Chapo Trap House

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Podcast by Chapo Trap House

Chapo Trap House


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 889 EPISODES

    4.6 from 8,427 ratings Listeners of Chapo Trap House that love the show mention: virgil, ross douthat, felix, chapo trap house, el chapo, wife left, plaza, delete your account, wolf howl, gorilla mindset, traitor, emailing, revolutionary left radio, good as hell, radicalized, go on chapo, chappie, intercepted, turkish, 382.


    Ivy Insights

    The Chapo Trap House podcast is a popular and influential show that offers a unique perspective on American politics and culture. Hosted by Will Menaker, Felix Biederman, Matt Christman, Amber Frost, and Chris Wade, the podcast provides humorous and insightful commentary on current events, often challenging mainstream narratives and offering alternative viewpoints. With its mix of wit, intelligence, and irreverence, The Chapo Trap House has garnered a dedicated following.

    One of the best aspects of The Chapo Trap House podcast is its ability to deliver incisive political analysis while maintaining a sense of humor. The hosts tackle complex issues with both depth and levity, making for an engaging listening experience. Their critiques of mainstream media outlets and establishment politicians are sharp and well-informed, providing listeners with alternative perspectives that challenge the dominant narrative. Additionally, the show often features guest interviews that add further depth to their discussions.

    Another standout aspect of The Chapo Trap House podcast is its willingness to delve into controversial topics and push boundaries. The hosts fearlessly explore hot-button issues such as sex, gender, race, and politics without shying away from discomfort or political correctness. This candid approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of these topics and encourages critical thinking among listeners.

    However, one potential downside of the podcast is its polarizing nature. The irreverent humor and unapologetic left-leaning perspective may not resonate with all listeners. Some may find the hosts' style off-putting or dismissive of opposing viewpoints. It can also be argued that at times the podcast veers into overly controversial territory without fully exploring complex issues.

    In conclusion, The Chapo Trap House podcast offers a fresh and engaging take on American politics and culture. Its blend of humor, intellect, and provocative content make it an appealing choice for those seeking alternative perspectives in today's increasingly polarized media landscape. While not without its flaws or detractors, The Chapo Trap House podcast continues to captivate and entertain its dedicated fan base with its unique blend of political satire and cultural analysis.



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    Latest episodes from Chapo Trap House

    939 - Boom Times For Goons feat. Adam Friedland (6/2/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 74:19


    Host of The Adam Friedland Show Adam Friedland joins us to catch up on today's news and discuss his new season. We look at the return of Matt Miller, Jake Tapper's take on Israel/Palestine discourse, the kidnapping of a crypto whale in Manhattan, and new reports of Elon Musk's rampant drug use. Adam also gives us his takes on engaging with the new right-coded online content sphere through TAFS, teases some guests for the coming season, and generally annoys Felix with delays and requests for refreshments. Find The Adam Friedland Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAdamFriedlandShow New merch for the summer up at https://chapotraphouse.store/

    937 - Killing Santa feat. Arjun Singh & David Sirota (5/27/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 91:28


    Will & Felix catch up on Democrats' commitment to burning millions of dollars in search of a crumb of clout from the pod-mano-sphere, and John Fetterman's chronic senate absenteeism as he searches for good vibes. Then, we're joined by Lever News' David Sirota & Arjun Singh to discuss their new podcast series Tax Revolt & the “Big Beautiful Bill” working its way through congress. We look at the devastating consequences of GOP tax policies, the increasing unpopularity of such drastic cuts, and how they fit in with the 50 year conservative war against taxes. Find all things Lever News at: https://www.levernews.com/ And listen to Tax Revolt here or wherever you get pods: https://the.levernews.com/tax-revolt/

    UNLOCKED 936 - Permanent Midnight feat. Ryan Grim & Jeremy Scahill (5/22/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 96:40


    Drop Site's Ryan & Jeremy join us for an update on Israel's war on Gaza. We discuss yesterday's attack on Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington D.C. and its potential ramifications, Trump's recent trip to the Gulf and potential shifts in U.S. relations in the region, and the brutal escalations of violence in Gaza over the recent weeks. Ryan and Jeremy also relate some of the stories of the many talented and courageous Palestinian journalists they've worked with through the conflict, and how the war has laid bare many of the failings of domestic media. Subscribe to Drop Site here: https://www.dropsitenews.com/

    935 - It's Joever feat. David J. Roth (5/19/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 82:20


