Podcast Summary: "I've Had It" Episode – Big Cult, Little Brains

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Special Guest: United States Senator Andy Kim
Episode Title: Big Cult, Little Brains

Everyday Frustrations

Voicemail Woes

The episode kicks off with Kylie expressing her frustration with voicemails:

Kylie (01:23): "Nobody fucking wants to listen to a voicemail. Nobody."

Angie responds by highlighting modern smartphone features that transcribe voicemails, making them easier to manage:

Angie (02:03): "Now I just read the transcription of the voicemail."

The conversation evolves into a humorous debate about generational differences and technology use, touching on the reluctance to engage with older forms of communication.

Stanley Cups and Tennis Elbow

Jennifer shares a relatable story about her friend Liz’s habit of carrying a heavy Stanley Cup during pickleball, which exacerbates her tennis elbow:

Jennifer (06:09): "Nobody needs to carry around a cup that large that, that, that is that heavy."

Kylie humorously criticizes Liz's smug demeanor while handling the Stanley Cup:

Kylie (06:19): "She does it better than anybody ever. Totally. You pale in comparison."

Hydration and Health Struggles

The hosts delve into Angie’s personal battle with kidney stones, exacerbated by her strict hydration habits:

Angie (07:38): "I drink water all day long. I don't drink cokes. I don't drink sodas. I don't drink iced tea. I drink water."

Kylie comments on Angie’s aversion to carrying water bottles:

Kylie (11:21): "I don't see you. You don't like, carry around a bottle of water? Not like I do, no."

Critique of MAGA Movement and Attacks on Educators

Listener Reviews and Host Reactions

The hosts read and react to listener reviews, with Angie particularly criticizing the MAGA movement’s attack on educators:

Angie (13:26): "It's so fundamentally wrong to attack the people that educate our children... They don't make that much money and spend a lot out of their own pocket to get basic necessities for the classroom."

Kylie adds her respect for teachers faced with difficult parents and undervalued work:

Kylie (16:48): "There's nothing worse about being a teacher than the fucking parents."

Book Promotion: "Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches"

Jennifer and Angie promote their book, encouraging listeners to engage with its relatable content about life’s challenges:

Angie (27:51): "We have written a book. It's called Life is a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches and believe it or not, Pumps."

They urge listeners to purchase and share photos with the book, emphasizing its availability across multiple retailers.

Guest Interview: Senator Andy Kim

Everyday Grievances

Senator Andy Kim joins the podcast, sharing his lighthearted frustration with his young children:

Senator Andy Kim (33:21): "They have such a little overwhelming with their 'bro' obsession."

Money in Politics and Corruption

A significant portion of the interview focuses on the pervasive issue of money in politics. Senator Kim articulates his concerns about Congress members trading stocks, which poses conflicts of interest:

Senator Andy Kim (34:42): "Members of Congress and government officials should not be owning and trading individual stocks... The American people deserve to know that we are making decisions based on what's best for the country, not for our stock portfolios."

He elaborates on his legislative efforts to ban stock trading among elected officials:

Senator Andy Kim (34:56): "I have introduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from owning and trading stocks... If you have a job defined by the Constitution, you should not be trading and owning stocks."

Super PACs and Campaign Financing

Senator Kim criticizes the influence of Super PACs and the Citizens United decision, which he views as detrimental to democratic integrity:

Senator Andy Kim (36:07): "Citizens United has unleashed this curse upon our democracy with billions of dollars being spent, making it harder for candidates like me to compete."

Democratic Party’s Future and Grassroots Movements

Angie questions the Democratic Party’s reliance on entities like AIPAC and the neglect of grassroots candidates. Senator Kim responds by emphasizing the need for an independent movement within the party:

Senator Andy Kim (45:33): "We need our own movement. We need our own effort on our side to be able to go up against that [MAGA movement]."

He highlights his efforts to mobilize young people through initiatives like Democracy Summer:

Senator Andy Kim (54:48): "We're engaged in this effort to build a national movement to reform policy politics and address the frustrations people have."

Game Segment: "Had it or Hit it"

In a lighthearted conclusion, Senator Kim participates in the hosts' game, expressing his disdain for grocery store bagels:

Senator Andy Kim (59:18): "I'm somebody that I actually love making my own bagels. So I make my own bagels, and I take that very seriously."

He briefly touches on his respect for genuine public servants while criticizing performative governance:

Senator Andy Kim (60:00): "To my colleagues that actually want to govern, I will say hit it. To those who are just looking out for their own ego and ambition, I've had it."

Conclusion

The episode weaves through personal anecdotes, political critiques, and promotional segments, culminating in an insightful dialogue with Senator Andy Kim about corruption in politics and the necessity for grassroots activism within the Democratic Party. The hosts successfully blend humor with serious discussions, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on current political dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kylie on Voicemails (01:23): "Nobody fucking wants to listen to a voicemail. Nobody fucking wants to listen to a voicemail."

• Senator Kim on Stock Trading (34:42): "Members of Congress and government officials should not be owning and trading individual stocks."

• Senator Kim on Super PACs (36:07): "Citizens United has unleashed this curse upon our democracy with billions of dollars being spent."

• Angie on Educators (13:26): "It's so fundamentally wrong to attack the people that educate our children."

• Senator Kim on Grassroots Movements (45:33): "We need our own movement. We need our own effort on our side to be able to go up against that [MAGA movement]."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Big Cult, Little Brains" episode of "I've Had It," providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.