
Where There's Woke
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.'
Latest episodes

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.

Nov 5, 2024 • 56min
WTW67: When Nazis Came To NY (Again)
Grant Cardone, a savvy businessman known for his 10X Growth conventions, joins Rudy Giuliani, the controversial former NYC mayor, alongside David Rem, a childhood friend of Trump, and youthful presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy. They humorously dissect a recent Nazi rally, blending absurdity with serious commentary. The conversation critiques NYC's high costs of living and the disillusionment with local governance. They tackle identity politics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and explore the absurdity prevalent in today’s political discourse.

Nov 4, 2024 • 48min
WTW66: Dissecting Trump's Madison Square Garden Rally
Tony Hinchcliffe, a roast comedian known for Netflix and 'Kill Tony,' dives into the humorous and disturbing moments from Trump's Madison Square Garden rally, featuring his own controversial set. Alina Habba, Trump's attorney, discusses her bold legal tactics, including a hush-money settlement. Activist artist Scott Labedo shares his unique perspective on political absurdities, such as pizza-throwing. Together, they explore the intersection of comedy, politics, and the implications of racially charged humor, raising pressing questions about accountability.

Nov 1, 2024 • 51min
WTW65: A Coin Flip from Fascism - Are the Polls Rigged?
Election anxiety takes center stage as the hosts dissect troubling polling data and its implications. They explore the unsettling normalization of fascism in politics, drawing parallels to historical dictators. Concerns rise over the unpredictable voter landscape and the focus on swing states. The conversation delves into Republican views on immigration, reflecting fears in a volatile climate. Lastly, they tackle the complexities of polling accuracy and bias, urging listeners to remain critically engaged as democracy hangs in the balance.

4 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 39min
WTW64: Did Students Shut Down Bipartisan Free Speech Event at Yale Law School?
Dive into the chaos at Yale Law School, where a free speech event faced fiery protests. The discussion reveals the complexities behind the students' actions and questions the narrative surrounding 'snowflake' culture. With a mix of humor and serious debate, the hosts explore the broader implications of free speech on campuses and the influence of funding on these dynamics. They also tackle a pivotal Supreme Court case, examining how different perspectives shape the discourse on civil rights and protest.

7 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 28min
The Right's Obsession With Taking Down Tim Walz (feat. Heath Enwright)
Heath Enwright, a witty podcaster from The Scathing Atheist, dives into the right's perplexing obsession with Tim Walz. They dissect ridiculous scandals aimed at undermining the governor's 'Big Dad Energy.' The discussion critiques right-wing narratives surrounding Walz's progressive values in healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights. They also tackle misconceptions about transgender health issues and censorship in education, while humorously examining Minnesota's new flag design and its political implications.

Sep 22, 2024 • 45min
WTW63: This Is Her Story To Tell... But I'm Telling It
Part 7 of our series Jon Ronson's Things Fell Apart Falls Apart The finale on the awful anti-trans chapter of Jon Ronson's pocdcast series. It continues to get worse, and we finally get to hear Lydia's bombshell clip. 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!
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