Compact Podcast

Inflation hits 3.8 percent, the hantavirus is spreading, and New York state considers banning pizzas and bagels as we know them. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Spirit Airlines shuts its doors and The Devil Wears Prada 2 is released. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

An assassination attempt is made at the White House correspondence dinner, and OPEC faces a crisis. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Redistricting comes for Virginia, Palantir releases a manifesto, and phones are banned in schools. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Pope Leo butts heads with Trump, Orban loses in Hungary, and an attempt is made on Sam Altman's life. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

They discuss escalating rhetoric toward Iran and whether threats signal real policy aims. They debate military strikes versus diplomacy and who bears the consequences. They reflect on the Artemis launch, NASA’s public role, and whether big space projects can revive national ambition. They cover the UK ban on Kanye, exploring provocation, symbolism, and claims about mental illness.

Influencers go to war over Cuba, a progressive icon falls, and the UK Girl Guides kick out trans girls. Ashley Frawley joins Geoff Shullenberger. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Conversation about the Oscars and how recent winners signal a cultural shift. Close readings of films that mix horror, vampirism, blues and ambiguous politics. Debate over nostalgia for high art and mockery of cultural elites. Discussion of rumors and historical context around Iran’s new leader and how sexuality is framed in different cultures.

An interview with Harvey Weinstein is released, due process is attacked in the UK, and Congress considers a bipartisan housing bill. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Stephen Adubato, assistant editor and commentator, joins the conversation. They debate U.S. strikes on Iran and whether modern media can rally public support for war. The discussion then shifts to the EU drive to ban conversion practices, covering broad definitions, affirmation‑only therapy risks, detransitioners, and who gets to define identity.