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Normally is the podcast for normal people, by normal people. We're going to limit the hysteria, tone down the crazy, and talk about what really matters. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz have been in the political commentary world a long time. Both are known for being funny, and a bit irreverent, but also serious and thoughtful about the issues that are important to the country.
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- 1 weeks ago42 min
Normally Podcast: 25 Years After 9/11, Remembering Charlie Kirk & America’s Free Speech Crisis
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz mark two somber anniversaries while looking at what they mean for America today: 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks and one year since the murder of Charlie Kirk. Mary Katharine and Karol reflect on their own memories of 9/11, the fear and uncertainty Americans experienced in the aftermath, and the extraordinary heroism of first responders and ordinary citizens. They also discuss how younger generations understand the attacks, the rise of 9/11 conspiracy theories, and how parents can teach their children about that day while emphasizing courage, service and resilience. Then, one year after Charlie Kirk was murdered at Utah Valley University, they examine his legacy, the reaction to his death and what his loss means for political debate and free speech on college campuses. They also dig into new college free-speech rankings and their concerns about students who say shouting down speakers—or even using violence in some circumstances—is acceptable. Finally, things get lighter as Mary Katharine and Karol tackle relationships, honesty in marriage and the viral “haircut” debate before asking why Gen Z is struggling with dating. Is the dreaded “ick” keeping people from giving promising relationships a chance—and have dating apps and online culture made finding a partner unnecessarily complicated?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 1 weeks ago32 min
Normally Podcast: The Socialists Are Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz check in on what they call the increasingly bizarre ideas coming from America’s socialist left—from attacks on the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality to claims that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are “fascistic” and part of a supposed war on fat people. They also dig into resurfaced comments from Democratic congressional candidate William Lawrence criticizing the nuclear family and capitalism, and Mary Katharine and Karol explain why they believe Republicans should make the fight against socialism a major issue heading into the midterms. Plus, the hosts react to the Pod Save America guys’ confusion over “blood libel” and Passover, debate why progressive cities seem determined to make private philanthropy harder, and look at the Dell family’s massive investment in Trump Accounts for American children. They also discuss Caleb Hammer’s tough-love approach to financial literacy and why younger Americans may need to hear some uncomfortable truths about spending. Finally, Nike’s stock struggles spark a larger conversation about corporate politics, Colin Kaepernick, Dylan Mulvaney, and whether years of alienating customers are finally catching up with one of America’s most recognizable brands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago33 min
Normally Podcast: Charlie Kirk Murder Trial Moves Forward as Conspiracy Theories Spiral
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest developments in the Charlie Kirk murder case after a Utah judge rules that prosecutors have presented enough evidence for Tyler Robinson to stand trial, with the death penalty remaining on the table. They examine the legal arguments surrounding the case and the explosion of conspiracy theories that has followed Kirk's killing. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Candace Owens' claims, the true-crime culture surrounding real-life tragedies, and why people can become so invested in online theories that contradictory evidence no longer changes their minds. Then, the conversation turns to the Democratic Party. Sen. Ed Markey defeats Rep. Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary after Moulton previously walked back his criticism of biological males competing in women's sports. Meanwhile, old comments from James Talarico resurface in which he connected capitalism with white supremacy, raising questions about his attempt to distance himself from his previous progressive positions. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's past comments claiming the American dream is easier to achieve in Canada come under scrutiny, and Mary Katharine and Karol look at the looming college enrollment bust as universities such as Syracuse struggle with declining demand, soaring costs, administrative bloat, and questions about the value of a college degree. Finally, they take on the threatened Seattle teachers strike, including teacher compensation, declining enrollment, school budgets, and the growing battle between teachers unions and public-school districts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
Normally Podcast: Hasan Piker Problem Haunts Abdul El-Sayed as Michigan Senate Race Heats Up
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the growing controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and left-wing streamer Hasan Piker. As El-Sayed attempts to distance himself from Piker, his past appearances and campaign events with the controversial streamer are coming under new scrutiny. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the relationship could mean for El-Sayed’s race against Mike Rogers — and why Piker may become a much bigger problem for Democrats heading into future elections. Then, they debate the Trump administration’s new Venezuela oil agreement and whether expanding American access to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves represents smart geopolitical strategy or risks crossing the line into government intervention. They also look at renewed economic pressure on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the balance of power in the global oil market could be shifting toward the Western Hemisphere. Plus, a federal court ruling sparks a major First Amendment and immigration debate: Should non-citizens living in America be protected from deportation over political speech? Mary Katharine and Karol tackle free speech, immigration vetting, constitutional rights, and a legal battle that could ultimately move higher through the federal courts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago30 min
