Stephen Explains the News │U.S. & World News and current events│Humor with heart
99 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 years ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsStephen explains what's going on to Kayla, hilarity ensues. A weekly audio download. The news cycles is complicated, we'll figure it out together. Covering U.S. and World news, music, pop culture and weird stories, it's a current events chat show that looks at the world with humor and compassion. Stephen's been paying attention, Kayla hasn't; one of them has something to say that you'll like (it's probably Kayla).
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Episodes
SETN Episode 47 12-16-16
December 16, 2016 06:21 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBEpisode 47 - Cracking the Hacking Shellacking We know Russia hacked the Democrats and Republican national committees. We don't quite know why. But, does it really matter why? Also, Kayla eats a bunch of Mexican food and Stephen finds some Christmas songs perplexing.
SETN Episode 46 12-09-16
December 09, 2016 23:52 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBEpisode 46 - Pick up the Pieces We follow up on a bunch of stories we've covered in Season 2: The Dakota Access Pipeline, The European Union, Aleppo and the Syrian Civil War, and Taiwan. Also, Kayla can give up sugar whenever she wants, and Stephen tries to revive the show inside jokes.
SETN Episode 45 12 - 02 - 16
December 03, 2016 05:52 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBEpisode 45 - The Devil is in the Details Post-Truth Politics - that doesn't sound terrifying. Stephen has a theory that some people's Twitter feed may be exploiting a misunderstanding of Postmodernism. What? I donno - I don't think the show makes it any clearer. Also, Kayla loves sweating in her sleep and D.J. Stephen E is a huge hit with the kids.
SETN Episode 44 11 - 25 - 16
November 25, 2016 07:50 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBBrexit and the US election can be seen as a reaction against Gloabilzation. So. Many. Questions. We answer, like, a couple. Also Kayla feels the weight of mortality and Stephen's surprisingly down for some Black Friday shopping this year.
SETN Episode 43 11-18-16
November 18, 2016 07:20 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBEpisode 43 - It's Getting Hot In Here The world is getting hotter - and it's not just that hansome Bruno Mars fella I've been hearing so much about. No, see we might wreck the planet and have nowhere to live. Also, Kayla's had a "C-" week and Stephen remembers the gladiator arena that were Sunday Dinnersat his house growing up.
SETN 42 11-11-16
November 11, 2016 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBEpisode 42 - There is only the fight Elections have consequences. In this case, the consequence is the end of the Republic. It was nice while it lasted. Also, Kayla thought the election would be like Christmas morning, and Stephen went to Las Vegas. Not a huge fan.
SETN Episode 41 10-28-16
October 28, 2016 05:28 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBEpisode 41 - With Friends Like These Could the down ballot races be affected by the Presidential Race? Will the Democrates flip the Sentate? That's not nearly as cool as it sounds. Also, Kayla hates the rain, and Stephen doesn't trust his therapist.
SETN Episode 40 10 - 21 - 16
October 21, 2016 05:42 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBEpisode 40 - Yemen-ade First, Yemen is a country in the Middle East. Second, they've had a civil war for more than a year. Third, it is NOT getting better anytime soon. Also Kayla has a yard sale and Red Ribbon Week is for babies!!
SETN Episode 39 10-14-16
October 14, 2016 04:47 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBEpisode 39 - Mask-ulinity The Donald Trump campaign may be the final offensive in the war for the American male. And we do mean offensive.
SETN Episode 38 10 - 07 - 16
October 07, 2016 15:23 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBEpisode 38 - Potpourri Jamboree We bounce all around he news cycle: Vice Presidential debate, A new UN secretary General, Civil War in Colombia, oh crap look out CLOWNS! Also Kayla is super happy she has the pretense to buy candy corn, and Stephen's kid has nightmares.
SETN Episode 37 09-30-16
September 30, 2016 06:54 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBEpisode 37 - Finders Keepers The Dakota Access Pipeline - Not it's not a German New Wave band from the 80s. It's a real pipeline that some real Native Americans are really trying to really stop. Also, congress does something (anything), Kayla has parking issues and Stephen just sings whenever. It's a problem.
SETN Episode 36 09 - 23 - 16
September 23, 2016 05:48 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBEpisode 36 - A Bridge too far(t)? The New Jersey Bridge scandal entered the court phase. This is the part of the movie where cousin Vinney puts Marissa Tomei on the stand to show she's actually knows a lot about toll bridges. Also, Kayla goes to a bachelorette party and Stephen might finally understand small talk (nope).
