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    News & Brews

    News & Brews is a current events comedy podcast. Each week, long time best friends Rachael and Lisa review delicious beverages and cover a handful of current events and top news stories. Both natives of the Pacific Northwest, but raised in vastly different families, Rachael and Lisa offer commentary from each of their unique perspectives with humility and humor.
    en-us37 Episodes

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    Episodes (37)

    October 2, 2021: “Butterscotch Log”

    July 21, 2021: “Car in a Bag of Rice"

    News & Brews
    en-usJuly 22, 2021

    March 28, 2021: “Idaho! Florida of the North!”

    News & Brews
    en-usMarch 30, 2021

    March 7, 2021: “Snap Pea Garnish”

    October 21st: “Poor Big Bertha”

    October 21st: “Poor Big Bertha”

    Rachael gives a history lesson, Lisa educates on drug addiction, and we all hear the horrifying story of Big Bertha. Plus, a new flavor of Shaka Tea gets a positive review, and a deep dive into cults.

    NEWS:

    Totally Under Control
    https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/10/totally-under-control-essential-pandemic-documentary/616729/

    Purdue & Oxy
    https://www.npr.org/2020/10/21/926126877/purdue-pharma-reaches-8b-opioid-deal-with-justice-department-over-oxycontin-sale
    https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54636002

    Big Bertha
    https://www.wired.com/story/antifa-social-media-rumor-forks-washington/


    BREW: Shaka Tea Lemon Lokelani Rose
    https://www.shakatea.com/collections/iced-tea



    September 26th: “Throwing Bread”

    August 21st: “Backup Seasoning Salt”

    News & Brews
    en-usSeptember 02, 2020

    July 31st: “Nobody Gets The Elephant Right”

    July 31st: “Nobody Gets The Elephant Right”

    This week, Rachael and Lisa discuss the Boston Bombers death sentence being overturned, corruption in the time of COVID, and Trump's potential for tyranny. Also, Rachael goes on a history rant and the ladies aren’t sure if they’re going crazy or if the country has just collectively lost its mind. Plus, a review of a yummy local lemonade. (Keep listening past the Outro for a short bonus clip!)


    NEWS:
    Boston
    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boston-bombings-appeal-idUSKCN24W2XN

    Corruption
    https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/how-missed-red-flags-helped-nigerian-fraud-ring-scattered-canary-bilk-washingtons-unemployment-system-amid-coronavirus-chaos/
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/28/florida-ppp-coronavirus-lamborghini/

    Trump = Fascist (Washington Post Opinion Piece)
    https://www.facebook.com/6250307292/posts/10160171702527293/?d=n


    BREW:
    Junebug Ferments Live Cultured Boysenberry Lemonade
    https://junebugferments.com/



    July 22nd: “The Gaslighting Game”

    July 22nd: “The Gaslighting Game”

    Rachael and Lisa return, again (seriously, when will they get it together?) and talk about Rachael’s disgusting childhood foot issues, updates on the tragic death of Harry Dunn, predatory dating dudes, civil unrest, and the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, a review of Teatulia Tea Soda™ and Bears in the News!

    NEWS:

    Federal Troops
    https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/22/donald-trump-federal-officers-police-surge-chicago?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1


    Harry Dunn
    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-53500449
    https://www.npr.org/2020/07/22/894204666/u-s-u-k-change-diplomatic-immunity-rules-after-british-man-was-killed


    Pick-up Game
    https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-pickup-artist-goes-inside-the-sleazy-world-of-men-who-try-to-manipulate-women-into-bed


    Ghislaine Maxwell
    https://www.npr.org/2020/07/14/891023329/ghislaine-maxwell-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges-linked-to-jeffrey-epstein-case
    https://www.npr.org/2020/07/02/886537383/fbi-arrests-ghislaine-maxwell-in-connection-to-jeffrey-epstein-case
    https://www.npr.org/2020/07/02/886845442/jeffrey-epsteins-companion-ghislaine-maxwell-faces-sexual-exploitation-charges
    https://www.npr.org/2020/07/03/887027333/ghislaine-maxwell-charged-in-connection-with-epstein-abuse-case


    Bears in the News!
    https://www.tmz.com/2020/07/19/black-bear-close-encounter-mexico-grabs-woman/
    https://www.facebook.com/70644859198/posts/10160299919009199/?vh=e&d=n
    https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2020/07/22/spirit-bears-british-columbia
    https://greatbearrainforestfilm.com/


    BREW:

    Teatulia Tea Soda™
    https://www.teatulia.com/tea-soda



    June 20th: "First World White Girl Problems"

    News & Brews
    en-usJune 22, 2020

    March 1st: "Blarnery Bus"

    February 16th: "Shower Robot"

    February 16th: "Shower Robot"

    This week, the ladies discuss their shower struggles, advances in DNA evidence (but not hover-boards?), CoronaVirus, the Justice Department, Soviet conspiracies, and Turkey Calling. Plus, Snoqualmie Brewery Root beer and the weekly recommendations.

    Brews
    http://fallsbrew.com/Root_Beer


    News

    Exonerated Texas Man
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-man-close-exoneration-after-computer-algorithm-leads-new-suspect-n1124946

    Trump = Justice Department?
    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51506976

    Russian Mystery
    https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/02/russia-dyatlov-pass-conspiracy-theory/605863/

    CoronaVirus Cruise
    https://www.npr.org/2020/02/15/806295825/u-s-to-evacuate-americans-from-virus-struck-diamond-princess-cruise-ship

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/coronavirus-china-updates/2020/02/16/616e9a74-4f6d-11ea-bf44-f5043eb3918a_story.html

    Turkey Calling
    https://www.npr.org/2020/02/15/806329597/at-the-super-bowl-of-turkey-calling-the-goal-is-recruiting-new-hunters

    Recommended: Watch
    Billions (Lisa)
    The Sinner, Season 3 (Lisa)

    Recommended: Listen
    Podcast - In the Dark (Lisa)
    Podcast - Something Was Wrong (Both)
    Podcast - The Catch and Kill (Rachael)

    Recommended: Read
    The Witcher (Rachael)
    The Sociopath Next Door (Rachael)



    January 19th: “Microwaved Spider”

    January 19th: “Microwaved Spider”

    Recorded on January 19th, 2019

    Welcome to Season 2! Since the real news was too stressful and causing anxiety, the ladies instead talk about funny animals in the news and feel good stories that are warming their hearts. Listen in as Rachael and Lisa talk googly eyed husky, baby koalas, a tiny rhino who survived impossible odds, body confidence, and Bears in the News!

    Brews: 

    Cascade Ice Ginger Lime Sparkling Water

    https://www.cascadeicewater.com/flavors.html

    Sauk Farms Apple and White Grape Juices

    https://www.saukfarm.com/

    News:

    Jubilee the Husky

    https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/19/us/husky-jubilee-weird-eyes-trnd/index.html

    https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/16/husky-dumped-breeder-looking-weird-desperately-searching-home-12069123/amp/

    https://nypost.com/2020/01/20/jubilee-the-nj-shelter-dog-with-weird-eyes-adopted-after-story-goes-viral/

    Baby Koala Born

    https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/all-about-animals/baby-koala-born-at-zoo-miami-named-hope-to-honor-australia-wildfire-victims/2175469/

    https://www.today.com/video/new-koala-baby-hope-born-at-zoo-miami-get-an-exclusive-first-look-76946501534

    Bears in the News!

    https://www.ktva.com/story/41564139/residents-fear-kodiak-bears-that-arent-hibernating

    “Curviest Model Ever”

    https://news.yahoo.com/curviest-model-ever-hunter-mc-grady-posts-fearless-swimsuit-photo-cellulite-is-cool-too-223034836.html

    https://www.si.com/swimsuit/model/hunter-mcgrady

    Kholisi the Baby Rhino

    https://www.instagram.com/therhinoorphanage/

    https://www.careforwild.co.za/

    https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/rhino-orphan-boot/


    Weekly recommendations

    Movies

    • Knives Out, Bombshell, and Togo

    TV & Streaming

    Books & Reading

    • The Witcher Books by Andrzej Sapkowski

    Listening

    • American Scandal “The Plame Affair” (Podcast)
    • Something Was Wrong, Season 1 (Podcast)

    Social Media

    • List of the animal rescue and conservation pages Rachael follows on Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/careforwild/

    https://www.instagram.com/elephantnaturepark/

    https://www.instagram.com/giraffe_conservation/


    Episode 22: December 13th “Cocaine Santa”

    Episode 22: December 13th “Cocaine Santa”

    Part 3 of 3

    Recorded on December 13th, 2019

    In the final installment of our three part special, Rachael and Kelly FINALLY get to the news. They cover the mind boggling bonuses given out by a real estate firm, the Democratic candidates, the current impeachment saga, and the Columbia vs. Wal-mart Christmas sweater controversy. Plus, Rachael beats a dead horse with her impassioned love of term limits.

