Margin Call

125. Back on the Mic: Democracy, Dissent, and the Margins

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 21:02:00 -0700

Margin Call is back, and not a moment too soon. Host Eming Piansay speaks with poet and host of the Objects in This Rearview podcast, Travis Montez to cut through the noise to tackle the chaos of politics, culture, and survival in 2025.

From vaccine wars and Gaza to the Democrats’ disappearing act, billionaire bunkers, and the blurred line between art and AI, nothing is off-limits. Expect sharp takes, dark humor, and the kind of honesty you only get from voices living on the margins.

This reboot of Margin Call brings new energy, unfiltered analysis, and a reminder of why conversations like these matter now more than ever.

5. Don't Give Your DJ Anxiety By Requesting Drake

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:55:00 -0700

On this episode of Fractured Frequency we explore the idea of anxiety. Jorge Garcia and Albert Felipe offer their thoughts on anxiety as DJs, and offer some suggestions on what not to do your DJ which may or may not include requesting songs by Drake.

4. Relationships: Work Besties

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:15:00 -0700

On this episode of Fractured Frequency we are joined by Jorge Garcia and Albert Felipe to have a part two talk on relationships, specifically work relationships and work besties.

3. Objects in This Rearview with Travis Montez

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:37:00 -0700

On this episode of Fractured Frequency, our old friend Travis Montez comes on to talk about his upcoming podcast: Objects in This Rearview and his newest book of poetry: Peaches Honey Whiskey.

2. Relationships, Trust, and Vulnerability

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:21:00 -0700

On this episode of Fractured Frequency, Albert Felipe joins for a discussion on relationships (platonic and romantic) and exams the concepts of trust and vulnerability.

1. Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself: The Re-launch

Tue, 23 May 2023 21:17:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we are RE-LAUNCHING MARGIN CALL!!!

Margin Call's new host Eming Piansay offers a vague explanation for our hiatus and plans for the future! We hope you tune-in for the new kind of podcast chaos we're about to embark on.

124. Borderland Apocrypha

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome American Book Award winning poet Anthony Cody to discuss his recent work, a collection of poems exploring race, history, immigration, lynching, and the banality of evil.

123. 9/11, Texas, and Afghanistan

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome our political correspondent Travis Montez to discuss the baffling news of the day: voter suppression and anti-abortion laws in Texas, the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and the disastrous American withdrawal from Afghanistan. How do Mariah Carey and Sade fit into this discussion? We don't really know, either.

122. All Is Not Quiet, All Is Not Well: Perspectives on Afghanistan from an Afghan-American

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call we welcome Mizgon Darby, an organizer and advocate in the Afghan-American community, to discuss the recent events in Afghanistan.

121. COVID Back to School Edition

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome educator and Geek Force contributor Marlin Willford for a discussion on what to expect for this round of back to school in the COVID age.

120. Twin Stars: Portal Fantasy and Mental Health

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Bridgette Portman, whose new book The Twin Stars tells the story of a young woman with OCD navigating a fantasy world of her own creation. We discuss misconceptions about mental illness and how representation in pop culture can help de-stigmatize a mental health diagnosis.

You can purchase The Twin Stars HERE.

119. We Got Biden-ed!

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome our political correspondent Travis Montez for a discussion of the state of politics in post-Trump America. We examine the recent mayoral and district attorney elections in NYC for clues as to how The Great Awokening will--or won't--manifest itself in electoral politics. Enjoy!

118. I Grew Up in the Heights and I LOVED In the Heights

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Albert Felipe, who grew up in NYC's Washington Heights neighborhood, to discuss the film adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit In the Heights. We discuss what they got right about the neighborhood, what they got wrong, and what it means to see your beloved 'hood on the big screen.

117. Stop Asian Hate

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Bryant, a local San Francisco Native, as well as our old friend Albert to discuss the latest wave of violence against the Asian community. We examine the paths forward amidst the violence and anger as well as how to be an ally to the Asian community during this time.

