Shows
The District of Misfits showDaylight Savings Can Go To Hell (Sleep deprived AND hung over) S 7 EP 4 PODCASTStreamed live on Mar 19, 2023 THE DISTRICT OF MISFITS SHOW PODCASTOn this episode, We will have Crystal Ellerbe of the Topless Government Podcast joining us to take Boo's place for the night. We talk about The French showing the US how it's done. Pride and what Mitch McConnel has in common with Marcus. We are back and Back to our old format. We are excited about the District of Misfits Show. And we welcome all new and old friends!! We are the DISTRICT OF MISFITS mofo everywhereDC As FCK Crushing DC Pasteurized...2025-04-092h 09
The Hearts HelloWhy Your Past Is Not Your Life SentenceAre you ready to break free from the chains of your past? Join Keona Talana in this transformative episode of the Hearts Hello Show, where she empowers you to reclaim your narrative by owning your past. In an engaging and heartfelt discussion, Keona emphasizes that our histories are not mere burdens but invaluable lessons that shape who we become. She invites listeners to confront their past experiences with courage, ensuring that they no longer define or confine us.Through introspective prompts and relatable anecdotes, Keona helps you recognize three essential steps to transform your life: face it...2025-02-2518 min
TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"The Judicial Branch of our Government – Ethics Reforms for the Supreme Court" - S 2 EP 18My Citizen Legislators, the hits keep coming about the Supreme Court. Today I want to discuss the recent lapses of members of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with a moral force. According to the ProPublica website, its mission is – To expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through the sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing. ProPublica investigating stories have shed sunshine on how members of SCOTUS have crosse...2023-06-0630 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"CNN’s So Called Prime Time Town Hall with Former President Agent Orange When You Elect A Clown Expect A Circus" - S 2 EP 17My Citizen Legislators. CNN went full Jerry Springer on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, by hosting a Town Hall meeting for former President Donald Trump at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. The town hall was moderated by Kaitlin Collins.I didn’t watch the town hall meeting for a variety of reasons. I knew Trump was going to go all in on spewing lies about the 2020 election, January 6, 2021 – the insurrection. CNN Chief Chris Licht defended his decision to give Trump the opportunity to spew his lies. He basically said CNN did a public service to the nation because Trump is a lea...2023-05-3040 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"House Democrats Pulling Legislative Jedi Mind Trick to Thwart An Economic Meltdown" - S 2 EP 16My Citizen Legislators this week Congress convened the first session of the 118th Congress. There have been 11 rounds of votes for the Speaker of the House as of Thursday evening. House Republicans asked for a Motion to Adjourn, and it was agreed to by a vote of 219 to 213 and 2 not voting.Rep.-Elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) does not have the votes. Twenty Republicans have consistently voted against him. Republicans have a 9-seat majority at 222 members to 213 Democratic members. McCarthy can only afford to lose 4 votes. He has conceded to the demands of the two Republicans – Motion to Vacate t...2023-05-2441 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"How Do The Democrats Solve A Problem Like Senator Dianne Feinstein" - S 2 EP 15How Do The Democrats Solve A Problem Like Senator Dianne FeinsteinWelcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the privilege of working...2023-05-1730 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner" - S 2 EP 14Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washing...2023-05-0935 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT" House GOP Debt Limit Bill Wreaking Havoc on Our Economy " - S 2 EP 13 House GOP Debt Limit Bill Wreaking Havoc on Our EconomyWelcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the...2023-05-0455 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"POTUS is Running for Reelection to Protect and Defend Our Democracy" - S 2 EP 12As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.This past week, President Biden quietly announced he is running for reelection. NPR.com: Biden warns of rights under threat from Trump and 'MAGA extremists' in reelect launch.Politico.com: Biden dives back in, announces reelection bidPolitico.com: Chicago will host 2024 Democratic conventionWelcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who...2023-05-0349 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"2024 Community Project Funding & Spending Requests" - S 2 EP 11It's March Madness my Citizen Legislators and I’m not talking about the NCAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournament. March Madness for those who work in politics are filling out and submitting FY 2024 appropriations requests, community project funding requests and congressionally directed spending requests.Let me break this all down for you, my Citizen Legislators. House Republicans made several changes to the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process.According to the House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance, Members can submit programmatic, language, and project requests as follows:Programmatic requests: Members may request specific fundin...2023-04-0522 