PRETTY CURIOUS | How Are My Table Manners? with Jessie & Lennie Ware

What happens when a razor-sharp elected official and a relentlessly curious host sit down to discuss what it takes to make lasting change? This week, JVN is joined by the unstoppable Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett — U.S. Representative from Texas, lawyer, lay it on the line truth-teller, and rising voice in the Democratic Party. Together, they unpack how to maximize our impact by understanding our political systems, tackle the messy reality of party politics, and hypothesize where Democrats are headed next. They also dive into Rep. Crockett's background as a public defender and evaluate the difference between committing a crime and having a criminal mindset, how racism shows up in redistricting battles from Texas to California, and yes — Rep. Crockett breaks down her now-iconic “bleach blonde bad built butch body” clapback.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Congresswoman Crockett on Instagram @repjasmine  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville. Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking: gun violence, New York Fashion Week Hair, Sylvia Browne resurgence, fist fights on the FYP, Epstein’s Birthday Book, pink dolphins, and Mariah Carey in the Amazon.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when two professional oversharers get together? Pure magic... and a little chaos. JVN is joined by the incomparable Tefi Pessoa — culture commentator, internet big sister, and now host of her brand-new podcast Tefi Talks. Come for the tea, stay for the wisdom, and leave with a little extra permission to embrace your inner oversharer.  Together they cover everything from Kirstie Alley’s problematic family lore and Jessica Biel’s legendary arms to the chaos of mixed doubles and how Tefi turned being the “personality hire” into a full-time job. They talk about embracing your inner oversharer, the art of being a good listener (you won't believe the source for this advice), and how she holds space for everyone — yes, even MAGA and GOP supporters — while staying true to herself.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Tefi Pessoa on Instagram @hellotefi TikTok @hellotefi YouTube @tefitalks  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Tefi Pessoa is a multi-hyphenate media personality, digital content creator, and pop culture commentator from Miami, Florida, now based in Brooklyn, NY, known for her witty humor and honest advice on topics like self-love, relationships, and astrology. She is recognized by millions across TikTok and Instagram for her deep dives into pop culture, red carpet commentary, and relatable content, earning her a place on the TIME100 Creators List for 2025 and being named among TIME's Latino Leaders for 2024. Tefi also has a new monthly column, "Ask Tefi," and podcast “Tefi Talks,” with The Cut and Vox Media.   Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re talking: See You Next Tuesday’s, Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2025, aging out of concerts, the Epstein victims at the capitol building, US Open underdog stories, and answering your listener questions.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It took too long, it took too long, it took too long -  for Aly & AJ to come on the pod!  What keeps a band together for 20 years? How do sisters turn harmonies into a creative language all their own? And what does it look like to balance joy, artistry, and activism while living life on the road? This week, JVN sits down with Aly & AJ to celebrate two decades of music-making and sisterhood—spanning from their early Cow Belles days to sold-out tours and their powerful anthem “Sirens.” - This conversation is all about creativity, resilience, and the rituals that keep them grounded. Plus, we get into their songwriting process, advocating for gun control, and debate over the best breakfast in America. And yes—we asked about Cow Belles 2 . Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Aly & AJ on Instagram @alyandaj  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn BIO: Aly & AJ are an American pop duo consisting of sisters Alyson and Amanda Michalka. First rising to fame in the mid-2000s with their platinum-selling debut album Into the Rush and hits like “Potential Breakup Song,” they became known for their sharp harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. After a period of acting, solo projects, and a hiatus from music, they reemerged with a more mature, indie-pop sound, earning critical acclaim for projects like a touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun (2021), with love from (2023), and Silver Deliverer (2025). Blending nostalgia with modern edge, Aly & AJ continue to evolve as artists while staying true to their roots as sisters whose voices—and bond—create their signature sound. Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Anne Currie and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices