Diabolical Lies

This discussion delves into Karoline Leavitt's controversial dual role as a White House Press Secretary and a social media influencer. It highlights her journey from an ice cream business to political engagement and her ties to the Trump administration. The conversation critiques the impact of social media and far-right strategies on political campaigns, exploring the challenges faced by grassroots candidates. Humor is championed as a tool for resistance, revealing the absurdities of modern politics and the intertwining of influencer culture with political branding.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.diabolicalliespod.comIn this conversation…Over the last several months, the policy agenda of the pro-natalist right has become startlingly clear. What’s much less clear, though, is how the left plans to counter such red-pilled pro-baby and pro-family rhetoric—or if the left even wants to counter this rhetoric.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.diabolicalliespod.comIn this conversation…Katie & Caro answer questions from our paid subscriber chat of Dirty Little Liars, like:* Who would be your dream guest on Diabolical Lies (if you ever get over your narcissistic obsession with being the only two people yapping)?* Are you actually joining DSA (Democratic Socialists of America)?* What are the logistical challenges around setting up the charitable aspect of the business?* What’s an issue you’ve recently changed your opinion on?…plus, some Careless People and Space Girlboss reflection.

In this conversation…It’s the best system we’ve tried so far! It’s just human nature! It’s the force that drives innovation! …or is it? What if capitalism isn’t pushing us forward anymore, but holding us back from the future that we could have? Diabolical Lies investigates. 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.comIn this conversation…You asked, we answered. Today we’re talking about the latest, greatest moral panic of our time: Are trans athletes ruining women’…

The discussion dives into the MAHA movement, revealing how its claims about children's health often mask wider societal issues. Listeners learn about the controversial Moms for Liberty and their role in deepening societal divides. The podcast critiques the intersection of wellness and politics, addressing misinformation on dietary supplements and vaccines. Personal narratives highlight the tensions within wellness culture, revealing the challenges of navigating health in a profit-driven industry while addressing systemic healthcare inequities.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.diabolicalliespod.comIn this conversation…What does it mean to “run the government like a business” in America today? In today’s episode, we scrutinize the fetishization of “efficiency” and the American businessman, the role this valorization played in the ascendancy of our current “leaders,” and what everyone’s getting wrong about how business is done in America today—through the lens of a recent bombshell report that “breastaurant” Hooters is filing for bankruptcy.Got questions? ask@diabolicalliespod.com.References in the Episode“Is Hooters Really Rebranding Because Millennials ‘Aren’t That Into Boobs’ Anymore? Here’s What We Know So Far,” the important, hard-hitting journalism you’ve come to expect from Peter Thiel’s favorite beach read, Evie Magazine“The decline and fall of Hooters,” by Kara Kennedy in The New Statesman“Hooters in Talks for Potential Bankruptcy in Coming Months,” by Eliza Ronalds-Hannon and Reshmi Basu for Bloomberg UK“Chanticleer Holdings and Hooters Ring NASDAQ Closing Bell,” a 2012 Hooters press release“Prison food is the latest target in a campaign to divest holdings,” by Fola Akinnibi for The Los Angeles Times, because nothing says American dream quite like the ROI on mass incarceration“PE Firms Rebrand Prison Healthcare Companies, But Care Issues Continue,” by Syed Hamza Sohail for HIT ConsultantThe Private Equity Stakeholder Project’s report on HIG Capital and Wellpath, and the 1,395 times the “Correct Care Solutions” subsidiary was sued in federal court“PE-Backed Prison Health-Care Firm Wellpath Declares Bankruptcy” by Dorothy Ma for Bloomberg“H.I.G. Capital’s Companies Mired in Regulatory and Headline Risk,” by Eileen O’Grady for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project“H.I.G. Capital puts Hooters up for sale,” by Luisa Beltran for PE Hub in 2015“H.I.G. calls off ‘Hooters of America’ auction,” by Luisa Beltran for PE Hub approximately 10 minutes later lol“H.I.G.-backed Hooters of America seeks a buyer: sources,” by Luisa Beltran for PE Hub in 2018“New Owners of Hooters Plan to Expand Less Offensive Spinoff, Hoots” by Greg Morabito for Eater“Hooters of America sold to 2 private equity firms,” by Julie Littman for Restaurant Dive“Hooters of America Announces Closing of $70 Million Term Loan Facility,” from Stephen Brown on Business Wire“How the Financialization of America Hurt Workers and the Economy,” by Michael Collins for IndustryWeek“The Apprentice, Intro Season 1, Donald Trump,” which is nothing short of an absolute fucking trip to the reality television universe where this man truly shined and should’ve stayedMarjorie Taylor Greene being generally confused about how the government is supposed to work pt. 359235“Trump seeks to run government like a business, for better or worse,” by Brett Samuels for The Hill, which contains some of the bleakest quotes known to science“DOGE is causing the very problem it claims to be solving,” by Shannon Arvizu for The Hill“Trump Quietly Plans to Liquidate Public Lands to Finance His Sovereign Wealth Fund,” by Mark Haggerty and Jenny Rowland-Shea for the Center for American ProgressRonald Reagan contradicting himself for 41 seconds“How Ronald Reagan Tried to Shrink Government Spending” by Christopher Klein for Historyusaspending.gov, a literal line by line accounting of where we spend money“Americans voted for Trump, but don’t support his agenda,” by G. Elliott Morris for ABC News“What DOGE is Doing Across the Federal Government,” by Nik Popli for Timefiscaldata.treasury.gov, where you can learn about the national debt“How Much Is the National Debt? What Are the Different Measures Used?” from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation

In this lively discussion, Lily Phillips, a British sex worker and OnlyFans creator famous for her audacious 100-men-in-a-day challenge, delves into the complexities of sex work. She shares her journey of empowerment and challenges societal perceptions, exploring the impact of platforms like OnlyFans. The conversation highlights the emotional toll and safety concerns sex workers face, while questioning the double standards in societal judgments. With humor and insight, Phillips advocates for a more nuanced understanding of individual agency in the sex work industry.

Delve into the evolving aesthetics of femininity within the New Right, where a woman's appearance intertwines with her political message. Discover the historical dynamics of feminine representation, from traditional roles to the modern complexities shaped by figures like Sarah Palin. Examine the critiques of beauty culture and how they resonate in today's media, particularly in conservative circles. Uncover the intersection of politics and consumer identity, all while navigating the cultural narratives that define gender in the current political landscape.

Discover the intriguing contrast between TikTok and Facebook, delving into their algorithmic impacts on society. Explore how TikTok's rise reflects changing teen preferences while Facebook struggles with user engagement.