It Could Happen Here

In this lively session, Trant, the comedic alchemist, Squash, the sassy fighter, and Spite, the virtuous champion, dive into a perilous swamp adventure. They battle armed skeletons with high-stakes combat, showcasing Trant’s critical shot that turns the tide. As they navigate grave-robbing antics, they find magical treasures and face off against the fearsome Two-Tusk, a giant swamp creature. After a thrilling confrontation, they return to Bog Bottom to save villagers from memory loss, hinting at a deeper danger lurking in the swamp.

Shereen Sekhari from the Journal of Palestine Studies brings valuable insights into Palestinian knowledge production, emphasizing its role in resisting erasure and shaping narratives. She discusses the surveillance of Palestinian scholars and the need for centering their voices. Alma Avaye, a former Condé Nast union leader, reveals the stark realities behind the layoffs at Teen Vogue and the retaliatory firings linked to union activities. Their conversation sheds light on labor struggles in media and the importance of solidarity in academia and journalism.

The hosts dive into the intriguing debate over whether 'Bubba' refers to a horse or a president. They unpack the fallout from newly released Epstein documents, raising eyebrows about significant public figures. A furry twist involves a controversial assassin, while the State Department designates four 'Antifa' groups as terrorists. Economic woes are explored with talks of a quiet recession and the AI bubble risks. Finally, concerns arise over redistricting in Texas and the implications of ICE's actions.

Dana El Kurd hosts Sherene Seikaly, a historian and editor of the Journal of Palestine Studies. They dive deep into the significance of Palestinian knowledge production and the journal's legacy. Seikaly reveals the founders’ mission to resist erasure and celebrate Nakba memory. The conversation tackles barriers faced by Palestinian scholars, including surveillance and harassment, and critiques media complicity in undermining critical thinking. They also discuss the intersectionality of the Palestinian struggle and the resilience of scholars rising to meet modern challenges.

In this discussion, Alma Avalle, the former Bon Appétit staffer and current VP of the News Guild of New York, shares her firsthand experience of being fired during Condé Nast's recent layoffs. She delves into the retaliatory tactics used against union organizers and highlights the racial and trans impacts of these changes, particularly at Teen Vogue. Alma also emphasizes the importance of workplace solidarity, the challenges faced by marginalized staff, and the potential for unions to transform media workplaces while pushing for justice and transparency from management.

In this lively discussion, Nick Fuentes, a right-wing livestreamer, shares his controversial views with Tucker Carlson on the impact of pornography on sexual behavior and relationships. They delve into how excessive porn consumption may lead to sexual dysfunction and shifts in identity, particularly towards LGBT identification. Fuentes boldly examines the declining marriage rates, attributing it to societal changes and the rise of 'hoflation,' where women overestimate their value in the dating market. The conversation challenges norms and provokes thought on gender dynamics and modern relationships.

Mia explores the intricate challenges facing newly elected Zohran Mamdani, emphasizing that electing a mayor is just the beginning. She delves into how the bond market restricts city funding and the historical risks of bond crises. The podcast discusses the necessity for state cooperation, especially with Governor Hochul's hesitations on key policies like free buses. Mia also highlights the obstacles posed by police culture and advocates for grassroots organizing to empower progressive reforms amidst systemic constraints.

Join Jason Buhlman, director of games at Paizo, and a lively group of players as they navigate the whimsical world of Pathfinder. They dive into the mystery of missing villagers in Bogbottom, recount a thrilling battle at a mill, and unravel the peculiar behavior of the rescued townsfolk. Expect explosive antics from Trant’s character, the healing powers of Murdy’s cleric, and the cheeky banter from Squash’s dog-folk rogue. Together, they face swamp threats and seek rare ingredients in their quest, making for a rollercoaster adventure of camaraderie and peril.

Dana Al-Kurd, an expert on Palestinian and Arab politics, joins journalist and activist Ahmad Moore to delve into the evolving landscape of pro-Palestine organizing. They discuss critical changes in activism and political impact since October 2023, emphasizing a shift from rights-based advocacy to critiques of the U.S. empire. The duo highlights strategies for building coalitions within the Palestinian diaspora and practical steps for activists, offering insights into the current political dynamics and future directions for the movement.

The discussion kicks off with insights on the government shutdown's resolution and healthcare compromises. Epstein emails reveal troubling connections among elites, raising questions about Trump's associations. The hosts dissect media coverage lapses surrounding Epstein as crucial elections loom. There's a deep dive into January 6th conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding misidentified bombers. The team debates the implications of proposed pasta tariffs and critiques the viability of 50-year mortgages, alongside concerns over job and inflation data transparency.