Hellbent
413 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 458 ratingsHellbent Podcast is a twice weekly political news and commentary podcast by Devon Handy and Varsha Venkat. They aim to bring a heavy intersectional feminist lens to the male-dominated political commentary space. They are funny, fierce, and unyielding. Their conversational style and penchant for swearing make Hellbent a fun, engaging way to discuss politics
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Episodes
18: Crimea River
September 27, 2019 23:07 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBIt's impeachment o'clock, motherfuckers.
S3 Ep18: Crimea River
September 27, 2019 23:07 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBIt's impeachment o'clock, motherfuckers.
17: KavaHELLnaugh
September 27, 2019 22:33 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the SCOTUS ruling that effectively cancels asylum in the United States. They also discuss Kavanaugh and the in-depth reporting about one of his accusers, Debbie Ramirez
S3 Ep17: KavaHELLnaugh
September 27, 2019 22:33 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the SCOTUS ruling that effectively cancels asylum in the United States. They also discuss Kavanaugh and the in-depth reporting about one of his accusers, Debbie Ramirez
16: Like a Broken Fucking Record
July 26, 2019 18:39 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Comic Con, racist tweets by Trump (shock!) and the "send her back" chant. They also talk about immigration policy at large, ICE's latest attempt to circumvent due process and the contrast to the patriarchy's obsession with due process for rich white men. There are a few SPOILERS (from Devon's time a Comic Con) Captain Marvel SPOILER: 9:50-10:34 Endgame SPOILER: 12:57-13:27 So SKIP those parts if you haven't seen the movies!
S3 Ep16: Like a Broken Fucking Record
July 26, 2019 18:39 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Comic Con, racist tweets by Trump (shock!) and the "send her back" chant. They also talk about immigration policy at large, ICE's latest attempt to circumvent due process and the contrast to the patriarchy's obsession with due process for rich white men. There are a few SPOILERS (from Devon's time a Comic Con) Captain Marvel SPOILER: 9:50-10:34 Endgame SPOILER: 12:57-13:27 So SKIP those parts if you haven't seen the movies!
15: Are You Out of Your Goddamned Motherfucking Mind?
July 10, 2019 22:03 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the atrocities being committed against migrants at the southern US border. They discuss important historical context and how this has become a concerted ethnic cleansing effort against migrants. They also analyze congress' response to the issue and how we as a country can mitigate ongoing damage from this horrific situation.
S3 Ep15: Are You Out of Your Goddamned Motherfucking Mind?
July 10, 2019 22:03 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the atrocities being committed against migrants at the southern US border. They discuss important historical context and how this has become a concerted ethnic cleansing effort against migrants. They also analyze congress' response to the issue and how we as a country can mitigate ongoing damage from this horrific situation.
S3 Ep14: "You can deal with the symptoms, but you'll still have the fucking flu"
June 07, 2019 22:14 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the humanitarian crisis at the border and the 6 children who have died as a result of ICE and Border Patrol. They also discuss impeachment, Nancy Pelosi, and why there is hope for the future.
14: "You can deal with the symptoms, but you'll still have the fucking flu"
June 07, 2019 22:14 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the humanitarian crisis at the border and the 6 children who have died as a result of ICE and Border Patrol. They also discuss impeachment, Nancy Pelosi, and why there is hope for the future.
S3 Ep13: Abortion
May 15, 2019 20:22 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBDevon and Varsha are back after a brief unplanned hiatus to discuss the litany of bullshit abortion laws going on the book in red states, ikncluding the freshly-passed steaming pile of garbage that was just passed in the Alabama state senate.
13: Abortion
May 15, 2019 20:22 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBDevon and Varsha are back after a brief unplanned hiatus to discuss the litany of bullshit abortion laws going on the book in red states, ikncluding the freshly-passed steaming pile of garbage that was just passed in the Alabama state senate.