    We planned this episode to cover the spate of stories revealing just how out of it and diminished Joe Biden was during his term, and new details about the political flunkies and media stooges who were complicit in covering it up. But yesterday Biden's team announced an almost certainly life-ending cancer diagnosis. So we're joined by David Roth to discuss how it's finally well and truly Joever. Find David's work at Defector here: https://defector.com/author/david-roth New merch for the summer up at https://chapotraphouse.store/

    933 - We Can Grok It For You Wholesale feat. Mike Isaac (5/12/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 83:44


    Tech reporter Mike Isaac returns to the show for a round-up of the latest AI news. From collegiate cheating to funeral planning, Mike helps us make some sense of how this wonderful emerging technology is reshaping human society in so many delightful ways, and certainly is not a madness rune chipping away at what little sanity remains in our population's fraying psyche. We're doing another call-in show with Matt for the midweek, so if you have any questions or comments, send an UNDER 30 SECOND voice recording to calls@chapotraphouse.com We also have some new merch going up at chapotraphouse.store this Weds, May 14. So keep your eyes out for that!

    931 - Studies in Stupid feat. Sam Seder (5/5/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 73:37


    The Majority Report's Sam Seder joins us today to share some deep research into American Stupids. We look at Trump's weekend announcements regarding American film production & re-opening Alcatraz, both seemingly inspired by a TV broadcast of “Escape From Alcatraz” in West Palm Beach last Saturday. We also discuss Sam's recent debate appearances including the “vs. 20 Conservatives” video, and how it's not the stupidity but the confidence that's really astounding. Finally, for the main course for today's ep, the massive profile on John Fetterman's deteriorating mental competence, and how the most offensive part of the scandal is the staffers who covered for him now seeking to cover their own asses. Check out Sam on The Majority Report, every Mon-Fri at noon: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMajorityReport

    BONUS: Michigan Raids on pro-Palestine Students

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 94:07


    Felix speaks with Nora Hilgart-Griff from the TAHRIR Coalition and Liz Jacob from the Sugar Law Center for Social and Economic Justice about the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel collaborating with the Trump DOJ in a series of raids on pro-Palestine students at the University of Michigan on April 23. Liz and Nora give background on Nessel's previous intimidation campaign at the university, the administration's attempts to repress the student movement against the genocide, TAHRIR Coalition's work on divestment, and much more. You're going to want to hear this whether you're a Yooper, a Detroiter, or even a recently incarcerated jewel thief who assumed the identity of a sheriff so he can stare at his ex-girlfriend in a small Pennsylvania town where everyone is a violent criminal. Update: On Monday, 5/5/25, all charges against the students have been dropped. Legal fund for the students facing charges from Nessel's office https://chuffed.org/project/um-palestine-legalfund Background on the raids https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/24/michigan-attorney-general-dana-nessel-campus-gaza-protests TAHRIR Coalition's campaign to drop the charges https://tahrirumich.org/dtc The demands of the students https://tahrirumich.org/demands Guide to the University of Michigan's economic links to Israeli genocide and occupation profiteers https://tahrirumich.org/research/endowment-guide

    929 - Given feat. Alex Nichols (4/28/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 72:08


    Fighter jets are just falling off the back of our aircraft carriers now in yet another Keystone Kops-ass bungle in the Red Sea. Gerry Connolly announces he'll step down from the oversight committee in another moment of glory for the funeral home waiting room of Democratic leadership. Will reads us a profile of a new up-and-coming conservative influencer so annoying it drives Felix to the brink of rage-quitting. Alex Nichols returns to the pod to discuss these stories and more on today's program. We are putting a limited number of overstock copies of ¡No Pasarán! Matt Christman's Spanish Civil War next Wednesday, April 30th at 8am Pacific Time at: https://chapotraphouse.store/

    Movie Mindset 33 - Casino feat. Felix

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 113:50


    The first episode of this season of Movie Mindset is free for all listeners as always. To listen to the rest of the season, subscribe at www.patreon.com/chapotraphouse When you love movies, you've got to watch them. There's no other way…Movie Mindset Season 3 commences with our first ever single feature on the most referenced movie in Chapo Trap House history: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece Casino. Will and Hesse are joined by Felix to take a kaleidoscopic and dizzying dive into the inferno of American greed that is Las Vegas. Anchored by a triumvirate of all career great performances from Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci in FULL PSYCHO MODE, Casino is by equal turns hilarious and stomach turning and stands alone as Scorsese's grandest and most generous examination of evil and the tragic flaws that doom us all. Should you listen even if you haven't seen this movie? Why take a chance? At least that the way we feel about it.

