
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

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 6min
Episode 227: One Of The Saddest True-Life Stories About A Schizophrenic Deaf Muslim Amputee Gamer You Will Hear This Week
Dive into a heartrending yet inspiring tale of Susan Banks, a deaf, disabled advocate who transformed gaming accessibility. The discussion navigates the complexities of gender identity, societal norms, and the vibrant dynamics of online communities. Touching on controversial figures like Woody Allen, the hosts blend humor and serious reflection while exploring the challenges faced by marginalized voices in gaming. With a mix of poignant stories and playful banter, this conversation highlights resilience, identity, and advocacy in an often-overlooked space.

Aug 29, 2024 • 14min
Premium: Tickle's Pickle Ripples Giggle
Roxanne Tickle, a prominent figure in a legal case in Australia about female-only spaces, and Sall Grover, the founder of the girls-only app Giggle that enhances user safety with AI, dive into the complexities of gender. They discuss Tickle v. Giggle, addressing the provocative question 'what is a woman?' and share Grover's challenging yet empowering experiences combating misogyny. The conversation is witty and insightful, blending humor with serious social commentary on women's rights and online safety.

Aug 24, 2024 • 54min
Episode 226: Candace Owens Fights The Frankists (And The Jews)
This week on the special half Primo/half free last Monday (or Saturday) episode, Jesse and Katie discuss a very interesting history less from Candace Owens. Plus, Taylor Lorenz does a meme. https://www.blockedandreported.org/p/bonus-candace-owens-gets-cannedLeo FrankWhy is Candace Owens talking about this forgotten Jewish heretic? – The ForwardWho Is Candace Owens’ Husband? All About George Farmer‘Washington Post’ reviews Taylor Lorenz's 'war criminal' jab at Biden : NPRSavannah formJacksonville form To hear more, visit www.blockedandreported.org

4 snips
Aug 17, 2024 • 1h 10min
Episode 225: Can Anybody Stop NYT Pitchbot's Infuriating Descent Into Annoying Dumb Lameness? (with Jeff Maurer)
Jeff Maurer, a former writer for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, joins to delve into the quirky intersection of comedy and politics. He shares insights on how political shifts have warped the nature of humor and the challenges comedians face today. The conversation gets spicy as they critique the New York Times Pitchbot and explore the evolution of media satire. Maurer also reflects on Conan O'Brien's influence on comedy and the absurdities of online influence and merchandise. Tune in for a mix of laughs and sharp commentary!

Aug 15, 2024 • 16min
Premium: Ask Us Anything (Part 2)
Listeners are treated to lively discussions about romance, celebrity dining, and even the cultural origins of croissants. The speakers share humorous Berlin adventures and unique nightlife tales, hinting at future audience engagement. They also delve into imaginary dinners with controversial political figures and whimsically explore listener dreams. A love letter to 30 Rock highlights favorite episodes, while reflections on comedy and personal anecdotes add a playful touch to the conversation.

Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 43min
Episode 224: A Very British, And Very Online, War In The Arts (with Sarah Ditum)
In this engaging discussion, writer Sarah Ditum delves into contemporary issues in the arts and society. They dissect the implications of the Cass Review on gender identity services, explore the rising tensions of far-right activism amid social unrest, and critique a bizarre legal case impacting the art world. Ditum shares gripping insights on identity politics and the societal undercurrents fueling polarization. The conversation expertly weaves humor with serious commentary, making for an illuminating look at the intersection of art, politics, and culture.

Aug 7, 2024 • 20min
Premium: Progressives Against Progress
Dive into a choral scandal at a Pasadena progressive church, where controversy is the new choir. The discussion shifts to a deep dive into Olympic boxing, examining the complexities of gender identity. With humor and personal anecdotes, the hosts explore fan engagement and the cultural quirks of local drinking customs. They tackle the serious implications of gender in sports, including chromosome testing and the challenges faced by female athletes, all while keeping the banter lively and insightful.

Aug 3, 2024 • 1h 24min
Episode 223: So Did Anything Happen While We Were Gone?
Join the hosts as they dive into the quirky world of American politics, reflecting on bizarre recent events and conspiracy theories swirling around Biden's campaign. They humorously critique the eccentricity of the Olympics, highlighting outrageous performances and environmental concerns. Their candid anecdotes from a recent tour add personal flair, while discussions on free speech, threesomes, and merch madness keep the laughter flowing. The dialogue weaves through complex political dynamics, all wrapped in lighthearted banter.

Jul 31, 2024 • 19min
Premium: Ask Us Anything (Part 1)
Terry Glavin provides a lively update, reflecting on the ever-changing political landscape. The discussion is peppered with humorous travel anecdotes, showcasing camaraderie amidst challenges. They share a funny mishap involving a deleted audio track, highlighting community support. The guests dive into the fascinating world of detective novels and the evolution of their podcasting journey. Finally, they tackle the complexities of ideological diversity in media, emphasizing the importance of understanding differing viewpoints.

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
BARPod Summer Break Specials: The Story of Matthew Shepard Changed America.
The podcast reevaluates the murder of Matthew Shepard, challenging conventional narratives with new insights. It highlights pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ rights during the 1990s, including Ellen DeGeneres's coming out. Discussions reveal the complexities of Shepard's case, emphasizing drug influences and local community perceptions. The impact of media narratives on societal views of addiction is also examined, along with the essential role of truth in journalism for community health. The legacy of Shepard's story continues to shape LGBTQ+ acceptance.