12: Patriarchal Gas Lighting, Vol. 65433 f/ Kaitlin Byrd
April 04, 2019 22:00 - 2 hours - 105 MBDevon and Varsha discuss NOT the Mueller report, but Attorney General William Barr's 4 page word vomit ABOUT the Mueller report. Varsha sits down with Kaitlin Byrd, aka GothamGirlBlue, to discuss the Aunt Becky college admission scandal and 2020 politics. THIS IS OUR LONGEST EPISODE TO DATE AND WE CUT MOST OF THE KAITLIN BYRD INTERVIEW. If you'd like to hear the whole Kaitlin Byrd interview, which we HIGHLY recommend, you can find it on http://www.patreon.com/HellbentPodcast on the feed for ...
S3 Ep12: Patriarchal Gas Lighting, Vol. 65433 f/ Kaitlin Byrd
April 04, 2019 22:00 - 2 hours - 105 MBDevon and Varsha discuss NOT the Mueller report, but Attorney General William Barr's 4 page word vomit ABOUT the Mueller report. Varsha sits down with Kaitlin Byrd, aka GothamGirlBlue, to discuss the Aunt Becky college admission scandal and 2020 politics. THIS IS OUR LONGEST EPISODE TO DATE AND WE CUT MOST OF THE KAITLIN BYRD INTERVIEW. If you'd like to hear the whole Kaitlin Byrd interview, which we HIGHLY recommend, you can find it on http://www.patreon.com/HellbentPodcast on the feed for...
11: The Oldest Profession f/ Kaytlin Bailey
March 27, 2019 22:01 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBVarsha interviews Kaytlin Bailey, comedian, podcaster on The Oldest Profession Podcast, and the communications director for Decriminalize Sex Work. She is also a sex worker herself. They discuss the history of sex work, current laws that hurt sex workers and Pretty Woman. This is one of Devon's favorite interviews ever on this show. You can follow Kaytlin @kaytlinbailey https://twitter.com/kaytlinbailey Listen to Kaytlin's podcast The Oldest Profession wherever you get your podcasts.
S3 Ep11: The Oldest Profession f/ Kaytlin Bailey
March 27, 2019 22:01 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBVarsha interviews Kaytlin Bailey, comedian, podcaster on The Oldest Profession Podcast, and the communications director for Decriminalize Sex Work. She is also a sex worker herself. They discuss the history of sex work, current laws that hurt sex workers and Pretty Woman. This is one of Devon's favorite interviews ever on this show. You can follow Kaytlin @kaytlinbailey https://twitter.com/kaytlinbailey Listen to Kaytlin's podcast The Oldest Profession wherever you get your podcasts.
10: White Fucking Supremacy
March 18, 2019 20:15 - 58 minutes - 39.8 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Beto entering the 2020 race, Ilhan Omar's antisemetic remarks and the devastating terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand that left 50 dead and injured 50 more.
S3 Ep10: White Fucking Supremacy
March 18, 2019 20:15 - 58 minutes - 39.8 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Beto entering the 2020 race, Ilhan Omar's antisemetic remarks and the devastating terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand that left 50 dead and injured 50 more.
9: It's About Fucking Control, NOT Support
March 01, 2019 08:15 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBDevon and Varsha discuss HHS's new rule that prohibits Title X funding recipient (aka Planned Parenthood) from even REFERRING their patients for abortions - they have put a domestic gag rule in place. They also yell about the Michael Cohen House Oversight Committee testimony and the racism faced by congresswomen there.
S3 Ep9: It's About Fucking Control, NOT Support
March 01, 2019 08:15 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBDevon and Varsha discuss HHS's new rule that prohibits Title X funding recipient (aka Planned Parenthood) from even REFERRING their patients for abortions - they have put a domestic gag rule in place. They also yell about the Michael Cohen House Oversight Committee testimony and the racism faced by congresswomen there.
S3 Ep8: St. Bernard of Sanders
February 23, 2019 00:45 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBDevon and Varsha discuss a horrible proposed bill in Arkansas, another white men who was plotting a domestic terrorist attack, and Bernie Sanders' announcement that he will seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, despite not being a Democrat.
8: St. Bernard of Sanders
February 23, 2019 00:45 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBDevon and Varsha discuss a horrible proposed bill in Arkansas, another white men who was plotting a domestic terrorist attack, and Bernie Sanders' announcement that he will seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, despite not being a Democrat.