116. Dating While Black, Female and Geeky

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we are joined by Cat an Imani to explore their experiences on dating apps and whether or not they stuck around for it. The ladies discuss some of the difficulties of being young, Black and geeky in the dating scene while offering some advice for others looking to connect.

115. The Corona Virus Workforce

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome back Bay Area tech worker Patricia to share with us some insights into the state of the workforce in the Bay Area from the start of COVID till now. We also explore the increase of ZOOM fatigue as many are still working from home.

114. California Moves to Reopen Schools

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 03:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call we welcome our old friend Albert back to show to discuss the status of distance learning in California as the state moves to begin reopening schools.

113. No Connection: Dating During COVID

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 03:15:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call we welcome Bay Area tech worker Patricia as we explore the ups and downs of dating during a pandemic and the things young women should look out for when seeking a potential partner.

112. Margin Call Live: Trump, Biden, and Buffy

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this special live episode of Margin Call, we welcome Jazmyne, Travis, and Sheerly to discuss Trump's second impeachment, the Joss Whedon revelations, and the strange joy of having a boring, old-fashioned corrupt centrist president.

111. Is the Pandemic an Opportunity for Education Reform?

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 03:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome Dr. Ben Bernstein for a big picture discussion on the goals of education and how best to serve students. This conversation takes place in the context of a crisis moment for education, with remote learning replacing in person learning, and a new presidential administration that could be open to a re-evaluation of education in America.

110. Twitter, Trump, and Andrew Yang's Bodega

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 03:30:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome our tech correspondent Katebah for a discussion on the intersection of social media and politics. And was Andrew Yang in a bodega?

109. Capitol Chaos: The Aftermath

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Travis and Cat for a conversation about the implications of the attack on the Capitol building and what it means for our future, safety, and political discourse.

108. Cannabis Round Table

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we gather our Cannabis Panel to discuss the good, the bad, and the unknown about cannabis. We cover topics from mental health to the corporatization of the legal cannabis industry in an attempt to cover unexamined aspects of the legalization movement and the role of cannabis in our culture. The panel includes writer director André Baca-Acosta, emcee Jordan Carreno AKA Acoupstix, and in her first appearance on the show, comedian Haley OC. Enjoy!

107. Rudy Giuliani vs Dolly Parton

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome our politcal correspondent (and legal expert) Travis Johnson for a breakdown of the president’s legal strategy for challenging the election results. As a silver lining, we also discuss how we should all be more like Dolly Parton.

106. Biden Says Bye Bye to Student Loans

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:30:00 -0700

On this week of Margin Call, Cat from Geek Force takes over to discuss President Elect Joe Biden's plan to forgive up to $10,000 of students loans. Cat and Eming explore the President's reaction to Democrats and Republicans alike as reality starts to set in. Lastly, there are also a bunch of pop culture references in this episode! See if you can catch them all!

105. Margin Call: Live

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we return live with Paul to discuss the news that is being overlooked in the "Second Wave COVID 2020 Election Cycle," including "how does Snoop Dogg feel about Donald Trump?"

104. Settle for Biden

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:41:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome back Jordan Carreño AKA Acoupstix for a discussion on what’s next after Biden’s election.

103. Margin Call Clip Show: Election Edition

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, Eming Piansay hosts the clip show to end all clip shows: the best of our election coverage from the past year. And there's been a lot! Have a listen on election day and find something to laugh about and think about while surviving our great national chaos.

www.kwestonmedia.com

102. The Margin Call Geek Force Doomsday Election 2020 Special

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome the crew from our sister podcast, Geek Force, to discuss all possible scenarios for the days leading up to (and after) the election. We laugh, we cry, but mostly we laugh to keep from crying.

101. Biden, Trump, Kamala, Pence, COVID and the Coming Election

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 03:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome political correspondent Travis Montez to break down the tornado of election news from the most bizarre sequence of October Suprises in American History. We laugh to keep from crying.

