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Blabbermouth is a weekly Stranger podcast in which Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith dive into the latest national news and stickiest cultural debates. A wide-ranging, often-testy discussion of all the issues you need to know about in order to pose as an informed, productive member of society!…

The Stranger

  • Mar 18, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • infrequent NEW EPISODES
  • 44m AVG DURATION
  • 100 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Blabbermouth

Episode 236: Pandemic Pause

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 0:39


We’ve been broadcasting this show from Seattle, one of America’s major coronavirus hotspots, and to be honest things in this city have just gotten a little too real for us to be able to do the show this week. We’ll come back as soon as we can and tell you what’s next. For now, please take good care of yourselves and do your parts to flatten the curve of this pandemic. (Wash! Your! Filthy! Hands! People!) If you need it, the Blabberphone is still there for you: 206-302-3063.

Episode 235: Pandemic

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2020 40:31


With stinging losses for Bernie Sanders in Michigan and beyond on Tuesday, it’s time to ask: What went wrong with his campaign? Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk it out. After that, with news that the coronavirus is officially a pandemic breaking during the show, the Blabbermouth crew evaluates responses so far and offers the experience of hard-hit Seattle as a warning to the rest of the nation. Finally, a call from a listener who has some things to say about Bernie and black voters. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 234: Joementum?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2020 38:07


All of a sudden Joe Biden seems pretty damn likely to win the Democratic nomination and take on President Trump this fall. How’d that happen? Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about what the Super Tuesday results mean for Biden, Bernie, Warren, and the Democratic Party. After that, the latest on the coronavirus. Blabbermouth is broadcasting from the center of the largest outbreak in the United States, and Rich, Katie, and Eli talk about what that's like, what you can do to stay healthy, and how the Trump administration has so far failed on virus testing. Finally, a deliciously distracting show that Rich is watching right now and a special pandemic prep recipe from Katie. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 233: Bernie vs. the World

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 43:02


With the CDC warning Americans to prepare for the coronavirus, Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about what, exactly, a person should do. They also offer a little advice on what a misinformed president should do. After that, Rich explains how Bernie Sanders successfully held his ground during a messy, off-putting debate ahead of this Saturday's South Carolina primary. And finally, Eli explains why he was totally wrong about the Netflix series Cheer, Nathalie Graham explains what’s great about the Netflix series Love Is Blind, and Jasmyne Keimig offers some thoughts on Hulu’s High Fidelity remake, featuring Zoe Kravitz. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 232: Ugh, Bloomberg 

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 52:18


The 9th Democratic debate takes place in Las Vegas this Wednesday, only three days before the Nevada caucuses. For the first time ever, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg—the 9th richest person on the planet and only one of the billionaires trying to buy the Democratic nomination—will join his rivals onstage. With Eli Sanders out today, Rich Smith steps in to host Dan Savage and Katie Herzog in a brief preview of the debate and a not-so-brief conversation about Bloomberg’s past and the many problems he poses for the future. Then, Bernie Sanders. Before the Vermont Senator hunkered down this week in Nevada for a series of get-out-the-vote rallies, he helped rallies in a few working class west coast cities. Stranger culture critic Jasmyne Keimig, digital editor Chase Burns, and Rich hopped in a van and felt the Bern at Sanders's 17,000-person rally in Tacoma, Washington. They talk about Bernie’s appeal, and, for the umpteenth (and final?) time, the problem with a minority of Sanders’s online supporters. Finally, Chase and Jasmyne gush over two great, gay romances playing in a cinema near you. In Portrait of A Lady On Fire, director Céline Sciamma tells the story of a woman painter commissioned to paint a portrait of a subject who refuses to sit for it. And Then We Danced, directed by Levan Akin, looks at, among other things, forbidden love between traditional dancers in the country of Georgia. 