Normally Podcast: Dolly Parton’s Legacy, Trump’s Winning Endorsements & the Coming AI Shakeup
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton. First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment. Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing fight over children and social media after Meta faces major legal consequences over allegations involving Facebook, Instagram, and harm to minors. Are lawsuits and government regulation really the answer — or do parents ultimately have to take control of their kids’ phones and social media use? Plus, Bill Gates is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and its potential to eliminate jobs and cause major economic disruption. Is an AI-driven employment crisis really coming, or are predictions of catastrophe overlooking the opportunities created by technological change? Finally, Mary Katharine and Karol remember Dolly Parton, her legendary songwriting career, her faith, humor, generosity, Imagination Library, and the remarkable ability she had to remain beloved across political and cultural divides. They also react to the King’s Guard honoring Dolly with a performance of “9 to 5” following her death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago32 min
Normally Podcast: Hasan Piker’s Shocking Charlie Kirk Song & Democrats’ Far-Left Problem
Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker’s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands. They also take on the growing backlash against data centers and ask whether the populist campaign against them is based on legitimate local concerns—or fueled by misleading narratives about energy, water, jobs, and economic growth. Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sparks a debate over whether conservative parents should pay to send their children to elite universities like Harvard. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss ideological conformity on college campuses, free speech, the pressures conservative students face, and what parents should consider when choosing a university. Then, the New York Times suffers a rare courtroom defeat after an Alabama jury awards former Crimson Tide basketball player Kai Spears $9.25 million in a defamation case stemming from the newspaper’s reporting on a 2023 murder. And after IndyCar took over the streets surrounding the National Mall for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the hosts discuss the spectacle, President Trump’s role in bringing the event to Washington, D.C., and why sometimes it’s okay to admit something is simply cool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Aug 20, 202632 min
Normally Podcast: 2026 Primary Warning Signs, Trump’s Endorsement Problem & the Lindsay Clancy Debate
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections — and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races. In Florida, James Fishback falls short but still captures 10% of the vote, while Alexander Vindman suffers a stunning defeat in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary despite a massive fundraising advantage. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the results say about the changing Democratic Party, the Republican Party's own ideological battles and the declining power of President Donald Trump's endorsement after a string of Trump-backed candidates lost their primaries. They also discuss new FBI crime data showing the U.S. murder rate reaching a 20-year low and violent crime recording a historic decline — and why those numbers deserve more attention. But Northern Virginia provides a troubling contrast. Mary Katharine examines controversial criminal justice decisions in Fairfax County and a recent murder near a popular hiking area, asking what it will take for voters in deep-blue communities to demand a different approach to public safety. Finally, the trial of Lindsay Clancy sparks a much broader debate about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Mary Katharine and Karol push back against attempts to dismiss the reality of postpartum mental health struggles while making clear that acknowledging those conditions does not mean excusing the killing of children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Aug 18, 202634 min
Normally Podcast: Trump, Vance & the GOP’s 2026 Problem, Plus Luigi Mangione and California’s Wealth Tax
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back together on Normally to break down a packed political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections. They start with the races that could determine control of the Senate, including Florida, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and New Hampshire. Is the Democratic Party moving too far left for voters — or could Republicans still find a way to sabotage their advantage? Then, Mary Katharine and Karol react to President Donald Trump’s comments about scaling back U.S.-South Korea military exercises and Vice President JD Vance’s remarks about the U.S. dollar and reserve currency. What do these comments reveal about where Trump and Vance are taking the Republican Party? Plus, California’s proposed wealth tax has Mark Cuban warning about an exodus of entrepreneurs and investment, while Democrats face a growing fight over socialism, billionaires and taxing the rich. The conversation also turns to Luigi Mangione’s guilty plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the disturbing fandom surrounding Mangione, and the political reaction to the murder. Finally, America’s education divide is getting harder to ignore. UC Berkeley professors are confronting students who struggle with basic math, the University of Michigan is hiding first-semester grades on transcripts, while Mississippi and Louisiana are showing what can happen when schools return to phonics, accountability and educational basics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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About Normally
Normally is the podcast for normal people, by normal people. We're going to limit the hysteria, tone down the crazy, and talk about what really matters. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz have been in the political commentary world a long time. Both are known for being funny, and a bit irreverent, but also serious and thoughtful about the issues that are important to the country.
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