In Bed With The Right

As a special holiday treat, podcaster extraordinaire Matt Bernstein (A Bit Fruity) joins Moira and Adrian to talk about the right wing grift machine. It's a tough world out there, so here's your step by step guide to completely selling your soul for some sweet, sweet reactionary billionaire cash! Detours include: Candace Owens, Oli London, Riley Gaines, Chaya Raichik, and various Twinks for Tr**p.Speaking of grifting: If you like the show, consider supporting it via its brand new Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InBedWiththeRight! It may or may not also a perfect gift for the red-pilled anti-wokester in your life!

Moira and Adrian dive into the chaotic aftermath of the recent presidential election, humorously comparing their shock to coping mechanisms like indulging in pudding. They tackle post-election identity politics and split ticket voting, highlighting how voters are increasingly separating cultural from economic issues. The duo also examines Trump’s appeal beyond policy, discussing the overlooked gender dynamics in political loyalty and behavior. Plus, they explore how online narratives shape voter engagement and the populist focus on safety over societal improvement.

In this engaging discussion, Becca Lewis, a Stanford researcher specializing in right-wing influences in Silicon Valley, delves into the intriguing evolution of George Gilder from an anti-feminist critic to a tech evangelist. She highlights the complex ideological landscape of Silicon Valley leaders, contrasting their progressive public personas with reactionary beliefs. The conversation explores Gilder's entrepreneurial vision during the Reagan era, the emergence of conservative voices in tech, and how this legacy shapes today's culture, especially concerning gender politics.

In Bed With the Right has an announcement: the show is coming to Patreon! You can sign up for extra content (2 episodes per month!) here! But our main feed (meaning episodes wherever you have been listening to us) will not be affected -- in fact, there's a new episode coming Tuesday. But if you'd like to hear Moira and Adrian talk their way through some weirder, wilder, more niche topics -- such as conservative fixations on Precious Bodily Fluids --, well, then check out the Patreon!

Journalist Morgan Sung (who hosts the terrific podcast Close All Tabs ) talks Moira and Adrian through the memes, stan armies, influencers, hatewatchers, bots and trolls of the 2024 election. How has digital campaigning changed since 2016? How do the platforms influence our politics?

The podcast dives into the critical role of gender in the upcoming presidential election. It discusses how shifting masculinities and declining support for Democrats among men of color are reshaping campaign strategies. The hosts analyze cultural representations of masculinity and critique the chaotic influence of media on political narratives. They also examine the evolving perceptions of female candidates and the implications of the Supreme Court on women’s rights, emphasizing the urgency for inclusive voter representation.

In conversation with Moira and Adrian, Irin Carmon, a New York writer and CNN contributor, delves into the life of Usha Vance, a figure navigating complex gender politics. They explore the contrast between public personas and personal struggles of ambitious women like Usha and Ivanka Trump. Topics include the fallout from sexual harassment allegations at Yale Law, the balancing act of ambition and family life, and the evolving narratives around gender roles. Carmon challenges listeners to rethink how political influences shape personal identities and relationships.

Jordan Carroll, author of "Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right," explores the intriguing intersections between sci-fi fandom and far-right ideologies. He discusses how online communities and conventional masculinity contribute to the rise of extremist views in science fiction. Carroll critiques popular works like 'Dune' and 'Warhammer 40K,' revealing their exploitation by the alt-right. The conversation also highlights the urgent need for diverse voices to reshape the genre and combat its appropriation by oppressive ideologies.

Talia Lavin, an author and researcher focused on the far right, discusses her book Wild Faith and the Christian Right's pervasive influence on American marriage and parenting. She critiques harmful parenting manuals that promote authoritarianism and physical discipline, detailing their impact on family dynamics. The conversation highlights the emotional turmoil linked to submissions expected of women, and addresses the dangers of unregulated homeschooling. Lavin emphasizes the need for accountability in parenting and prioritizing children's well-being.

Moira and Adrian grab their Stanley cup and identical hair extensions to follow guest Kate Kelly into the reality show phenomenon "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" -- an episode all about the gender politics of the LDS Church, mixed orientation marriages, and, for some reason, "soft swinging".