In Bed With The Right

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".

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!