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
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!
Sep 20, 2024 • 40min
WTW62: January Littlejohn, Big Activist
January Littlejohn, a prominent activist championing trans rights, dives deep into the contentious dynamics of gender identity and parental concerns. The conversation dissects the relationship between parents, schools, and LGBTQ+ policies, addressing fears and misconceptions about medical transitioning for minors. January critiques the media's portrayal of these issues while exploring the increasing diagnoses of gender dysphoria among youth. She highlights the urgent need for communication and understanding amidst the political turmoil surrounding trans representation.
Sep 20, 2024 • 52min
WTW61: That Time Jon Ronson Both Sides'ed Trans People's Lives
January Littlejohn, a Florida mother, shares her poignant journey navigating her child's exploration of gender identity amid cultural upheaval. She discusses the emotional toll on families and the role of media in shaping public perception. With humor and empathy, the conversation critiques the presentation of sensitive topics while emphasizing the importance of support and understanding. Key issues addressed include medical misinformation, educational policies, and the complexities parents face in advocating for their children in a polarized environment.
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
WTW60: The Left Wing Media, in Their Way
Jon Ronson, creator of "Things Fell Apart," and investigative reporter Lee Fong dive into the media's portrayal of a mixed-race family's harrowing camping experience during the pandemic. They critically explore both-sidesism in reporting, highlighting absurd narratives from right-wing media surrounding Antifa. The duo examines systemic racism, media bias, and the complex realities of protests versus police violence, all while questioning how sensationalism can overshadow nuanced truths, offering a blend of insight and humor.
Aug 31, 2024 • 1h 14min
WTW59: Oh Is Stealing Things a Crime Now?
In this conversation, Judy Mikovitz, a scientist embroiled in legal controversies, discusses her tumultuous journey from respected researcher to controversial figure. They delve into the absurdities of her arrest and the ensuing legal battles, highlighting the intersection of privilege and justice in theft cases. The episode explores themes of scientific integrity, fraudulent practices, and the impact of these issues on public perception. Humorous anecdotes contrast with serious implications, revealing the complexities of navigating the scientific community.
