A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein

Taylor Swift has the power to swing the presidential election. What if nothing else matters?Support me on Patreon!Find Angela on Twitter, not X.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt.Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring this episode. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.blueland.com/fruity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast discusses the controversy of a Bud Light marketing partnership, the backlash over a commemorative can, the intersection of big brands with LGBTQ+ rights, comparisons to past brand controversies, and the struggles of online creators in navigating political and corporate backlash.

Is there valor in scamming your way through a system that failed you, even if you hurt people along the way? What is the value of the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves? Can you be morally bankrupt and a camp icon? The questions of America, explored with friend of the show Kat Tenbarge.Find Kat on Twitter and Instagram.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the complexities of detransitioning, highlighting the low rates of regret among those who transition. A poignant discussion with Lucy reveals the challenges faced by detransitioners amidst societal stigma and media sensationalism. Personal narratives emphasize the emotional and medical hurdles encountered throughout transitioning. The conversation critiques harmful media representations, including a controversial documentary and the journey of Ollie London. Overall, the episode urges for empathy and a nuanced understanding of gender identity.

Moe Dabbagh, a gay Palestinian American with family ties in Gaza, explores the intricate ties between queer liberation and Palestinian rights. They tackle the controversial concept of pinkwashing, revealing how LGBTQ+ rights can be manipulated within national narratives. Moe shares personal reflections on family history, the impact of loss, and the ongoing struggle for identity amidst conflict. Additionally, they discuss the absurdity of media portrayals of the Israeli military and advocate for a solidarity that embraces all marginalized communities.

The number of kids being homeschooled today is more than double of what it was four years ago, and nobody is making the rules. While the religious right is convinced that political indoctrination is rampant in public schools, we take a look at where teaching is actually flying off the rails. Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring this episode. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.Blueland.com/fruityRead Christina’s and Aaron’s Washington Post story here.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt.Watch the video of this episode on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the forefront of today’s anti-LGBTQ movement is one shockingly uncharismatic woman. Journalist Taylor Lorenz helps us understand the rise of Chaya Raichik, a former real estate agent who now makes a handsome living terrorizing queer students and teachers across the country using her Twitter account, @libsoftiktok. We also hear directly from some of her former targets.Buy Taylor’s new book here. Watch the video of this episode on YouTube.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2008, Jenna Karvunidis was looking for ways to involve her distant mother in the life of her soon-to-be child. Fifteen years, thousands of acres of wildfires, and a few plane crashes later, she wishes she could put the genie back in its bottle.Find Jenna here.Watch the video of this episode on Youtube.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like many people, sitting still and staring at the wall during the early days of the pandemic brought up new feelings for Miss Benny. Notably, that she was transgender. From viral closeted teenager to out Netflix star, she walks us through the personal and political trials of her first few years living as a woman.Find Miss Benny here.Watch the video of this episode on Youtube.Find more A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amber Heard, a central figure in a trial that sparked societal discussions about abuse, tabloid spectacles, influencers, and money. They analyze the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial, recognizing patterns of abuse in relationships, and explore the psychology of abuse and the myth of the perfect victim. They also discuss the frustrations of survivor acceptance, the backlash faced by Amber Heard, and the patterns of society.