Episode 231: Shredded State of the Union

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020 41:59


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Katie Herzog talk about Trump’s lie-laden State of the Union address, Nancy Pelosi’s viral response, and whether Senator Susan Collins is right that Trump has “learned from” his impeachment experience. After that, Rich Smith explains what the Iowa caucus disaster means for the Democrats, whether Bernie or Buttigieg or someone else really won, and what Bloomberg is up to. Finally, Rich and Eli talk about two good books they’ve just finished: “Weather” by Jenny Offill and “American Oligarchs” by Andrea Bernstein. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 230: Question Time

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 45:04


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith are excited about question time, the latest twist in President Trump’s impeachment trial. What questions will the Senators ask? What should they be asking? The Blabber panel has some ideas. After that, Katie looks into Amazon’s attempt to silence its employees on the issue of climate change and Rich does a victory dance as Bernie Sanders looks like he’s about to win next week’s Iowa caucuses. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns have three movies you might be about to miss, but definitely shouldn’t miss. Pedro Almodovar’s Pain and Glory is one of them. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 229: “The Bernie Blackout” 

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 46:34


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith examine the Republican-approved rules for Trump’s impeachment trial in the US Senate, and then talk about how the trial’s going so far. After that, Hillary Clinton’s claim that “nobody” like Bernie Sanders (um, has she met Rich?) and The New York Times’ failure to pick one candidate to endorse in the Democratic primary fight. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig explains what’s great about The L Word: Generation Q on Showtime and Rich heaps praise on a Netflix docuseries called Cheer. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 229: Bernie, Biden, or Warren? 

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 41:58


With a bunch of new impeachment news coming in, Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about how the looming Senate trial is going to look and what to expect from Justice John Roberts, who’ll be presiding. After that, what did we learn from this week's final Democratic debate before the Iowa caucuses? Anything? It seems like the race is coming down to Bernie, Biden, or Warren, so… who should it be? Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns talk about the Oscar nominations and two movies worth seeing in theaters right now: 1917 and Uncut Gems. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 228: Trumpian Missile Crisis

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2020 45:07


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about President Trump’s standoff with Iran, which escalated this week when Trump ordered a missile strike that killed a top Iranian general. Iran then fired missiles at US bases in Iraq in response, and now—at least for the moment—Trump is talking peace. After that, a question: Would the Donald Trump we know create a new round of Middle East conflict just to distract from impeachment? Katie Herzog helps Dan and Eli with an answer, and then she explains why, with the Iowa caucuses fast approaching, she’s turned on Elizabeth Warren. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns talk about what happened at the Golden Globes, what it all means, and what errors and omissions need to be corrected before February's Oscars. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 227: Impeached? Check!

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2019 48:55


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Katie Herzog mark Impeachment Day with an examination of Trump’s deranged letter to Nancy Pelosi, an appreciation for Pelosi’s coolness under fire, and of course some angst about whether this will actually help Trump get re-elected in 2020. After that, with yet another Democratic debate coming up (this one, mercifully, including only 7 candidates), Rich Smith helps Dan and Eli understand why young Pete Buttigieg is so loathed by the young, liberal Twitterati. Finally, Chase Burns gets riled up about the new movie Cats and Jasmyne Keimig explains why she loved Little Women (and why it’s not just for women, dudes). Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 226: Impeach Barr

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2019 46:19


The House Judiciary Committee has decided to draw up two articles of impeachment; one for “abuse of power,” and the other for “obstructing Congress.” Dan Savage, Katie Herzog, Rich Smith, who steps in as host for Eli Sanders on the first two segments, discuss the benefits and disadvantages of what the New York Times calls a “narrow” and “vague” pair of articles. Next, the same crew mulls over the FBI inspector general’s newly released report on the Mueller investigations. Democrats are saying the report clears the FBI of Trump’s accusations of bias (because it does) and Republicans say the report shows a clear attempt to “overthrow” the present (because it doesn’t). Attorney General William Barr isn’t satisfied with the report, and says he’s in the midst of his own investigation of the investigators. Savage has a solution for that. Finally, Eli Sanders returns in the third segment to talk about the Golden Globe nominees. Find out who got robbed, and who did the robbing. 

