Blocked and Reported

This installment dives into the social media storm surrounding #stickergate and the polarizing figure of Brianna Wu. The hosts dissect Rachel Doodles' stickers and her unique persona, while analyzing the authenticity of hate mail she receives. A controversial cartoon and its implications spark lively debate, exploring themes of racism and parody. The hosts also delve into how online harassment can unexpectedly boost a creator's visibility and sales, unveiling the complexities of niche social dynamics.

The hosts dive into the saga of Kate Clanchy, who faced backlash over her memoir for alleged derogatory tropes. They discuss the wave of firings at Condé Nast amid employee confrontations regarding layoffs and the changing dynamics at Teen Vogue. The examination includes Lauren Duca's rise and fall in the media landscape, exploring her controversies and transformations. Additionally, reflections on the New York mayoral race highlight generational and urban voting shifts, leaving listeners with food for thought about accountability in publishing.

Dive into the chaotic online world as hosts discuss the enigmatic Will Stancil and his varying personas on Twitter and Blue Sky. Explore the shocking Grok incident, where AI turned threats into reality, thanks to loosened filters. Unpack the bizarre dynamics of online feuds, focusing on obsessive figures like Kino Copter and the notorious Kiwi Farms. With a mix of humor and intrigue, Jesse and Katie address legal quandaries surrounding chatbots and the fallout of online attention-seeking gone wrong.

Thanks to Brad Polumbo and everyone who joined our live chat this afternoon. Discussed: Nick Fuentes, Tucker Carlson, and the war for the soul of the American right. Brad vs EveryoneNORMAL GAYS with Brad Polumbo & Clarkson LawsonBuy Katie’s book To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

Dr. Joe Volpicelli, MD, PhD, director of the Volpicelli Center and a leading expert on addiction medicine, shares insights on treating alcoholism. He discusses how stress influences drinking behavior and the role of endogenous opioids in addiction. The conversation delves into the evolution of addiction theories from the 1970s, contrasting reward-driven versus relief-driven drinking, and the effectiveness of naltrexone. Volpicelli emphasizes personalized treatment methods like the Sinclair method, which has transformed patient experiences with alcohol cravings.

Waffles-gate ignites a heated online debate over Bluesky's refusal to ban a controversial figure. The hosts dissect the surprising drop in trans identification based on new data, unraveling the complexities of social influence versus innate identity. They also trace the origins of a 'waffles' meme that sparked drama on the platform. Alongside discussions about Jesse's experiences with harassment and social dynamics, they explore quirky topics like breakfast preferences, driving logistics, and housing affordability in America.

The hosts dive into the rise and fall of Bluestockings, a feminist bookstore that evolved with community needs and faced backlash over harm reduction strategies. They explore declining trans identity trends and the flawed methodologies behind controversial reports. A significant focus is on the bookstore's abrupt closure due to financial strains and internal conflicts among workers. The discussion also highlights the cultural ramifications of such community hubs and the chaotic aftermath of its shutdown.

Frannie Block, an investigative reporter for The Free Press, dives into the complexities of the 2024 election fraud claims, focusing on the bizarre movement asserting Kamala Harris's victory. She uncovers the origins of the Rockland County lawsuit and profiles key figures like Diane Sayre, linking them to broader conspiracy theories. Block discusses her journalistic instincts, the credibility of viral claims, and the disturbing role of social media in amplifying misinformation. She concludes with a cautious outlook on the evidence surrounding these election disputes.

In this entertaining discussion, Bari Weiss's controversies are explored alongside CBS's role in the media landscape. Jesse shares his quirky adventures from a Portland trip, highlighting the area's unique vibes. The hosts dive into the heated allegations against Hasan Piker regarding his dog, analyzing viral clips and the online uproar. They tackle the contentious topic of e-collars and present counterarguments to the accusations, while also investigating the internet's role in shaping narratives.

In this discussion, acclaimed memoirist Sarah Hepola dives deep into her personal journey of recovery and the varied pathways beyond Alcoholics Anonymous. She and Katie examine the challenges of identifying as an 'alcoholic' and share insights on the role of medication like naltrexone in sobriety. They also explore the contradictions of needing therapeutic processes alongside medication and debate the importance of embracing multiple recovery routes. It's an honest and eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional views on drinking and recovery.