On this episode of Vital Questions, Che Guerrero and La Co-Host sit down with Millie, a career public defender in Queens and Manhattan, to ask a difficult but necessary question: Is the criminal justice system made for the wealthy?

We begin with the recent release of millions of additional Epstein files — and the outrage over redactions, prosecutorial discretion, and the lack of accountability for powerful figures. While poor and undocumented communities are aggressively policed, detained, and deported, many wealthy individuals tied to financial crimes and abuse scandals seem insulated from consequences.

If justice depends on your bank account, is it really justice?

This episode connects the dots between wealth, power, prosecution priorities, and who actually faces consequences in America.

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#VitalQuestions #CriminalJustice #EpsteinFiles #PublicDefender #WhiteCollarCrime #MassIncarceration #CourtReform #ImmigrationJustice #CheGuerrero

On this episode of Vital Questions, Che Guerrero and La Co-Host speak with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, about why the wealthy are able to fund elections — and how the Citizens United Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates for Super PACs, dark money, and billionaire control of U.S. politics.

We break down how corporations were granted First Amendment “speech” rights, why transparency failed, how Big Oil and Big Tech became early beneficiaries, and what the 2024 election revealed about corruption, deregulation, and power. 

Most importantly, we talk about solutions — including how candidates can win without corporate PAC money through initiatives like Unrig Washington.

If you’ve ever asked “how is this legal?” — this episode answers that, and what we can actually do about it.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• End Citizens United (fighting big money in politics):

https://www.endcitizensunited.org/

• Unrig Washington (candidates rejecting corporate PAC money & dark money):

https://www.endcitizensunited.org/unrig-washington

• Let America Vote (ECU’s voting-rights arm):

https://letamericavote.org/

• USCIS Case Status Tracker (referenced in Ep. 33):

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/case-tracker-for-uscis-nvc/id921827126

🔗 Follow & support Che Guerrero:

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• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CheGuerreroeng

#VitalQuestions #EndCitizensUnited #GetMoneyOutOfPolitics #CitizensUnited #DarkMoney #SuperPACs

On this episode of Vital Questions, we’re asking the question so many people are struggling with right now: what can I do about what’s happening?

Since our last episode, we’ve witnessed more devastating and undeniable examples of state violence — from children detained by ICE, to families torn apart, to people killed in the streets. These are not abstract policy debates. These are real lives, real harm, and real consequences.

In Episode 33, we break down what’s been happening — including the detention of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, the separation of 2-year-old Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis from her dad, and the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — and talk honestly about the fear, anger, and helplessness many of us are feeling.

But this episode isn’t just about naming the harm. It’s about action.

We walk through real, accessible ways people can help — even if protesting isn’t an option for you. From calling your representatives, donating money or time, supporting immigrant defense organizations, learning your rights, documenting abuses, boycotting corporations that profit from ICE, voting locally, and using your own skills to support your community.

This episode is about community pressure, accountability, and joyful resistance — because authoritarianism depends on silence and isolation, and we refuse both.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Although La-CoHost is a lawyer, everything shared in this episode (and ALL EPISODES for that matter unless otherwise stated) is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please do your own research and consult a qualified attorney for legal questions.

Resources & Notes

Minnesota-Specific Support

• Stand With Minnesota
• https://standwithminnesota.com

Know Your Rights / Legal & Protest Support

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• https://www.aclu.org
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
• https://www.ilrc.org

Immigrant Legal Defense & Advocacy

• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
• https://www.chirla.org
• Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
• https://floridaimmigrant.org
• The Legal Aid Society (NY)
• https://legalaidnyc.org
• Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC)
• https://www.paimmigrant.org
• RAICES (Texas)
• https://www.raicestexas.org

Children’s Advocacy

• Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
• https://www.theyoungcenter.org

Civic Action Tools

• 5 Calls
• https://5calls.org
• Ballotpedia
• https://ballotpedia.org

Democracy & Policy Reform

• End Citizens United
• https://endcitizensunited.org

Case Tracker App:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/case-tracker-for-uscis-nvc/id921827126

#VitalQuestions #VitalQuestionsPodcast #WhatCanIDo #ImmigrantJustice #AbolishICE #ACLU #KnowYourRights #CommunityCare #JoyfulResistance #MutualAid #ResistFascism #IndependentJournalism

On this episode of Vital Questions, Che Guerrero and La Co-Host talk about what happens when “at least we have our health” is no longer a guarantee.