Episode 225: Farewell, "Cop” Kamala

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2019 50:24


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about the latest impeachment drama, which took place this week in a new venue: the big, ready-to-brawl House Judiciary Committee. After that, a not totally fond farewell to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who dropped out of the race this week shortly after The New York Times declared her campaign had already “unraveled” and long after people like Rich had already declared that Harris was a “cop.” And finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns join in on a discussion of two movies worth seeing: Atlantics on Netflix and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood in theaters. They also dig up an old Tom Hanks project that’ll make you question his current status as a modern day saint. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 224: Text Me the Gravy

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 45:21


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith give you all the ammunition you’ll need for your Thanksgiving table political arguments, plus a Twitter-launched image you won’t be able to get out of your mind: a bare-chested, boxing-glove-clad Donald Trump. (You’re welcome.) After that, an investigation into why the president’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, is such a bad texter. And finally, Nathalie Graham offers some solid recommendations for books you can be “reading” (or actually reading) in your former childhood bedroom before, during, and after the turkey carving. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 223: Currently Hanging

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 47:17


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Katie Herzog have all been glued to impeachment coverage this week and react to new revelations in Wednesday's bombshell testimony of Ambassador Gordon Sondland. Dan also offers a theory about why Donald Trump made an unexpected, unannounced visit to the doctor over the weekend. After that, Rich Smith has a thing or two to say about the ongoing war in the Democratic Party between so-called moderates and so-called purists, and Dan considers what a victory in Iowa would say about Pete Buttigieg, who’s suddenly leading in the polls there. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig considers the image of Jeff Bezos, as presented by painter Robert McCurdy in an image currently hanging at the National Portrait Gallery. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 222: High Crimes

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2019 54:43


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith react to the first public hearings in the Trump impeachment inquiry, which got underway just before we sat down to record this week’s episode. Will this new phase, and the latest revelations, change anything at all? And does the real change actually need to occur in the Republican-controlled Senate, by allowing Senators to vote anonymously on whether to convict and remove Trump? After that, Lester Black joins in to talk about the nationally important Seattle election that caused us to miss last week’s episode. Lester also gives us an update on the latest developments in the nationwide outbreak of vaping-related illness. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns help make sense of the streaming wars, which kicked into super high gear this week. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 221: No Show!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2019 0:32


Hey folks, we are busy covering the local election here in Seattle, so no show for you this week.  See you next week! 

Episode 220: Wipeout!

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2019 47:21


Eli Sanders, Rich Smith, and Katie Herzog talk about the latest impeachment drama and a story from Axios that reports on Republicans quietly fearing a “total wipeout in 2020.” That’s right, party insiders say there’s a “three-alarm fire” going on that could lead to Democrats keeping the House and winning the Senate and White House, too. After that, Katie dives into the controversy over Democratic Congresswoman Katie Hill, who is resigning amid revelations concerning a thrupple she was involved in and an alleged relationship she had with a staffer in her House office. Also, Eli flags a story that hasn’t received enough attention: Facebook employees rebelling over Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to allow politicians to lie in political ads. The employees have some ideas for how Facebook can do better, and they’re really interesting. Finally, two books we’re loving right now. Rich talks about Madeline flitch’s Stay and Fight while Jasmyne Keimig talks about Sally Rooeny’s Normal People. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 219: Star Chamber

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 47:30


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about what’s going on inside the so-called “star chamber”—aka, a secure House of Representatives hearing room—where House impeachment investigators are hearing day after day of damning testimony against President Trump. Also: the author an anonymous New York Times op-ed from 2018 that chronicled dysfunction within the Trump administration is now publishing a book (also anonymously). It’s going to be called “A Warning,” and it will be out in November. After that, Katie Herzog considers a high-level Democratic freak-out about the current crop of presidential candidates. Does the world really need Hillary Clinton, Michael Bloomberg, John Kerry, or some other presidential wannabe to enter this already crowded race? Finally, Jasmyne Keimig talks about an artist you should know, a graphic novel about her way-ahead-or-her-time life, and a current HBO series that’s also connected to a graphic novel, Watchmen. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 218: Warren vs. The World