    927 - Americas, The Beautiful feat. Greg Grandin (4/21/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 85:39


    Historian and author Greg Grandin joins us to discuss his new book America, América: A New History of the New World, which looks at the five century history of colonization & conquest of the New World, and how North & South America developed their distinct identities through a long history of mutual interaction and opposition.  We also catch up with Greg for his takes on the death of Pope Francis, the state of American empire at the start of the second Trump term, the U.S.'s lack of a forward-looking political horizon, and what possibilities we might see in the future of Latin America.  Buy America, América: A New History of the New World online here, or wherever you get books: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747326/america-america-by-greg-grandin/

    925 - Banshee, PA Chamber of Commerce feat. Kath Kreuger (4/14/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 69:01


    Before addressing the news of the day, Will & Kath catch up with Felix on their re-watch of beloved series BANSHEE, which segues nicely into discussion of the baffling firebombing of the Pennsylvania governor's mansion. We then move on to the increasingly horrific and blatantly illegal renditions of American residents into foreign prisons, and the further construction of Fortress America. We also look at potential democratic responses, from Cory Booker's filibuster, to Kamala slowly stepping back into the spotlight, and finally Bernie & AOC's recent rally in LA.  Find EEPHUS streaming on VOD and new Eephus merch at: www.eephusfilm.com

    923 - The Banks Are Out of Money feat. Dave Weigel (4/7/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 75:42


    Semafor reporter Dave Weigel returns to the show to look at the political angles to Trump's tariff regime and the global economic shocks. We discuss the various attempts to backfill justifications, responses from GOP and Democrats, and how this is all somehow about wokeness and masculinity or something. We also discuss last week's special election in Wisconsin, and what it can tell us about Trump (and Elon)'s strength going forward. Find Dave's work on Semafor here: https://www.semafor.com/author/david-weigel

    Bonus: Ukrainian Politics Deep Dive feat. Peter Korotaev

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 122:01


    Felix sits down with writer & journalist Peter Korotaev for a wide ranging conversation on the state of the Russo-Ukranian War in the wake of the Trump administration's spat with Zelensky & attempts at a peace deal, and loads of context on the politics of Ukraine, Russia, various oligarchs, the Atlantic Council, and other non-state actors that have led to this point. You can find Peter's writing on Ukraine here: https://substack.com/@eventsinukraine And some other writing of note: For al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2025/1/23/why-is-ukraine-struggling-to-mobilise-its-citizens-to-fight Jacobin: https://jacobin.com/2022/07/ukraine-neoliberalism-war-russia-eu-imf Canada Files: https://www.thecanadafiles.com/articles?author=645e6f082224bb01e8f3f37c Arena https://arena.org.au/ukraines-borderline-disorder/

    921 - Health Scare feat. Tim Faust (3/31/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 75:29


    Tim “T-Bone” Faust makes a long overdue return to the program to brief us on the series of guerilla town halls on Medicaid he's been doing in Wisconsin. But first, we start with a brief roundup on one of the most important health issues facing the nation today: Soda, and the role it plays in keeping Americans healthy. Tim then takes us through the current administration's assault on Medicaid & Medicare, how the failure to push for healthcare reform in the face of COVID paved the way for hucksters like RFK Jr, and how health justice remains a bedrock principle for a left political program going forward. Tim is happy to book a town hall in YOUR neck of the woods if you reach out to him: https://x.com/crulge And here's a quick flier he put together for Hands Off Medicaid if you want more info: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jusscubmipf5fsd5hob24/national-flyer.pdf?rlkey=b1327wky6zte79m00g8peo8iq&e=2&st=d3dngrl3&dl=0 On Will's rec, go see “The Encampments” if you have the chance: https://www.watermelonpictures.com/films/the-encampments

    919 - Abruendance Agenda feat. Madinah Wilson-Anton & Matt Bruenig (3/24/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 81:56


    Delaware state rep Madinah Wilson-Anton returns to the show to brief us on Elon Musk's attempts to rewrite the state laws of Delaware to help him secure a $50 billion+ compensation package. We discuss the “race to the bottom” in state business laws, and the new wave of assaults on basic legal legitimacy in pursuit of complete oligarchical control. Then, Matt Bruenig joins us to discuss the hot new word on all the wonks' lips: ABUNDANCE. We review the Abundance Agenda, Matt gives us his takes on the policies, and we evaluate the Abundance potential as a viable organizing principle for the moribund Democratic party. Check out NLRB Edge, Matt's labor law newsletter: https://www.nlrbedge.com/

