In Bed With The Right

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.

Gabe Winant, a historian focused on gender and class dynamics, joins the conversation to discuss J.D. Vance's political trajectory and his controversial memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy.' They unravel the cultural implications of Vance's narrative, critiquing its stereotypes and its simplistic portrayal of the white working class. Winant examines Vance's rise in the populist far right, the impact of social media on his campaigns, and the evolving political narratives surrounding race and class. Gender dynamics in labor movements also take center stage, revealing deeper societal tensions.

Adrian and Moira return for another episode on the life and works of Richard Wagner, investigating the radical political/philosophical influences that led him to some of the good, the bad, and the downright racist tropes in his operas.

For this live show, Moira and Adrian blinking step into the big world and come face to face with other human beings! Specifically Sarah Marshall of the amazing “You’re Wrong About” podcast, and an audience of 60 lovely people on Stanford’s campus. Together they discuss the life and times of Anita Bryant, OG anti-gay crusader—and why we’re still living in an America she helped shape.