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2019 50:55


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about the latest Democratic presidential candidates debate, which featured A LOT of attacks on Senator Elizabeth Warren. Maybe because Warren's emerging as the front-runner? After that, Katie Herzog considers some alleged misstatements by Warren about pregnancy discrimination and then calls out untruths and more from the first-ever LGBTQ town hall on CNN. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig talks about two recording artists with new albums you should be listening to: Devandra Banhart and Sumer Walker. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 217: Queen of the World

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2019 43:54


Eli Sanders, Rich Smith, and Chase Burns catch up on all the fast-moving impeachment news, as well as a new report from the Senate Intelligence Committee that confirms, yet again, that the Russians interfered in America’s 2016 election to harm Hillary Clinton and benefit Donald Trump. The report also warns the Russians are still at it, and that the US needs to start taking defensive action. After that, a case currently before the US Supreme Court could have a big affect on LGBT rights in the workplace. Which way will the two Trump-appointed justices vote? And speaking of gay rights… Should Ellen DeGeneres have been palling around in a fancy sky box at a Dallas Cowboys football game with former President George W. Bush, who opposed gay marriage? Jasmyne Keimig has a firm answer. Finally, Chase updates us on RuPaul’s world domination and explains how to watch the new British Drag Race. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 216: Good Judy, Bad President

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 42:12


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith catch up on a week of fast-breaking impeachment developments and consider the possibility of President Pence. (Or President Pelosi!) After that, Nathalie Graham talks about the one-year anniversary of Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony against Brett Kavanaugh, plus a new book from the New York Times reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. It’s called “She Said.” Finally, Christopher Frizzelle and Chase Burns talk about the new Renee Zellweger movie, Judy. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 215: We're ITMFA-ing!

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2019 44:24


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about Nancy Pelosi’s decision to jump aboard the ITMFA train and open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Trump’s “lawless” behavior. The move came after new revelations that Trump pressured the president of Ukraine to investigate one of Trump’s political rivals here in the United States, former Vice President Joe Biden. After that, Lester Black and Katie Herzog respond to listener concerns about how we described America’s vape-related illness outbreak on the last episode of Blabbermouth. They also talk about whether they’re still vaping. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig runs through some of the best moments at the Emmys and Chase Burns explains what’s so great about the new J-lo movie, Hustlers. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 215: No Show This Week!

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2019 0:24


That's right. We taking the week off.  206-302-2063

Episode 214: Eighteen Years

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2019 41:29


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about the 18th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, which happened when Katie and Rich were teenagers. After that: John Bolton is out of the Trump administration, Marianne Williamson it out of the next Democratic debate, and Trump is editing the weather with a Sharpie—so everything’s gonna be just fine! Then, the nationwide focus on vaping-related illnesses. Lester Black explains what’s going on and what to do. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig tells us about grime rapper slowthai and a new album from FKA twigs. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 213: Hurricane

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2019 48:28


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about hurricanes, global warming, golf, Trump, and the lessons Americans can draw from the wild constitutional crisis that’s currently gripping Great Britain. After that, Katie Herzog dives into a “cancel culture” controversy involving the new film Adam and strong feelings about how trans characters should be depicted. Finally, Charles Mudede and Jasmyne Keimig talk about “American Factory,” the fantastic new Netflix documentary that was produced by the Obamas.Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 212: Beach Read

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2019 47:23


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith skip through the most recent Trumpian incoherence—which we really can’t take any more of until after Labor Day—and then talk about something far less dire but far more interesting: bed bugs. Specifically, the bed bugs metaphor that this week freaked out New York Times columnist Bret Stephens and delighted Twitter. After that, Rich talks about what it was like to meet and talk with Elizabeth Warren after she drew the largest crowd of her campaign (15,000 people!) in Seattle. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig quickly squashes a conspiracy theory that's floating in the Blabbermouth podcast Facebook group and then helps you find that beach read you’ve been wanting for this end-of-summer weekend. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 211: King of the Jews

