David Traynor
What's Up With America?
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.
Author
David Traynor
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Feb 21, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
Chuck Park's Fight To Take Back Congress 21.02.2026 50:29
Most Americans feel the system is rigged against them. Chuck Park is running for Congess to fight that, challenging a long-standing Democratic incumbent in Queens, NYC in the upcoming June primary. As a former US diplomat who resigned in protest of Trump’s foreign policy, Chuck is on a mission to reclaim American democracy from what he perceives as the grip of big money and corporate interests. In...
Undocumented Irish Migrants in Trump's America 06.12.2025 34:28
This week, I speak with Dan Dennehy, Immigration Chairman for New York State's Ancient Order of Hibernians, as we delve into the complexities of immigration in Trump's America, focusing on the Irish-American experience and how that fits into the mosaic of US immigration in general.
The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Movement 15.11.2025 49:05
This 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 reported extensively on the MAHA movement. We discus...
Live NYC Mayoral Election Reactions 05.11.2025 18:57
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 ahead at the hopes for New York under Mamdani&...
Zohran Mamdani -V- Andrew Cuomo: NYC Elects a New Mayor This Week 03.11.2025 44:56
New 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 against former New York State Governor, Andrew...
Charlie Kirk, Guns in America and the Future of DEI 29.10.2025 49:48
This 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 and the future of diversity, equity, and incl...
Live Reactions to Election Results 06.11.2024 16:18
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.
Election Day 05.11.2024 29:21
Election Day is finally upon us. Kim and David discuss the state of play going into it.
Trump Rally at Madison Square Garden 02.11.2024 23:22
David turns up at Madison Square Garden to get vox pops of the people who turned up to hang around outside the Trump rally.
VP Debate, Trump Revisits Assassination Site and NYC Mayor Woes 12.10.2024 33:43
Kim 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 questions or comments, please contact us on Instagram...
Taylor Swift Endorsement, Viral TikToks and Listener Questions 01.10.2024 27:27
Kim 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.
Vox Pops 20.09.2024 33:20
Kim and David react to vox pops collected at the Jackson Heights subway station in Queens.
The Debate Pt 2 17.09.2024 13:05
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.
The Debate Pt 1 16.09.2024 33:06
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.
The Debate - Live Reactions 11.09.2024 7:21
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.
The Week 10.09.2024 24:59
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.
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.