    Panic World: Who turned Gen Z fascist? (With Felix Biederman)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 58:59


    Felix appeared on today's Panic World podcast hosted by past-guest Ryan Broderick of the fantastic Garbage Day newsletter. We've agreed to crosspost this ep in our feed. Enjoy! Check out Panic World wherever you get pods, and subscribe to Garbage Day here: https://www.garbageday.email/ Every four years America suffers through a national election, with its own distinct collection of far-right freaks. Yet against the trend, in 2024 many of the youngest voters started finding them appealing. So who or what turned Gen Z fascist? Felix Biederman of Chapo Trap House joins us to discuss the main players in the right-wing (mano)sphere, and whether this ecosystem of new guys will keep our nation's youth in their thrall. Our guest Felix Biederman co-hosts Chapo Trap House (https://www.chapotraphouse.com), found wherever you get your podcasts. You can purchase the Seeking A Fren for the End of the World series for $5 at: https://www.patreon.com/cw/chapotraphouse/collections Or it, along with all their premium episodes and other acclaimed miniseries like Hell of Presidents and Movie Mindset, are available to all subscribers for just $5 a month at https://www.patreon.com/cw/chapotraphouse

    917 - Touchdown Tim Chitters feat. D.J. Byrnes & Eephus (3/17/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 98:56


    D.J. Byrnes of Ohio's independent news outlet The Rooster returns to the show. We look at constituent outrage at elected officials, D.J.'s sojourn to DC, Cleveland's $2.5 Billion stadium debacle, and D.J. relates an incredible story of bamboozling Vivek Ramaswamy. Then, Eephus director Carson Lund and writer & star Nate Fisher join Will to discuss the film, its inspirations, how they went about shooting it, Meat Raffles, and some of their all-time favorite Baseball Guys. Find D.J.'s chronicle of Ohio depravity at the Rooster: https://www.rooster.info/ Find showtimes for Eephus @ https://www.eephusfilm.com/

    915 - Hero Hedge feat. Joe Weisenthal (3/10/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 73:06


    We start the show discussing the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil in a glaring escalation of attacks on American civil liberties in behalf of Israel & its supporters. We're then joined by journalist and co-host of the Odd Lots podcast Joe Weisenthal to take a shockingly timely (for us) look at markets, tariffs, crypto, and economic policy under the 2nd Trump administration. Is there a plan here? Who's actually in charge? Will these tariffs ever actually happen? Are we careening toward a recession? Joe shares his thoughts on these questions and more with us. Listen to Odd Lots wherever you get podcasts, and find Joe's work at Bloomberg here: https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/AQ0VXvE12t0/joe-weisenthal Go see Eephus as it rolls out to your neck of the woods, search for showtimes @ https://www.eephusfilm.com/

    Movie Mindset Oscars Preview ‘25

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 95:11


    Will & Hesse are back to look at the Oscars' Best Pictures of 2024. They give their takes on the high- and low-lights, offer their predictions of who will take home Oscar gold, and give a special preview of what's coming up in Movie Mindset Season 3. For more Oscars fun: Come see Will & Hesse host an Oscars watch as part of a party for Zohran for Mayor this Sunday, March 2nd @ Nightclub 101: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/partyforzohran

    913 - Only the Lonely feat. Julian Feeld (3/3/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 78:12


    QAA's Julian Feeld joins us today to give us his report from last week's CPAC convention. We look at the usual carnival of cruelty on display at the Gaylord Convention Center, with an added layer of vindictiveness in the second Trump era. We also discuss at how QAnon has been fully metabolized into political discourse, and check in on some classic characters like Mike Lindell and JFK. Jr. Finally, a rather grim reading series looking at the lonely political life of Senator Fetterman. Find QAA wherever you get podcasts, and subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/qanonanonymous Check out Julian's recent Jacobin pieces On the current state of QAnon: https://jacobin.com/2025/02/qanon-legacy-conspiracy-trump-patel And his report from CPAC: https://jacobin.com/2025/03/cpac-trump-bannon-far-right Finally, go see Eephus when it comes to your town: https://www.musicboxfilms.com/film/eephus/

    911 - Red Dawn feat. Radio War Nerd (2/24/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 76:53