From the looming fight over Affordable Care Act subsidies to a brutal job market that’s leaving millions without employer-based insurance, this episode breaks down how federal policy is directly shaping who gets care — and who doesn’t.

We dig into preventable deaths caused by skyrocketing prescription drug prices, the resurgence of diseases like the flu, norovirus, and measles, and why vaccine skepticism at the highest levels of government is putting kids, elders, and immunocompromised people at risk.

The conversation also takes on major changes inside the CDC and HHS, RFK Jr.’s role in reshaping vaccine recommendations, the chilling effect of political interference in public health research, and why trust in health institutions is collapsing in real time.

Then we turn to what’s on your plate — literally — unpacking the new upside-down food pyramid, industry influence on dietary guidelines, the rollback of alcohol consumption limits, and how corporate interests are quietly overriding decades of medical research.

This episode connects the dots between capitalism, politics, public health, and everyday survival — with facts, receipts, and the humor needed to process just how wild things are right now.

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On this episode of Vital Questions, Che Guerrero and La Co-host ask: Why did Trump send troops to Venezuela?

Because once you pull on that thread, it’s not just about Maduro. It’s about who gets sovereignty and who doesn’t. Why Europe is loud about protecting Greenland but quiet when it comes to Latin America. How narratives are built before intervention. How oil, geopolitics, and power shape “law enforcement” operations. And why the consequences won’t stop at Venezuela — they ripple through Puerto Rico, the U.S., and the rest of the world.

This episode breaks down what happened, what laws may have been violated, and what history tells us comes next.

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On this episode of Vital Questions with Che Guerrero and La Cohost, we break down why you should actually care about Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest.

Behind the viral clips, gaudy spectacle, and celebrity moments is a well-funded political machine targeting young people through high schools, colleges, and Christian nationalism. We unpack the money, the influence, the infighting—and why laughing at it isn’t enough.

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#Podcast #VitalQuestions #TPUSA #NickiMinaj #Republican #Election

On this episode of Vital Questions with Che Guerrero & La Co-Host…

We break down Trump’s year-end address and fact-check the lies, fear-mongering, and omissions. From immigration myths and migrant scapegoating to fake economic wins, wars that weren’t ended, rising costs, tariffs, healthcare spin, and executive overreach — this episode is about what was said vs. what the data actually shows. 

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Subscribe, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments — facts over fear.

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#ForeignPolicy #EndTheWars #Gaza #Ukraine #GlobalPolitics

#HealthcareCrisis #ACA #HousingCrisis #PrivateEquity

#VotingMatters #Democracy #FactCheck #PoliticalEducation #IndependentMedia

On this episode of Vital Questions, Che and la co host break down the stories we did not have time to fully report on but could not ignore.

From the surprising and coordinated attacks against Rep. Jasmine Crockett after she announced her run for US Senate in Texas, to the growing financial and reputational fallout facing MAGA aligned celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, Kristin Chenoweth, and Nicki Minaj, this episode looks at what happens when politics stop being theoretical and start having real consequences.

We dig into power, smear campaigns, corporate money, AI infrastructure, culture wars, and why aligning with Trumpism increasingly comes with a measurable cost politically culturally and financially.

Listen to Episode 28 now

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Join the conversation and tell us what story we should dig into next

#VitalQuestions #Podcast #Politics #SydneySweeney #JasmineCrockett 

On this episode of Vital Questions, Che Guerrero and La Co-Host break down how the Department of Education’s new definition of “professional degree” will affect everyone, not just students.

We dive into what the Trump administration’s reclassification really means, why graduate loan caps could shut out entire communities, how fields like nursing, teaching, PT, and social work got left off the “professional” list, and what this means for the future workforce, healthcare, and the economy.

