The New Abnormal

The New Abnormal hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moodie look back on Donald’s Trump’s inauguration and the long list of executive orders he signed hours later. Then, Melissa Gira Grant, journalist, author, and senior editor at The New Republic, joins us to discuss the Laken Riley Act, a harsh immigration bill that could jail undocumented immigrants for minor arrests, even without charges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billionaire CEO, DOGE co-director and “first buddy” Elon Musk’s surprise visit to California’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood didn’t seem to go as planned. Musk attempted to affirm an incendiary rumor about the area’s wildfires spreading because the city had a shortage of water, but a fire commander threw cold water on the claim. “You hear him go from his normal, ‘Oh, I’m so bright. I’m asking questions.’ To timid and realizing that he is a fucking jack—,” said The New Abnormal co-host Andy Levy. Plus! Author Bennett Parten joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and Chief Deputy Whip, joins The New Abnormal to talk about Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including who he thinks won’t make the cut. Then, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Maree Brown talks about Octavia Butler's prophetic book, “Parable of the Sower” and how its themes eerily resonate today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Juanita Tolliver, an MSNBC political analyst and author, as she discusses her book on the groundbreaking impact of Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll in politics. The conversation dives into the current turmoil in the MAGA movement, highlighting the rivalry between Steve Bannon and Elon Musk, and the rise of misinformation. Cara Kelly also weighs in on the dire consequences of Texas' abortion bans, revealing how these laws affect maternal health and access to care. It's a thought-provoking exploration of politics, representation, and public health.

Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, chair of the Senate Finance Committee and author of "It Takes Chutzpah," discusses the alarming collusion between tech giants and politicians. He reveals Mark Zuckerberg's strategic meeting with Donald Trump, coinciding with Meta's controversial policy changes. Wyden stresses the critical need for privacy rights and advocates for bold political actions. The conversation also dives into the significance of artificial intelligence and the fight for equity in internet access, showcasing the power of advocacy in shaping our future.

Mike Isaac, a New York Times tech correspondent specializing in Meta, and Adrian Carrasquillo, author of Huddled Masses, join the discussion. They dive into how GOP figures exploit the L.A. wildfires to politically divide. Isaac reveals Zuckerberg's shift in Meta's fact-checking approach, provoking debates about free speech and tech ideologies. Carrasquillo critiques media coverage of immigration, especially in light of proposed mass deportations, emphasizing the need for nuanced reporting. The conversation navigates the intersections of climate change, misinformation, and immigration policy.

Glenn Kirschner, an MSNBC legal analyst, explores the troubling state of law and order in America, revealing how political figures like Elon Musk are impacting democracy. Chris Geidner, a legal affairs deputy editor, dives into significant legal battles, including the consequences stemming from the January 6th insurrection. Together, they discuss the urgent need for political accountability, public education on these issues, and the rising threat of authoritarianism as America faces a pivotal moment.

Adrian Daub, a Stanford professor and author of The Cancel Culture Panic, delves into the complexities of cancel culture and moral panic. He traces its origins from celebrity disinvestment to its political implications. Daub discusses how online spaces shaped this phenomenon and questions the evolving definitions of accountability. He highlights the role of elite universities and social media in amplifying these moral panics while addressing the paradoxes between free speech and existing power hierarchies. This insightful conversation is a deep dive into our modern societal fears.

“The Apprentice” is one of 2024’s best films, and didn’t get as much credit as it deserved, according to the co-hosts of The New Abnormal. Then, a conversation with Steven Monacelli of the Texas Observer about his investigation into the identities behind four anonymous neo-Nazi accounts on X. Plus! Paola Ramos, the author of “Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means For America” joins the program to discuss the Democratic Party's post-election struggles and the challenges of reconnecting with disillusioned young voters and communities of color. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The New Abnormal, historian and author Rick Perlstein shares why he turned down an offer to go on Steve Bannon’s infamous podcast. Plus! Author David Daley joins the program to discuss how right-wing control over the Supreme Court will shape Americans’ lives for the next generation—or more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.