    We're joined by Mark Ames & John Dolan of Radio War Nerd to discuss what may be the wind-down of the war in Ukraine. We look at the political ramifications both domestically and internationally, how the west & Russia have fared militarily, and the lives of the Ukrainians affected by the conflict. Plus, would you believe fighter aircraft, MMA, and a drive-by slagging of union general loser George McClellan all get mentions in this? Subscribe to Radio War Nerd: https://www.patreon.com/radiowarnerd NYC: Come see Will & Hesse host an Oscars watch as part of a party for Zohran for Mayor this Sunday, March 2nd @ Nightclub 101: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/partyforzohran

    909 - A Real Hero feat. Pendejo Time (2/17/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 85:47


    Jake and Thomas return to look at the latest news of Elon's bizarrely begotten offspring. Plus the jewish guy who shot two Israeli guys because he thought they were Palestinians, Millei's rug pull, and Bari Weiss' Free Press asks what exactly makes an American hero (and why does it take place in dive bar bathrooms). Subscribe to Pendejo Time: https://www.patreon.com/pendejotime

    907 - Big Balls feat. Kath Krueger & Jeff Stein (2/10/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 64:39


    Kath joins us for our annual review of the Big Game spectacle. We give our appraisal of what this year's ad slate says about the state of American culture, plus reactions to Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, and how conservatives continue to be oppressed by the TV. Then the Washington Post's Jeff Stein joins us to discuss his reporting on what exactly Elon Musk & the DOGE team are trying to do to the federal government. Jeff's piece on Elon & DOGE: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/08/doge-musk-goals/ If you're in LA, check out Jacques & Grace's Game Show Pig variety show at the Loge Room this Wednesday, 2/12: https://www.lodgeroomhlp.com/shows/game-show-pig/

    BONUS: Z for Zohran

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 57:29


    Will sits down with Zohran Mamdani, New York State Representative and candidate for New York City Mayor. After bonding over being just two boys from New York, their grade school rivalry, and touching on Zohran's family & background, Will & Zohran discuss his plans to improve housing, transit, policing and homelessness services in New York City, as well as his plans to win this election. If you'd like to help out or get involved in his campaign, go to: https://www.zohranfornyc.com/

    905 - Roko's Modern Life feat. Brace Belden (2/3/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 76:05


    Beautiful Brace Belden joins us to look at Trump's tariff's, possible annexation of Canada, halt on federal funding, and other breaking admin news. We also discuss New York Mag's party report from the NYC MAGA scene, and Brace briefs us on what we should know about the murderous “Zizian” rationalists, and how they fit in among all the other people who've broken their brains online. TrueAnon's in-depth coverage of the Zizians here: https://pod.link/1474001390/episode/a778bfc3221464a5eff8d657bc89eb8a

    903 - Tuna Melt Moment feat. Alex Nichols (1/27/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 69:39


    Alex is back on the pod to review the first full week of 2rump news, but first, we wish friend of the show Catturd a speedy recovery from his impacted bowel. Then, we look at Trumps barrage of executive orders, cabinet staffing, and denial of security clearances to a number of former NatSec ghouls. We also discuss the Democrats' new Tuna-based appeals for viral attention, and consider how history will judge Joe Biden.

    901 - VI-Day feat. Mohammad Alsaafin (1/20/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 76:14


    Journalist Mohammad Alsaafin returns to the show to discuss the temporary ceasefire & hostage exchange deal reached in Gaza. We discuss why and how this came about during the Biden-Trump transition, what the actual terms of the deal are, how it leaves the political situation in Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region, and the total effects of 15 months of war. Plus, what was actually in the gift bags given by Hamas to the freed Israeli hostages. If you're looking for ways to help, this is from Mohammad: More importantly, this is a good place people can donate to. This started out as a small soup kitchen set up by the family of a friend after their home was destroyed and his brother killed. Over the past year they've expanded to several soup kitchens, water trucks, small clinics and a couple of classrooms. The other brother who was running it was killed on his way to deliver supplies to Kamal Adwan hospital last month. They've done so much good work in helping people stay especially in northern Gaza: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hot-meals-in-gaza-daily?viewupdates=1&rcid=r01-173283450269-b9a1b078addc11ef

    Seeking a Fren Ep 6 Teaser - Stop The Steal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 9:56


    Felix recounts Trump's efforts to discredit the 2020 election as part of the long history of election denial on the right in this clip from Episode 6 of his series “Seeking a Fren for the End of the World.” The full episode and rest of the series are available for subscribers at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    BONUS: Y2K feat. Colette Shade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 66:02