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 39:55


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about Trump’s recent demand that American Jews stop being “disloyal” and stupid by voting for Democrats. (Also discussed: Trump’s proud retweet of a guy who called him the “King of Israel.”) Plus, in a surprise to no one, Trump has abandoned his talk about enacting meaningful gun control in the wake of continued mass shootings. After that, Katie explains what’s going on with Title X, Planned Parenthood, and the Trump administration. It’s a bureaucratic duel that has major consequences for how reproductive healthcare is delivered in this country. Finally, Jasmyne explains what’s so irresistible about HBO’s Succession and dives into a New York Times investigation into presidential candidates’ playlists. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 210: The Recession Cometh. Maybe?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2019 36:50


Germany’s economy is contracting and a bond stat called the “yield curve” has inverted, causing economists to warn of an impending recession. Dan Savage, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith, who steps in as host while Eli Sanders is out on vacation, have lived through a few of these economic downturns. They’ll give you some tips and tricks for getting through the next one. Then, after the largest massacre of Latinx people in recent memory, on Monday, Trump introduced a new rule to crack down on legal immigration. The Blabbermouth crew puts their heads together and talks about why the new rule is racist and bad. After that, Savage, Herzog, and Smith discuss some good news. According to House Judiciary chair Rep. Gerry Nadler, the House has already begun formal impeachment proceedings. But is this soft rollout what the ITMFA crowd is hoping? Finally, Jefferey Epstein. His alleged prison suicide launched a thousand conspiracy theories on Twitter—one of which was retweeted by the President. What are we doing here, people? And will Epstein’s victims find justice? 

Episode 209: Red Flags

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2019 45:30


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about the mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso, Trump’s role in them, and whether we’ll now, finally see some Congressional action on common sense gun laws. After that, a caller demands we stop talking about the Democratic presidential debates! (And we sorta comply—but only sorta.) Then, another caller takes Eli to task for comparing Marianne Williamson to Trump. Way off, she says. Finally, Rich reflects on Toni Morrison and Dan talks about why he loves Fosse / Verdon on FX. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 208: Dark Psychic Force

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2019 42:02


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith ponder the “dark psychic force” that was unleashed during this week’s first Democratic presidential candidate debate. We have Marianne Williamson to thank for the phrase, but what do we make of Williamson's Trump-of-the-Left stylings? And how’d Warren and Bernie do? And how many more of these cage match debates can we take??? After that, three really interesting calls from Blabbermouth listeners on why “the revolution” isn’t coming. And finally, Chase Burns and Jasmyne Keimig talk about the Criterion Collection and an epic journey the two of them are making to the lost world of DVDs. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 207: Revolution?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2019 42:06


The Mueller hearings were in process as Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith sat down to talk about what it all might mean — or whether the Mueller hearings will mean anything at all at this point. Then they discuss the Trump administration's recent ICE raids and tangle with a question from a caller in Eugene, Oregon. The caller wants to know why, with so much clearly broken in America right now, the revolution hasn’t happened yet. Like, seriously: Why? Dan, Eli, and Rich each try for an answer. Then Katie Herzog is on to talk about the big New Yorker investigation in to the sexual harassment allegations against former Democratic Senator Al Franken. He resigned from the Senate because of the allegations, but it now looks like his first accuser’s story is full of holes. What to make of this? And finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns listen to two calls about shows you should (or maybe shouldn’t) be watching, and then tell us about their experience watching a preview of Quentin Tarantino’s new movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 206: Racist

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2019 47:09


Dan Savage is back, and he joins Eli Sanders and Katie Herzog to talk about President Trump’s racist tweets, Nancy Pelosi’s response, the clout of “The Squad,” and whether it’s finally, truly time for impeachment. After that, Rich Smith talks about the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute the New York City police officer who killed Eric Garner and Dan talks about why he likes Kamala Harris, even though she’s a former prosecutor and, according to some on the left, “a cop.” Finally, Jasmyne and Katie both like the Trumpian HBO show Years and Years, though Eli can’t understand why anyone would want to enter yet another Trump-infused reality. Katie likes the Aziz Ansari “comeback” special on Netflix, though Jasmyne feels pretty meh about the guy. And the Emmy nominations are out! Plus, as always the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo!