100. Margin Call 100th Episode

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we celebrate our 100th episode with a live call in show, featuring several appearances by former guests and one surprise caller, who offers some profound insight on his changing neighborhood in West Oakland.

99. Dreamers and Leftovers: Poet and Filmmaker Lalo Aguilar discusses the experience of Mexican-American deportees

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Lalo Aguilar, a documentary filmmaker and spoken word poet, whose work explores the diverse experiences of American deportees living in Mexico.

98. TikTok, Trump, and Data Mining Apps

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we discuss the president's back and forth on banning TikTok. We welcome tech correspondent Katebah, who expresses her affinity for Tik Tok, before launching into a debate on the perils of apps hoarding our data.

97. An American Ex-Pat in Europe: International Perspective on the American Dumpster Fire

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Silvano Pontoniere, an American living in Germany, for a discussion on America's handling of COVID and how it contrasts with European culture and political structures.

96. Battleground Portland: BLM, Antifa, and Proud Boys

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Scott, a Portland resident who lives across the street from the site of the intense, continuing unrest in Portland, Oregon. We discuss all the involved parties and what it's like to live in a 2020 war zone of clashing ideologies and nightly tear gas.

95. Black Lives Matter and the NBA Protest

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we tried to have a conversation about sports, but it quickly turned into an indictment of capitalism and the perils of the information age. Our guest is Royce Wilder, a native New Yorker and reformed Knicks fan, who brings hot takes to every aspect of the conversation. Enjoy!

94. The DNC and the Future of the Democratic Party

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call we are joined by Ray and Cat to discuss last week's Democratic National Convention and the future of the Democratic Party. Lastly, we discuss the recent shooting by police of a Black man in Louisiana.

93. Weekend at Bernie’s (The Joe Biden/Kamala Harris Episode)

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Travis and Amelia for a lively discussion on the Democratic Presidential ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Laughter and dismay ensue.

92. Back to School in the Age of COVID: Teachers' Edition

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we are joined by Cat and Marian, two elementary school teachers, to discuss their hopes and fears as they get ready for the first day of school in the midst of a pandemic.

91. COVID Vacation, Congress takes on Tech, and the Virtues of Homeschooling in a Pandemic

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we host our second live call in episode. Our callers guide a conversation that covers COVID vacations, recent congressional testimony from tech executives, and how homeschooling during a pandemic can give parents an opportunity to create relevant curricula for their kids. And no Drake references!

90. Margin Call off The Rails: Darias of the World, Unite!

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we are starting a new feature called Margin Call: Off the Rails. We invited our old friend and frequent collaborator Travis Montez to a Zoom call with no agenda and let the conversation take its course. The result is a meandering and raucous discourse, covering everything from Love in the time of COVID to the joys of being a Daria.

89. We'll Do It Live!

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome to the very first LIVE episode of Margin Call! This episode originally aired on Facebook in real time and you'll hear us read comments from listeners and discuss Disneyworld reopening, the CATS Movie, Hamilton, Bill O'Reilly, and Don Imus. Did we mention it was recorded LIVE?

87. COVID BLM Pride

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0700

This week's Margin Call is our annual Pride episode, which takes place in the midst of a global pandemic and a national anti-racist revolution. We welcome Travis and Imani for a discussion on intersectionality, activism, memories of our "first pride," and the corporate commercialization of gay liberation. We also coin the term "queerantine."

86. How to be an Ally to the Black Community

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the Geek Force crew moderates a discussion on the Black Lives Matter Movement and how to be an ally. Ray, Marlin, Cat, and Russell debate the merits of listening, action, and risk taking in the context of this movement. Enjoy!

85. Protests Used to be Corny

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this Episode of Margin Call, we welcome Kwest On contributors Paul and Charlie for a discussion of the Black Lives Matter protests, exploring how protest movements have changed over the past 20 years due to technology, a change in focus, and the leadership of young people and people of color. NOTE: We had some technical challenges recording this episode, so the audio is less than ideal. But the content is excellent!