    Author Colette Shade joins us to discuss her new book “Y2K” on the millennial era of ~1997-2008. Will and Colette review how the boundless optimism of ‘the end of history' curdled into the permanent pessimism of the 21st century, how computer doomed everything even if the specific prediction of the “Y2K bug” maybe didn't literally come to pass, how nostalgia can be both useful and a trap, and of course, how everything is 9/11. Purchase “Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything”: Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/y2k-how-the-2000s-became-everything-essays-on-a-future-that-never-was-colette-shade/21416954?ean=9780063333949 Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Y2K-Audiobook/B0D3G5JV6P Catch Colette on here book tour, dates here: https://www.coletteshade.com/

    899 - Nut Up feat. Yasha Levine & Rowan Wernham (1/13/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 65:25


    We're joined by journalist Yasha Levine & filmmaker Rowan Wernham of the new documentary “Pistachio Wars” join us to look at water in the state of California in light of last week's L.A. wildfires. We discuss California's water history, the network of real estate developers and agribusiness concerns that effectively control California's water, the Resnick family and their Nut Empire, 21st century company towns, and how California water politics affect the Iran Nuclear deal. Watch The Pistachio Wars documentary now: https://www.pistachiowars.com/

    Seeking a Fren Episode 5 Teaser - I Feel Great!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 9:53


    Felix looks back at the lead-up to the 2016 election as some of the funniest and most insane days in American political history in this clip from Episode 4 of his series “Seeking a Fren for the End of the World.” The full episode and rest of the series are available for subscribers at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    897 - Urquellization (1/6/25)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 64:57


    We catch up with news over our long week off, including brief hits on the two new years truck attacks (more on that Thursday), MAGA civil war over immigration & visas, various instances of Musk buffoonery, Biden's presidential medal of freedom recipients, and Semafor's survey of what people in the media ‘got wrong' about 2024.

    Seeking a Fren Episode 4 Teaser - Operation Anti-Obama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 9:55


    Felix looks at Steve Bannon's origins, plus anti-Obama hysteria pushing the GOP to the right in the 2012 primaries in this clip from Episode 4 of his series “Seeking a Fren for the End of the World.” The full episode and rest of the series are available for subscribers at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    Seeking a Fren Episode 3 Teaser - Con Online

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 5:54


    Felix recounts the rise of Obama-era conservative online media in this teaser for Episode 3 of his series “Seeking a Fren for the End of the World.” The full episode and rest of the series are available for subscribers at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    Bonus: The Postman Always Is Nice

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 39:18


    We're discussing the ongoing labor disputes with the United States Postal Service with Tyler Vasseur, a shop steward with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). We discuss the BFN rank and file movement to transform the postal unions, fighting for transparency in bargaining on the long-stalled new contract for letter carriers, what an equitable contract would look like, how the letter carriers fight fits in the broader labor movement, cost of living adjustments in an era of high inflation, changes in work environments post-COVID, and ongoing efforts to privatize the Post Office. More on BFN here: https://www.fightingnalc.com/about-bfn

    Movie Mindset Bonus - Interview With Director Brian Yuzna

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 61:30


    Will & Hesse are joined by Brian Yuzna, legendary horror writer/director/producer behind such films as Re-Animator, Society, From Beyond, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, and many more. We discuss adapting Lovecraft, all-nude Peter Pan, Clown Theory, copypastas, uniquely American ghouls, the importance of GOOP in cinema, and how real horror fans can enjoy horror even when it's bad. Pre-order the 40th Anniversary edition of Re-Animator here: https://www.ignite-films.com/products/re-animator?variant=49677000933719 And check out the trailer for the re-release by friend of the show Ben Clarkson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIyXfP6egIs&ab_channel=IGNMovieTrailers

    Seeking a Fren Episode 2 Teaser - Roger Ailes Origins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 10:10


    Felix documents the rise of future Fox News CEO Roger Ailes in this preview clip from episode 2 of his series “Seeking A Fren for the End of The World”. The full episode and rest of the series are available for subscribers at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    894 - Drone Bore feat. David J. Roth (12/16/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 73:06


    Defector's David Roth is back on the pod. We start with his write up of the recent drone scare over New Jersey, and how our ever-skittish suburbanites are discovering new ways to be scared of the lights in the night sky. Then, a review of recent media reactions to Luigi-mania, including the Atlantic tut-tutting over “decivilization” and the Root having a certified “bruh” moment. Finally, the most important bellwether poll of the year: the PornHub annual search trends results. Find all things David Roth at the Defector: https://defector.com/author/david-roth Last bits of merch going at discount over at https://chapotraphouse.store/

