Current Affairs Unfiltered

currentaffairsunfiltered
  • 5.0 (6)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to Current Affairs Unfiltered, the podcast that cuts through the noise to deliver the political stories that matter most. Hosted by Paige, a researcher and analyst with a strong academic background in political science and international affairs, this show dives into the latest developments in domestic and international politics, unraveling the complexities behind the headlines to make them as accessible and digestible as possible. In a world where news can often feel overwhelming and convoluted, Current Affairs Unfiltered offers clear, thoughtful analysis and uncovers the “why” and the BS behind the stories shaping our world. Along the way, Paige is joined by expert guests—from journalists and academics to former diplomats and activists—who bring unique insights and real-world experience to the conversations. Ask questions, get engaged, and join us for discussions that truly make sense of the news.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Case for Primary Reform w/ Rich Barton

    In this conversation, Rich Barton, a fellow with Unite America, discusses the evolution and impact of primary elections on political polarization and governance. He explores how the Citizens United ruling has influenced campaign finance, the decline of party establishments, and the fear lawmakers have of being primaried. Barton advocates for open primaries as a solution to the current issues within the electoral system, highlighting evidence from states that have implemented reforms such as Alaska and California. He expresses hope for future reforms and the potential for a more representative political landscape.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Read 'The Primary Solution' Read more from Rich: "The Influence of Special Interests in Primary Elections" California’s Top-Two Primary: The Effects on Electoral Politics and Governance Louisiana's Long-Term Election Experiment: How Eliminating Partisan Primaries Improved Governance and Reduced Polarization

    51 min

  2. MAY 11

    RERELEASE: From Doomscrolling to Doing: How Overlap is Changing Political Engagement w/ Katya Arutyunyan

    EPISODE RERELEASE!! This is an episode from way back when (before I truly figured out the audio on my mic so excuse the quality). BUT now that Overlap is released nationwide, it deserves to see the light of day once again. In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered, Paige is joined by Katya, the co-founder of Overlap—the app that's making civic engagement way less confusing and a lot more personal. We'll talk about how a couple of 23-year-olds decided they were done feeling politically hopeless and built a tool to fix it. Katya shares how Overlap is helping users actually understand their political reps, track legislation, and figure out where they stand—without the usual noise. We get into everything from app specifics like memory retention and clean UX, to what it takes to stay unbiased in a chaotic political world. Plus, we talk about why political engagement doesn’t have to be boring, and what it looks like when tech meets democracy in a smart, user-friendly way. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to “get involved,” this episode’s for you. Download Overlap here! Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige

    53 min

  3. MAY 4

    Working Like a Lobster, Paid Like a Clam w/ John Beccia (MA06)

    This week Paige sits down with John Beccia, a candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’s 6th District, to talk about what it means to run on working-class values in a chaotic political moment. John, a Lynnfield father and business leader, shares why he decided to step into politics and how his campaign is rooted in representing everyday people who feel ignored by Washington. Drawing on his background in the private sector, he explains how building businesses and creating jobs shaped his understanding of the economy and affordability pressures facing families. The conversation explores why cost of living, consumer protection, and economic fairness are central to his platform. John also speaks candidly about the threat posed by Donald Trump to democratic institutions and why defending democracy is a core motivation for his campaign. He outlines a vision for leadership that prioritizes accountability, stability, and governing over political theater. Throughout the episode, John emphasizes making government work for people again — not corporations or partisan interests. This episode offers insight into how lived experience, democratic values, and practical solutions can shape a new kind of congressional leadership.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Learn more about John Connect with John on Facebook  Connect with John on Twitter  Connect with John on Instagram

    1h 1m

  4. APR 27

    Civic Engagement for People Who Hate Meetings w/ Savanna Essig-Fox & Emily Miller

    Meet Savanna & Emily, co-founders of Pink Poster Club. Pink Poster Club is a grassroots organization founded in response to political frustration after Trump was inaugurated. They discuss the importance of community engagement, the role of art in activism, and the need to make activism joyful and approachable. Savanna and Emily offer the roadmap for community building and share insights on sustaining growth, navigating challenges, and the lessons learned throughout their organizing journey. They emphasize the significance of small steps in community building and envision a future where civic engagement is vibrant and inclusive.\ Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Follow Pink Poster Club on Instagram:  @pink.posterclub  Watch their candidate forum and other interviews on YouTube Get involved with Pink Poster Club Website In the News: Evanston RoundTable, Daily Northwestern and Evanston Now have documented many Pink Poster Club events. CNN also wrote about ICE's presence in Evanston and Pink Poster Club's role in community action.  Interested in starting your own version of Pink Poster Club? Read Garrett Bucks' piece on us in The White Pages: We still don't need a "Joe Rogan of the left." We just need a thousand Pink Poster Clubs