Episode 205: Rage Calling

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2019 49:13


We begin this episode with a very special, very angry call from Blabbermouth listener Jen, who was so upset at last week’s show that she had to pull her car over, call the Blabberphone (206-302-2063!), and tell us about ourselves. Eli Sanders, Jasmyne Keimig, and Rich Smith take in Jen’s rage and then talk about the question that sparked Jen’s anger: Who's the best Democratic candidate to take on Trump? After that, Chase Burns explains a new federal court ruling that prevents President Trump from blocking you on Twitter. Then he dives into another Twitter-related fight, this one between Nancy Pelosi and AOC. Finally, Nathalie Graham is back to tell you everything you need to know about the US women’s triumph at the World Cup, whether the team is going to the White House, and what their pay equity lawsuit is all about. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 204: Bullshit Parade

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2019 48:51


Happy Fourth of July week! President Trump is celebrating by having tanks driven through DC in an epic waste of taxpayer dollars, which raises the forever question: Who’s the best candidate to replace this guy? Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith talk about what two nights of Democratic presidential candidate debates taught us. After that, Katie looks into the beating of journalist Andy Ngo by Portland Antifa. And finally, Nathalie Graham is back to catch us up on the how the US is dominating the Women’s World Cup in France, pissing Trump off in the process, and heading toward a big potential win in Sunday’s final game. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 203: Debate Week!

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 44:36


What happens when you cram 10 Democratic presidential candidates onto one debate stage in Miami, and then do it all over again the next night with 10 more candidates? We’re finding out this week, and Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith have some thoughts about what to watch for and whether this is really that great a debate plan. After that, Katie and Rich try to sort out whether Bernie Sanders’s new plan to eliminate student loan debt is better—or worse—than the plan Elizabeth Warren is already promoting. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns wade into the Pride Month “controversy” over Drag Queen Story Hours. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 202: Lock Him Up!

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2019 50:43


Guess what? Donald Trump is running for president again, which means he spent a bunch of time this week holding a big stadium kickoff rally in Orlando, Florida, where he lied and lied and sounded like he still thinks he’s running against Hillary Clinton. Rich Smith, Katie Herzog, and Eli Sanders talk about whether the media should even be paying attention to Trump rallies at this point, and what to do if you want to avoid the disinformation machine that is Trump's mouth. After that, a deep dive into a juicy New York Times story about a pool boy and evangelical leader Jerry Falwell, Jr. Plus, Rich deconstructs the right-wing attack on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over her truth-telling about the camps that migrants are being held in along the southern border. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns talk about three great new shows on HBO: Big Little Lies, Los Espookys, and Euphoria. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 202: Biden's Back, and He's Under Attack

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2019 36:41


It's eight months until the primary, and Joe Biden is slipping in the Iowa polls. Mayor Pete and Sen. Elizabeth Warren are biting into his lead. The other candidates are smelling blood, as is Donald Trump, who somehow still remains President of the United States. How is Biden faring in his fight with Trump? And Biden says Democrats attacking Democrats will lead to a Trump victory. Is that so? With Eli Sanders gone on vacation, Dan Savage, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith hash it out. After that, the team talks about the climate change debate debate. Governor and presidential candidate Jay Inslee is calling for the Democrats to dedicate a whole debate to climate change. Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez thinks Inslee's request is "impractical." Uh, is it? Finally, the FIFA Women's World Cup is happening! If the U.S. women's national soccer team clobbers Thailand's women's national soccer team 13 to 0, does it make a sound? Was it rude for the U.S. women's team to celebrate their massive win, as some reply guys on the internet have claimed? And why doesn't anyone seem to care as much about the Women's World Cup as they care about the Men's World Cup? Rich talks it out with Stranger writer Nathalie Graham. 