If you care about higher education, the labor pipeline, or who gets access to opportunity in America, this episode is a must-listen.

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Watch full episodes on YouTube

#VitalQuestions #Podcast #StudentLoans #Education #Government

On this episode of Vital Questions, We’re back after two intense weeks of travel — and we didn’t come back empty-handed. Before diving into the chaos of the newly released Epstein records, we talk about our experience at the NYC Is Not for Sale Rally: a rare moment of community, safety, and solidarity in a city fighting to protect itself.

Then we get into it:

The House Oversight Committee just dropped tens of thousands of Epstein documents — emails, records, and connections that leaders across the political spectrum have tried to bury. The files show clear ties to Trump, raise serious questions about the failed investigation into Epstein’s death, and expose the “prison camp perks” Ghislaine Maxwell has been receiving while survivors are still fighting to be heard.

We also break down why Rep. Adelita Grijalva, sworn in after a 50-day delay,  became the key vote that forced these files into the light.

And yes… the responses from right-wing media are exactly as unhinged as you’d expect.

🎧 Listen to Vital Questions with Che Guerrero and La Co-Host wherever you get your podcasts.

#VitalQuestionsPod #CheGuerrero #EpsteinFiles #GhislaineMaxwell #USPolitics #AccountabilityForAll #PodcastEpisode #StayInformed #LatinoCreators

In this episode of Vital Questions, Che and La Co-Host dive into one of the biggest concerns: are Republicans trying to steal upcoming elections? With early voting already underway, they unpack how the GOP is using gerrymandered maps, attacks on the Voting Rights Act, and even talk of “emergency powers” to manipulate voting systems and hold onto control.

They also break down the real 2024 election numbers. Only 65 percent of registered voters showed up, meaning less than half the country decided the outcome, and why every single vote matters now more than ever.

From Missouri to Texas to Louisiana, the episode connects how these state-level power grabs could shape the future of democracy and why local races in places like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are key to protecting our rights.

Stay informed. Vote with your values. Do not sit this one out.

Listen or watch Vital Questions on YouTube, Spotify, RedCircle, Substack, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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On this episode of Vital Questions, we look into what is really happening with the TikTok sale and why it matters. We break down how Trump’s order started it all, why Oracle and other billionaire allies are now involved, and what this means for free speech and global influence.

Is this about protecting data or controlling what we see online?

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Watch or listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream.

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On this episode of Vital Questions, we dive into the dangers of AI. From job loss and bias to government surveillance and even mental health impacts, we’re unpacking the hidden costs of artificial intelligence.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss future episodes that break down the issues shaping our lives.

#podcast #VitalQuestions #AI #Palantir #DataCenters

On this episode of Vital Questions, we dive into one of the wildest weeks in recent U.S. politics and its ripple effects. From the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk and the immediate political fallout, to ICE raids hitting global companies like Hyundai and LG, to Bad Bunny skipping his U.S. tour over fears of ICE, we ask: what is really happening in America right now, and how is it reshaping our economy, tourism, and even sports?

🎧 Tune in for the breakdown 

#VitalQuestions #CharlieKirk #USEconomy #Immigration #BadBunny #ICEraids #USPolitics #Tourism #Podcast

On this episode of Vital Questions we ask: how weak is the state of the Democratic Party?

From Kamala Harris losing Secret Service protection to democratic leaders facing violence intimidation and even arrests we dive into what these escalating attacks mean for our democracy and whether Democrats are responding with the urgency this moment demands.

🎧 Tune in share your thoughts and let us know in the comments. Do you think the Democrats are strong enough to stand up to this?

👉 Don’t just scroll be part of the conversation. Listen now and join the debate.

#VitalQuestions #Podcast #Politics #Democracy #KamalaHarris #Democrats #CivilRights #CurrentEvents

On this episode of Vital Questions, we dive into why certain right-wing Latinos can’t (or won’t) separate church and state—and how that shapes their politics in the U.S. We trace this back to centuries of religious colonization, the political power of evangelical movements in Latin America, and the way Trump-era conservatives recruit Latino religious leaders to push anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, and nationalist agendas. This isn’t just history, it’s happening right now, and it’s influencing elections and laws that affect us all.