    49 min

  5. APR 20

    From Hormuz to Hungary

    In this solo episode, Paige breaks down the escalating(descalating?)  conflict with Iran and the confusing back-and-forth coming from the Trump administration. After negotiations collapsed, the U.S. moved toward a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about escalation and what the actual strategy is. She also examines the latest wave of sex scandals and alleged crimes involving members of Congress. The moment raises broader questions about accountability, power, and how misconduct is handled inside American political institutions. Paige also tackles why online political voices actually play a meaningful role in shaping narratives. And lastly, we'll get religious with Pope Leo as he begins speaking out on global conflicts and criticizing the Trump administration’s rhetoric. The new pope has made it clear he isn’t intimidated by political pressure, creating an unusual moment where religion, geopolitics, and American politics intersect.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige

    45 min

  6. APR 13

    Defending the Constitution When Congress Won’t w/ Keira Havens from Citizens' Impeachment

    In this episode, Paige speaks with Keira Havens, executive director of Citizens Impeachment, about the growing grassroots push for impeachment and the role ordinary citizens play in holding elected officials accountable. Havens explains how citizen activism can pressure Congress to act, even when political institutions appear frozen by partisanship and political risk. The conversation also explores why many lawmakers avoid difficult constitutional questions and what it means to demand courage from political leaders. Additionally, Keira discusses the courage candidates endorsed by their PAC who are focused on bringing impeachment on day one.    Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Learn more about Citizens' Impeachment Follow Citizens' Impeachment on Instagram Follow Courage for Democracy (Courage Candidates PAC) on Instagram Find your local courage candidate

    54 min

  7. APR 6

    It's Illinois or Nowhere feat. Liz Minnella

    In this episode of Current Affairs Unfiltered, Liz Minnella comes on to help break down the chaotic Illinois 9th Congressional District primary and what it revealed about modern campaigning. We examine the role social media played in shaping narratives around the race and how online discourse often diverged from what voters were experiencing on the ground. We'll also look at the impact of massive outside spending, including AIPAC-backed funding, and why money alone didn’t ultimately decide the outcome. The conversation explores the tension between digital activism and traditional organizing, and why trusted local voices still matter. Liz also addresses the gendered dynamics that emerged during the race, including calls for certain candidates to step aside. The episode also touches on other key races shaping the state, including the Illinois Senate race as well as several state Senate and House contests.    Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Follow Liz on Instagram Subscribe to Liz's Substack   Follow Leanne on TikTok

    1h 13m

  8. MAR 30

    Governing is Not Performance Art w/ Alan Bradstock (PA14)

    In this conversation, Alan Bradstock, a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 14th Congressional District, discusses his extensive background in public service, including his time in the U.S. Army and the FBI, and how those experiences shaped his views on leadership, democracy, and the urgent need to rebuild trust in government. He emphasizes the importance of an economy that rewards hard work rather than wealth, the removal of big money from politics, and restoring real accountability within our institutions. Alan also shares personal reflections on fairness and equality, including how being the father of a transgender teen has informed his values, and closes with a hopeful vision for America rooted in unity, competence, and bipartisanship.   Follow me on Instagram! Subscribe to my Substack Learn more about Paige   Learn more about Alan Donate to Alan's campaign Follow Alan on Instagram

    54 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Current Affairs Unfiltered, the podcast that cuts through the noise to deliver the political stories that matter most. Hosted by Paige, a researcher and analyst with a strong academic background in political science and international affairs, this show dives into the latest developments in domestic and international politics, unraveling the complexities behind the headlines to make them as accessible and digestible as possible. In a world where news can often feel overwhelming and convoluted, Current Affairs Unfiltered offers clear, thoughtful analysis and uncovers the “why” and the BS behind the stories shaping our world. Along the way, Paige is joined by expert guests—from journalists and academics to former diplomats and activists—who bring unique insights and real-world experience to the conversations. Ask questions, get engaged, and join us for discussions that truly make sense of the news.

Information

  • Creator
    currentaffairsunfiltered
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Current Affairs Unfiltered

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