84. Black Lives Matter: ‘We Shouldn’t Be Stealing But We Shouldn’t Be Dying’

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 03:00:00 -0700

On this special episode of Margin Call our guests Catherine, Marlin and Raymond give an in-depth examine of the events leading up to the death of George Floyd by police as well as the resulting protests. We examine the impact on communities of colors, while also looking to the future.

83. Joe Biden Ain’t Black

Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Travis Montez for a discussion of Joe Biden’s candidacy, gaffes, and potential VP. Lord help us all.

82. Rona Famous in the Gig Economy

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Jordan Carreño and Andre Baca, two artists with experience in the gig economy to discuss making your art in quarantine, getting famous in the Corona Age, and making ends meet in a desperate economy. Somehow, we manage to have an extended conversation about Trinidad James and how Drake may or may not have ruined hip hop. Enjoy!

81. Teachers and Parents in the Age of Corona

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin call, we welcome Marian, a third grade teacher, and Paul, the father of a fifth grader, to discuss the challenges of remote learning during quarantine. This leads to a reflection on how elementary school education has changed over the past 20 years.

80. The COVID 19 Health Corps

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Erricka, a nursing student in California who has an opportunity to practice in the field before she graduates due to the shortage of available health care workers during the COVID 19 pandemic.

79. Corona Distractions

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 21:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we joining forces with Cat Wilson and the Geek Force crew to discuss popular culture and entertainment in the Corona Age. We discuss Invisible Man, a timely thriller about an invisible menace, as well as some older films with new relevance: Contagion and Batman Forever. We could all use a distraction from the chaos, so allow yourself to be distracted by our podcast about distractions!

78. The Virus Crisis in Europe

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Silvano Pontoniere, who gives us a view of the global health crisis from Germany. We also discuss the unique problem the virus presents for incarcerated people and those charged with their care.

77. The Coronation

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, Travis Montez join the crew for a discussion of the Democratic Primary, which inevitably leads to a discussion of the COVID 19 pandemic. But there are laughs!

76. The Internet is a Scam

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Katebah, our scam expert, who breaks down some of the notable tech related swindles of the past year.

74. Bernie Bros and Bloomberg Memes

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we gather the crew to discuss the state of the democratic field for president after the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary. It’s a freaky time, but the Margin Call crew has identified some signs of hope.

73. Tech Talk

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 20:00:00 -0700

On this tech episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes Min Lee, who breaks down the highlights of the recent Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas.

72. Baby Yoda for President

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0700

What happens when you try to have a show where you don’t discuss the impeachment? Well, you talk about Baby Yoda, a banana taped to a wall, and then you end up talking about the impeachment anyway. Enjoy our last episode of 2019!

71. "Is That All There Is?"

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Travis Johnson on to discuss the sad, sordid state of affairs in the race for the Democratic nomination.

70. The PG & E Debacle

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 02:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, Cat Wilson shares her experience losing power and her proximity to wildfires in Northern California.

69. Holy FitBit!

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 14:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome back Katebah to discuss all things tech, from free speech on Facebook to the Vatican’s new digital rosary.

68. And Then There Were 12 (Sigh)

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Travis Johnson, who gives an overview of the remaining Democratic candidates for president in a search for signs of life.

67. Restorative Justice in Schools

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Jesus El, who does restorative justice in Oakland schools. Jesus breaks down how vulnerability and communication among students helps to resolve conflicts and build communities.

66. Tekashi Storms Area 51

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew gathers to discuss the latest in pop culture, from Area 51 memes to the Downton Abbey movie.

65. What is Willful Defiance?

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -0700

In our first annual Back to School episode, the Margin Call crew debates a new California law banning suspensions for “willful defiance.” This leads to a discussion on how teachers and school administrators can best support their students.

64. Sugar Baby University

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 22:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome Erricka Lewis for a discussion of the Sugar Baby/Sugar Daddy dynamic as it relates to the cost of education and the gig economy. Somehow, Drake comes up in the conversation.

