SmartLess – “AOC: LIVE in Brooklyn”

Intro

In this episode of the “SmartLess” podcast, the hosts reflect on their live show in Brooklyn and discuss various topics, including social etiquette, living arrangements, and the inner workings of Congress. They are joined by special guest Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who shares her experiences as the youngest person ever elected to Congress and her passion for healthcare reform.

Main Takeaways

Etiquette and Social Situations

• Ordering bottled water at a restaurant and sharing it with others can be a tricky situation.
• Sharing food and drinks, including dessert, can lead to awkward situations.
• Some people have a complicated relationship with food, causing discomfort in social situations.
• Unconventional methods, such as eating McDonald’s or using gummies, are used to deal with digestive issues.

Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana

• The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, such as inflammation, is becoming more accepted and widespread.
• Marijuana is also consumed for recreational purposes, enhancing experiences.

Living Arrangements and Budgeting

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discusses her living arrangements in DC and the challenges of budgeting for apartments.
• After getting elected, there is a period where representatives have to pay for two places until the first paycheck comes in.
• AOC rents in both New York and DC and cannot take money from constituents to help her out.

Insider Trading and Congress

• Insider trading is legal for members of Congress, allowing them to make a lot of money.
• Efforts are being made to change the legality of insider trading for members of Congress.
• Some members of Congress are so wealthy that a salary is insignificant to them.

The Inner Workings of Congress

• Congress operates like a high school cafeteria, with schmoozing and informal conversations.
• Texting is used, but there’s no special encrypted system for congressmen.
• Press coverage can be hurtful internally, as representatives sit divided by party.
• Strict dress codes exist in Congress, including no coats, denim, and sleeveless dresses for women.

Summary

Etiquette and Social Situations

The hosts delve into the complexities of social etiquette, particularly when it comes to sharing food and drinks. They discuss the awkwardness of ordering bottled water at a restaurant and the challenges of sharing dessert. They also touch on the sensitive topic of people’s relationships with food and unconventional methods used to deal with digestive issues.

Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana

The conversation shifts to the increasing acceptance and widespread use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The hosts explore how it can help with inflammation and other health issues. They also touch on the recreational use of marijuana and how it can enhance experiences.

Living Arrangements and Budgeting

Special guest Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shares her experiences with living arrangements in DC and the challenges of budgeting for apartments. She discusses the financial strain of having to pay for two places during the initial period after getting elected. AOC also mentions that she rents in both New York and DC and cannot accept money from constituents to help with expenses.

Insider Trading and Congress

The hosts delve into the controversial topic of insider trading among members of Congress. They highlight the legal loopholes that allow representatives to engage in such activities, potentially making significant profits. Efforts to change the legality of insider trading for members of Congress are discussed, as well as the impact of wealth on certain representatives.

The Inner Workings of Congress

The hosts provide insights into the inner workings of Congress, comparing it to a high school cafeteria. They discuss the informal conversations, texting, and press coverage that shape the dynamics between representatives. The hosts also touch on the strict dress codes and the historical significance of cloak rooms in Congress. The safety of members during the January 6th insurrection is highlighted as an unsung heroic story.

Conclusion

This episode of “SmartLess” offers a glimpse into the complexities of social etiquette, the inner workings of Congress, and the experiences of special guest Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. From navigating tricky social situations to discussing the challenges of living arrangements and the controversial topic of insider trading, the hosts and AOC provide engaging insights and thought-provoking discussions.