SETN Episode 35 09 - 16 - 16
September 16, 2016 05:34 - 45 minutes - 42 MBEpisode 35 - But seriously, what is Aleppo? What is Aleppo? Libertarian candidate for President, Gary Johnson, maybe doesn't know, but we'll take a stab at it. Hillary Clinton is definitely going to die and soon. Also, Kayla enjoys her summer and Stephen's mom is still dead.
Stephen Explains The News Best Of Season 1
September 06, 2016 15:13 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBWe relive some of your favorite moments from the first season of the show. What's the deal with Africa? The ballad of El Chapo, and Stephen's kid get's swooped in Trader Joe's. New shows 09/16!
Stephen Explains The News 07 - 25 - 16
July 25, 2016 06:51 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBWe finish Season 1 of the show with a follow-up on many of the stories we've covered over the last year. Will Kayla remember anything Stephen's said? Also, Kayla has a birthday and Stephen has jury duty. icijzk3j
Stephen Explains The News 07 - 14 - 16
July 15, 2016 06:34 - 52 minutes - 48 MBEpisode 33 - Whatsa Matter? What is the Black Lives Matter movement, and why does it always seem to involve the cops? Yeah, white people talking about blacks folks, what could possibly go wrong? Also, Kayla has a roach problem, Pokemon Go exists and CAPITALISM IS THE DEVIL!!
Stephen Explains The News 06 - 17 - 16
June 17, 2016 06:33 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBEpisode 32 - All dressed up with nowhere to go The tragedy in Orlando has got Stephen thinking about the way Americans think and talk about death. It's tots screwed up y'all. Kerry returns as guest for one segment, because one segment about death wasn't enough. Also, Kayla's getting contact lenses and Stephen goes to a concert.
Stephen Explains The News 06 - 10 - 16
June 10, 2016 06:51 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MBEpisode 31 - A bit o' coin So many things! Presidential elections, Rigged NBA basketball, Bitcoin and how the Federal Reserve works. Also, Stephen's not quite the Mr. Miyagi that he thinks he is.
Stephen Explains The News 06 - 03 - 16
June 03, 2016 06:02 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBEpisode 30 - Africa is the new black News about Africa is tough to come by. Jeez is it hard to figure out. So we just go back in time and retrace the history of African colonization. Also Kayla loves the sunshine and Stephen thinks Youtube is killing society.
Stephen Explains The News 05 - 27 - 16
May 27, 2016 05:32 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBThe Supreme Court has played a man short since Scalia went to the big penalty box in the sky. Will the Senate ever fill out the roster? When check back in with El Chapo, Kayla loves blue skies and Stephen forgot to wear a belt like a little baby goo goo.
Stephen Explains The News 05 - 20 - 16
May 20, 2016 06:31 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBBrazil and Turkey are both getting a shake-up at the top levels of government. How'd it happen? What's it mean? Will there still be an Olympics this year? Will I stop asking questions? Also, sugary drink warnings in San Francisco, and you are going to break your arm young lady!
Stephen Explains The News 05 - 13 - 16
May 13, 2016 06:53 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBWhy are conservatives so bad at identity politics. We go to a North Carolina bathroom to find out. Also we talk Trump 'cause how could you not?
Stephen Explains The News 04 - 08 - 16
April 08, 2016 05:41 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThe Panama Papers leak revealed the least surprising scandal in history. It turns out rich people really want to keep all their money. Also, we check back in with a post Scalia Supreme Court and Stephen has a bad dream.
Stephen Explains The News 04 - 01 - 16
April 02, 2016 05:24 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBIn theory, politicians run on a platform where they take a position on a number of issues. We try to figure what those positions and issues are for this year's presidential campaign. To be honest, we don't get very far.
Stephen Explains The News 03 - 25 - 16
March 25, 2016 07:12 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBPresident Obama is visiting Cuba this week. It's a a really big deal that he is. Also, Easter has some weird traditions, Trump and Cruz in a twitter fight and a Stephen gets sick.
Stephen Explains The News 03 - 18 - 16
March 18, 2016 04:03 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBSyrian peace talks? Isn't that an oxymoron? Also, we check in the Presidential Primaries and Self Driving cares could almost be a thing, maybe.
Stephen Explains The News 03 - 11 - 16
March 11, 2016 04:50 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBWill Greece and Britain leave the European Union? A few questions. First, what is the European Union? Second, who cares?
Stephen Explains The News 03 - 04 - 16
March 06, 2016 05:12 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBWe go after the primary season hard. So hard, you guys. Who's in the lead? What does it mean for the conventions this summer? What is a brokered convention? Can we go 5 seconds without talking about Trump?
Stephen Explains The News 02 - 26 - 16
February 27, 2016 03:37 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBObama wants to shut shown Guantanamo Bay (again!). Oh jeez, you guys are talking about GitMo? I thought this was a comedy show. What is wrong with you people? Also, Kayla had a nice week, and we check in the presidential primaries.
