stock! After talking about meeting students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Steve and Caroline talk through the Muller investigation, the pardon power of the President and, of course what the hell is going on with the Stormy Daniels lawsuit against President Donald Trump.....

How to Turn Your Kids Playroom Into the Center of Activism in Your State!Caroline and Steve travel out to Branchburg, NJ to meet Elizabeth Meyer whose first foray into political organizing culminated in the Women's March in Trenton New Jersey last year! Heeding the call to action she gladly jumped in to organize the March again this year. Using her daughter's playroom as the central office for the March we travel to interview her about her journey and get encouragement for all other people looking to get involved, all while Steve resists playing with the awesome Leggo set not far from where we sat! Elizabeth is an inspiration and we hope you are as awed by her as we are!

Our Future is Dying Because We are Killing It!Two days after the Valentine's Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, Steve and Caroline attend a Gays Against Guns rally in New York City. At the rally they heard from teachers who struggled about what to say to their students, only to find a level of desensitization that shocked them, a mother who can measure out her child's life by the massacres we all know by name, and activists who are determined never surrender and make this moment the beginning of the end of our national insanity....

Dave the Republican ReturnsIt's been six months since Dave the Republican has been on the podcast, but though a lot of time has passed, most of Dave's opinions haven't changed.... While the conversation gets heated by the end everyone expressed their mutual love and admiration; if only our government worked the same way.... We promise to have him back to check in in a much shorter time.....

The Sisterhood of Social Justice, or Why "Millennials" Are Way Cooler Than We Ever Were!To satisfy Caroline's desire to learn what young people think about what's going on in our country Steve enlists the help of Erin and Emma Davison, two sisters with a passion for politics and social justice. The conversation, held in a local New Jersey diner, ranged from young people's take on the election of the current occupant of the oval office, to the #MeToo movement and the direction of political and social changes in our country. If we are to judge the future of our country from the passion and depth of knowledge of these two young ladies we are in a lot better shape than most of us fear!

"Cave Operatur," Solidarity Forever!To open the new year Caroline and Steve talk with writer/actor/activist Michael Cavadias, organizer for Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York. In the wide ranging discussion the gang talks about the history of socialism in America, the resurgence of organized socialism and the political gains made in the last election by DSA and what they plan for the future.

From the Couch to the Streets; Birth of an Activist the Year in Review...In the year-end podcast, Caroline and Steve review the year and talk about all the people they've met along the way. What they learn is the common trait of all the people they've met; a concern not for themselves but for their community! Happy New Year to all our listeners, and we are so excited to continue the journey and bring you the most inspiring people in the Resistance!

Be Careful When You Tell a Joke You Don't Become the Punchline!When Atlantic County Freeholder John Carman posted a meme demeaning women to his Facebook page on the eve of the Women's March at best he thought he'd give a few of his friends a laugh. The thought that the beginning of the end of his political career started when he hit the "Post" button never entered his mind, but when this week's guest, Ashley Bennett, didn't like the response from her Freeholder she decided to run for his office, the first political campaign she ever attempted... With the help of family and friends and a clear set of issues the concerned her community, she persisted all the way to an electoral victory! Angst & Daisies is so grateful the Freeholder-elect took time out of her schedule to tell us her story, she inspired us, and we hope she will inspire you as well!

Sometimes You Have to Take a Moment to Party Like It's 1999!In the wake of decisive victories for Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia, Caroline and Steve take a moment to enjoy the fruits of the hard work of the Resistance! We recap wins in seats that flipped from Republican to Democrat, as well as gains made by people who identify as Socialists, and cheer for the first transgender woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates! We end the show with a couple of suggestions about what you can do after the final balloon drops because after this party ends the work continues! We aren't over by a long shot!

Report from the Women's Convention: When in Doubt Kick Him in the Nuts!In this episode Friend of the Cast, Suzi Dietz, reports on what she learned in the recent Women's Convention in Detroit. Caroline and Steve talk to Suzi about the conferences, topics, and strategies she attended at the first Wome's Convention organized by the Women's March. It always seems to come back to the same thing... Think globally, act locally!

