Twigg and Jenkins

In this episode of Twigg & Jenkins, Carri and Brad break down the ICE killing in Minneapolis and what it reveals about Trump’s second-term playbook: secret police tactics, blue-city chaos, and a push toward a MAGA ethnostate. They explore how everyday people—soccer moms, local organizers, doctors, and other law enforcement—used viral visuals and protest to flip ICE’s “law and order” narrative and...

In this episode of Twigg & Jenkins, Carri and Brad zoom in on a chaotic week that says everything about late empire America, from Trump’s surreal Greenland stunt at Davos to Gavin Newsom hosting Ben Shapiro and saying what’s happening in Gaza is “not a genocide.” They debate whether Gavin’s right‑wing podcast tour is a savvy bet against disqualification politics or the beginning of the end for a 2...

This episode of Twigg & Jenkins takes on the state of American democracy in 2026 (and it’s only been a week and a half), zooming out from any one scandal to the broader ecosystem that keeps Trumpism alive. Carri and Brad talk about a political class that feels both exhausted and reckless at the same time—Democrats who won’t fully use their power, and MAGA Republicans who are already laying the gro...

Happy New Year! It’s our final installment of the Twigg & Jenkins “Best of 2025” miniseries. Brad shares his top 5. From the fate of late-night TV to right-wing influencers' infighting to the best hip hop album, Brad details how culture and politics have kept us on our toes.  Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out...

We’re back for part 2 in Carri’s  “Best of 2025” list. As a reminder,  she has labeled the list  2025 - The Year of the American Story Crisis: We are not arguing over policy — we are arguing over who we are.  From her thoughts around mythmaking to platform power to politics following culture, Carri AND Brad has lots to say on poignant moments or themes that kept them thinking all year. Be sure to...

In the second installment of the Twigg & Jenkins “Best of 2025” miniseries, Brad launches into his best-of list. Brad covers politics, culture, and what is bringing him joy. Next up in this miniseries is Carri’s top 5, so stay tuned for the next episode.  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 t...

In this episode of Twigg & Jenkins, Carri and Brad launch their “Best of 2025” miniseries. Carri begins with the first part of her list.  2025: The Year of the American Story Crisis: We are not arguing over policy — we are arguing over who we are.  This list is too juicy to reveal here, so tune for the reflection, the debate and the laughter Twigg & Jenkins style. Keep your eyes peeled for the nex...

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 appropria...

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 jo...

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 infr...

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...

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 ex...

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 thro...

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 youn...

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...

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 let...

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...

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’...

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...

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 ri...

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 hav...

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...

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 al...

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 m...