Kevin Weston Day Podcast Special

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew assembles to share memories of our namesake Kevin Weston and updates on our fundraiser.

Support our Indiegogo campaign - click here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-kwest-on-media--2/x/1795091#/

62. Stop Blaming Video Games

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, guest host Cat leads a discussion on why video games are still being blamed for mass shootings. Featuring first time guests Marlin and Raymond.

To support the Kwest On Media Indiegogo campaign click here: https://bit.ly/2TQeynA

61. "Aliens, Bro."

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week, the Margin Call crew (featuring guest producer Catherine Wilson), discusses the plan to storm Area 51 to get a look at "them aliens." Over a million people have already confirmed to join the movement, so we asked ourselves: is this a terrible idea? Do aliens exist? And what is a Naruto Run?

60. Polyamory and Open Relationships

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, guest host Catherine Wilson leads a discussion on the state of modern relationships. Guests Mecko Gibson and Quinntin Salamanca share their respective experiences with polyamory and open relationships. Enjoy!

59. Sci-Fi vs Fantasy

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we've gathered the Geek Tribunal to determine which is the supreme form of immersive entertainment: Sci-Fi or Fantasy? The answer, according to our guest Matt Morse, is that it's all fantasy and this binary is a ridiculous premise to begin with. But we had a lot of fun reaching that conclusion. Tangents abound!

58. Reboot Madness

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this pop culture episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses the new Toy Story and Spider Man movies. The conversation quickly turns into a debate about the merits of comic book movie franchises over the past two decades. Enjoy!

57. Anniversary Podcast-a-Palooza!

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On our one year anniversary, we invite back several former guests for updates on stories they've been covering and pitches for new ones. We feature guests calling in from Mexico City, Orlando, Berkeley, and New York City with story ideas as diverse as the crisis on the US/Mexico Border, plans for a Trump statue in Puerto Rico, and life at a tech start up for a recent college graduate. Enjoy!

56. Non-Toxic Masculinity: The Pride Episode

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On the first annual Margin Call Pride episode, we welcome Travis Johnson and Tiq Milan to discuss the year in queer news and the challenge and promise of modern masculinity.

55. The Last Men in San Francisco

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we gather three San Francisco natives from all corners of The City to discuss the themes of the new film, “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.”

54. Hack Life

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

The New York Times recently ran an investigative article about the taxi medallion scam in New York City, which has led to multiple bankruptcies and suicides among New York City cab drivers, most of whom are working immigrants. For this episode of Margin Call, we invited two San Francisco taxi drivers, Andre Baca and Dana Williams, who help shed some light on the medallion scheme and the perils of hack life in the Uber era in The City by the Bay.

53. Wu-Tang, Hick Hop, and a little bit of Drake

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome Jordan Carreno and Royce Wilder to discuss the current state of Hip Hop, including the new Wu-Tang Documentary series on Showtime and the early favorite for song of the summer: Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” Naturally, Drake comes up.

52. Black Men and the Student Loan Crisis

Sun, 26 May 2019 22:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome Pen Harshaw and Paul Billingsley, both of whom attended Historically Black Universities, to discuss billionaire Robert Smith's offer to pay all the student debt of the Morehouse graduating class of 2019.

51. Game of Thrones: The New World is Boring

Tue, 21 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode of Margin Call, we conclude our Game of Thrones discussion the infamous final episode with topics that range from the Starks, the Mother of Dragons and who ended up on the Iron Throne.

50. Who Will Win The Game of Thrones?

Sat, 18 May 2019 00:00:00 -0700

In this special episode of Margin Call, the crew gathers to discuss Game of Thrones, how the creative decisions by the creators have impacted the fans and the franchise, and the character arc of Daenerys Targaryen. We also make our predictions for who will sit upon the Iron Throne.

49. Facebook’s Secret Crush: Dating Apps vs Dating IRL

Tue, 14 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode of Margin Call, the crew gathers to have an honest and frank discussion about dating IRL and dating online following the news that Facebook plans to launch their own dating app: Secret Crush.

