The Gist

Katie Herzog, co-host of Blocked and Reported and author of the upcoming book Drinking Your Way Sober, joins Jonah Goldberg to dissect the implications of Trump's blame on DEI after a military crash. They delve into the Democrats' identity politics struggle, questioning their connection with voters. The duo tackles the challenges of urban planning in D.C. and critiques the ongoing gap between political messaging and public concerns, all while maintaining a humorous yet insightful tone.

Sadie Dingfelder, author of "Do I Know You?" and an expert in sight, memory, and imagination, dives deep into the debate over trigger warnings. She questions their effectiveness and necessity, offering insights on their origins and their contentious use in environments like colleges and therapy. The discussion touches on the cultural implications and challenges in balancing sensitivity with practicality. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of fact-checking and its declining effectiveness in journalism, highlighting recent industry changes.

Retired Air Force General Jay Santee, known for his critical role in a high-stakes mission to neutralize Syria's chemical weapons, shares fascinating insights on military operations. He contrasts the complexities of chemically hazardous missions with Israel's more direct tactics. Additionally, he dives into the stark differences in legal repercussions faced by January 6th rioters versus Black Lives Matter protesters, shedding light on the complexities of justice and public perception surrounding these events.

Retired Major General Jay Santee, who led the operation to neutralize Syria’s chemical weapons, shares gripping insights into the complex process of dismantling these dangerous stockpiles at sea. He discusses the technical and diplomatic challenges, revealing the high-stakes environment involving international cooperation and geopolitical tensions. The conversation then shifts to Trump's contentious stance on Canada regarding fentanyl and trade, and how political narratives have weaponized legitimate critiques of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

Josh Barro, a former New York Magazine writer and economics expert, joins Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist, and Ben Dreyfuss, a political commentator, for a lively discussion. They analyze the shifting political landscape since Trump’s inauguration, reflecting on early activist fervor and disillusionment. The trio also dives into the complexities of political pardons post-January 6th and the growing normalization of political violence. Humor meets insight as they tackle U.S. energy policies and examine Gen Z's unique ideological landscape, revealing surprising perspectives on free speech and misinformation.

Miriam Lewin, an Argentine journalist and political activist who survived the horrors of torture during Argentina’s Dirty War, shares her powerful story. She highlights the emotional trauma and resilience of activists facing brutal repression. Lewin discusses the fight of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who bravely sought their disappeared children, and the tragic betrayal they faced. Additionally, the conversation touches on unique political topics like tariffs and the societal implications of baby formula theft, sparking deep reflections on justice and morality.

Michael Moynihan, host of The Fifth Column podcast and a Swedish journalist, joins the discussion to explore Europe's immigration crisis. He highlights how right-wing parties are tapping into public concerns that traditional moderates overlook. The conversation also touches on the rise of populism in Europe, the complex landscape of nationalism and integration, and how these issues fuel far-right sentiments in countries like Sweden and Germany. Additionally, they unpack recent political controversies, including critiques of diversity policies amid significant events.

Michael Moynihan, a journalist and Sweden expert, discusses the alarming rise of far-right politics and gang violence in Sweden, a country once hailed for its social democracy. He shares firsthand accounts of cultural tensions stemming from immigration and the challenges faced in navigating identity as a journalist there. Moynihan also delves into the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action, tying it to shifting demographics in higher education, all while exploring the broader societal impact of these changes.

Randall Woodfin, the dynamic Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, and author of 'Son of Birmingham', sheds light on the city's dual narrative of growth and rising crime rates. He shares his personal experiences with violence and emphasizes the importance of community support in tackling these challenges. Woodfin discusses innovative strategies to enhance youth employment and local safety, while demonstrating a commitment to inclusive leadership and engaging with diverse citizen needs amidst changing political landscapes.

North Dakota is positioning itself as a leader in carbon capture technology, despite skepticism about climate change within the state. A journalist shares insights on the heated debates surrounding this initiative and its ambitious 2030 goals. Meanwhile, the conversation touches on the shifting dynamics of carbon capture across the U.S., alongside a humorous critique of military installation name changes and the complexities of U.S.-Colombia relations over deportation and tariffs.