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Federal Jury Service" - S 2 EP 10My Citizen Legislators today I am going to what I recently experienced for the very first time in my adult life. I received a letter from the US District Court and inside was a summons for petit jury service. My date of service was from Friday, February 24, 2023 - Friday, March 10, 2023. I’m not going to lie to you my Citizen Legislators, I wasn’t happy about receiving this jury summons. Now mind you, I’ve received jury summons before but not for federal jury service. I was required to complete a juror qualification questionnaire and return it within 5 days of receipt. ...2023-03-2841 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Presidential Funerals and Burials" - S 2 EP 9Season 2 Episode 9: Presidential Funerals and BurialsMy Citizen Legislators, several days ago the world learned that former US President James “Jimmy” Carter announced he is entering hospice care at home with his family. I was eleven years old when Jimmy Carter was elected president of the United States. During his presidency America was going through an energy crisis, inflation as well as Americans being held hostage in Iran. A dear friend and former colleague reached out to me after the announcement and asked if she could stay with me so she could attend his state funeral...2023-03-2235 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"State of the Union Address, House GOP Acting A Fool and GOP Rebuttal from AR Governor “Normal or Crazy” Challenge - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 8My Citizen Legislators, President Joe Biden gave his in person State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress on February 7th at 9pm ET. I want to discuss the origins and authorization of the State of the Union Address.According US House of Representatives Office of the Historian:The formal basis for the State of the Union Address is from the U.S. Constitution:The President “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he sha...2023-02-2244 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT" Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 7On Wednesday, February 3, 2023, we celebrated a Saturday morning television show, Schoolhouse Rock on ABC! I’m a Generation Xer and I grew up on Schoolhouse Rock! Generation X owes a great deal to SchoolHouse Rock and I want to celebrate the half-century mark of this phenomenal animated television show.My Citizen Legislators as y’all know, the Topless Government podcast is a cross between School House Rock and civics for the masses.According to IMDb:A generation of American kids grew up singing the catchy tunes that were an integral part of "Schoolhouse Rock."...2023-02-1530 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Speaker McCarthy Making Good on his Pledge to Remove Three Democratic House Members From Their Committees - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 6Well, well, well. Speaker Kevin McCarthy is a man of his word; he announced on January 24th the removal of Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA.) from the House Intelligence Committee. According to the National Review.com January 28th article by Britanny Bernstein, Speaker McCarthy cited Swalwell’s association with a Chinese spy and Schiff’s boosting of the now-debunked Steele dossier as reasons each lawmaker is unfit to serve on their assigned committee.The National Review.com article continues by stating, Speaker McCarthy has vowed to remove Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the House Forei...2023-02-0742 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Washington Mardi Gras, A Behind the Scenes Look Of the Celebration of Louisiana, its Politics and its People - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 5The annual three-day event included Louisiana Alive! on Thursday night, which is a mixer event showcasing Louisiana foods from all over the state and live music from various bands in Louisiana. Friday night is a seated dinner where the Mardi Gras princesses and festival queens are presented. Saturday night is the grand Mardi Gras Ball Gala, where the king is presented to the crowd of more than 3,000 after the royalty presentation with floats and marching bands that parade through the ballroom.If you want to run for office in Louisiana, Washington Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity...2023-02-0744 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Congressional Committees - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 4My Citizen legislators, one of my followers on TikTok AionTeleos, would love to hear an episode on congressional committees, and what benefit Members of Congress get from those assignments. I agree! This is a great idea and timely!We are now two weeks into the 118th Congress. The House and Senate were in recess this week. Well as I can tell you from my time on Capitol Hill as a staffer, committee assignments are extremely important to Members of Congress. When my former boss, Congressman David Vitter (R-LA-1) ran for the open US Senate seat in Lou...2023-02-0335 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Hell Hath No Fury Like a Newly Elected Speaker of the House - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 3My Citizen Legislators. The Speaker’s race is over after a ballbusting and brawling on the House floor in the early hours of Saturday, January 7th. On January 9th, the House voted on H.Res. 5 - Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress and for other purposes AKA - House Rules Package for the 118th Congress. The final vote count was 220 to 213, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) voted with the Democrats. Rep. Gonzales, a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, denounced that some of McCarthy’s concessions to 21 conservative agitators went too far – sp...2023-01-3130 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Federal Government Bouncing a HUGE Check (Defaulting on our Debt & Raising the Debt Limit) - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 2GOVT 101 – Federal Government Bouncing a HUGE Check (Defaulting on our Debt & Raising the Debt Limit)The US hit the debt ceiling set by Congress on Thursday, January 19th, forcing the Treasury Department to start taking extraordinary measures to keep the government paying its bills and escalating pressure on Capitol Hill to avoid a catastrophic default. According to Politico, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen suggested such measures may last until early June. Other forecasters say it could be as late as September.Ben White, with Politico January 19, 2023 article entitled, “Don’t freak out over the debt l...2023-01-2433 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Its Ground Hog Day in Congress - GOVT 101" S 2 EP 1This is the SECOND SEASON OF TOPLESS GOVERNMENT and I’ll be discussing topics that have been top of mind to everyone, providing an insight on how YOUR government works. As always I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, share, and review the show.My Citizen Legislators this week Congress convened the first session of the 118th Congress. There have been 11 rounds of votes for the Speaker of the House as of Thursday evening. House Republicans asked for a Motion to Adjourn and it was agreed to by a vote of 219 to 213 and 2 not vo...2023-01-1155 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Organizing Congress – Leaders and Committees: GOVT 101" S 1 EP 12We are winding down the second session of the 117th Congress. There are no uncontested midterm election races and on December 6th, Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) defeated Herschel Walker for a full 6-year term in the Senate.Both Democratic and Republican parties have begun the ritual of organizing for the 118th Congress that will convene on January 3, 2023.Democrats traditionally use the seniority system to select chairs and ranking members on committees, and they do not enforce term limits. House Republicans adhere to a six -year term limit for chairs and often see competitive races for t...2022-12-2149 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"CRYSTAL IS OFF THE CUFF Realpolitik 101" S1 S 1 EP 11In this episode, Crystal is shooting off the cuff with Marcus and discussing what's going on in the world of politics. Sometimes we just need to vent.Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Se...2022-12-1254 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Appropriations GOVT 101" S 1 EP 10I want to delve into how YOUR government is funded through the appropriations process. We all pay taxes and I am sure y’all are interested in learning how your tax payer dollars are being spent by Congress. The House Appropriations Committee has completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations. The House of Representatives passed six of the twelve appropriation bills – (T-HUD, AG, Energy-Water, FSGG, Interior, MCVA) H.R. 8294 the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act on July 20, 2022 by a vote of 220-207. Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics fo...2022-11-291h 04TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Two Cougars and a Florida Man with a Microphone – Bob Stokes & Erica Anderson - Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 9Hello my fellow Citizen Legislators! In this episode we are going to have a lively conversation about – The Redskins (Washington Commanders), Gumbo Recipes, Hunter Biden, Pennsylvania US Senate candidates John Fetterman/Dr. Oz, Georgia US Senate candidate Herschel Walker, Britney Griner, Ukraine, Weed legalization and The Tune Inn and DC’s baffling social scene. I want to welcome my guests to the show, Robert Stokes, Attorney at Law in Tampa, FL and Erica Anderson. Thank you for agreeing to come onto the Topless Government podcast show.A little background on how I know Bob Stokes and Eric...2022-11-222h 23TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"How Our Views of Candidates for Public Office Qualifications Have Shifted, Guest, Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group - Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 8I am pleased to have my guest join our show. Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group Hamm Consulting Group. Ron is a friend and colleague who taught me how to be an effective advocate for my clients. [Ron talks about his background and the Hamm Consulting Group.]In this episode, Ron and I are going to delve into how the qualities and abilities of candidates running for public office have changed in a dramatic way and may not be in the best interest of our nation. Thank Ron Hamm for coming on the show and...2022-11-151h 02TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Looking into My Crystal Ball at the Midterm Election 2022 GOVT 101" S 1 EP 7Citizen legislators, let's get into it about the 2022 midterm elections. We are four weeks until the general election. All I can say is there’s a lot riding on this, specifically our democracy. This is a prelude to the 2024 presidential election. Key in on Senate races in GA, NC, NV, PA, and WI. A few of the outliner House races let's see what Cook Political Report is saying