Stephen Explains The News 02 - 19 - 16
February 19, 2016 06:14 - 38 minutes - 35 MBSupreme Court Justice Scalia passed away. What does that mean for the court, or the waiting cases? Also, Kayla is all growns up with her new glasses and Stephen's kid get swooped in Trader Joe's.
Stephen Explains The News 02 - 11 - 16
February 12, 2016 07:45 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBWikileaks was in the news this week. OK, what is that? Also, we dip a toe in the presidential election, and check back in will extra special listener Bryan.
Stephen Explains The News 02 - 05 - 16
February 05, 2016 06:36 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBHow do the political parties nominate a candidate for president? (hint: it's terribly obtuse!) Also Dutch eagles are raining from the sky!!
Stephen Explains The News 01 - 29 - 16
January 29, 2016 06:41 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBFlint Michigan is a cesspool. No for reals. The show Parenthood brings people together, sort of. And Governor of Maine LePage just might have an impulse control problem.
Stephen Explains The News 01 - 22 - 16
January 22, 2016 07:08 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBWe talk about the Iran nuclear deal, economic sanctions, the Taiwanese elections, with a very special appearance by Pokemon and the Swedish Chef. Also, the word "like" is still Stephen's biggest frenemy.
Stephen Explains The News 01 - 15 - 16
January 15, 2016 06:23 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB¡El Chapo! Intriguing man of mystery, er sorry, I mean violent gangster. What's the deal with the Latin American drug trade? Ammiright?
Stephen Explains The News 01 - 08 - 16
January 08, 2016 05:23 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBThis week Stephen and Kayla try to sort out once and for all, all the various Islamic sects. (We succeed!) Also the stand off in Oregon and your ugly sweater is bad. Not fun, ironic bad. Just bad.
Stephen Explains The News 12 - 27 - 15
December 28, 2015 01:31 - 1 minute - 1.47 MBNew episodes are back up on January 8th!
Stephen Explains The News 12 - 17 - 15
December 18, 2015 07:54 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBThis week Stephen and Kayla follow up on previous stories: Republican primaries, Anonymous and ISIS, Taiwan. Also, Kayla makes cookies and Stephen has mixed feelings about the show.
Stephen Explains The News 12 - 12 - 15
December 13, 2015 07:03 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBThis week Stephen and Kayla talk uugh Donald Trump's immigration plan. Seriously? Also glass making techniques, and playing secret spies while shopping with kids.
Stephen Explains The News 12 - 04 - 15
December 04, 2015 06:14 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBThis week Stephen and Kayla talk international monetary policy. What? Am I having a brain aneurysm? Also, President Obama can't be interrupted.
Stephen Explains The News 11 - 27 - 15
November 27, 2015 07:13 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBThis week Stephen and Kayla discuss Mars rovers and how Pixar wants nothing more than to see you cry.
Stephen Explains The News 11 - 20 - 15
November 20, 2015 15:10 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBWe are Explaining the News. We are legion. We take no prisoners and we show no mercy. Expect us... and bring snacks.
Stephen ExplainsThe News 11 - 12 - 15
November 13, 2015 05:52 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBStephen and Kayla discuss the meeting between the presidents of China and Taiwan, and what even is Taiwan, also the Keystone pipeline that isn't and racial discord at Mizzou that is.
Stephen Explains The News 11 - 05 - 15
November 06, 2015 07:19 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBStephen is joined this week by Kerry. We talk Corporate oopsies, misdeeds and, you know fraud, the school parking lot and the merits of child leashes.
Stephen Explains the News 10 - 29 - 15
October 30, 2015 06:34 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBStephen and Kayla talk drone strikes, a very Yakuza Halloween and the joys of running into high school friends.
Stephen Explains The News 10 - 24 - 15
October 23, 2015 07:18 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBStephen and Kayla discuss the situation with Boko Haram in Africa and what the hell is happening with Russia? [The sound quality turned out pretty bad with this take - sorry]
Stephen Explains The News 10 - 15 - 15
October 16, 2015 07:25 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBStephen and Kayla discuss the Speaker of the House, tipping in restaurants and uh traffic sucks, am I right?
Stephen Explains The News 10 - 08 - 15
October 09, 2015 06:59 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBStephen and Kayla discuss post Citizen's United media, French Protests and how kids are idiots.
Stephen Explains the News 10 - 01 - 15
September 29, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBOur Debut episode! A weekly download that looks back at the week's news. Stephen and Kayla talk about the Syrian Civil War, facial recognition technology and waiting in line at Costco to get free samples.