It Could Happen Here

Mia explores the intricate challenges facing newly elected Zohran Mamdani, emphasizing that electing a mayor is just the beginning. She delves into how the bond market restricts city funding and the historical risks of bond crises. The podcast discusses the necessity for state cooperation, especially with Governor Hochul's hesitations on key policies like free buses. Mia also highlights the obstacles posed by police culture and advocates for grassroots organizing to empower progressive reforms amidst systemic constraints.

Join Jason Buhlman, director of games at Paizo, and a lively group of players as they navigate the whimsical world of Pathfinder. They dive into the mystery of missing villagers in Bogbottom, recount a thrilling battle at a mill, and unravel the peculiar behavior of the rescued townsfolk. Expect explosive antics from Trant’s character, the healing powers of Murdy’s cleric, and the cheeky banter from Squash’s dog-folk rogue. Together, they face swamp threats and seek rare ingredients in their quest, making for a rollercoaster adventure of camaraderie and peril.

Dana Al-Kurd, an expert on Palestinian and Arab politics, joins journalist and activist Ahmad Moore to delve into the evolving landscape of pro-Palestine organizing. They discuss critical changes in activism and political impact since October 2023, emphasizing a shift from rights-based advocacy to critiques of the U.S. empire. The duo highlights strategies for building coalitions within the Palestinian diaspora and practical steps for activists, offering insights into the current political dynamics and future directions for the movement.

The discussion kicks off with insights on the government shutdown's resolution and healthcare compromises. Epstein emails reveal troubling connections among elites, raising questions about Trump's associations. The hosts dissect media coverage lapses surrounding Epstein as crucial elections loom. There's a deep dive into January 6th conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding misidentified bombers. The team debates the implications of proposed pasta tariffs and critiques the viability of 50-year mortgages, alongside concerns over job and inflation data transparency.

Nick Fuentes, a far-right influencer known for leading the Groypers, and Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host turned independent commentator, dive into the fallout from their controversial interview. The conversation reveals a rift within the conservative movement, as Ben Shapiro passionately challenges the normalization of extremist views. Topics include the growing acceptance of antisemitism in the GOP, the internal conflict at the Heritage Foundation, and the implications of Fuentes' mainstreaming strategies, highlighting a significant shift in conservative dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Ahmed Moor, an author and activist focused on Palestine and US foreign policy, shares insights from his formative years in Gaza and his political awakening after 9/11. He explores how recent events have transitioned the pro-Palestine movement from a foreign policy critique to a central piece of American democracy debates. Moor emphasizes the need for grassroots organizing and reevaluates approaches to statehood and intersectionality in activism, advocating for local engagement and principled demands.

James and Garrison dive into Utah Senator Mike Lee's controversial bill threatening public land protections. They dissect how the bill proposes to convert wilderness trails into roads and challenge the rationale of border security tied to these changes. The hosts also explore the political implications of Trump's nominees for land management positions and the motivations of donors pushing for land sell-offs. Additionally, they highlight the essential, often overlooked value of public lands beyond just recreation, advocating for broader conservation efforts.

Mia and Gare dive into the chaos surrounding Mamdani's victory, highlighting the dramatic reactions from the right. They celebrate Lindsey Boylan's accountability efforts, framing Mamdani's platform as a win for childcare and renters. The hosts take a humorous jab at Elon Musk’s meltdown, while also exploring the business community's mixed responses. They discuss the generational shift in voting, particularly among young men, and the implications for future political dynamics. Expect surprising insights and comedic moments as they unpack the fallout!

Join players Ayo, Robert, and Hazel as they dive into a thrilling session of Pathfinder. Ayo captures hearts as Squash, a rowdy shoonie adventurer, while Robert's Trant, the explosive alchemist, keeps the laughs coming with his bomb antics. Hazel portrays Merdy, the half-orc cleric, adding depth with her healing focus. Together, they tackle a giant monitor lizard and confront ambushing boggards, strategizing with fire and grenades. With humor and creative tactics, their quest to rescue villagers unfolds in an action-packed adventure!

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.  - Occulture, Technomancy vs Tradition, and the Role of Magick in 2025 - The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Heart Stops Reluctantly - The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: Out of Sight, Out of Mind - The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Quality of Mercy - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #40 You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources: The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Heart Stops Reluctantly Corinna Barrett Lain, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (New York: New York University Press, 2025.) Michael Phillips and Betsy Friauf, The Purifying Knife: The Troubling History of Eugenics in Texas (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2025.)  Austin Sarat, Gruesome Spectacles: Botched Executions and America’s Death Penalty (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2014.) The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: Out of Sight, Out of Mind Corinna Barrett Lain, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (New York: New York University Press, 2025.) Dick Reavis, “Charlie Brooks’ Last Words,” Texas Monthly (February 1983.) The Shady Business of Lethal Injection: The Quality of Mercy Breanna Ehrlich, “The Last Face Death Row Inmates See,” Rolling Stone, March 29, 2025 (https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/death-row-reverend-jeff-hood-1235305460/) Anand Giridharadas, The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas (New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2014.)  Corinna Barrett Lain, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection (New York: New York University Press, 2025.) Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #40 https://www.texasobserver.org/texas-dps-287g-ice-trump-abbott/ https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71832522/moreno-gonzalez-v-noem-secretary-us-department-of-homeland-security/  https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71875910/1/tangipa-v-newsom/  https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/proposition-50-overnight-results/  https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115492361756063244 https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-strikes-deal-on-economic-and-trade-relations-with-china/ https://archive.vn/rR8Ix https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/522166327/202133199349305758/full https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-says-china-cant-have-nvidias-top-ai-chips-supreme-court-case-looms-162418765.html https://archive.vn/BFLOe https://archive.vn/uxkws#selection-799.0-808.0 https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5588695-abbott-tariffs-new-yorkers-texas-election/ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/04/us/elections/nyc-mayor-results-precinct-map.html  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/05/zohran-mamdani-victory-speech-transcript https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-says-china-cant-have-nvidias-top-ai-chips-supreme-court-case-looms-162418765.html https://archive.vn/BFLOe https://archive.vn/uxkws#selection-799.0-808.0 https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5588695-abbott-tariffs-new-yorkers-texas-election/ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/04/us/elections/nyc-mayor-results-precinct-map.html  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/05/zohran-mamdani-victory-speech-transcriptSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.