and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball from UVA Center of Politics. If you enjoyed it, I would be pleased if you would subscribe, rate, and review the show. We’re on YouTube...2022-11-1551 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Lame Duck GOVT 101" S 1 EP 6Congress recessed for the midterm elections back in September and they have many big-ticket legislative items to approve once they are back in session on November 14th. Today citizen legislators your host will discuss in this episode a “lame-duck session.” Now for those of you who live outside the Beltway, you're probably scratching your heads and yourself, what the heck is a “lame-duck session”? Well, I’m about to provide you with the definition from the horse's mouth, so to speak, the United States Senate.When Congress is in session after a November election and before the beginning of...2022-11-0138 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Budget Reconciliation and H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Budget GOVT 101" S 1 EP 5Since the House and Senate have completed its work on the Inflation Reduction Act. Thought now would be the perfect time to talk about the federal budget process. I learned about the federal budget process when I was taking graduate level courses in congressional studies at the Legislative Studies Institute. We had a guest speaker come to talk with my class about the federal budget process and the guest speaker was Stanley Collender.The federal budget process begins with the President submitting their budget, the first Monday in February. Welcome back to Topless Government. This show...2022-10-2627 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"#VoteNOoni82, Why Initiative 82 is bad for the TIPPED employees of Washington DC, Realpolitik 101" S 1 EP 4Election Day is only a few short weeks away, and we MUST get the word out about what is happening with Initiative 82 and how its passing would affect the livelihoods and the restaurant/bar industry community as a whole in Washington DC. The REAL tipped employees of Washington DC did not ask for this and strongly oppose Initiative 82. VOTE NO ON 82!!Welcome back to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR g...2022-10-191h 29TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Natural Disasters – Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian GOVT 101" S 1 EP 3Well, Wednesday afternoon Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm. In this episode, I discuss my previous experience with hurricanes in Louisiana – Hurricane Katrina. Relieve experience working on capitol hill post-Katrina. I discuss the process of providing appropriations for natural disasters.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House. I had the privilege of working in state and local governments, corporate America and several lobbying firms in Washington...2022-10-0655 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENT"I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional Staffer, GOVT 101" S 1 EP 2GOVT 101 – I’m Just A Bill, The Journey of the First Bill I Worked On As A Congressional StafferWelcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Remember knowledge is power! So let’s get started.I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and sleep politics. I’ve done two tours of duty in the US Senate and one tour of duty in the US House...2022-09-2927 minThe District of Misfits show"F*CK" MISFITS S 5: EP 16Tonight we have some amazing guests Crystal Ellerbe and Ian Taronji. They are going to help us understand what in the f*ck is going on with ROE VS WADE the flip. It will be a crazy onr for sure.So Thank you for joining us on another wonderful episode of our favorite sh*t show The District of Misfits showWe are Marcus Bradley Donovan aka the Pasteurized Chef, Damon Dixon, aka CrushingBoo Dixon, Valerie Michelle with 2 "L's" Torres, and James Roderick aka Captian Ranch Lube for another episode of The District of Misfits...2022-09-273h 29TOPLESS GOVERNMENT"Overturning of Roe v. Wade GOVT 101" S 1 EP 1This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civics for the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to know how YOUR government works. Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime in July, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of government and politics so others can be better informed. Remember knowledge is power!I am the host, Crystal Ellerbe. I live, breathe, eat, and slee...2022-09-2231 minTOPLESS GOVERNMENTTRAILER FOR TOPLESS GOVERNMENTWelcome to Topless Government. This show is a cross between Schoolhouse Rock and civicsfor the masses. I want to make this show relatable and fun for everyone who would like to knowhow YOUR government works. Originally, I was working on launching the show sometime inJuly, however, on Friday when the news broke that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.Wade, I decided now I should start my show and begin conveying my knowledge of governmentand politics so others can be better informed. Remember knowledge is...2022-07-2604 minThe District of Misfits show"F*CK" MISFITS S 5: EP 16Tonight we have some amazing guests Crystal Ellerbe and Ian Taronji. They are going to help us understand what in the f*ck is going on with ROE VS WADE the flip. It will be a crazy onr for sure.So Thank you for joining us on another wonderful episode of our favorite sh*t show The District of Misfits showWe are Marcus Bradley Donovan aka the Pasteurized Chef, Damon Dixon, aka CrushingBoo Dixon, Valerie Michelle with 2 "L's" Torres, and James Roderick aka Captian Ranch Lube for another episode of The...2022-07-132h 34