“Human sacrifice is central to great powers.” – TEASER

Aug 7, 2025

Delve into a thought-provoking discussion with philosopher Kate Manne as she critiques power dynamics and gender politics. Discover how music, especially Beethoven, can provide solace amidst political chaos. The conversation takes a turn into the dark realm of authoritarianism, examining its complexities through a unique narrative lens. Also, hear insights on emotional storytelling and the role of female creativity in shaping artistic expression. Finally, enjoy self-care advice to navigate current challenges.

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INSIGHT

Injustice Is Culturally Embedded

Kate Manne exposes how injustice and inequality are deeply embedded in culture.
Understanding such systemic issues helps us dismantle power and privilege structures.

ADVICE

Read Tressie McMillan Cottom's Essays

Read Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom for deep cultural and social insights.
It offers wisdom on overlooked issues like Black women's intellectual contributions.

ANECDOTE

Babette's Feast Inspires Hope

Kate Manne recommends Babette's Feast, a film about female creativity shining through hardship.
It showcases love and brilliance emerging in dark, oppressive contexts.

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Our show opens with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, a favorite of philosopher Kate Manne, one of the sharpest minds dissecting power, privilege, and the politics of gender.

Kate is a professor at Cornell University and the author of groundbreaking books like Down Girl, Entitled, and her latest, Unshrinking, which takes on fatphobia with the same fearless clarity she brings to misogyny and moral philosophy. Her work is a lifeline for understanding how injustice is baked into our culture, and how we can start dismantling it. If you’ve ever felt the weight of double standards, moral policing, or body shame, Kate Manne has words that will crack open your world and help put it back together stronger.

Want to keep the conversation going? Join the Gaslit Nation Salon, live every Monday at 4pm ET. It’s our weekly Zoom gathering where we break down the headlines, swap strategies, share survival tips, and connect with other listeners who get it.

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Need a summer read to match the moment? Check out the Gaslit Nation graphic novel, Dictatorship: It’s Easier Than You Think! Follow our cunning narrator, Judge Lackey, as he bumbles through the dark art of authoritarianism, clinging to power and dodging those meddling activists and journalists. Find it at your local library or at BookShop.org.

EVENTS AT GASLIT NATION:

August 25 4pm ET – Join the Gaslit Nation Book Club for a powerful discussion on The Lives of Others and I’m Still Here, two films that explore how art and love endure and resist in the face of dictatorship.
Minnesota Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other, available on Patreon.
Vermont Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other, available on Patreon.
Arizona-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to connect, available on Patreon.
Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join, available on Patreon.
Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group, available on Patreon.
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Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and the first ~40 minutes are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community

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