Posting Through It

Laura Loomer has not-so-quietly emerged as one of the most influential figures in MAGA media, but who the hell is she and where did she come from? This episode seeks to explain how a person who is now known for eating dog food on camera came to wield so much power over one of the most powerful countries in the history of the world.Will Sommer, a reporter for The Bulwark, joined Jared and Mike to dive deep into Laura’s prolific history as an attention-seeking influencer and bigoted far-right activist, covering everything from her tumultuous childhood to her notorious relationship to President Trump. They revisited the deep cuts and lost lore from Loomer's career, like the fact a guy lost part of his pinky finger when she handcuffed herself to Twitter's NYC office in 2018.The episode also features a cameo from Nathan Bernard, who found himself at the center of one of Laura’s many legal dramas.Links for Will Sommer:Subscribe to his newsletter: “⁠False Flag⁠” at The BulwarkRead his book: “⁠Trust the Plan: The Rise of QAnon and the Conspiracy That Unhinged America⁠” via HarperCollinsFollow him on ⁠X⁠ and ⁠Bluesky⁠Support the show on Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/PostingThroughIt⁠

Jared and Mike dive into the world of right-wing influencers in Portland, spotlighting the controversial Nick Sortor as a mini-martyr. They dissect Benny Johnson's online persona amid swirling rumors and the bizarre antics of Turning Point USA during ICE raids. The hosts tackle the troubling use of sombrero memes by Trump, revealing the racist undertones. Plus, they critique how influencers exploit tragedy for political gain, exposing the performative nature of these narratives. It's a wild ride through outrage and memes!

Gillian Branstetter, a communications strategist and former National Center for Transgender Equality staffer, dives deep into the troubling rise of anti-trans rhetoric. She discusses how right-wing media uses trans individuals as scapegoats, painting them as violent extremists. Gillian highlights the chilling effects of policies on gender-affirming care and the targeted censorship of trans voices in government. With insights on the historical roots of this backlash and ways to support trans communities, this conversation offers a critical perspective on current societal challenges.

In a striking conversation, the hosts tackle a wildly provocative column advocating violence, unpacking its absurd claims and conspiracy theories. They critique the author's troubling suggestions, like hiring violent security to deal with political opponents. The discussion dives into the racial and gendered implications of the language used, alongside a critique of the fantasy of street brawls. Ultimately, they highlight that these extreme views reflect a troubling continuity within certain conservative circles, revealing deeply rooted violent impulses.

Christopher Mathias, a journalist and author focused on far-right movements, joins to explore the origins of the anti-fascist label. He discusses Trump's executive orders targeting Antifa and critiques a controversial study claiming rising left-wing terrorism. Mathias sheds light on how MAGA portrays Antifa as a hidden army and revisits the pivotal Charlottesville incident. He also reflects on the implications of designating Antifa as a terrorist group, emphasizing the dangers of misinformation and political repression. His forthcoming book offers deeper insights into these critical issues.

Dive into the fascinating transformation of Dave Rubin, an ex-progressive turned reactionary performer. Uncover the strange connections between controversial figures like Sam Hyde and Chaya Raichik. Enjoy a critique of Forgiato Blow's MAGA rap and his performance at Charlie Kirk’s memorial. The hosts play excerpts of his tribute track while mocking its themes. Plus, the latest on the Mississippi pickleball case adds a chilling twist. Stick around for teasers about upcoming episodes featuring Laura Loomer!

Kelly Jensen, a former librarian and dedicated writer, shares her insights on the alarming rise of book bans and the attacks on public libraries. She discusses how language around 'removal' masks censorship efforts by groups like Moms for Liberty. The conversation dives into tactics like context-stripping and automated tools targeting literature. Kelly also highlights the harassment facing librarians and the pressing need for community support, wrapping up with a thoughtful reading list for listeners eager to learn and take action.

This discussion dives into the intriguing relationship between Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk. Erika shares how a job interview turned into a surprising date filled with deep conversations. The hosts analyze her religious influencer persona and controversial remarks about submission, which spark intense reactions from conservative audiences. They also connect her marriage to Charlie with a rise in Christian nationalism, revealing how they’ve become a carefully curated power couple in the influencer landscape.

Dive into the tumultuous life and controversial legacy of Charlie Kirk, who transformed from a social media target to a MAGA icon. Explore his role in the rise of Turning Point USA and the ideologies that fueled the Capitol riot. Unpack the cultural ramifications of his divisive rhetoric and the extremism surrounding election denial. Reflect on the media's portrayal of political violence and examine the reactions to his tragic assassination, questioning how political narratives exploit tragedy in today's climate.

To get access to the RSS feed with the full episode, sign up to support our show on Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/PostingThroughItMike and Jared covered the far-right's latest obsession: the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian woman in Charlotte, North Carolina. They also discussed "Chorus" and shared an excerpt of their conversation with Luke Savage about the secretive dark money dispenser paying pro-Democrat social media influencers as much as $8,000 per month. The guys close things out with another featured reading -- this one is about Philadelphia sports: "JACK POSOBIEC: The Phillies Karen and the death of American manhood — why we're losing our nation one surrender at a time."