Compact Podcast

Trump attacks Fed Chair Powell, Ari Aster's Eddington exposes the horrors of the Covid-era, and NPR and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert face funding cuts and cancellation. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

The hosts reflect on the Trump administration's successes and misses, the internet celebrates Cryptoweek, and Labubu skeptics worry the faddish toy is demonic. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

The Epstein controversy splits MAGA, Elon Musk may launch a new "America Party," and the hosts contemplate the nation of Greece. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

The Senate passes Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, a musical act leads violent chants at Glastonbury Festival, and Zohran Mamdani ignites a debate over "woke" table etiquette. Ashley Frawley and Anna Wetzel join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Zohran Mamdani wins the New York Democratic Mayoral Primaries, Obergefell v. Hodges turns 10, and Trump surprises hawks and doves. Ashley Frawley and Stephen Adubato join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe Read Daniel McCarthy's column "How Trump Surprised Hawks and Doves:" https://www.compactmag.com/article/how-trump-surprised-hawks-and-doves/  

Trump weighs US involvement in Iran, authorities investigate the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, and the trial of Sean Combs is underway. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

The discussion starts with the controversial deployment of U.S. Marines to California amid immigration protests, revealing deep political divides. The hosts delve into how political narratives shape societal threats and explore the grassroots nature of protests. They highlight the complex identities of immigrants in Southern California and the challenges of assimilation. Finally, they reflect on the nostalgic ties between the Beach Boys, American culture, and military interventions, revealing the darker side of iconic music history.

Twelve people are injured in an antisemitic attack in Colorado, Britain increases its defense budget, the European Union goes after pornographers, and France bans public smoking. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Trump wages war on Harvard, Germany joins the US and other countries in a cautious escalation of the war in Ukraine, and the Trump administration proposes a program to turn every baby into a budding capitalist. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe

Trump negotiates his big beautiful bill, Biden is diagnosed with cancer, and South African refugees resettle in the United States. Ashley Frawley and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz. Compact Magazine is reader-supported. Become a member and gain unlimited access. https://compactmag.com/subscribe