    Seeking a Fren for the End of the World: Episode 1 - This is Really Just the Beginning

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 63:06


    In a new series by Felix, Josh (@ettingermentum), and Spencer, we ask: how did the Republican Party, once the dominant force in American culture for almost a generation, become a group of bowtied cosplayers and rapist streamers yelling about Litterboxes? We trace this development back to the empires built by two men—Paul Weyrich and James Dobson—as well as the failures of one Pat Buchanan. This episode draws from Dan Gilgoff's The Jesus Machine and David Grann's “Robespierre Of The Right.” For a full list of sources, check our works cited doc here: www.chapotraphouse.com/seeking

    892 - Talking Points Memo feat. Jael Holzman (12/10/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 59:21


    We catch up briefly on news around the arrest of the alleged UHC CEO assassin. Then, journalist and musician Jael Holzman returns to the show to discuss a new piece she has for Rolling Stone on the potential threats to trans people in the coming Trump administration. We look at the rather grim potential of massively undermining of trans medical care, the equally grim state of Democratic opposition, and the general fecklessness with which Democrats have handled what Joe Biden once called the “civil rights issue of our time” in both policy and rhetoric. Read Jeal's piece here: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-trans-health-care-republicans-democrats-1235198473/ Purchase Refaat Alareer's “If I Must Die” here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/if-i-must-die-poetry-and-prose/21530923?ean=9781682196212&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgdC6BhCgARIsAPWNWH3V8BcDXv-gg8uxdBjH7qVFtCKGHzt5Z5bMBSUunOfyar68lDFw5EwaAtCmEALw_wcB

    890 - Spare Us, Cutter (12/2/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 76:52


    We do the work of having conversations and connecting to people by reviewing last week's Pod Save America episode featuring Kamala Harris' top campaign staff. Through their telling, it was an amazing feat of data, precision and triangulation that somehow came up just slightly short, but we look at some different “stories to tell” from what they're able to reveal about the campaign's strategy. Plus, a Thanksgiving poem from Matt. Felix's new series “Searching for a Fren at the End of the World”, an examination of the last 50 years of Conservative media, premieres next Wednesday, December 11, right here on your Chapo feed.

    888 - Bustin' Out feat. Moe Tkacik (11/25/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 79:46


    Journalist Moe Tkacik joins us to look at a number of issues she's reported on recently. Starting with the alarming prevalence of sexual assault allegations among Trump's new cabinet picks, we follow the trail of backlash to accountability among the ultra-rich to College campuses and of course, Israel. We then turn to Moe's reporting on the growing tumor of private equity in the American healthcare industry, and how these financial barons are gutting our already threadbare hospital system. Find Moe on Twitter: https://x.com/moetkacik And here writing at the American Prospect: https://prospect.org/topics/maureen-tkacik/

    886 - Cabinet Curiosity feat. Alex Nichols (11/18/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 76:38


    We review the various freaks, toadies, goons, and TV personalities that Trump has tapped to build his second cabinet, and speculate how much damage Vivek & Elon can actually do with their kids-table DOGE advisory board. We also discuss the coalescing view among the pundit class that the Democrats need to abandon their various activist groups, as espoused in today's reading series by Adam Jentleson. Finally, a new (hopefully semi-regular) feature from Matt.

    884 - Pool Boys (11/11/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 68:59


    We start off with some Monkey News, then continue our post-mortem on the 2024 election. Does America have a Boy Crisis? Was $450k a day to put Kamala's name on the Sphere worth it? How many votes did Queen Latifah swing? Are there sharks in the pool? Can Rebecca Solnit construct a metaphor to save her life? Will anyone learn anything from this boondoggle? We discuss.

    UNLOCKED: 883 - History Doesn't Repeat Itself…But It Slimes (11/7/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 78:48


    We have always lived in The Zone. We take in the stunning re-election of Donald Trump, the manifest failure of Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and the entire Democratic party, and all of the myriad obungles that have brought us to this moment. This has happened before, it will happen again…Reasons to be scared, reasons for hope, and assurance that we're still ready to ride with you all every day. Unlocked from our Patreon for all to hear. To get every episode, subscribe at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.

    882 - Election Eve Live (11/5/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 100:09


    We're joined by Charles, Alex & Andrew from Episode 1 for a night of Election-themed spoofs and goofs live at the Aratani Theater in Los Angeles. Featuring the Dan Boeckner Christmas Time Players: Dan Boeckner, Nick Thorburn, Alex Fischel & Adam Halferty. And of course, a special visit from Santa.

