Friends with Political Benefits

Episode 2D. No Tax on Tips, Overtime, Social Security? What's in the Big Beautiful Bill?

Lisa Z nerdsplains how possible changes to the tax code could affect your paycheck and surprises the panel with a provision that defies the laws of reasoning. We combed through this colossal bill, so you don't have to. Join us for a common-sense explanation of what Republicans tried their best to make complicated.
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Episode 2C. Hidden Gems - What's in the Big Beautiful Bill?

Jinx shines a spotlight on the hidden depths of the 1,116-page reconciliation bill currently before the Senate. Come hang with us for a bit and discover what Republicans hoped the American people would not find out until it was too late. It's always good to have friends with political benefits.
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Episode 2B. School Voucher Scams and Private Prison Profits - What's in the Big Beautiful Bill?

The devil's in the details of the Big Ugly Bill!
Lisa Z and the crew expose the sneaky taxpayer-funded school voucher program designed to look like a tax-deductible scholarship credit and the immigration fund created to funnel tax dollars and immigrants into the private prison system, where our farm and service workers can be exploited for free labor.
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Episode 2A. Healthcare, ACA, and SNAP, Oh My! What's in the Big Beautiful Bill?

The gang breaks down healthcare and other social safety net changes in the Big Beautiful Bill that may impact you and your family. Jinx takes us through the expected cuts to Medicaid, ACA, and SNAP benefits, along with a substantial cut to Medicare as a result of the Pay-as-you-go rule. Tee, Jinx, DaBoss, and Lisa Z also discuss the Trump/Musk public sparring match and its implications for the Trumpian alliance.
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Episode 1. Crowdfunding Racism: Costs and Consequences

In late April 2025, Shiloh Hendrix, a white woman from Rochester, Minnesota, became the center of a national controversy after a video surfaced showing her using a racial slur against a 5-year-old Black boy who happened to be on the autism spectrum. The incident, recorded by a bystander at a local playground, captured Hendrix repeatedly using the n-word and justifying her language by claiming the child had taken something from her toddler's diaper bag. Following the video's viral spread, Hendrix launched a fundraiser on GiveSendGo, a known facilitator of extremist crowdfunding. She cited fears for her family's safety due to online threats and the public release of her name, address, and workplace. The campaign accrued over $785,000 as of mid-May 2025.
The fundraiser attracted significant criticism, particularly because donation comments included racist and white supremacist messages. We dive into the personal and societal costs and consequences when performing vice becomes the norm, and hate is wielded like a weapon by the wealthy and powerful.