Diabolical Lies

Katie Herzog, a personal finance writer and creator of Money with Katie, opens up about her journey of building a seven-figure brand and her decision to reclaim her intellectual property from Morning Brew. She shares how the pandemic shifted her career, the exhilarating early days of her venture, and the challenges of balancing growth with creative work. Notably, she discusses her political evolution and the pivotal moment that led her to pivot back to long-form writing, embracing uncertainty while celebrating her independence.

Dive into the complexities of ethical consumption versus selling out in a capitalist world. The hosts discuss the origins of the phrase 'no ethical consumption under capitalism' and explore critiques of consumerism. They examine the impact of anti-litter campaigns that shifted blame to individuals and question if boycotts can truly affect corporations. Cultural shifts in the music industry are highlighted, alongside debates on artists performing for questionable regimes. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the enduring entanglement of commerce and culture.

Explore the complexities of childbirth in America as hosts dive deep into its cultural and political implications. They provide a humorous yet insightful overview of childbirth anatomy and process. The conversation takes a turn when they discuss how governmental health messages, especially regarding acetaminophen and autism, influence pregnancy advice. A reading of a significant White House memo adds an intriguing layer to the discussion, highlighting the political nuances that affect expectant parents.

Caroline and Katie kick off a lively discussion, reminiscent of their early voice memo exchanges. They delve into why criticism of art is essential, emphasizing that it's okay to appreciate without constant debate. Hopes and curiosities for Taylor Swift's upcoming album take center stage, exploring fan expectations and reactions. They also tackle the frequency of Swift's mention in listener feedback and reflect on the delicate balance between fandom and critique, highlighting personal experiences with backlash for their views.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, and Erica Kirk, a right-wing media personality, dive into the complex dynamics of financial responsibility and submission in marriage. They discuss the expectation that men must provide financially, linking masculinity to money. The conversation critiques traditional notions of marriage as a status symbol while examining how neoliberal economics shape conservative gender rhetoric. The episode challenges the myth of 'tradition,' revealing the historical roots of these family constructs.

Dive into a follow-up discussion filled with news updates and cultural insights. The hosts analyze Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement and the fallout surrounding his affiliate boycotts. They dissect Trump's scathing Truth Social post, likening his persona to a mean-girl figure, and explore the implications of media consolidation through an antitrust lens. The conversation also touches on Sinclair’s demands for Kimmel’s airing, framing it as extortion. Overall, the dynamic highlights the importance of media standards and distribution in today's landscape.

The podcast dives into the controversial legacy of Charlie Kirk, exploring the polarized reactions to his death. It examines Jimmy Kimmel's comments, the fallout from media firings, and how political reprisals shape public discourse. The hosts discuss links between recent turmoil and a historical decline in political civility. They also tackle narratives around trans issues, accusations of left-wing violence, and the current state of societal collapse. It's a thought-provoking look at the ramifications of today's charged political climate.

The Democratic Party’s approval rating is at a 30-year-low, and Americans rated them no better than the GOP at their ability to “manage the federal government effectively” or “bring about the changes this country needs.” A pretty damning indictment, considering the GOP is currently disassembling the government with a rusty hacksaw while wearing furry BDSM blindfolds.In the wake of running (and losing) a centrist presidential campaign side-by-side with the Cheneys, followed by a wave of interest in democratic socialists at the local level, liberal centrists are scrambling to prove that their ideology is still relevant and popular with voters. They suggest that candidates like Zohran Mamdani are “dangerous.” But…dangerous for whom?Do Democrats have a messaging problem, or a message problem? Do Americans need more convincing, or might Democrats need better principles? If only there were an overwhelmingly popular Democratic candidate whose positions we could study!Rather than step-ball-changing with the times, establishment Democrats are digging in their heels. Calls to rally behind Gavin Newsom are already rampant because, the thinking goes, “We need to unify the Left.” Instead of pushing for change, it’s time to fall in line and support yet another candidate who’s functionally indistinguishable from the last three unpopular candidates so we can “save democracy” and “beat Trump” and “no, seriously, stop asking why we keep sending billions to Israel, your ~purity politics~ of drawing the line at genocide are annoying.”Today, we investigate the end of the so-called “liberal order.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.diabolicalliespod.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.diabolicalliespod.comTaylor Swift recently confirmed the imminent arrival of her 12th studio album, Life of a Showgirl. Over the course of a single fateful podcast interview, a new musical era wasn’t ushered through our cultural door so much as it kicked down the door entirely, machine guns blazing, screaming at us to drop to our knees and choke glitter. The marketing rollout for the Latest Taylor Swift Album to Save the Music Industry is now in full force, and likely will continue at pace through the album’s release date in October. For example, If you type Swift’s name into the Google search engine, your screen will rain orange confetti. Or if you enjoy following CPG brands on social media1, then you might have noticed the corporate leach effect of what amounts to one long algorithmic skid mark of unofficial brand collabs: United, Post It, Mentos, Oli Pop, Hallmark, Victoria’s Secret, Sharpie, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, to name a few. Who says social media innovation is dead!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.diabolicalliespod.comIn this (bonus) conversation…Ever wondered why Bari Weiss is constantly creeping around the perimeters of the conversations we have on this podcast? Well, folks, today’s the day to understand.