Episode 201: Royally Pissed

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2019 36:34


Dan Savage has something to say! After he releases a rant that’s been building inside him for too long, Eli Sanders and Rich Smith steer the conversation to something else that Dan has a lot of feelings about: the British monarchy. Trump just got a sit-down with the Queen of England and, of course, our president made a lot of interesting choices during his visit. After that, Democratic candidate John Hickenlooper recently tried to “Sister Souljah” socialism—only to be smacked down by Rich. And then Jasmyne Keimig explains to a panicked Dan and Eli what’s going on with Apple’s plan to delete iTunes, which leads to a broader conversation about the power of Big Tech. Finally, Katie Herzog and Jasmyne talk about why you should be watching the Netflix series “Easy,” which is now in its final season. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 200: Mueller Time

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2019 48:48


Special Counsel Robert Mueller has finally made a public statement! What does it mean? Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith discuss. Then, how sweeping regulations on abortion are effectively overturning Roe v. Wade in the south, and what the US Supreme Court has to say about this. Next, Katie Herzog explains her beef with the liberal watchdog group Media Matters and Jasmyne Keimig and Rich Smith explain why the new movie Booksmart is amazing (and why the controversy around Booksmart is lame). Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 199: Karmic Justice

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 44:16


Dan Savage is back and talks with Eli Sanders and Katie Herzog about a couple of uplifting political stories for a change! Then it’s right back into our nation’s Trump-directed tailspin, which this week features new lows from kakistocrats Ben Carson and Ken Cuccinelli. After that, Rich Smith checks in on how Nancy Pelosi’s go-slow strategy on impeachment is looking this week, now that Trump’s throwing tantrums and holding America’s infrastructure hostage until she stops all House investigations. And we listen to a demand for a correction from a Boomer who has a bone to pick with the expert on Old People Power we had on last week’s show. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns talk about the Yeehaw Agenda, Orville Peck, and Lavender Country. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 198: Old People Problems

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2019 55:06


With Dan Savage away, Eli Sanders and Katie Herzog talk about old people. HuffPost writer Michael Hobbes joins in to explain why, as he wrote earlier this year, “America’s defining divide isn’t right vs. left. It’s young vs. old.” After that, Rich Smith looks at the new abortion ban in Alabama and what it means for Roe v. Wade, then ponders the wisdom of Trump’s trade war and Elizabeth Warren’s refusal to appear in a Fox News town hall. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Charles Mudede discuss Chernobyl, the new HBO series that, according to Charles, just might save the world. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 197: The Biggest Loser

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2019 47:05


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith look into new revelations about Trump’s massive business losses and then ponder Mitch McConnell’s claim that it’s “case closed” on the Russia investigation. As Trump’s efforts to obstruct Congressional investigations continue, they also consider whether Nancy Pelosi is being too cautious on impeachment. And then they talk strategy: Should the Democrats vying to unseat Trump focus on winning over white working class voters or on growing turnout among non-white voters? After that, Katie Herzog on the alarming new UN climate report and whether the Impossible Burger might just save humanity. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns explain why the online world seemed to stop for Monday's Met Gala, what the gala’s “camp” theme was all about, and who wore “camp” best. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 196: Biden’s Time?

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 44:04


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Katie Herzog discuss Attorney General William Barr’s problematic Congressional testimony and then try to figure out what’s so exciting about the presidential candidacy of Joe Biden. Because according to polls—which can be wrong!—there’s actually a lot of Biden enthusiasm out there. After that, Rich Smith jumps in to consider the apparently false sexual assault smear against Pete Buttigieg and fresh outrages from the Trump administration’s war on immigrants. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns talk about three things you need to watch that are *not* Game of Thrones or the new Avengers movie. They are: Barry, Now Apocalypse, and the re-tooled Apocalypse Now. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 195: Lizzo-lash

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2019 55:27


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith discuss the Mueller report and then consider whether Democrats in Congress should impeach Trump right now or, per Nancy Pelosi’s suggestion, go slow and wait for more facts to come out. After that, Katie Herzog talks about how the US Supreme Court appears to be getting ready to green-light Trump’s plan to put a citizenship question on the census and then, at the urging of a Blabbermouth caller, she dives into Elizabeth Warren’s actual policy positions. Finally, Lizzo: she overtook Beyonce on the pop charts recently but a) Who is Lizzo? and b) Why is Lizzo feuding on Twitter with a critic who calls her music “empowerment-core”? Jasmyne Keimig and Chase Burns explain Lizzo’s appeal and argue about whether she’s been unfairly maligned. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 194: Let it Bern

