Normally

Fake election polls, an ugly Ohio campaign controversy, and Americans regretting their decision to flee Donald Trump's America are making headlines as the 2026 midterm elections approach. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political controversies, media failures, and election surprises shaking up the final weeks of the campaign. The ladies examine a controversial attack ad featuring Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother and why the strategy could backfire on Vivek Ramaswamy. They also discuss Michelle Tafoya's increasingly competitive Minnesota Senate race against Peggy Flanagan, allegations surrounding Flanagan's academic credentials, and a viral Oregon flag controversy that exposed embarrassing media fact-checking failures. Plus, a fake polling scandal raises serious questions about election predictions, campaign donations, and the credibility of political polling. And a revealing WIRED report follows Americans who left the United States over Trump-era politics only to discover that life in Europe wasn't the paradise they expected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is erupting in violent riots, historic buildings are burning, and President Emmanuel Macron is facing growing criticism over his response. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the escalating unrest in France, the role of immigration and failed integration policies, the financial strain of Europe's welfare state, and whether Marine Le Pen could benefit from the political backlash. Back in Washington, the ladies examine Senator Elissa Slotkin's controversial warning about working for the Trump administration, renewed scrutiny surrounding Rep. Ilhan Omar, and the growing debate over political retaliation and government weaponization. They also discuss Joe Manchin campaigning for Republican Senator Susan Collins, Maine Democrat Troy Jackson's contentious interview with CNN's Dana Bash, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's response to questions about the Muslim Brotherhood. Plus, Elon Musk floats an extraordinary proposal to give American children SpaceX stock, sparking a conversation about capitalism, innovation, flying cars, and why some critics seem determined to root against the billionaire entrepreneur. From riots in Europe to political battles in America and the future of technology, Mary Katharine and Karol bring their signature humor, sharp analysis, and common-sense perspective to another week of news gone weird.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened to James Talarico, and why isn't the media asking more questions? Why did progressive streamer Hasan Piker struggle through comedian Ziwe's brutally awkward interview? And how did Kelly Clarkson end up in a bizarre public feud with a Brooklyn boutique? On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest political controversies, media double standards, and pop culture headlines. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Mary Katharine and Karol examine the questions surrounding Texas Democrat James Talarico's extended absence from the campaign trail, the New York Times' reporting, and what the controversy reveals about political journalism. They also analyze Republican Senate prospects, campaign spending, early voting trends, and whether Democrats are facing unexpected challenges in key battleground states. Then, comedian Ziwe puts Hasan Piker in the hot seat, exposing what the hosts see as contradictions between his socialist rhetoric and millionaire lifestyle. Plus, a troubling look at Britain's expanding disability benefits system raises questions about government spending, welfare dependency, and the consequences of socialist policies. Finally, Kelly Clarkson's viral confrontation with a Brooklyn boutique sparks a debate over celebrity treatment and customer service. The hosts also discuss Ben Shapiro's upcoming historical drama Confession, starring Rob Lowe and James Franco, and the return of Lena Dunham's Girls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICE investigations, political mysteries, blue-state crime, and another comedy controversy dominate today's episode of Normally. Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down reports of an immigration-related investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, questions surrounding Texas Senate candidate James Talarico's unexplained absence from the campaign trail, and the media's handling of both stories. Plus, we examine New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to a controversial ICE shooting in the Bronx, violent crime cases in Rhode Island and Minnesota, and growing concerns about public safety, sanctuary-city policies, and criminal justice accountability. Finally, comedian Shane Gillis sparks another round of outrage over his latest Saturday Night Live appearance. Karol and Mary Katharine discuss political correctness, cancel culture, and why Gillis continues to challenge the boundaries of mainstream comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France is erupting as widespread riots grip the country and thousands are arrested—but what’s really driving the unrest, and what does it mean for Europe’s future? Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the chaos in France, Brazil’s political shakeup, and a disturbing new argument framing abortion as an “affordability” issue. Then, they examine Canada’s controversial MAID euthanasia system and growing concerns over reports of plague in Russia, as the U.S. presses Moscow for answers about what’s happening near a Siberian research facility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Republicans getting too comfortable ahead of the 2026 midterm elections? On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz warn against counting Democrats out as election season heats up. From Maine and Minnesota to Seattle and Los Angeles, they examine the political consequences of progressive policies on taxes, housing, crime, policing, immigration, and education.  Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Los Angeles' controversial "mansion tax," repeat violent offenders and crime in American cities, and a surprising shift in Seattle as its socialist mayor proposes adding police while avoiding new taxes.  They also turn to Minnesota politics, Amy Klobuchar, Michelle Tafoya and the battle for voters heading into the midterms, before taking on the immigration debate and media coverage of children facing deportation proceedings under the Trump administration. Plus, the hosts discuss reports of a possible pneumonic plague outbreak in Russia and signs that parts of the medical establishment may be moving back toward a more traditional approach to medicine after the COVID era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild week of news, starting with the midair attack aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After an altercation between the pilots sent the aircraft into a rapid descent, passengers and crew intervened and the plane ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia.  Then, Mary Katharine and Karol turn to Britain, terrorism and immigration before examining Zohran Mamdani’s plan to combat antisemitism in New York City. Karol argues the proposal fails to adequately address attacks against Jewish New Yorkers, anti-Zionism and recent campus unrest. Plus, they dig into the disturbing allegations surrounding a Cornell University fraternity case, the conflicting accounts at the center of the civil complaint, and why due process still matters even when the alleged conduct is deeply troubling. Finally, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s questioning of former special counsel Jack Smith produces an extraordinarily uncomfortable Senate moment after Schmitt appears to get a key detail wrong—prompting Mary Katharine and Karol to break down what happened and the reaction in the hearing room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild weekend in politics, from the backlash surrounding Vivek Ramaswamy to growing frustration among voters over the economy, gas prices, tariffs, immigration, and the direction of the Republican Party. Then, is “Woke 2.0” already taking shape? Mary Katharine and Karol examine renewed debates over race and identity politics, the controversy surrounding claims about recent deaths of Black Americans, and why they believe some of the rhetoric echoes the political and cultural battles of 2020. They also discuss the reaction to allegations involving Mary Peltola and what it says about changing standards on the political left. Plus, the conversation turns from politics to culture with a fascinating look at trad-wife influencer culture, the dangers of turning your personal life into an online brand, and the pressure created by audience capture. Finally, Justin Verlander’s retirement provides a very different picture of marriage, fatherhood, sports, and family—with Kate Upton and their children joining him for an emotional farewell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz celebrate the show’s two-year anniversary before diving into the biggest political, cultural, and education stories of the week. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones’ account of her daughter’s public-school experience, including their views on school choice, selective schools, testing, classroom discipline and accountability. Karol argues that many of the problems Hannah-Jones describes are connected to education policies she previously supported, while the hosts debate what the story says about the larger fight over public education. They also react to President Donald Trump’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, his comments about Iran, his meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the administration’s dispute with members of the White House press corps, and the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Plus, a Massachusetts bar faces backlash after making one night mask-optional, and Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the latest Gen Z etiquette debates: college freshmen quitting after only weeks on campus, bringing iced coffee to job interviews, and whether younger adults are getting enough practice navigating uncomfortable social situations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Katharine Ham is joined by Defending Education’s Erika Sanzi for a deep dive into Nikole Hannah-Jones’ revealing new essay about her daughter’s education—and the questions it raises about school choice, testing, discipline, accountability, and America’s public schools. After years of advocating for integration and criticizing selective schools, Hannah-Jones writes about her daughter’s difficult experience in a New York City public school and her eventual decision to attend a more academically challenging high school. Mary Katharine and Erika examine what the story says about putting ideology ahead of individual students, low academic expectations, classroom disruption, standardized testing, school funding, and whether the education establishment is learning the right lessons. Plus, Erika gives an update on Defending Education’s legal fight involving compelled speech and preferred pronouns at UC Berkeley. Then, Mary Katharine and Erika tackle the “mental load” debate in marriage—and make the case for appreciating spouses who are better at calendars, organization, bills, and finding the car keys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.