Current Affairs Unfiltered
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.
Want To Get Involved?
If you are interested in coming on to be a guest, please reach out via email, currentaffairsunfilteredpod@gmail.com, and let me know what you're thinking!
About Paige
Paige is a Chicago native with a background in communications, nonprofit and government work. She holds an M.A. in U.S. foreign policy and national security and a B.A. in sociology. She is passionate about breaking down complex political issues in a way that’s accessible and engaging. With a sharp eye for global affairs and a deep no nonsense commitment to public discourse, she brings a fresh and witty perspective to today’s most pressing topics.
My Story
I started Current Affairs Unfiltered because I was tired of feeling like political discussions were either oversimplified soundbites or inaccessible deep dives meant for policy wonks. After graduating with my master’s in U.S. foreign policy and national security, I struggled to find a job and tried to make sure that people in my own circle were well informed on the issues of the hour. In the aftermath of the 2024 election I was deeply disturbed by the way political discourse often leaves people feeling overwhelmed, more confused and powerless. Instead of waiting for someone else to give me permission to create change, I decided to start a podcast that breaks down complex political issues in a way that’s engaging, honest, and unfiltered. My goal is to help people understand what’s happening, why it matters, and how they can actually do something about it. Politics isn’t just about Washington—it’s about all of us, and it’s time we start talking about it that way.
Episodes
Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
41 min
In this episode, Paige sits down with veteran Democratic strategist and organizer Andrew Grossman to discuss the launch of Battleground Alliance and the strategy behind Democrats’ effort to flip the House. Grossman explains why field organizing, relational outreach, and early voter engagement still matter in an era dominated by digital media and political outrage cycles. The conversation explores how Battleground Alliance works with local organizations to build large-scale organizing efforts in key Republican-held districts months before most campaigns fully ramp up.
Drawing on decades of political experience—including helping pass the Affordable Care Act and working on campaigns across 36 states—Grossman offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern Democratic infrastructure is evolving. Paige and Andrew also discuss the importance of precinct-level organizing, persuadable voters, and why volunteers still play a critical role in shaping political outcomes.
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Get involved with Battleground Alliance
Learn more about Battleground New York
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May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026
36 min
In this episode, Paige discusses the last month(!!!) of breaking news, including the White House Correspondents dinner shooting, the influence of Trump on primaries, and the state of the Supreme Court's voting rights decisions. Plus! Why we actually might need to bring back USAID.
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May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
50 min
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.
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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
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026
52 min
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!
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May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
1hr 49 sec
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.
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