Blocked and Reported

Andy Mills, co-founder of Longview Investigations and co-producer of the Strange Bedfellows series, and Ben Kowaler, a 41-year reporter who investigates LGBTQ history and politics, discuss how the gay rights movement evolved into LGBTQ. They explore early organizing, clashes between assimilation and radicalism, AIDS’ impact, the rise of trans inclusion, and the coalition tensions that followed.

They dig into the Lindy West memoir controversy and why it keeps generating heat. They debate whether online buzz translates to sales and scan Amazon reactions. They tease a bizarre quadruple-amputee cornhole headline with disbelief and dark humor. They announce a Puget Sound meetup and share logistics for listeners interested in attending.

This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse is joined by Wall Street Journal Writer-at-Large Pamela Paul to discuss the disappearing male therapist, the politicization of the literary world, that Andrea Long Chu essay, and more.Pamela stayed on after the free show to answer questions submitted by our Primo subscribers. To hear the full episode, join us.Wha… To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

They dig into a Bluesky pile-on targeting a New York Times columnist and unpack platform echo chambers and blocking culture. They revisit Lindy West’s messy personal coverage, including polyamory and how media frames domestic life. Conversation also touches on climate chatter and outdoor hobby banter as setup for the bigger conversations.

They dig into protests targeting beauty brands and how diaspora politics shape reactions. They debate why young progressives feel so bleak and whether cultural norms reward performative sadness. They cover an anti-Muslim street demonstration and gaps in reporting on political violence. They break down leadership turmoil at a niche social platform and what that means for online echo chambers.

A freewheeling live chat covering Lindy West’s book pitch and publishing drama. They debate Shout Your Abortion’s messaging and persuasion. Anecdotes about drinking on air, ARFID and Dave Burd’s food quirks add humor. Recommendations span music, early internet comedy, and a travel show. Sports, peptides, pigeon stories, and a cameo from Moose round out the conversation.

A scandal about a Finnish beauty queen and a private photo sparks international outrage and political fallout. Right-wing politicians post similar gestures and a title is revoked. Asian social media and foreign accounts react strongly, turning a national controversy into a diplomatic flashpoint. Legal drama, online misreads, and cultural context also feature in the conversation.

They unpack the online uproar after a major beauty influencer made controversial comments. They trace the influencer's rise from blogger to global mogul. They sketch Iran's modern history from the shah to 1979 and the diaspora's political leanings. Short cultural riffs and sharp takes on social media fallout and international politics.

This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by Helen Lewis to revisit 2010s online feminism and discuss Lindy West’s new throuple memoir, Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane. Plus, the BAFTAs slur and shocking allegations from Rupert Lowe’s rape inquiry.The Genius MythInfluencers With Tourette’s Find a Niche … To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

They dive into how violent crime reporting handles transgender individuals and the rise of the 'trans shooter' narrative. They debate pronoun use and media language like 'woman in a dress' versus neutral phrasing. They explore statistical patterns about perpetrators and victims and how institutions respond to pressure around gender reporting.