48. An Uber Driver Weighs in on the Uber Strike

Tue, 07 May 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode, we welcome Uber driver Jordan Carreno, who is raising a daughter and paying his bills largely with revenue from the ride-hailing app. In a lively conversation, Jordan offers unique insight on the Uber and Lyft strike planned for May 8 and amusing digressions abound.

47. The Plan to Close San Francisco's Juvenile Hall

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week, we welcome Carolyn Goosen, Chief-of-Staff to San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen, to discuss the proposed plan to close the Youth Guidance Center (YGC), San Francisco's juvenile hall. This episode also features a commentary on the plan by Margin Call host, Russell Morse, who was locked up at YGC as a young man.

45. Where is the Internet?

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this installment of our Technocracy series, the Margin Call crew discusses another government proposal to save the internet, the bizarre case of Julian Assange, and Silicon Valley hucksters.

44. Are Horror Movies Good!?

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

Of course they are! But define "good."

On this episode Russell and Eming debate the merits of Jordan Peele's new horror film, Us, and the horror genre at large.

43. Nipsey Hussle: Community Leader and Street Reporter

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome Efty Sharony, a Los Angeles-based criminal justice reform advocate, to talk about what Nipsey Hussle meant to his community in South LA. We also feature the audio version of Donny Lumpkins' commentary on Nipsey Hussle's death, "It's Kinda Dangerous to be an Emcee."

42. Margin Call Book Club

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week's episode is the inaugural edition of the Margin Call Book Club. We welcome Josue Rojas and Travis Johnson to discuss the merits of three recent titles; Tommy Orange's "There There," Kiese Laymon's "Heavy," and Hanif Abdurraqib's "Go Ahead in the Rain."

41. Honest Money

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes Jamilah King, who shares her experience paying off her student loans and encourages an honest, searching debate about the role money plays in our lives.

40. From Baby Shark to Tekashi 69: The State of Popular Music

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0700

On this pop music episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes guests Presley Luis and Donny Lumpkins to analyze the New York Times Magazine cover story about the "songs that matter right now." Post Malone and Ariana Grande also get shout outs.

39. Weapons of Math Destruction

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0700

This week, the Margin Call crew welcomes DC-based tech professional Andrew Conklin to discuss Amazon's HQ2 debacle, Jaden Smith's efforts to get clean water to the people of Flint, and the untimely death of 90s icon Luke Perry.

38. Japanese Cholos and Cocaine Hippos

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0700

This week, the Margin Call crew discusses cultural appropriation, artificial intelligence, and yes, Pablo Escobar's escaped Hippos.

37. Ceramic Comfort Food: Visual Art and Mental Health

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode, Margin Call welcomes Nikki Lau, a Portchester, New York-based visual artist who joins us in a conversation on the relationship between art and mental health. And yes, we discuss ceramic chicken nuggets.

36. Techno-Border

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0700

The Margin Call crew hosts its semi-regular open editorial meeting, with a focus on immigration, 21 Savage, Fortnite, and our increasingly virtual world.

35. City Refugees

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses the changing demographics of American cities, drawing on their own experiences in San Francisco, Oakland, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

34. From Broadway to Congress: A Puerto Rican Renaissance

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0700

A wave of recent positive news about Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora prompted Margin Call to invite Ricanstruction contributor Melanie Feliciano to break it all down.

33. Young, Educated, and Broke (Just Don't Call Us Millennials)

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew is joined by two highly accomplished young women who are struggling to support themselves, despite impressive resumes and degrees from prestigious universities.

32. Weed, Not Walls

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes surprise guest Nina Parks to discuss the proposed wall on the US/Mexico border and Kim Kardashian's entry into criminal justice reform.

31. FaceBook Unplugged

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses the perils and merits of social media, trying to answer the question: "How much would someone have to pay you to get off facebook forever?"