Take Back Cheapside!It is our great honor to speak with DeBraun Thomas, one of the founders of the citizen action group Take Back Cheapside of Lexington, KY. After years of activism, dialogue, protest and political lobbying a group of active citizens got the City of Lexington, KY to remove two confederate statutes that stood for 100 years. Their story is an inspiration to every person working to make change in their community; we know they inspire us!

"Preciosa" One month after Hurricane Maria ripped through the island of Puerto Rico Caroline and Steve get an on the ground report about what is really happening! Our friends get a phone report from Sofia Gallisá Muriente, co-director of Beta-Local, an art cooperative based in Old San Juan. Sofia has been actively working both everyday relief as well as coordinating assistance to the many artists who call the island home. Applying the vast experience from her tireless work she did in the Rockaways in New York as part of Occupy Sandy, she gives an insight that is both realistic and optimistic! Finally, she gives us direction on where and how we can help!

Viva Las Vegas; Please Don’t Shoot the DaisiesIn the wake of the massacre of 58 people at a Las Vegas music festival Caroline and Steve spend this episode discussing the the history and current state of gun laws in America. While we always try to keep the cast about what you can do in your community, this episode finds Steve in an out of control rant (or two) about the inability of this nation to face what really needs to be done to ensure we don’t wake up to another instance of mass murder. The episode ends with a plea for help for the people of Puerto Rico who have largely been ignored by the government judged by the response on the ground on the island. We’re getting greater and greater every day!

"Birth of an Activist"Caroline and Steve join Rise and Resist’s demonstration against the racism inherent in the Trump Administration at New York’s Grand Central Station. This is Caroline’s first political demonstration and she is impressed with RaR’s organization and commitment to keeping order as well as one Trump supporter’s tenacity at stalking and attempting (unsuccessfully) to provoke the crowd. Along the way we speak to commuters and reporters and Caroline even gets interviewed for French TV! When it’s all said and done Caroline realizes how empowering and sometimes scary the whole experience was for her!

Political Therapy With Bob DavisonWhen Steve's anger and hostility towards Trump voting Harvey and Irma victims becomes more than Caroline can tolerate our friends head out to get some political therapy with Bob Davison the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris County. Bob’s a licensed therapist who’s self professed progressive pragmatism ends up being the perfect salve for the psychic wounds our friends are feeling! Breathe everyone!Music in this episode: Matt Duncan - "The Keys" https://mattduncan.bandcamp.com/track/the-keysmilf - "Angst and Daisies" & "Certain People Shouldn't Lie"Stephen Trask and Peter Yanowitz - "Travis Breathe Reprise"

London Calling!Ever wonder what our country looks like from the foreign perspective? Well a good friend of Steve's, Simon From London, comes on the show from via Skype. We talk about how the current President is seen overseas, what the effect of the election has been on British politics, and we even get a little Brexit talk in for good measure!

It's the Return of Dave, The Republican!Marking his command return to the Cast, Dave The Republican comes back to share his views on all things from his vantage point of center right. Has he had enough of the ineptitude, the lies, the Gaslighting from the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Tune and find out! Here's a hint, Dave's a party guy, and we don't think he thinks the party's over!

If you are not outraged you are not paying attention: In Memoriam Heather Heyer. The day after Charlottesville, Caroline cannot move. And Steve agrees it is a day we all need to sit and grieve. Tune in to Caroline asking Steve’s questions about where we go from here. Like can a President be removed from office for being morally unfit? The answer is yes. You will be surprised to learn many things today as we pick ourselves up to continue our work.

"Sometimes the Couch is a Good Place to Be!"While Caroline really wanted to spend the day at the beach (ha!) Steve need a day of rest after a long two weeks of running around! But it's good time to catch up and see what's going on in the world of American politics. There's talk of just how impeachment might go down (spoiler alert it's still a long way away!), when the Mid-Terms are and what you can do and just what exactly an Emolument is anyway! As always, we encourage you to get out there and get involved!

