It Could Happen Here

Mia and Gare explore the surprising connection between tech elites and gaming identities. They discuss how Gamergate shaped political narratives within the gaming community. The hosts highlight the diverse demographic of gamers, debunking myths about race and gender. They dive into Elon Musk's attempts to align himself with gamers, revealing how his fabrications led to backlash. The conversation touches on the roles of sports and gaming in right-wing politics, while also celebrating inclusive gaming spaces that challenge toxicity.

In a quirky investigation, Garrison dives into Grindr's intriguing activity at the Republican National Convention. He shares his undercover experience, crafting a persona to navigate the scene. From amusing flight observations to setting up at the venue, the podcast uncovers unexpected interactions. Garrison highlights memorable messages and discusses the app's technical hiccups. Surprisingly, much of the activity came from locals and media, challenging viral claims of a delegate frenzy. The episode concludes with safety tips and Garrison’s unique insights.

The discussion kicks off with X's new account location feature and the role of VPNs in spreading disinformation. A leaked Russian peace plan by Axios raises eyebrows about rapid reporting's influence on policy. The dissolution of DOGE and its ramifications for the administrative state is examined, along with the government officials' fates. A transition of education oversight to the State Department sparks debate over priorities. Zoran Mamdani's intriguing White House meeting with Trump illuminates political strategies and pressing societal issues.

Exploring the trajectory of the Stop Cop City movement, discussions highlight early sabotage and militant actions. The killing of Tortuguita marked a pivotal shift, ending forest occupations. Legal pressures intensified with a significant RICO indictment and heightened surveillance, creating a chilling effect on activists. The podcast delves into strategic lessons learned, emphasizing the need for adaptation in response to state repression. Overall, it reflects on the movement's legacy and encourages future generations to learn from these intense struggles.

In this lively session, Trant, the comedic alchemist, Squash, the sassy fighter, and Spite, the virtuous champion, dive into a perilous swamp adventure. They battle armed skeletons with high-stakes combat, showcasing Trant’s critical shot that turns the tide. As they navigate grave-robbing antics, they find magical treasures and face off against the fearsome Two-Tusk, a giant swamp creature. After a thrilling confrontation, they return to Bog Bottom to save villagers from memory loss, hinting at a deeper danger lurking in the swamp.

Shereen Sekhari from the Journal of Palestine Studies brings valuable insights into Palestinian knowledge production, emphasizing its role in resisting erasure and shaping narratives. She discusses the surveillance of Palestinian scholars and the need for centering their voices. Alma Avaye, a former Condé Nast union leader, reveals the stark realities behind the layoffs at Teen Vogue and the retaliatory firings linked to union activities. Their conversation sheds light on labor struggles in media and the importance of solidarity in academia and journalism.

The hosts dive into the intriguing debate over whether 'Bubba' refers to a horse or a president. They unpack the fallout from newly released Epstein documents, raising eyebrows about significant public figures. A furry twist involves a controversial assassin, while the State Department designates four 'Antifa' groups as terrorists. Economic woes are explored with talks of a quiet recession and the AI bubble risks. Finally, concerns arise over redistricting in Texas and the implications of ICE's actions.

Dana El Kurd hosts Sherene Seikaly, a historian and editor of the Journal of Palestine Studies. They dive deep into the significance of Palestinian knowledge production and the journal's legacy. Seikaly reveals the founders’ mission to resist erasure and celebrate Nakba memory. The conversation tackles barriers faced by Palestinian scholars, including surveillance and harassment, and critiques media complicity in undermining critical thinking. They also discuss the intersectionality of the Palestinian struggle and the resilience of scholars rising to meet modern challenges.

In this discussion, Alma Avalle, the former Bon Appétit staffer and current VP of the News Guild of New York, shares her firsthand experience of being fired during Condé Nast's recent layoffs. She delves into the retaliatory tactics used against union organizers and highlights the racial and trans impacts of these changes, particularly at Teen Vogue. Alma also emphasizes the importance of workplace solidarity, the challenges faced by marginalized staff, and the potential for unions to transform media workplaces while pushing for justice and transparency from management.

In this lively discussion, Nick Fuentes, a right-wing livestreamer, shares his controversial views with Tucker Carlson on the impact of pornography on sexual behavior and relationships. They delve into how excessive porn consumption may lead to sexual dysfunction and shifts in identity, particularly towards LGBT identification. Fuentes boldly examines the declining marriage rates, attributing it to societal changes and the rise of 'hoflation,' where women overestimate their value in the dating market. The conversation challenges norms and provokes thought on gender dynamics and modern relationships.