7: Audio Brunch f/ Charlotte Clymer
February 19, 2019 20:45 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBDevon and Varsha sit down with Charlotte Clymer, Press Secretary of Rapid Response for the Human Rights Campaign. She is also a prolific and insightful political commentator and the coolest person you can follow on Twitter. Join them for an "audio brunch," in which they bitch about the ongoing dumpster fire that is the Commonwealth of Virginia, the slate of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, and how Twitter is shaping politics and policy. There is also lots of swearing. Follow Cha...
S3 Ep7: Audio Brunch f/ Charlotte Clymer
February 19, 2019 20:45 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBDevon and Varsha sit down with Charlotte Clymer, Press Secretary of Rapid Response for the Human Rights Campaign. She is also a prolific and insightful political commentator and the coolest person you can follow on Twitter. Join them for an "audio brunch," in which they bitch about the ongoing dumpster fire that is the Commonwealth of Virginia, the slate of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, and how Twitter is shaping politics and policy. There is also lots of swearing. Follow Ch...
S3 Ep6: STFU, SOTU.
February 15, 2019 22:40 - 53 minutes - 37 MBDevon and Varsha respond to the State of the Union address. They were not impressed. Varsha's interview with Ian Millhiser coming shortly!
6: STFU, SOTU.
February 15, 2019 22:40 - 53 minutes - 37 MBDevon and Varsha respond to the State of the Union address. They were not impressed. Varsha's interview with Ian Millhiser coming shortly!
5: Contingent f/ Erin Bartram
February 11, 2019 22:14 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBVarsha interview scholar and historian Erin Bartram about sexism, racism and other sins in academia. They also discuss Erin's new magazine, Contingent. It's a glorious nerd-out about what it's like to work in academia when history has never been more important. Follow Erin: https://twitter.com/erin_bartram Follow Contingent Magazine: https://twitter.com/contingent_mag
S3 Ep5: Contingent f/ Erin Bartram
February 11, 2019 22:14 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBVarsha interview scholar and historian Erin Bartram about sexism, racism and other sins in academia. They also discuss Erin's new magazine, Contingent. It's a glorious nerd-out about what it's like to work in academia when history has never been more important. Follow Erin: https://twitter.com/erin_bartram Follow Contingent Magazine: https://twitter.com/contingent_mag
S3 Ep4: Affirmative Action for White Dudes
February 02, 2019 00:57 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the racist and homophobic attack on actor Jussie Smollett, the misinformation in the bullshit "late term" abortion debate and the growing slate of 2020 Democratic party presidential hopefuls. Again. This primary may kill your hosts.
4: Affirmative Action for White Dudes
February 02, 2019 00:57 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the racist and homophobic attack on actor Jussie Smollett, the misinformation in the bullshit "late term" abortion debate and the growing slate of 2020 Democratic party presidential hopefuls. Again. This primary may kill your hosts.
3: Per My Last Email, Bitch
January 26, 2019 01:56 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the government shutdown, the UNKNOWN number of children that have been taken from their parents at the border and other stories that flew under the radar while the government closed for a RECORD SETTING 35 days. They spend some time reveling in the fact that Nancy Pelosi saved the goddamned day.
S3 Ep3: Per My Last Email, Bitch
January 26, 2019 01:56 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the government shutdown, the UNKNOWN number of children that have been taken from their parents at the border and other stories that flew under the radar while the government closed for a RECORD SETTING 35 days. They spend some time reveling in the fact that Nancy Pelosi saved the goddamned day.
2: Don't Answer the Phone That's Not Ringing
January 11, 2019 23:41 - 1 hour - 43 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the rapidly developing Democratic field of 2020 presidnetal candidates, the destructive and ongoing Trump Shutdown and marginal tax rates.
S3 Ep2: Don't Answer the Phone That's Not Ringing
January 11, 2019 23:41 - 1 hour - 43 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the rapidly developing Democratic field of 2020 presidnetal candidates, the destructive and ongoing Trump Shutdown and marginal tax rates.
S3 Ep1: A Toast to Paul Ryan's New and Continued Unemployment
January 04, 2019 23:57 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the Trump Game of Thrones poster, newly-elected HBIC Nancy Pelosi, and the Trump administration's newest attempt at rolling back and getting rid of civil rights laws and regulations. Feels good to be back!