"Give Peace a Chance"Remember this? There was a time when nuclear weapons was one of our biggest concerns. Today meet Rosemarie Pace who has never stopped caring about our future, a future she works for, so we can live in a world without nuclear arms. Join her and Pax Christi as they memorialize the 72nd anniversary of the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.In all the political chatter coming in over the air waves we rarely hear the word peace. Where are our present day peace activists? Right here on this episode of Angst and Daisies.

"Breaking Up With Bad Habits - A Talk with Dr. Dan Schatz"At the very moment the US Senate voted to move forward with the Republican plan to take healthcare away from tens of millions of citizens we recorded the show in Kalustyan's, a market near Bellevue Hospital, where we met Dr Dan Schatz, an outspoken champion of marginalize people with addiction and substance abuse problems. Our talk ranged from facts about the current opioid epidemic, public policy on mental health and addiction treatment, and, of course, what the repeal of the ACA would mean for the people under Dr Schatz' care (as well as people in general). In the end Caroline asks the most important question: "What can we do?" and Dr. Schatz reaffirms the essential message of most of the guests on the cast....

"Remember That Time Your Congressman Tried to Get You Fired, and Other Stories From the Resistance"In today's episode the Podcast tries something new with a phone-in interview with Saily Avelenda of NJ 11th for Change. Saily updates us on NJ 11th's activities, as well as recounting the time Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen sent a letter to her boss complaining that she was a "Ringleader" of a radical group of concerned citizens expressing their First Amendment rights! Nevertheless, she persisted! While she may not be at her job anymore, it's freed up her time to work for NJ 11th and take a moment to speak with us! #RoleModel

The ABC's of the IDCAs Caroline returns from her family wedding & 4th of July vacation she ace's her "Who Are My Representatives" test! But when she didn't get the IDC extra credit question Steve gets her off the couch to visit his friend Betsy Malcolm a local activist working with Rise and Resist. After explaining some of the CRAZY in's and out's of the IDC and Albany politics, the discussion turns to our current predicament in national politics and how, ironically, an email may bring down the 45th President of the United States! A good time was had by all!

When on Vacation Play the Dave the Republican Show!While Caroline goes on an extended family vacation/wedding Steve mans the Podcast and plays what will be an ongoing series within the show called "Dave the Republican." From time to time our crew will be checking in with Steve's HocusPOTUS Podcast partner, Dave, to see if Donald Trump has "crossed the line" with Republicans who didn't support him in the election, but think the Resistance is ill advised. This episode was about a month old but we wanted to get it out there to establish where the middle of the field Republican mindset was at! Don't worry, next week is an off the couch episode we know you will like!

"You're killing my chance to be the Richard Simmons of politics….."Steve tries to get Caroline off the couch but the news is so fast and furious that Caroline cannot go out and resist until she gets some answers about the state of current affairs. So Steve agrees to catch her up on the events of the past week exacting a promise from her that she will rally for next week. Caroline shows she never saw Schoolhouse Rock so they talk about “how a bill becomes a law,” so “is it normal to lock yourself to in a room and only speak to the other people in that room?” and it goes all over the place from there. In the end all politics is local and Caroline’s promised to learn all her elected representatives by next week when they'll get off the couch and take a look at race in America, well in New Jersey anyway…..

Caroline gets the Full Emersion with Sister Susan Wilcox.In this episode we record the show from Steve's childhood church at the National Shrine of St. Gerrard at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, NJ. Caroline was interested to see how faith inspires activism so Steve brought her to meet Sister Susan Wilcox, an activist Sister of St. Joseph. Sister Susan's faith puts her on the front line of social justice issues, and sometimes in jail!

Pop-Up ActivistsIn our first episode Steve gets Caroline off the couch to meet people who were activated by the election of Donald Trump. In this episode Caroline coins the phrase "Active Citizen," and you get to meet people who are organizing to shake up business as usual in politics.