Hot Mic'd: Tyler Childers Fandom, Paid Leave, Snacks, and Saltburn

Something I discovered over break is… I ended up at a tasting of this new brand, My Mama’s Mama’s Muhammara, and it was literal heaven on earth. When I tell you I could eat their muhammara 24/7, 365, there is no hyperbole involved. Everyone needs to try it and be obsessed, like plz. -SK

Something that gives me political pause is… We’re not even a week into the new year and state legislatures are already at it again going after trans kids and their families. The prime example of the day is the New Hampshire state House passing a ban on gender-affirming surgery for minors. The irony of people claiming that this move is about parental rights, while actually undermining them is not lost on any of us. -SK

Something that gives political positivity is… NY’s legislative sesh started with a Hochul proposal that would give NY’ers (if passed) 40 hours of paid leave to attend prenatal medical appointments. This is one of a few of the policy proposals deats that looks to reduce maternal mortality and infant deaths. I’m v excited to see where this goes. -SK

Something I recommend for 2024 is… Semafor’s Flagship newsletter! If you’ve been here for a moment and are here currently reading this very newsletter, you’ll know we love a good newsletter. Semarfor’s has more of an international focus, which is good for mixing up the ol’ inbox news diet. Check it out here. -SK

Something that’s giving the perfect ‘pause in the politics’ for me is… I’ve really been on a Netflix binge-a-thon lately, mostly because it’s cold and I haaaate winter. But also because Cole Walter of the My Life With The Walter Boys…like is he kidding?! Obsessed. As for the Kissing Booth movies… the jury is still out on those… TBD. -SK

Something I discovered over break is… this isn’t really a discovery because everyone’s been freaking out about it forever, but I finally watched the Era’s Tour. It’s making me want to go see the show in NOLA this year. Might have to get some glitter and go. Who’s with me?  -MM

Something that gives me political pause is… to mirror Sam on another groundhog day-esque occurrence, today we have yet another school shooting, this time in Iowa at a high school. We don’t know all of the details yet, but we do know that we all should not have to live this way. Gun violence shouldn’t be as common as the common cold.  -MM

Something that gives political positivity is… our guest of honor this week on the pod, Zach!! You guys have heard us talk about how we get so pissed when people write off red states and those voters who need quality representation. Zach is standing the fuck up, and that’s inspiring. -MM

Something I recommend for 2024 is… Politico has a 2024 election calendar for the presidential primaries that I think everyone should have bookmarked. It’s easy to follow and searchable, so you can find your state/territory, and what the deal is. Some of them are coming up uber quickly, so don’t walk, run to check it out. -MM

Something that’s giving the perfect ‘pause in the politics’ for me is… Jacob Elordi. No notes. I watched Saltburn and… just what a God amongst men. It’s a wild, wild movie, but his hotness is the perfect ‘politics pause,’ thank you very much. -MM

MADDIE

Black Cashmere Pullover

Gold Bead Bracelet

SAMMY

Black Ski Zip Leo

Wide Black Headband