In Bed With The Right

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.

Author Talia Lavin (whose Wild Faith is out on 10/15/24) talks Moira and Adrian through the Christian Right's takeover of American life, through objects that are unlikely to appear on your bookshelf, but that nevertheless shape the way many Americans live and what policies they have to live with. From the parenting manuals like James Dobson's Dare to Discipline to Stormy Omartian's marriage guide Power of a Praying Wife, Talia lays out how an image of the family and child-rearing built on subservience, authoritarianism and often enough violence has become part and parcel of our American landscape. (A big trigger warning on domestic, physical and sexual abuse.)

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".

It's debate night in America, and you know what that means: MASCULINITY THUNDERDOME! In this special emergency episode, Moira and Adrian discuss the different styles of masculinity on display at the vice presidential debate. You can find Moira's article on this debate here.

Dive into the fascinating debates surrounding in-vitro fertilization and its implications for reproductive rights. Explore St. Brigid's surprising connection to abortion within Catholicism. Discover the political and financial challenges of IVF, especially for queer families. Unpack the conflicting views in the Republican Party on reproductive topics. Together, these discussions reveal the complexities of family dynamics, societal perceptions, and the resilience of communities fighting for reproductive freedoms.

Adrian, a guest expert on pro-natalism, dives into the creepy history and modern resurgence of birthrate advocacy among conservatives. The conversation highlights how societal anxieties about declining birth rates are influencing political discourse. They explore the intertwining of pro-natalism with concepts like great replacement theory, critiquing its underlying agendas. Gender dynamics and the economic reality faced by families today also take center stage, shedding light on how these discussions shape perceptions of motherhood and reproduction in contemporary society.

In honor of the Olympic Games in Paris and of the way conservatives seem intent to freak out about them almost daily, Adrian walks Moira through the various ginned-up controversies: drag queens recreating paintings! Female boxers boxing! People either conforming or not conforming to their gender!

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States and a prominent political figure, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of gender, race, and identity in the political arena. She delves into the media's contrasting scrutiny of female leaders like herself and Hillary Clinton. The conversation also touches on the implications of potential vice presidential candidates and the unique challenges women face in politics. Additionally, they explore the polarized political landscape and the evolving dynamics of the Vice Presidency.

Alex Ross, music critic for the New Yorker and author of the book ‘Wagnerism’ joins Moira and Adrian to talk about Siegfried, the Wagner clan, and Wagner’s complicated and multifaceted legacy.

Moira and Adrian talk about Joe Biden's campaign, about the age question and the fallout from the calamitous presidential debate. NOTE: We recorded this before the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, which is why we don't talk about it here.