The Political Orphanage

Freddie deBoer, a writer and cultural critic known for his thoughtful insights on mental health, discusses his debut novel, The Mind Reels. He explains why he chose fiction to capture the raw reality of mental illness over a memoir, avoiding romanticized portrayals. Freddie delves into the nuances of mania, contrasting it with Hollywood myths, and shares his personal experiences with bipolar traits. He highlights the importance of understanding the difference between sadness and clinical depression and offers practical advice for those navigating mental health challenges.

Discover the real story behind Thanksgiving, filled with intrigue and betrayal. Tisquantum, or Squanto, emerges as a savvy political operator who faced enslavement, plagues, and loss. His journey back home reveals a decimated community and a world reshaped by disease. As he negotiates alliances with the Pilgrims, the feast turns into a political spectacle. Squanto's role in diplomacy showcases the clash of cultures and the complexities of property concepts. Reflect on his legacy that secured peace and the nuances of belonging.

Jeremiah Johnson, founder of the Center for New Liberalism and host of the New Liberal podcast, advocates for living kidney donation. He reveals the staggering 100,000-person waitlist and explains why deceased donations aren’t enough. The proposed End Kidney Deaths Act offers a $10,000 yearly credit for strangers donating kidneys, potentially eliminating the waitlist. Jeremiah shares his personal donation experience, discusses the ethical implications, and highlights how financial incentives could effectively boost kidney donations, benefiting both donors and recipients.

Tim Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute and author of You Don't Own Me, delves into individualism and cultural critique. He discusses the cynical portrayal of society in The Walking Dead and debates whether humanity is inherently cooperative or brutish. Sandefur contrasts pagan virtues with bourgeois values, exploring why we admire heroes yet need civility. The conversation touches on moral complexity in literature and the allure of strong-man aesthetics, ultimately questioning the state of modern political discourse.

Clive Crispin, a theatre critic for BBC Bolton, dives into the satirical world of "Shutdown: The Musical." He shares his passion for political musicals and explores the show’s comedic take on budget collapses and furloughs. Clive highlights historical political events from the Civiletti memo to the Trump era, illustrating how both parties utilize shutdowns as theatrical tools. Amidst the humor, he emphasizes human impacts like SNAP cuts and the emotional struggles of workers, making the musical a reflection on political theatre today.

Delve into the fascinating quirks of terra nullius, exploring unclaimed lands like Iceland and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Discover the chaotic history of Kowloon Walled City, once a dense, lawless haven. Learn about modern aspirations like Liberland, a self-proclaimed libertarian domain founded amid a territorial dispute, and the whimsical tale of North Sudan, a crowdfunded kingdom. Each story unveils the oddities of sovereignty and human ambition in places without clear governance.

Jeffrey Rosen, a legal scholar and president of the National Constitution Center, dives into the ideological battle between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. He contrasts Jefferson's vision of a rural democracy with Hamilton's push for a strong, commercial republic. Rosen discusses their differing views on governance, human nature, and corruption, revealing how their legacies shape modern politics. He also explores themes of race, slavery, and evolving interpretations of the Constitution, leaving listeners with insights into how these founders still influence today’s political landscape.

Turner Sparks, a stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit, and Michael Ira Kaplan, a seasoned comic and real estate expert, dive into the ethical dilemmas surrounding performances in authoritarian regimes. They tackle the Riyadh Comedy Festival controversy, debating whether comedy can promote liberal ideas despite heavy restrictions. Sparks argues against accepting gigs that may endorse oppressive governments, while Kaplan explores the role of personal ethics and the challenges comedians face when tailoring their sets under censorship.

Explore the chilling history of cruel and unusual punishments, from branding horse thieves to the dramatic execution of William Wallace. Discover how notions of cruelty evolved, influenced by the English Bill of Rights and America’s Eighth Amendment. Delve into why economic factors and sadistic practices shaped punishment methods, and learn about the intriguing literacy loopholes that altered offenders' fates. Uncover the distinctions between structured punishments and arbitrary torture, shedding light on how history informs contemporary interpretations of justice.

Ronnie London, general counsel at FIRE and a veteran in First Amendment litigation, dives into the impact of Texas's age verification law that led Pornhub to shut down in the state. He discusses the intricate battle of free speech against state regulations, unpacking the Free Speech Coalition's lawsuit. Topics include the Miller test for obscenity, historical court precedents, and the complexities surrounding online identity checks. London critically examines Texas's true objectives and advocates for less invasive measures over blanket restrictions.