Normally

Normally Podcast: Commencement Chaos, Free Speech Fights & the AI Debate on Campus

College commencement season is delivering more than graduation speeches—it’s igniting debates over free speech, campus culture, AI, and what advice actually matters in life. Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down the backlash over Jonathan Haidt’s NYU commencement address, reactions to AI warnings from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and the speech that may have gotten it right: Eric Church’s emotional message on faith, family, ambition, and purpose. Plus, the hosts share the life advice they’d give graduates entering an increasingly chaotic world. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Normally Podcast: Trump’s Primary Power, Newsom’s Election Panic & Kamala’s “No Bad Ideas” Moment

On this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest political stories shaping the conversation: President Trump’s growing influence in key Republican primaries, the high-stakes Thomas Massie race, and the fallout from Bill Cassidy’s loss in Louisiana. Plus: Gavin Newsom faces backlash over California election concerns, AOC fuels debate with controversial rhetoric, and Kamala Harris sparks reactions after suggesting Democrats should embrace “no bad ideas.” Also: a surprising legal battle involving former Senator Kyrsten Sinema and an unusual lawsuit making headlines. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Normally Podcast: Democrats Meltdown on Camera, Fauci Cover-Up Claims & Nigel Farage’s UK Surge

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a series of Democratic political meltdowns — from California Governor candidate Xavier Becerra struggling through basic media questions to Senator Chris Van Hollen spiraling after a heated exchange with FBI Director Kash Patel. They also dive into new testimony alleging Dr. Anthony Fauci intentionally helped cover up the origins of COVID-19, discuss public distrust after the pandemic, and react to fears surrounding a hantavirus outbreak aboard a South American cruise ship. Plus, the hosts unpack the political earthquake rocking the United Kingdom as Nigel Farage and Reform UK surge while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Labour suffer devastating election losses. Also in this episode: parenting wins, teenage drivers, bourbon culture, broken public systems, and why functioning fountains might matter more than politicians realize. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Normally Podcast: Virginia Democrats’ Court-Packing Plot, Spencer Pratt’s LA Surge & America’s Urban Crisis

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political firestorm erupting in Virginia after the state Supreme Court overturned the controversial redistricting effort. We examine Democrats’ reported discussions about restructuring the Virginia Supreme Court, accusations of court-packing, and the growing national backlash over election rules and constitutional processes. We also dive into the surprising rise of Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles politics, why his campaign message on crime, homelessness, and public disorder is resonating with voters, and what his viral debate performances reveal about the future of urban politics in America. Plus, we discuss California’s electoral shakeups, the decline of major American cities, parenting debates over bathing kids, and why everyday quality-of-life issues are increasingly shaping political battles nationwide. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Normally Podcast: Rubio Rising? California’s Political Meltdown & America’s Anti-Semitism Crisis

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Bethany Mandel break down the political stories dominating the week. First, they dive into Marco Rubio’s standout White House briefing room performance, why his media savvy is fueling fresh 2028 speculation, and how his growing influence inside the Trump orbit could shape the future of the GOP. Then, they head to California, where the governor’s race is turning into a political disaster for Democrats. From Katie Porter’s controversial debate moments to the rise of Republican contenders like Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, the political landscape in the Golden State may be shifting fast. Plus, Mary Katharine and Bethany unpack the alarming spike in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City, the failures of progressive leadership to address rising hate crimes, and what it signals for America’s political and cultural future. From 2028 Republican tea leaves to California’s political cracks and the growing anti-Semitism crisis, this episode covers the stories shaping the national conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.