Ray Romano, Laura Coates, and Walter Kirn join the podcast to discuss Italian family stereotypes, racial segregation, trigger warnings on conservative op-eds, publishing controversies, Hunter Biden, Bradley Cooper, true crime podcasts, NSA monitoring, Die Hard as a Christmas film, changes in Bethlehem, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Novelist, essayist, and editor-at-large of County Highway newspaper Walter Kirn discusses starting a print-only paper centered on the middle of the country. They delve into the loss of touch with the country during Covid, the importance of reading in a non-tracking media, and the orchestration of pandemic responses by privileged individuals. They cover the gender division caused by the toilet paper shortage, the use of irony for social control, and the skepticism towards Covid restrictions.

Ray Romano, Laura Coates, and Walter Kirn discuss topics such as the impact of weight loss drugs, the success of 'Everybody Loves Raymond', challenges for stand-up comedians, sports investments, Trump's immunity claim, and the shift in polling numbers for the 2020 Democratic candidates.

Walter Kirn, a celebrated novelist and journalist best known for "Up in the Air," dives deep into his Midwestern roots, reflecting on a whimsical childhood filled with colorful characters. He shares his transformative experience of attending Princeton, contrasting it with his humble upbringing. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Kirn recounts watching Obama and Trump speeches on LSD, revealing perceptions of American identity, the struggles of rural towns after NAFTA, and the unexpected complexity of Midwestern populism.

Walter Kirn, a sharp analyst known for his insights into media and culture, discusses the Tim Walz rollout with humor and depth. He examines the unique Midwestern political landscape, comparing figures like Walz and J.D. Vance. The conversation delves into generational dynamics and media portrayals, alongside critical reflections on the TSA’s 'Quiet Skies' surveillance program. Kirn also questions the authenticity of joy in political rhetoric, drawing parallels with American literature and urging a more genuine political engagement.