Margin Call
Margin Call is a global and intergenerational news and culture podcast, hosted by Eming Piansay (formerly hosted by Russell Morse). It brings a contrarian spirit to discussions on politics, immigration, the economy, entertainment, criminal justice, and technology, highlighting the perspectives of historically marginalized people. The podcast offers a unique viewpoint on current events and societal issues.
Episodes
125. Back on the Mic: Democracy, Dissent, and the Margins
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 tak
5. Don't Give Your DJ Anxiety By Requesting Drake
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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 A
107. Rudy Giuliani vs Dolly Parton
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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
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
84. Black Lives Matter: ‘We Shouldn’t Be Stealing But We Shouldn’t Be Dying’
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
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
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
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
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
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
78. The Virus Crisis in Europe
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
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
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
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
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
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?"
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
On this episode of Margin Call, Cat Wilson shares her experience losing power and her proximity to wildfires in Northern California.
69. Holy FitBit!
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)
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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."
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
53. Wu-Tang, Hick Hop, and a little bit of Drake
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
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
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?
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
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.
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