📢 Listen, get informed, and share this conversation because the separation of church and state isn’t just a legal principle, it’s a safeguard for democracy.

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On this episode of Vital Questions, we sit down with Alvaro Bedoya, attorney, former FTC Commissioner, and one of the few people to take Trump to court—and win. Bedoya was illegally fired by the Trump administration in March 2025, but instead of backing down, he fought back alongside fellow Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. From sending "reply-all" dissent emails at the FTC to facing veiled threats like “pizza doxxings,” Bedoya walks us through what it means to stand up to power when the system is rigged for billionaires and against working people.

We dive deep into:

• The FTC’s role in protecting consumers, workers, and small businesses
• How billionaires exploit immigrants and working-class people—and how the government helps them get away with it
• The horrifying disparities in how undocumented workers are punished versus corporate CEOs who break the law
• The weaponization of surveillance, data, and AI under the Trump administration
• What Democrats need to do right now to reconnect with working people before it’s too late

This episode is a masterclass in accountability, power, and what real resistance looks like in a time of manufactured chaos.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how one man took on the billionaires—and what it cost him.

📢 Share the episode, tag your reps, and join the fight for the little guy. 📢

#VitalQuestions #Podcast #AlvaroBedoya #TrumpAdministration #FTC #Accountability #ImmigrantRights #CorporateGreed #SurveillanceState #DataPrivacy #Antitrust #WorkersRights #ElevateLatinos #JusticeForAll #DemocracyNotOligarchy #StandUpAndFight

On this episode of Vital Questions, we discuss the Dignity Act, and its promises for undocumented immigrants—work permits, a path to status, even protections for Dreamers. But when you look closer, that “dignity” comes with fines, tracking, and a system built on the same anti-immigrant framework that brought us mass deportations and ICE raids.

We break down how this bill stacks up against Project 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill, and decades of immigration law designed to criminalize migration. From AI-powered border tech to $7,000 restitution fees, we ask the hard question: what good is a promise when everything around it is designed to break it?

🎧 Listen to learn why this isn’t real reform—it’s a deal with strings.

#VitalQuestions #DignityAct #ImmigrationReform #DACA #Project2025 #Dreamers #ImmigrantRights #LatinoVoices #DeportationMachine #ImmigrationPolicy #UndocumentedAndUnafraid #StopTheHate #BorderPolitics #PodcastClip #LatinosForTruth #AsylumIsAHumanRight #ICEWatch #CitizenshipNow

On this episode of Vital Questions, we dive deep into a hot topic within Latino culture: How has political trauma and the “Strong Man” appeal contributed to the rise of Latino Trump supporters?

As two Latinos ourselves, we often get asked, "How are there any Latinos who support Trump?" We realize this question is more complex than it seems, and we're here to unpack it. We’re not generalizing or justifying these views but digging into the history and political trauma that may help explain why some Latinos find Trump’s rhetoric appealing.

We examine the impact of U.S. military interventions in Latin America and how they’ve helped create an environment where the "Strong Man" appeal is attractive. We'll explore historical examples like Augusto Pinochet in Chile and Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, highlighting the dangerous allure of authoritarian leadership and its influence on some conservative Latinos today.

This episode offers insight into why some Latino communities may be drawn to figures like Trump, based on shared historical experiences with political trauma and power dynamics. It’s a conversation you don't want to miss.

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On this episode of Vital Questions, we dive into the chilling parallels between historical dictatorships and the tactics being used today. From censorship and propaganda to blatant lies and creating cults of personality, we unpack how leaders manipulate reality to gain and maintain power. Drawing on a fascinating interview with a former KGB agent, we explore the stages of "ideological subversion" and how they may already be unfolding.

What does history teach us about how authoritarianism rises, and are we witnessing it here? 

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to stay informed.

#VitalQuestions #Podcast #Authoritarianism #Propaganda #StayInformed #FreedomMatters #Democracy #CurrentEvents