    To hear the Brew review, listen to Episode 20 “Breakfast Beer”

    News:

    Bonuses
    https://www.boston.com/news/business/2019/12/11/real-estate-company-bonuses

    Impeachment
    https://www.npr.org/2019/12/13/787698143/watch-live-house-judiciary-to-vote-on-articles-of-impeachment

    Sweater
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/12/10/colombia-threatens-sue-walmart-linking-country-cocaine-christmas-sweater/

    Episode 21: December 13th "OK Boomer"

    Episode 21: December 13th "OK Boomer"

    Part 2 of 3

    Recorded December 13, 2019

    With Lisa out of town for the Holidays, Rachael sat down with her good friend Kelly to review Rogue Brewery's Season Santa Beer & Snoqualmie Brewery's Mailbox Peak IPA. (Brew's review in Episode 20 "Breakfast Beer")

    Part 2, Rachael and Kelly talk about bonding through running, cults, and Trump vs. Greta. Plus their thoughts on the phrase "OK Boomer."

    Brews:
    https://www.rogue.com/beers/santa-s-private-reserve-2019
    http://fallsbrew.com/mailbox-peak-hazy-ipa/

    News:
    Trump vs. Greta
    https://people.com/politics/trump-campaign-photoshops-his-head-greta-thunberg-time-cover/
    https://www.npr.org/2019/12/12/787488397/after-greta-thunberg-wins-time-honor-trump-tweets-chill-and-go-to-the-movies
    https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/12/melania-trump-greta-thunberg

    WA Post Afghanistan Papers
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/investigations/afghanistan-papers/afghanistan-war-confidential-documents/
    https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/10/media/washington-post-afghanistan/index.html

    Episode 20: December 13th: “Breakfast Beer“

    Episode 20: December 13th: “Breakfast Beer“

    Part 1 of 3

    Recorded on December 13th, 2019

    With Lisa out of town for the Holidays, Rachael sat down with her good friend Kelly to review Rogue Brewery's Season Santa Beer & Snoqualmie Brewery's Mailbox Peak IPA. Plus, the ladies reminisce about their childhood trauma and question their parenting in the modern age. Plus, 80's jeans vs sweatpants!

    Brews:
    Rouge
    https://www.rogue.com/beers/santa-s-private-reserve-2019

    Snoqualmie
    http://fallsbrew.com/mailbox-peak-hazy-ipa/

    Episode 19: December 6th: “Herpes is Forever“

    Episode 19: December 6th: “Herpes is Forever“

    This week, the ladies have an unsuccessful brew review along with updates on Harry Dunn’s killer, the vaping lung disease, and R. Kelly’s latest criminal charges. Also, Lisa shares the inspiring program run by San Antonio’s Crisis Cops and Rachael breaks down the plots of some terrible Christmas movies. Plus, Bears in the News!

    News:

    Update - Anne Sacoolas, the Diplomat’s Wife https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-diplomat-s-wife-involved-fatal-u-k-crash-n1065616

    Crisis Cops

    https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/14/movies/ernie-and-joe-crisis-cops-review.html

    https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2019/11/21/hbo-premieres-ernie-joe-crisis-cops-an-exclusive-look-into-sapds-unit-focused-on-mental-health/

    Update - Vaping Lung Disease

    https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20191205/vaping-may-have-triggered-lung-illness-typically--only-seen-in-metalworkers#1

    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/vaping/toxic-metal-leached-e-cigarette-coil-permanently-scars-woman-s-n1095156

    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/12/05/Vaping-illness-cases-still-growing-now-in-all-50-states-CDC-says/8431575563313/

    R. Kelly’s New Charges

    https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/skbaer/r-kelly-bribery-charge-fake-id-aaliyah

    Funny and a Cute

    https://komonews.com/news/local/suspected-dui-driver-wedges-wrong-way-rv-in-kennewick-taco-bell-drive-thru

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50683948

    Bears in the News!

    https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50677161

    https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/06/europe/russia-polar-bear-village-hnk-intl-scli/index.html


    Brews:

    Strawberry Basil Spa Water

    http://www.auntiegretchens.com/index.html

    Episode 18: November 3rd “Distracting Skin“

    Episode 18: November 3rd “Distracting Skin“

    Goodbye October! The ladies took a break from recording for most of last month but they’re back and talk rouge drones, accountants who can’t talk to women face-to-face, why hiring a hitman on Instagram is a bad idea, and the case of missing American, Billy Reilly. Plus, Bears in the News!

    News:

    Drones

    Ernst & Young Training

    Teen Hitman

    Billy Rielly Missing

    Bears in the News!


    Brews:

    Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer

    https://www.sodapoponline.com/products/flying-cauldron-butterscotch?variant=31361936833&currency=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2ITuBRDkARIsAMK9Q7PxIWjE8-9LoRV9SRSNYD1bbLp4zcjl7iSwI7ytFqvj-9pkhCNg81UaAtJoEALw_wcB

    Polar Seltzers “Selterade”

    https://polarseltzerade.com/



    Episode 17: October 6th “Fat Bear Week”