Mini Episode: Kissing Consent

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0700

On this mini-episode of Margin Call, the crew kicks off the New Year with the graphic novel fairy tale that brings up the important question of kissing consent in today's society.

30. You're Not By Yourself

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 07:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode of Margin Call, guest host Eming Piansay, Charles Jones, and Ann Bassette discuss the mental health, Kanye West, Pete Davidson and which celebrity is the current "poster child" for mental illness.

29. Sex vs The Internet

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode, the Margin Call crew takes on tech topics, which leads to a discussion on whether the internet is to blame for recent reports that young people are having less sex.

28. The Personal Impact of Natural Disasters

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we welcome two women with recent firsthand experience of the impact of natural disasters. Dayna Willis did animal rescue work during the recent California fires, and Wendi Thomason's mother lost her home in Hurricane Harvey. They joined the Margin Call crew to share their experiences and discuss the personal and profound ways in which natural disasters affect people's lives.

27. Caravan Context

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, Kwest On Borderless Editor Sheerly Avni shares her experience doing aid work with members of the migrant caravan as they passed through Mexico City. Also featuring Eming Piansay.

26. Art vs The Internet

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, visual artists Josue Rojas and Destyni Swoope discuss their craft and how digital imagery has changed the art world.

25. A Bloody Mattress in Oakland

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0700

The Margin Call crew attempts to solve the mystery of a blood-soaked mattress found on a street in Oakland, which leads to a discussion about homeless encampments, real estate, gentrification, and mayoral politics. This may well be the first in a series about displacement in the San Francisco Bay Area, so stay tuned.

24. Midterm Election-Palooza

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, we gather the crew to discuss the implications of the midterm elections. With special guest Lateefah Simon.

23. Walla Walla Blockchain

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode, Margin Call welcomes Sundown Hazen, who explains how he mines cryptocurrency from his home in Walla Walla, Washington. We also hear from Silvano Pontoniere, who calls in from Germany to explain why Germans don't use social media. (Hint: it's bad for you)

22. Horn of Hope

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week, Margin Call welcomes Anisa Liban, a 22 year old woman who founded a humanitarian organization focused on empowering young women and girls around the world. We talk about access to clean water and education and how international issues mirror domestic ones.

21. Editorial Extravaganza Part 2

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0700

In part two of Margin Call's Editorial Extravaganza, Amelia proves that she has friends by outlining the accomplishments of a human rights activist and a nobel laureate, while the crew debates why there are fewer African Americans playing baseball.

20. Editorial Extravaganza Part 1

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode, the Margin Call crew gathers for its editorial meeting, debating whether Post Malone is a rapper and if Melania Trump is the most bullied person in the world. There was so much content, we had to split it into two episodes. Stay tuned for Episode 2.

19. Anti-Corporate Cannabis

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes Nina Parks, the founder and CEO of Mirage Medicinal, a cannabis delivery service based in San Francisco, to discuss issues of parity and social justice in the booming legal cannabis industry.

18. All Tears Matter

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week, guest host Eming Piansay leads the Margin Call crew in a discussion of Brett Kavanaugh's recent senate testimony.

17. The Filipino Star Wars

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we welcome documentary director Marissa Aroy, who is working on her third film chronicling the history of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.

16. Good Movies vs Best Picture

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0700

In order to lure viewers back to the annual Oscars telecast, the Academy has proposed adding a second best picture category to make room for the movies people actually watch and enjoy (basically, Marvel movies.) On this week’s episode, The Margin Call crew explores the possible ramifications.

15. The Colin Kaepernick-Jehova's Witness Connection

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew welcomes Kwest On contributor Andre Baca, who explores the connection between Colin Kaepernick's protest and his own experience growing up as a Jehova's witness. Also featuring Charles Jones, Paul Billingsley, and Eming Piansay.

14. Autotune for Your Face

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses beauty standards in the age of the selfie. Kwest On contributors Eming Piansay and Amelia Gonzalez share their experiences with FaceTune, a selfie-editing app that identifies and digitally eliminates flaws and blemishes in users' photos.

