Hysteria

In this lively discussion, comedian Kara Klenk shares her sharp wit, delving into Melania Trump's cringeworthy children's storytime attempt. The trio critiques performative charity through the lens of viral Angel Trees and the complexities of thoughtful giving. They also provide down-to-earth advice for celebrating the holidays on a budget, navigating dating in your 20s, and even the best vacuum picks. With humor and insight, they tackle both the absurd and the practical in today’s cultural landscape.

Dive into the controversial world of Kash Patel as the hosts expose his dubious claims about the Benghazi case and his questionable connections to Trump. From his self-importance and performative masculinity to his relationship with a much younger girlfriend, the criticisms are sharp. They scrutinize his media ventures post-2020 and the financial controversies surrounding him. With mockery and insight, the hosts dissect Patel’s opportunism and the dangers it poses to political institutions.

The Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, joins Hysteria to give some holiday and hosting advice, including potluck wisdom, host gift etiquette, and the best topics for dinner party discussion. Erin and Alyssa also get into some petty news stories, including Trump’s mystery MRI, Karoline Leavitt’s nasty Thanksgiving feast, and the University of Oklahoma student who flunked a paper after including questionable bible citations. They finished up with a discussion of Wicked: For Good, blind items, and Mormon Wife Whitney Leavitt’s upcoming Broadway debut. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Trump says he’ll release MRI results but doesn’t know what part of his body was scanned (AP News 12/1)OU student claims bad grade is an attack on her faith (Salon 11/30)Melania Trump Announces Muse Films Production Company (The Hollywood Reporter 11/28) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Erin and Alyssa are joined by their producer, Caroline Reston, for a Hysteria Thanksgiving special. They answer juicy questions from the conversation tin, dish out solicited advice on holiday woes, and do an extra petty edition of Sanity Corner. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Erin and Alyssa unravel the chaotic saga of Alex Jones, revealing his bizarre early life and outrageous self-mythologizing. They dive into his conspiracy roots, from the Waco incident to the infamous 9/11 claims that skyrocketed his popularity. Listen in as they dissect his failed predictions, iconic rants about 'chemicals in the water,' and the dark monetization of fear through questionable products. The duo also covers his personal turmoil, courtroom dramas, and the staggering $1.4 billion judgment related to the Sandy Hook controversy. It's a wild ride through the mind of a real-life man-baby.

Abby Phillip, a political journalist and CNN anchor, joins the conversation to discuss her book, *A Dream Deferred*, which explores Jesse Jackson's fight for Black political power. She highlights Jackson's activism in the 1970s and his approach to coalition-building, revealing lessons for modern Democrats. The discussion also touches on parallels between Jackson and Bernie Sanders, and the impact of Jackson's efforts on Obama and the Democratic Party. Abby shares her experiences reporting under Trump, introducing a fascinating mix of politics and media insights.

Tara McGowan, founder of Courier Newsroom, emphasizes the challenge of creating engaging truth amid misinformation. Stephanie Valencia, co-founder of Equis, highlights effective media strategies for reaching Latino audiences, combining digital and radio. Jessica Valenti, prominent writer and activist, advocates for focused coverage on critical issues like abortion, stressing the need for authentic narratives. Together, they explore the gaps in progressive media and the urgency to innovate to engage and mobilize audiences effectively.

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal shares her insights on how Democrats can transition from being merely an opposition party to proposing positive policies on healthcare and childcare. She discusses the importance of grassroots organizing and the impact of her Resistance Lab on empowering activists. Comedian Suzanne Lambert adds her comedic flair, offering hilarious dating advice for navigating D.C. and tackling workplace fashion dilemmas. Their witty banter culminates in a light-hearted roast of Republican hairstyles and political antics.

Join U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride and Janelle Bynum, along with political strategists Ben Wikler and Anderson Clayton, as they tackle effective strategies for Democrats to reclaim power everywhere. They discuss the importance of authentic local candidates and grassroots volunteerism. McBride highlights rebuilding trust with voters, while Bynum emphasizes campaign discipline. Wikler shares insights on multi-layered political strategy, and Clayton talks about engaging both urban and rural communities. Together, they explore bridging divides for a broader coalition.

Delving into the controversial life and career of Pam Bondi, the discussion reveals her questionable rise in Florida politics and ties to Trump. Listeners learn about her dog controversy, alleged favoritism toward major donors, and lack of action on key cases like Epstein's. The hosts critique her stance on LGBT rights and her media missteps after the Pulse shooting. With a mix of political drama and personal anecdotes, the examination paints a vivid picture of an attorney general whose loyalty often overshadowed legal integrity.