Being Extra

Jeni Atchley and Phillip Sty
  • 4.5 (8)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Being Extra—the political podcast where Jeni and Phillip break down news, drama, and government dysfunction with humor, side-eyes, and zero chill. From leaked group chats to why messaging matters, we bring the chaos and the clarity. We’re pro-Democracy, anti-BS, and always extra. Tune in for politics, life, laughs, and the tea you didn’t know you needed. Subscribe, share, and stay extra: https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast

  1. APR 14

    The Extra Guide to How the Democratic Party Runs

    Think voting or being a Democrat means you’re in the Democratic Party? Think again. In this episode of Being Extra, Jeni and Phillip break down how the party actually runs—starting at the precinct level in South Carolina and working all the way up to the national DNC. From precinct presidents and county conventions to DNC members, we’re taking you behind the blue curtain. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just realized your vote didn’t come with a membership card, this is the Extra Guide you didn’t know you needed. This is your invitation to join the movement—not just vote for it. Visit SCDP.org to join your local county party in South Carolina.  Listen, subscribe, follow, contact us, sign up to be a guest: ⁠https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast⁠

    55 min

  2. APR 8

    Recession Depression?

    In this episode of Being Extra, Jeni and Phillip break down Trump’s April 2nd tariffs and what they really mean for your bank account, your grocery bill, and your future. From soaring prices on peaches and poultry to stock market free falls and potential job losses, we dig into how these so-called “patriotic” policies are hitting everyday Americans—especially right here in South Carolina. Are we heading toward a trade war-fueled recession? Is Congress finally pushing back? And who actually wins when tariffs take center stage? Tune in for the facts, the fury, and of course—the extra.

    43 min

  3. APR 5

    DEI, Democracy, and the Fight That Never Ends

    In this episode of Being Extra, Jeni and Phillip sit down with former SC State House candidate Matt Vilardebo to unpack South Carolina’s newly passed (in the House) anti-DEI bill—and why it should have everyone paying attention. We break down what the bill actually does, who it affects, and how it fits into a larger national movement to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in public institutions. Matt shares what it’s like running as a progressive in deep-red York County, the emotional toll of the political grind, and what keeps him coming back to the fight. It’s real, it’s raw, and yeah—it gets extra. If you care about democracy, justice, or just want to understand what’s happening in your state, this one’s for you. Listen, subscribe, follow, contact us, sign up to be a guest: ⁠https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast⁠

    47 min

  4. APR 1

    Recovering Republican, Rebecca Reed

    Buckle up, because this episode is what Being Extra is all about: honest dialogue, political realness, and emotional depth with just the right amount of sass. In this episode, Jeni sits down with Rebecca Reed, the unapologetically honest voice behind The Recovering Republican. Rebecca opens up about her journey from the far-right evangelical movement to becoming a liberal Democrat—and the importance of empathy along the way. They talk about what it really means to listen without judgment, to meet people where they are, and to leave space for growth, even when it’s messy. This episode is raw. It’s real. It’s EXTRA in the best possible way. 💌 Want more from Rebecca? ✨ Read her truth-telling, thought-provoking Substack: The Recovering Republican https://fromarecoveringrepublican.substack.com/ 📬 Reach out directly: rebeccathelionhearted@gmail.com Listen, subscribe, follow, contact us, sign up to be a guest: https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast

    1 hr

  5. MAR 29

    Signal Gate and Spilled Secrets

    This week, Jeni and Phillip dive into #Signalgate — the chaotic leak where journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a private Signal group chat with top U.S. officials, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth. What was shared? Oh, just sensitive details about upcoming airstrikes in Yemen. Casual. We break down the national security disaster, the White House spin, and what it says about this administration’s total mess of a comms strategy. Tune in for spilled secrets, digital drama, and the kind of government group chat content you can’t make up. Listen, subscribe, follow, contact us, sign up to be a guest: https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast

    32 min

  6. MAR 24

    Do Political Polls Actually Work… Or Are They Just Vibes?

    In this episode of Being Extra, Jeni and Phillip take on the mystery, the madness, and the mess of political polling. After years of polls getting it wrong—2016, 2020, 2024—can we actually trust them? Or are they just astrology for political nerds? Jeni breaks down the numbers, why polls keep underestimating Trump voters, and how Democrats’ approval ratings are hitting historic lows (according to polls, anyway). Meanwhile, Phillip keeps it real—do people even answer pollsters anymore? Are these surveys capturing actual voter sentiment, or just the opinions of people who love talking on the phone? Together, they debate whether Democrats should be panicking over bad polling, how the media gets election predictions so wrong, and why voters are tired of being told what’s supposed to happen. And as always, they ask the big question: Are polls a valuable tool, or just political theater? Tune in for fiery takes, plenty of side-eye, and a reality check on whether polls really shape elections—or just shape our expectations. Listen, subscribe, follow, contact us, sign up to be a guest: https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast

    30 min

  7. MAR 18

    Budget Battles & Democratic Dysfunction

    In this episode of Being Extra, Jeni and Phillip dive into the chaos surrounding the latest budget bill and the growing fractures within the Democratic Party. They break down what the bill actually did (spoiler: billionaires win, working people lose), why House Democrats fought against it while Senate Democrats caved, and what a government shutdown could have meant. The conversation gets heated as they explore the deep divisions between progressives, moderates, and centrists—are Democrats fighting for the right things, or just fighting each other? And most importantly, if Democrats can’t unite, are they handing Republicans another victory? Jeni and Phillip keep it extra as always, calling out both parties, debating whether Democrats need to toughen up, and asking the big question: When we fight, do we really win? 🎧 Tune in for political tea, strong opinions, and a no-BS breakdown of what’s really going on in Washington. Follow along on your favorite podcast platform and follow up on social media: @BeingExtraPodcast Email: BeingExtraPodcast@gmail.com

    25 min

  8. MAR 7

    Extra, Extra! Trump’s Speech Was a Mess!

    Trump just gave his first speech to Congress in his second term, and whew… it was a lot. From fearmongering to false claims to straight-up authoritarian vibes, we’re breaking it down. In this episode of Being Extra, we talk about some of Trump’s wildest statements, highlight the Democratic response from Sen. Elissa Slotkin, and—most importantly—talk about how we turn the fight into real wins. With two key special elections in Florida on April 1st, now’s the time to step up. Let’s get into it! Learn more & take action: GayForCongress.com | JoshWeil.us Follow along on your favorite podcast platform and follow up on social media: Facebook: /BeingExtraPodcast IG: @BeingExtraPodcast Email: BeingExtraPodcast@gmail.com

    1h 3m
See All (33)

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Being Extra—the political podcast where Jeni and Phillip break down news, drama, and government dysfunction with humor, side-eyes, and zero chill. From leaked group chats to why messaging matters, we bring the chaos and the clarity. We’re pro-Democracy, anti-BS, and always extra. Tune in for politics, life, laughs, and the tea you didn’t know you needed. Subscribe, share, and stay extra: https://linktr.ee/BeingExtraPodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Jeni Atchley and Phillip Sty
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jeni Atchley and Phillip Sty
  • Show Website
    Being Extra