In Bed With The Right

For this episode of In Bed with the Right, Adrian and Moira return to the year 1933. They continue the story of how Hitler seized power, what it did to society, what it felt like to live through it, and -- as always -- what role gender and sexuality played in events. Reminder: We're going month by month for these episodes. This fourth installment covers June 1 to June 30, 1933 -- above all the role of the stormtroopers, the SA. This one has everything: homosociality, masculinity, red floods, and long knives!Here are the books we refer to in this episode:Daniel Siemens, The Stormtrooper: A New HistoryAndrew Wackerfuss, Stormtrooper Families: homosexuality and community in the early NaziMovementKlaus Theweleit, Male FantasiesDaniel Siemens: Horst Wessel. Tod und Verklärung eines Nationalsozialisten (2009)

Bridget Read, a journalist for New York Magazine and author of "Little Bosses Everywhere," explores the intriguing world of multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. She uncovers how these companies, from Amway to Herbalife, have influenced American politics and social movements, often targeting women's empowerment while masking exploitation. The conversation dives into the deceptive nature of MLMs, their historical roots, and eerie parallels with Silicon Valley investment practices, revealing a complex interplay of ambition, gender dynamics, and economic inequality.

The discussion dives into the tumultuous events of May 1933, highlighting Hitler’s rise and the resulting societal shifts. Insights from Victor Klemperer’s diary reveal personal struggles amid political chaos. The podcast examines the erosion of trade unions and the women's movement under Nazi influence, as well as the complexities surrounding employment discrimination. Additionally, it reflects on the chilling impact of totalitarianism on truth, social movements, and LGBTQ+ rights, punctuated by the infamous book burnings that targeted progressive ideas.

The podcast dives into the enduring conservative obsession with San Francisco, tackling demographic anxieties and the city's complex cultural duality. It explores the dark legacy of cults and violence, alongside the struggles of marginalized communities in the Tenderloin. Joan Didion's critique of the counterculture is contrasted with cinematic portrayals of the city. The discussion addresses socio-economic disparities, the tensions of progressivism, and the interplay of wealth and identity, revealing a city rich in contradictions amidst its vibrant history.

Kat Tenbarge, a journalist at Spitfire News known for her insights on gender politics, joins the discussion to dissect the Depp v. Heard trial. They delve into the implications of the case for the #MeToo movement and how social media shapes public perception during high-profile conflicts. Tenbarge highlights how narratives around abuse are influenced by online misogyny and examines the cultural dynamics framing the trial. The chat reveals the complexities of media portrayals and the ongoing challenges survivors face in reclaiming their identities after trauma.

Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a historian of American higher education and host of the American Campus podcast, dives into the often-ignored power of university trustees. She unpacks their significant influence over crucial institutional decisions and contrasts this with student activism narratives. The conversation covers the historical Roth affair at Stanford, the conservative strategies shaping academia, and the challenges posed by labor casualization. With sharp insights, Shepherd critiques Hillsdale College's narrow curriculum and discusses the ethical dilemmas of funding in higher education.

Matt Sitman, co-host of the Know Your Enemy podcast, shares fascinating insights into the life of Roy Cohn, a lawyer famous for his controversial connections and mentorship to Donald Trump. They delve into Cohn's tumultuous return to New York, highlighting his ties to the mob and the Church. The discussion explores the dark tactics Cohn used to manipulate the political landscape while navigating his hidden sexuality, revealing how his notorious legacy continues to shape contemporary politics.

Moira and Adrian are joined by Matt Sitman of Know Your Enemy to discuss the life of Roy Cohn -- lawyer, closet case and ratfucker extraordinaire. This first part deals with Cohn's childhood, the Rosenberg trial, and his time with Sen. McCarthy.Here are the books and documentaries we discuss in this first half:-- Nicholas von Hoffman, Citizen Cohn: The Life and Times of Roy Cohn (1988)-- Ivy Meeropol (dir.), Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn (2019)-- Matt Tyrnauer (dir.), Where's My Roy Cohn? (2019)-- Christopher M. Elias, Gossip Men: J. Edgar Hoover, Joe McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and the Politics of Insinuation (2021)-- Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, Epistemology of the Closet (1990)

For this episode of In Bed with the Right, Adrian and Moira return to the year 1933. They continue the story of how Hitler seized power, what it did to society, what it felt like to live through it, and -- as always -- what role gender and sexuality played in events. Reminder: We're going month by month for these episodes. This second installment covers March 15 to April 15.

When it comes to the protagonists of MAGA world, they -- like Roxette circa 1990 -- have THE LOOK. You know the one: hair that rises and crests like a mountain range, lips that are strangely beige and eyes that really show off how dead the person is on the inside. How did this style come to define the modern conservative aesthetic? What are its influences? What are its messages? Jessica DeFino (of The Review of Beauty fame) stops by In Bed with the Right to help Moira and a very lost Adrian make some sense of these and other questions.