13. RIP Rock and Roll

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew gathers to discuss the waning relevance of rock and roll music in the age of Cardi B and Post Malone. The crew welcomes special guest Presley Luis, a young rock musician who argues that the death of rock and roll has been greatly exaggerated.

12. Respect Your Elders

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this installment of Margin Call, the Kwest On Media team gathers to share stories about our aging loved ones, which leads to a discussion about how society cares for the aging.

11. The Struggle is Real: Female Empowerment, From Pro Wrestling to Cardi B

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, Kwest On contributor Krista Bryant shares the story behind her video profile of a female wrestler. The rest of the show is a heated discussion on the merits of Christina Aguilera’s music, and the high art of Cardi B’s “oral history of a woman scorned by an iPhone.”

10. Trans Behind Bars

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we speak with Victoria Law and Aviva Stahl, two journalists who have reported on the experiences of trans people in jails and prisons in the United States. In the course of our conversation, we explore some of the indignities, injustices, and inconsistencies that occur when trans-identified people are locked up.

9. "Rick and Morty, Take Me With You!"

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode, the Margin Call crew share their current pop culture favorites, or as we're calling it: what to watch when the world has got you down. Josue Rojas shares the power of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, Melanie Feliciano goes full sci-fi nerd on Rick and Morty, and Amelia Gonzalez explains the classist and ethical elements of Westworld. With special appearances from Mexico City correspondent Sheerly Avni and Margin Call producer Eming Piansay.

8. XXXTentacion's music removed from Spotify for violence towards women, put back on after falling victim to gun violence

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses the shooting death of 20-year-old South Florida rapper XXXTentacion, discovering that his death sits at the eye of a storm created by three recent political mass movements: Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and gun control.

7. Unpacking the Puerto Rican Super-Shero

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this week's Margin Call, guest Melanie Feliciano introduces listeners to Ricanstruction, a comic anthology of the adventures of La Boriqueña, a Puerto Rican superhero. The conversation quickly leads to a reflection on race and Latino identity. Enjoy!

6. Family Separation at the Border and Beyond

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0700

In the last month, the US has implemented a "zero tolerance' crackdown on migrants at our southern border. One effect of this enforcement tactic is that hundreds of children have been separated from their parents, a troubling development that has been roundly criticized. On this episode of Margin Call, we sit down with Mizgon Darby, the daughter and sister of asylum seekers from Afghanistan and mother of two, who shares her insights on the policy and its effects on children. Also in the booth is Sheerly Avni, a Kwest On contributor living in Mexico City who works with deportees from the United States, many of whom have also been separated from their families.

5. Boob Coins and Black Mirror

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this week's episode of Margin Call, the crew discusses a range of tech-related subjects, including LSD use in Silicon Valley and how China has essentially become a really long episode of Black Mirror.

4. The Death Penalty and The N-Word

Tue, 29 May 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin Call, we talk criminal justice with a young woman whose advocacy work started when her father was put on death row for a crime he didn't commit. Later in the show, we discuss a viral Kendrick Lamar concert video, which leads to a debate about who can and cannot say the n-word, and under what circumstances. Brace yourself and enjoy.

3. BBQ Becky vs Tupac Shakur

Tue, 22 May 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This week on Margin call, we discuss the glorious and notorious Oakland snitch meme that is BBQ Becky, Spotify's decision to remove artists from playlists based on unseemly behavior and ponder whether Tupac was a mark, a gangster, or something else entirely.

2. The Drug Episode

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0700

On this installment of the Kwest On podcast, contributors Russell Morse and Eming Piansay discuss legal marijuana, Xanax rap, and their not so obvious intersecting point: anxiety. Digressions abound.

1. Hula Hoops for Puerto Rico

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 04:00:00 -0700

This month's episode of Kwest On Media podcast delves into the issue of copyright law and ways to pay off the debt of Puerto Rico following the devastating results of Hurricane Maria.