Ep. 54: Irish "Vetocracy", Dark Secrets, And The World Cup

Ep. 58: The Rise And Fall of Graham Platner, Part I

The stunning rise and collapse of Graham Platner is one of the most fascinating political stories of the decade. In less than a year, Platner went from anonymity to being a front-runner for a United States seat and potential presidential contender to ignominy. And while his personal failings make for great drama (and some dark humor), his story also reflects key themes in politics nationally and worldwide — while also potentially having a ripple effect around the globe.

Ep. 57: The Biography of Donald Trump, Part II: Fred Jr. Clears The Way

At thirteen years old, Donald Trump is sent to military school. At home, his older brother Fred Jr. — handsome, charming, and skilled — is set to join and eventually take over the family business. But battles between father and son, new loves, and the beginnings of an all-too-common disease will change the course of Fred Jr.’s life. It will also open a path for Donald to become the new golden boy of the family — and wind up with the immense wealth and connections of Fred Trump Sr. at his back.

Ep. 56: Live On Tape From Ireland

For the first time, Tull and Vince record in person from an undisclosed location in Ireland. The witty, wide-ranging conversation covers America’s 250th birthday (and why Vince is fine missing it), a potential scandal in Galway, and the collapse in cryptocurrency prices.

Ep. 55: The Biography Of Donald Trump, Part I: Eyes On Manhattan

As a politician, Donald Trump has been analyzed, covered, and discussed more than anyone in modern history. But that discussion has obscured a fascinating pre-political career in which Trump had a huge impact on American culture — and reflected so many of the major trends across the country in the postwar period. In Part I of this multi-episode event, Vince and Tull look at Donald Trump’s childhood, why Manhattan was always the goal, and how the dynamics of the Trump family shaped Donald Trump as an entertainer and, eventually, as a president.

Ep. 54: Irish "Vetocracy", Dark Secrets, And The World Cup

Tull and Vince tour a number of stories that highlight broader problems across the United States and Europe. Manna’s decision to pause operations in Ireland leads to claims that the country has become a “vetocracy” and highlights a rising backlash against tech. In the North, Jeffrey Donaldson faces punishment for his crimes. In the US, Republicans continue to argue — with hysterically poor evidence — that others should as well. But the episode closes on a lighter note, with a look at the success of the World Cup and some timely craic on what it tells us about Europeans and Americans.