
Blocked and Reported
Journalists Katie Herzog and Jesse Singal scour the internet for its craziest, silliest, most sociopathic content, part of an obsessive and ill-conceived attempt to extract kernels of meaning and humanity from a landscape of endless raging dumpster fires. www.blockedandreported.org
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 21min
Premium: The Attempted #MeTooing Of A BookTube Star
The podcast dives into the allegations against BookTuber Daniel Greene, focusing on coercion and manipulation. It also tackles the drama at the Montreal Anarchist Book Fair, exploring themes of community and accountability. Listeners discover a debate on cultural appropriation surrounding tarot reading. The show highlights the journey of a self-published fantasy author navigating YouTube, and features an important conversation on gender identity, consent, and emotional manipulation. Legal threats in the digital space also raise critical questions about freedom of expression.

May 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
Episode 259: A Gen Z #Resistance Meltdown
This week's discussion dives into the controversial Unf*ck America Tour and its unraveling, focusing on Gen Z influencer Dean Withers' journey from conservative roots to liberal activism. A shocking incident involving public masturbation in Seattle sparks debates about free speech and community standards. The speakers also tackle the challenges of accountability among Gen Z influencers, addressing recent apologies and the impact of harmful rhetoric on marginalized communities. Expect lively commentary on the intersection of politics, culture, and social media!

Apr 30, 2025 • 18min
Premium: Whose Fault? Our Fault!
This week on the Primo episode, Jesse and Katie decide which podcasters are blame for… all this. Plus, an ABDL medical supply store/sex shop goes to court. Young at Heart (The Stranger)The Anti-Woke's Inner Circle (New York Magazine / Intelligencer)The Dissident Right’s Next Move (The New York Times) To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

Apr 26, 2025 • 42min
Episode 258: Another Autism Episode
This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse and Katie discuss RFK Jr’s plan to find the cause of autism. Plus, Elon shadowbans his enemies, revisiting “Hinds Hall,” and Slam Frank, the musical. DIRECTIONS ON LOCKING IN THE CURRENT PRIMO PRICE HEREColumbia Campus Occupation Could Have Ended Without Police, Report Says (New York Times)The Sundial Report, 3.31.2025 (Columbia University Senate)Columbia Hamilton Hall Protests (New York Times)Police and University Officials Release Report of 13 Non-Affiliates Arrested in Hamilton Hall, Protesters Disagree (Columbia News Service)They Criticized Musk on X. Then Their Reach Collapsed. (New York Times)Trans Wikipedia Activists control the "facts" on Youth Gender Medicine (LGB Courage Coalition Substack)Research into trans medicine has been manipulated (The Economist)RFK Jr. and the Autism-Vaccine Debate (New York Times)Autism Data & Statistics (CDC)Telepathy Tapes: Families, Autism, KY Dickens (The Cut)Chasing the Intact Mind (Oxford University Press)RFK Was Right: Severe Autism Can Be (Persuasion Community)The Problematic Obsession With Curing Autism (The Cut) To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Premium: The Free Speech President Vs. Jihad On The Quad
This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse and Katie look back at the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and how that conflict intersects with the Trump administration’s fight against free speech. Columbia University Israel-Hamas Protests (The New York Times)General Studies student allegedly assaulted in front of Butler Library, suspe… To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 14min
Episode 257: Faux POC Poetry (with Leigh Stein)
This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by writer Leigh Stein to discuss her new book, the personal essay boom and bust, the ethics of deletion, "The Vanishing White Male Writer,” and a race-based hoax in the poetry world. If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You by Leigh Stein (Penguin Random House)The Diana Tarot : Handmade ProductsJennifer May Reiland artFired from RichualControl, Alt, Delete (Splicetoday.com)Call Me the 21st-Century Ern Malley (How I Fooled the Poetry World) Echolalia Review: An Anti-Poetry CollectionThe Best American Poetry Controversy (The Best American Poetry Blog)The Vanishing White Male Writer (Compact Magazine) 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

Apr 14, 2025 • 58min
Episode 256: MAGA Maoists Celebrate Liberation Day
Dive into the chaotic aftermath of Trump's economic policies, as the hosts hilariously dissect the absurdity of tariffs and the outrageous claims from supporters. Explore the struggles of a renowned writing organization and the bizarre world of fan art, intertwining humor with serious reflections on community dynamics. Enjoy insightful commentary on the convoluted relationship between politics, manufacturing myths, and the rise of fabricated experts in trade debates, all delivered with sharp wit and engaging banter.

Apr 9, 2025 • 25min
Premium: The Death Fakers
Dive into the bizarre world of pseudocide, where people fake their own deaths for various reasons. Hear captivating stories, like that of legendary gamer Dark Id, who unexpectedly faked his demise. Explore the unsettling phenomena of Munchausen by Internet, revealing the darker side of online identities and the emotional impact on families. From heart-wrenching deceptions to high-profile cases, the discussion unveils the motivations and societal consequences behind these strange fabrications.

Apr 7, 2025 • 59min
Episode 255: She Is Risen
This discussion dives into the untimely death of VTuber Amiaryllis Bloo, exploring the emotional landscape of online personas and the complexities of grief within the digital realm. There's a lively debate about the implications of deleting social media accounts and the nostalgic critiques surrounding NPR's funding. The hosts humorously navigate the challenges of promoting a wellness book in a world of shifting perceptions while examining the bizarre story of someone who faked their death, prompting reflections on identity and authenticity.

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 254: The Unbelievable Heroism Of Nikita Amber Abbas (With Espen Goffeng)
Join Norwegian journalist Espen Goffeng as he dives into the astonishing heroism of Nikita Amber Abbas, a queer Muslim woman who rose to prominence after a tragic shooting at Oslo's Pride event. Goffeng discusses the cultural backdrop of the incident, its implications on society, and the rapid media response to Abbas’s claims, which later faced scrutiny. The conversation also touches on the complex issues of immigration in Norway, touching upon societal integration and the narrative of violence. A blend of serious topics and critical reflections awaits!
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