Posting Through It

Anna Merlan is a senior reporter at Mother Jones who covers disinformation, technology, and extremism. She joined us to discuss the Trump Administration's efforts to address the "Epstein Files" controversy and why calming supporters' anger over this issue has proven particularly challenging. We also explored how right-wing media has sought to downplay Ghislaine Maxwell's role in Jeffrey Epstein's crimes.Links for Anna:* Read her story in Mother Jones: How Does the Epstein Scandal End?* Check out her book: “Republic of Lies: American Conspiracy Theorists and Their Surprising Rise to Power”* Follow her on Bluesky: @annamerlan.bsky.social‬ Transition Music: “Stars” by HumThrow a few bucks in our digital tip jar: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

Dave Portnoy has leveraged his digital media empire — Barstool Sports — to amass so much political influence that there’s a term for it: "Barstool Conservatism." This episode retraces the story of Portnoy’s life and career to explain how he made millions combining sports entertainment, reactionary politics, and pizza reviews. It also reflects on Portnoy’s influence within the broader MAGA movement and “manosphere.”Mike and Jared are joined by Robert Silverman, a feature writer who has covered Portnoy and his media empire at excruciating length. Practically everything you’ll hear on this episode comes directly from his reporting. (Listeners will remember Silverman from April’s “Who the Hell is Tim Pool?” episode.)Some tip jar contributions this week will help us thank Robert for his work on this episode by taking him to a New York Mets game. (As if he has not suffered enough.) If you loved this episode, show your appreciation by tossing in a few bucks: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpodLinks to Robert’s reporting:* Inside Barstool Sports’ Culture of Online Hate: ‘They Treat Sexual Harassment and Cyberbullying as a Game’ (The Daily Beast, 2018)* Barstool Sports ‘Hemorrhaging Money,’ Top Editor Flips Out at Writers (The Daily Beast, 2020)* How Barstool Built an Empire by Swiping Sports Highlights (The Daily Beast, 2023)Transition Music: “Sports” by Viagra BoysGet 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code THROUGHIT50 at https://www.magicmind.com/throughit50. #magicmind #mentalperformance“Who the Hell?” is an unofficial longform series that examines the lives and careers of prominent right-wing social media personalities. Prior episodes in this series covered Jack Posobiec, Tim Pool, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

Ben Lorber, a senior research analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of 'Safety Through Solidarity', dives into the complexities of modern antisemitism. He critiques the absurdity of pro-Israel groups targeting children's entertainers like Elmo, discussing how this cheapens real antisemitism. The conversation navigates online harassment tactics like those from Canary Mission, and the dangers of conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Lorber advocates for solidarity and nuanced dialogue in the ongoing fight against extremism.

Will Sommer is a senior reporter at The Bulwark, where he authors the newsletter “False Flag.” A longtime chronicler of right-wing media, Will joins the show to discuss the fallout facing the Trump Administration as it backs off its promise to release the “Epstein Files.” After years of promising to unveil new information about one of the highest profile pedophiles in United States history, the administration has reversed course entirely — leading some MAGA movement figures to call for resignations of key administration figures.Get 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription using the code THROUGHIT50 at https://www.magicmind.com/throughit50. #magicmind #mentalperformanceLinks for Will:* Subscribe to his newsletter: “False Flag” at The Bulwark* Read his book: “Trust the Plan: The Rise of QAnon and the Conspiracy That Unhinged America” via HarperCollins* Follow him on X and BlueskyThrow a few bucks in our digital tip jar: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

In this insightful discussion, Jeff Tischauser, an academic specializing in the white power movement, sheds light on Patriot Front, a neofascist group notorious for its flamboyant demonstrations. He scrutinizes their troubling ideology, tracing the evolution of their leader, Thomas Rousseau, and their questionable recruitment tactics. The conversation navigates the group's ties to Europe, internal chaos, and the perplexing claims from MAGA supporters about their members. Tischauser also humorously critiques their ineffectiveness, revealing the absurdity behind their extremist antics.

Two activists from a notable anarchist media collective share insights on turning protest energy into effective antifascist action. They analyze recent grassroots movements in the face of rising far-right threats, discussing the evolving role of activists and the media. The conversation dives into direct action tactics, community engagement, and the importance of solidarity against authoritarianism. With humor interspersed, they also highlight challenges in today's social media landscape and the necessity for innovative strategies to unite against oppressive ideologies.

Mike and Jared say hello to the show’s new “Groyper” listeners then talk about Trump’s military parade, the murder of a Minnesota politician, media coverage of “No Kings” protests, Terry Moran’s exit from ABC News, and Democrats’ latest ploy to win new voters.Links:* Molly Ivins: The Fun’s in the FightLike this episode? Share it with your friends and followers!Throw a few bucks in our digital tip jar: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

Nicholas J. Fuentes is the most prolific white nationalist in America today, and he’s just 26 years old. The Chicagoland native’s nightly livestreams have earned him a cult-following of “Groypers” who have helped him push an entire generation of young Republicans toward racist and antisemitic ideologies. This episode traces notable moments in Fuentes’ life that made him what he is today.Amanda Moore is a freelance journalist who has covered far-right extremist movements for national news outlets, including Mother Jones, The Intercept, and The Nation. Moore spent nearly a year undercover in far-right movements and draws upon that experience to inform her reporting.Links for Amanda:* Follow Amanda on social media: X (Twitter) / BlueSky* Subscribe to Amanda’s newsletter: “The Turtle Diaries”--These biographical episodes take weeks to produce and involve many hours of research, fact-checking, and editing, which we do on our personal time. If you found value in the show, please consider tossing a few bucks into this online tip jar:https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

Edward Ongweso Jr, a writer and editor who covers tech, labor, and finance, joined for an in-depth discussion about the artificial intelligence tech industry and Silicon Valley’s efforts to expand its political power. Industry leaders have promised that their AI products will catapult humanity in a new era, but how might these tools be used to surveil, oppress, and harm the rest of us?Edward’s links:* His newsletter: “The Tech Bubble”* His podcast: “This Machine Kills”* His socials: X (Twitter) and Bluesky* Articles referenced:* Evgeny Morozov: “The True Threat of Artificial Intelligence”* Meredith Whittaker: “Origin Stories: Plantations, Computers, and Industrial Control”* Edward Ongweso: “AI, slavery, surveillance, and capitalism”Transition Music: “NEVER ENOUGH” by TurnstileThrow a few bucks in our digital tip jar: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com

Kim Kelly, a labor journalist and author, joined to discuss how unions and other organized worker groups are faring in today’s hostile political landscape. Kim also discussed modern metal music and current-day anarchist organizing. Before that, Mike and Jared talked about MAGA supporters souring on FBI leaders Dan Bongino and Kash Patel as they try to pivot away from “deep state” conspiracy theories, like those related to Jeffrey Epstein’s death in 2019. Links for Kim Kelly:* Her book: “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor” * Young reader’s edition: “Fight to Win! Heroes of American Labor”* Her articles: inthesetimes.com/authors/kim-kelly* Her heavy metal newsletter: salvo.ghost.io/* Her Patreon page: patreon.com/kimkellyOutro song: “Enshrined in Concrete” by Glacial TombThrow a few bucks in our digital tip jar: https://tiptopjar.com/postingthroughitpod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit postthroughit.substack.com