1: A Toast to Paul Ryan's New and Continued Unemployment
January 04, 2019 23:57 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the Trump Game of Thrones poster, newly-elected HBIC Nancy Pelosi, and the Trump administration's newest attempt at rolling back and getting rid of civil rights laws and regulations. Feels good to be back!
106: Technicality
December 12, 2018 00:51 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBDevon and Varsha discuss ICE, Republian power grabs in Wisconsin and Michigan, and the hot fucking mess that is Trump's trade policy.
S2 Ep106: Technicality
December 12, 2018 00:51 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBDevon and Varsha discuss ICE, Republian power grabs in Wisconsin and Michigan, and the hot fucking mess that is Trump's trade policy.
S2 Ep105: 2 Feminist Walk into a Russian Bar...
December 04, 2018 00:01 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBDevon and Varsha get a little tipsy and discuss the Mueller Russia invstigation and Melania Trump's murder forest.
105: 2 Feminist Walk into a Russian Bar...
December 04, 2018 00:01 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBDevon and Varsha get a little tipsy and discuss the Mueller Russia invstigation and Melania Trump's murder forest.
104: Brush on the Forest Floor
November 28, 2018 21:24 - 58 minutes - 40 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Trump firing tear gas into a crowd of migrants at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the sexist smear machine that is starting up for the 2020 presidential election.
S2 Ep104: Brush on the Forest Floor
November 28, 2018 21:24 - 58 minutes - 40 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Trump firing tear gas into a crowd of migrants at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and the sexist smear machine that is starting up for the 2020 presidential election.
S2 Ep103: Catfight?
November 17, 2018 01:31 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the arrests of undocumented immigrants trying to sponsor migrant children at the border and the sexism surrounding Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez.
103: Catfight?
November 17, 2018 01:31 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBDevon and Varsha discuss the arrests of undocumented immigrants trying to sponsor migrant children at the border and the sexism surrounding Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Oscasio-Cortez.
102: This Episode Was Canceled Due to Light Rain
November 14, 2018 22:53 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Trump's lack of respect for the military and the dangerous threats to democracy creeping up in the wake of the 2018 Midterm elections. Our sponsor this week is giving away FREE birth control prescriptions. Go to http://www.simplehealth.com/hellbent or use promo code hellbent at check out to get a free prescription of birth control.
S2 Ep102: This Episode Was Canceled Due to Light Rain
November 14, 2018 22:53 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBDevon and Varsha discuss Trump's lack of respect for the military and the dangerous threats to democracy creeping up in the wake of the 2018 Midterm elections. Our sponsor this week is giving away FREE birth control prescriptions. Go to http://www.simplehealth.com/hellbent or use promo code hellbent at check out to get a free prescription of birth control.
S2 Ep101: Boss Ass Bitch
November 09, 2018 22:11 - 44 minutes - 41 MBDevon and Varsha discuss midterm election results and the one and only Nancy Pelosi.
101: Boss Ass Bitch
November 09, 2018 22:11 - 44 minutes - 41 MBDevon and Varsha discuss midterm election results and the one and only Nancy Pelosi.
99: Crush the Midterms Episode 10: Election Day PEP RALLY!
November 06, 2018 09:15 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBFor their final episode, Devon and Marisa discuss how to take good care of yourself on election, how they've personally crushed the midterms, and they invited some friends and colleagues to share how they have crushed the midterms this cycle. It's an inspiring pep rally for you to use as a sound track to casting your ballot on this historic day. Thank you so much for listening on this INCREDIBLE journey. Now get out there and VOTE! --------- Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Fol...
S2 Ep99: Crush the Midterms Episode 10: Election Day PEP RALLY!
November 06, 2018 09:15 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBFor their final episode, Devon and Marisa discuss how to take good care of yourself on election, how they've personally crushed the midterms, and they invited some friends and colleagues to share how they have crushed the midterms this cycle. It's an inspiring pep rally for you to use as a sound track to casting your ballot on this historic day. Thank you so much for listening on this INCREDIBLE journey. Now get out there and VOTE! Follow us @hellbentpod and @crush18midterms Follow Devon ...