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2019 48:06


The public version of the Mueller Report is being released this week and Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith talk about what they’ll be looking for in the roughly 400 pages of redacted material. After that, Bernie Sanders waded into the FOX house recently and came away with the highest-rated “town hall” of the campaign season. Why is Bernie surging right now? Are “establishment” Democrats right to be freaking out about his success? Does it matter that Bernie’s now a member of the one percent? Will Dan and Rich be able to agree on the answers to any of these questions? We find out. After, that: Pete Buttigieg. He’s a gay man who's talking religion back to the radical right, and it’s thrilling to watch. But should lefty atheists who’ve fought to make religion less central to our politics really be cheering this? And is America really ready to elect a gay man as president? Finally, Charles Mudede is not crying over the burning of the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, and he’ll tell you why. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 193: “Creepy Joe” Biden

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 47:57


Eli Sanders, Katie Herzog, and Rich Smith consider the “Creepy Joe” situation. There are now four public accusations against likely Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden from women who say he touched them inappropriately at political events. And, as we already know, there’s no shortage of handsy Biden photos and videos out there from his long period in the public eye. Should Biden drop his plans to run? Should he stay out of the already crowded Democratic presidential primary for solid reasons that are totally separate from the “Creepy Joe” situation? Should he be held to “The Franken Standard,” or “The Trump Standard”? All is discussed. After that, Mitch McConnell’s is going to use the “nuclear option” (again) to help Trump pack the federal courts and Trump, after promising (yet again) to repeal Obamacare, now says he has a secret plan to replace it with something better—but will only reveal his secret plan after he’s reelected. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig and Charles Mudede talk about Jordan Peele’s provocative and genre-expanding horror movie, Us. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 192: Preet Bharara

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2019 83:49


In this Blabbermouth extra, recorded live at Seattle’s Neptune Theatre on March 27, Eli Sanders sits down Preet Bharara. He’s the former federal prosecutor for Manhattan who was mysteriously fired by President Trump not long after Trump first took office. Bharara is also the author of a new, best-selling book called “Doing Justice.” No surprise, he had a lot to say about Trump, the end of the Mueller investigation, the Barr memo, and more!

Episode 191: Release the Report!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2019 39:25


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith wade through the confusing arrival of “The Mueller Report.” The report is finally in, but only Attorney General William Barr and a small handful of people at the Justice Department know exactly what it says. All we have is a very short “Barr Report” that summarizes Mueller's findings, plus President Trump's take on Barr’s report: “No Collusion, No Obstruction, Complete and Total EXONERATION.” Um, not exactly. After that, Katie Herzog assesses the Republicans’ latest attempt to dismantle Obamacare and the wild turn in the Jussie Smollett case. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig has an issue with how cooking for one forces you to eat the same thing all the time, The Atlantic has an article on the weirdos who actually love to eat the same thing all the time, and oh, look, Rich is one of them! He offers his rules for repetitive eating. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 190: Andrew Yang

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2019 45:59


Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Katie Herzog admit that every once in a long while, they find a thing or two to agree with in Trump’s tweets—of which there were 28 this past Sunday. Also, Dan continues his war on the electoral college and Katie wonders what Beto O’Rourke has ever really accomplished. After that, Chase Burns talks about the Andrew Yang phenomenon. Yang is running for president as a Democrat, wants to give every American a thousand bucks a month, and has enough support that he’ll be in the first Democratic presidential debate. Finally, Jasmyne Keimig on HBO’s new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal. Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

Episode 189: Pelosi Won’t ITMFA 

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2019 45:55


Nancy Pelosi says President Trump is “just not worth” impeaching. What does Dan “Impeach the Motherfucker Already” Savage have to say about that? A lot. Also, Rich Smith on the massive college cheating scandal, Chase Burns on Elizabeth Warren’s plan to break up Big Tech, and Jasmyne Keimig on the profoundly upsetting revelations about Michael Jackson in “Leaving Neverland.” Plus, as always, the music of Ahamefule J. Oluo.

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