The Next Level 1039: The Feelings Show | The Secret Podcast
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Dec 5, 2025 In a candid conversation, the hosts dive into their emotional experiences from a recent gathering, revealing the mixture of feelings that came to light. They discuss the implications of Donald Trump's name on the Institute of Peace and explore the dangers of illiberalism versus symbolic gestures. The hosts critique journalistic interviews, particularly focusing on the impact of Tim Miller's empathetic style. Additionally, they wrestle with big questions about liberalism and challenge the narrative of endless self-blame, defending past neoliberal successes.
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Emotional Bulwark All-Staff Reunion
- Jonathan V. Last describes being emotionally affected at the Bulwark all-staff gathering and crying a little.
- He frames the in-person reunion as a source of hugs and heightened feelings.
Vanity Names Mask Deeper Illiberalism
- Donald Trump uses vanity acts like naming federal buildings to cosmetically mask deeper illiberal and potentially criminal actions.
- Sarah Longwell argues focus should remain on oversight and the substantive harms, not only the symbolic theatrics.
Focus Oversight On Substantive Harms
- Prioritize oversight of concrete illiberal actions over getting lost in cosmetic outrages.
- Support congressional investigations and public pressure that target substantive abuses, not just symbols.
