Blocked and Reported

The hosts dive into the chilling aftermath of the ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. They dissect the Supreme Court's stance on trans athletes and critique media coverage, particularly NPR's framing. Insights into the changing dynamics of youth sports reveal how girls play differently when segregated. They explore troubling government messaging, linking it to historical nativism and white supremacy. With concerns over deportation logistics and the impact on Minnesota's Somali population, the conversation is both urgent and thought-provoking.

Jesse and Katie delve into the controversy surrounding Sia Weaver's radical tweets on homeownership and the backlash from conservatives. They juxtapose her online rhetoric against her real-world tenant advocacy, questioning the impact of such politics on Democratic coalitions. Shifting gears, they analyze the response to Nicolás Maduro's recent extradition and the vibrant yet skeptical reactions from the Venezuelan diaspora. Amid discussions of U.S. policy and media narratives, they navigate the complexities of migration and race in the context of current events.

Dive into the curious case of Sketchek, a Team Fortress 2 YouTuber whose sudden disappearance has left fans baffled. Discover the chaotic backlash from furries over a controversial Animal Crossing mod that sparked intense debates online. Explore the intricate dynamics of the TF2 fandom and its vibrant community, while also unpacking the economic realities of esports. Plus, tune in to the latest drama unfolding on Bluesky involving prominent figures and rising online toxicity.

Dive into the fascinating world of adult My Little Pony fans, known as bronies, as the hosts unpack the bizarre fandom origins and controversial artworks. They explore extreme body modification practices tied to social media trends, alongside a viral interview on looks-maxing. The unsettling allegations against YouTube star Saberspark spark a discussion on internet culture and accountability, culminating in a critical examination of online accusations. Join for a whirlwind of unique topics and lively banter!

Jesse and Katie dive into the intriguing world of dark romance and a unique niche involving minotaurs. They share tales from a listener meetup and discuss the fallout from inviting controversial figure Freddie DeBoer. The conversation also touches on prison reform debates in Massachusetts, contrasting abolitionists' views with the push for new facilities. Plus, whimsical anecdotes about home life and community help add a personal touch to the discussion!

Brad Polumbo, a conservative commentator and writer, teams up with Katie Herzog to delve into the chaotic world of right-wing infighting. They discuss the reality TV-style drama surrounding Turning Point USA and the fault lines in GOP ideology post-Trump. The guests analyze the growing divides over Israel in the party and Candace Owens' controversial rhetoric, raising concerns about anti-Semitism. They also touch on how high-profile figures like Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson are navigating these turbulent waters, revealing surprising allegiances.

This week, Saint Helen Lewis joins us to discuss Jesse’s shortcomings, the state of publishing, the state of social media, the Riyadh Comedy Festival, the Olivia Nuzzi scandal, and more. Plus, our annual end-of-year extremely online pub quiz. Note: This is our last free episode of the year. Primos have more coming, but for everyone else, see you next year.Helen’s book Katie’s bookJesse’s Austin eventKatie’s Duke eventOpinion | The Shifting Politics of Transgender Rights - The New York TimesI Watched Stand-Up in Saudi Arabia - The AtlanticOlivia Nuzzi’s Tell-Nothing Memoir - The Atlantic This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.blockedandreported.org/subscribe

Explore the fallout from Vladimir Kramnik's intense campaign against alleged chess cheaters, including sensational claims against grandmaster Danya Naroditsky. The discussion delves into the rise of AI-generated content, with the Washington Post's struggles highlighting potential pitfalls in accuracy. As the chess community grapples with accessibility versus cheating, tensions escalate, leading to distressing personal outcomes and ethical investigations aimed at Kramnik's conduct. The episode is a deep dive into controversy, mental health, and the complexities of modern chess.

This week, the hosts dive into Turning Point USA's controversial push to cancel a University of Oklahoma instructor over alleged anti-Christian bias. They also unpack Candace Owens's bizarre investigation into Charlie Kirk's demise, tiptoeing into a world of coded messages about bees. Their discussion spans from the nuances of poetry to the peculiarities of modern conspiracies, showcasing an intriguing mix of academic concerns and cultural commentary. Get ready for an entertaining take on bizarre narratives!

Exploring the politics of poetry, the hosts dive into Curtis Yarvin's controversial views and his rise within elite circles. They discuss the backlash surrounding his poems, critiquing whether his art can be separated from his contentious reputation. Updates on Chuck Johnson's legal troubles add a layer of intrigue, while debates about the 'cathedral' concept and the role of corporate power spark lively discourse. The dialogue sheds light on the dissident literary scene, culminating in a critique of the implications for those who support Yarvin.