Where There's Woke
Thomas Smith
Every single time the right, or even center-left, goes ballistic over a "woke" controversy, the slightest bit of investigation shows the scandal is almost entirely bogus. This is not a new phenomenon; it dates back decades. It's an intentional tool used to protect the powerful and preserve the status quo, while further scapegoating and otherizing those who push for political progress. This podcast digs into not just today's fake scandals, but those of yesterday and yesteryear. The terminology has changed some, but the pattern has not. Listen in as host Thomas Smith shines a light on the panic, the fragility, the overreaction, and the lying that ignites 'Where There's Woke.'
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 1, 2025 • 43min
WTW77: What Happens to Male Celebrities When They Give Bad Interviews?
We complete our Blake Lively Hatestorm Debunk by looking at some fun comparisons. What happens when celebrities who are men happen to have a bad interview, or have a damning tape released of their bad behavior? How does it stack up to a woman who said, "Congratulations on your little bump!" Equal crime, equal time? I think you know the answer. If you enjoy our work, please consider leaving a 5-star review! You can always email questions, comments, and leads to lydia@seriouspod.com. Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Mar 1, 2025 • 55min
WTW76: Debunking the Deranged Blake Lively Hatestorm
The hosts dive into the absurd backlash against Blake Lively, uncovering the misogynistic undercurrents in the controversy. They discuss the public scrutiny surrounding women's bodies, especially during pregnancy, and how it reveals societal insensitivity. Delving deeper, they analyze gender dynamics in celebrity interviews, highlighting the unfair scrutiny faced by women compared to men. The conversation also covers the complexities of victimhood in public life and the nuances of bullying in Hollywood, advocating for more authentic discussions in the industry.
Jan 31, 2025 • 42min
WTW75: Decades of Anti-woke Propaganda Has All Been to Get Us Here
To this administration and this moment. Today we discuss how Harmeet Dhillon plans to not just ruin the Civil Rights Division of the DoJ, but to actively point it in reverse. Lydia breaks it down for us, and along the way we learn about so many things we didn't appreciate enough while we had them. DOJ's Fulton County Jail Investigation, November 2024 Dhillon's piece in Hillsdale College's Imprimis Publication, August 2022 **If you enjoy our work, please consider leaving a 5-star review! You can always email questions, comments, and leads to lydia@seriouspod.com.** Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
8 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 56min
WTW74: The Woke Are Coming for Your DnD! - With Eli Bosnick
Eli Bosnick, the host of D&D Minus and a Dungeons & Dragons expert, dives into the heated debate over 'wokeness' in gaming culture. He humorously tackles the backlash against changes like the shift from 'race' to 'species' in D&D terminology. The conversation delves into the cultural evolution of the game, the need for inclusivity, and the reactions from both fans and public figures, including Elon Musk. From personal anecdotes to broader insights, Bosnick encourages embracing diverse narratives to enhance the gaming experience.
8 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 47min
WTW73: Elon Musk Claimed to Be a Top PoE2 Gamer. Turns Out He Was Cheating
This is the best. It's just the best. Elon Musk is so pathetic that he tried to fake being a world class gamer, only to completely humiliate himself when he live-streamed himself gaming. Look, it's a dark day for our country as Trump is inaugurated, so treat yourself to something nice. A DOUBLE episode on Elon's catastrophic and very public failure, and with special guest Noah Lugeons! Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Jan 7, 2025 • 51min
WTW72: Campus Reform Calls Out "Outrageous" Scientific Studies But Doesn't Understand How Science Works
Emily Sturge of Campus Reform is on the case, folks. Under her watch, the National Institute of Health will never misspend another dollar ever again. Lydia debunks the outrage from the Campus Reform article outlining 10 "outrageous" scientific inquiries funded with taxpayer money that the Right wants DOGE to "investigate." Shrimp on treadmills Crab on treadmills Louchébem - Parisian Butcher language Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Jan 6, 2025 • 44min
WTW71: UN Report Says Women Have Lost "900 Medals to Trans-Athletes." It's Bullshit.
This episode also could be called "Jerry Coyne is wrong and a liar." The FFRF published Jerry Coyne's anti-trans lies and then had to apologize. I was going to talk about that and the nature of inadequate apologies, but then I saw one of the claims in Coyne's piece and I HAD to debunk it. The fact that it comes from the UN shows how pernicious and extensive the anti-trans misinformation has become. Read this excellent and heartbreaking piece on Hailey Davidson. Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 20min
WTW70: San Jose State University's Volleyball Season That Wasn't About Volleyball
The Right Wing media ecosystem is all over Lydia's alma mater, San Jose State University, for a very unserious (surprise) reason: volleyball. Lydia breaks down the "controversy" for us. If you enjoy our work, please consider leaving a 5-star review! You can always email questions, comments, and leads to lydia@seriouspod.com. Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
WTW69: Trump’s MSG Rally Was a Preview of What Is to Come
It is very unfortunate that we weren't able to release this 4th and final part of Trump's MSG rally before the election, because a lot of the analysis was extremely prescient. But it is perhaps even more relevant now, because it features several characters who will be a part of the incoming fascism. And then, of course, the Führer himself. If you enjoy our work, please consider leaving a 5-star review! You can always email questions, comments, and leads to lydia@seriouspod.com. Please pretty please consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/wherethereswoke!
Nov 5, 2024 • 54min
WTW68: MSG Trump Rally Part 3 OH MY the Hits Keep Coming
Dive into a wild analysis of the chaotic atmosphere at a Trump rally, featuring Tucker Carlson's bizarre antics and Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s commentary. Explore the genuine connection Trump has with his supporters, contrasting it with political elitism in today's landscape. The podcast humorously critiques figures like Dr. Phil and their detrimental impacts on youth, while also examining the strange allure of political dynasties. From disillusionment with party narratives to the absurdities of modern campaigning, it’s a rollercoaster of insights and laughter.