    MM16 - City Frights: Wolfen, Candyman, and the Urban Wilderness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 96:00


    [Note: these Movie Mindset Horrortober Season 1 episodes were already unlocked for free this year over on the Patreon feed, just adding them to the public feed to make them more widely available. To get every Movie Mindset episode, subscribe at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.] In this final episode of this year's Ghoulvie Screamset, Will & Hesse take a look at Michael Wadleigh's “Wolfen” (1981) and Bernard Rose's “Candyman” (1992). Two films taking advantage of real urban environments the horrors of city life, from the intrusion of primordial natural evil in Wolfen, to manifesting the everyday horror of urban poverty in Candyman. Thanks for listening to our second outing of Movie Mindset! Will & Hesse will be back next year with a full season 2 of the series. Let us know if there's anything you're dying for us to cover, and stay watchin' everybody.

    880 - End of the Line feat. Dave Weigel & Ettingermentum (10/28/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 83:35


    Chapo elections unit Dave Weigel and Josh “Ettingermentum” return for one last check-in on the state of the 2024 US Elections. We review Trump's fascist clown show rally at Madison Square Garden over the weekend, and discuss its potential impacts on the final week of the race. We look at the closing arguments & strategies of both campaigns, the increasingly strained relationship between the electorate and the media, key senate races to watch, and give final chances for Trump & Harris. LOS ANGELES: Come to our 11/4 Election Eve show with E1 & live house band featuring Dan Boeckner and Nick Diamonds: https://link.dice.fm/b1eb3de54f54 We are releasing another batch of SIGNED COPIES of Matt's book, ¡No Pasarán!, tomorrow/today TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29th, at Noon ET/9am PT at chapotraphouse.store. Sales open ONLY until this Thursday, October 31st, get your copy! Find Dave's reporting at Semafor here: https://www.semafor.com/author/david-weigel Find the Ettingermentum newsletter here: https://www.ettingermentum.news/

    MM15 - Save Your Servants!: Barker, Blatty & Writers In Hell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 166:24


    [Note: these Movie Mindset Horrortober Season 1 episodes were already unlocked for free this year over on the Patreon feed, just adding them to the public feed to make them more widely available. To get every Movie Mindset episode, subscribe at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.] Brendan James returns to take on two triumphant works from writers-turned-directors: Clive Barker's “Hellraiser” (1987) and William Peter Blatty's “The Exorcist III” (1990). Both films feature visions of Hell's intrusion onto earth; two competing and complementary visions of evil, one from a gay British man and the second from a devout American Catholic. Will, Hesse and Brendan go deep on these films, highlighting in Hellraiser some of the most ghoulish practical effects ever put to screen, and in Exorcist III dissecting one of the most infamous jump-scares in film history.

    878 - You Will NEVER Regret Listening to this Episode feat. Max Read (10/21/24)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 62:38


    Journalist Max Read joins us to discuss his new piece on the proliferation of “AI Slop”: unwanted, low quality, often surreal content flooding the internet and degrading its various platforms. We talk about the dystopian quality of the trend, the economic factors encouraging it, and how it portends poorly for the future of online. Max's AI Slop piece: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/ai-generated-content-internet-online-slop-spam.html Subscribe to Max's newsletter READ MAX at https://maxread.substack.com/ Order Matt's Book (and check out the new merch!): https://chapotraphouse.store Come to our 11/4 Election Eve show in LA with E1: https://link.dice.fm/b1eb3de54f54

    Movie Mindset 14 - Halloween Sex God: A Tom Atkins Double Feature

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 126:47


    [Note: these Movie Mindset Horrortober Season 1 episodes were already unlocked for free this year over on the Patreon feed, just adding them to the public feed to make them more widely available. To get every Movie Mindset episode, subscribe at patreon.com/chapotraphouse.] Will & Hesse look at two starring God Tom Atkins: John Carpenter's “The Fog” (1980) & Tommy Lee Wallace's “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”. Also a Carpenter double feature of sorts, one from the director himself, and one continuing from his iconic Halloween (1978) film as he intended the franchise to be, an anthology. The Fog is a true American ghost story wrestling with monstrous crimes of our past, and Halloween III is an outrageous gorefest with one of the most infamously ludicrous plots in all horror cinema. Tom Atkins plays an everyman sex symbol in both, laying pipe as he's terrorized by ghosts & robots through anonymous northern California towns. Note: Will promised we'd timestamp the Tom Atkins Ass Shot in the description. I do not have time to do that this evening. Sorry.

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