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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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- 2 weeks ago26 min
Normally Podcast: Ilhan Omar ICE Investigation, James Talarico's Disappearance & Shane Gillis SNL Backlash
ICE investigations, political mysteries, blue-state crime, and another comedy controversy dominate today's episode of Normally. Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down reports of an immigration-related investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, questions surrounding Texas Senate candidate James Talarico's unexplained absence from the campaign trail, and the media's handling of both stories. Plus, we examine New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to a controversial ICE shooting in the Bronx, violent crime cases in Rhode Island and Minnesota, and growing concerns about public safety, sanctuary-city policies, and criminal justice accountability. Finally, comedian Shane Gillis sparks another round of outrage over his latest Saturday Night Live appearance. Karol and Mary Katharine discuss political correctness, cancel culture, and why Gillis continues to challenge the boundaries of mainstream comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago27 min
Normally Podcast: France Is on Fire, Russia’s Plague Mystery & Canada’s Euthanasia Crisis
France is erupting as widespread riots grip the country and thousands are arrested—but what’s really driving the unrest, and what does it mean for Europe’s future? Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the chaos in France, Brazil’s political shakeup, and a disturbing new argument framing abortion as an “affordability” issue. Then, they examine Canada’s controversial MAID euthanasia system and growing concerns over reports of plague in Russia, as the U.S. presses Moscow for answers about what’s happening near a Siberian research facility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 3 weeks ago28 min
Normally Podcast: Democrats Are Back: Why Republicans Can’t Get Complacent Before the 2026 Midterms
Are Republicans getting too comfortable ahead of the 2026 midterm elections? On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz warn against counting Democrats out as election season heats up. From Maine and Minnesota to Seattle and Los Angeles, they examine the political consequences of progressive policies on taxes, housing, crime, policing, immigration, and education. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Los Angeles' controversial "mansion tax," repeat violent offenders and crime in American cities, and a surprising shift in Seattle as its socialist mayor proposes adding police while avoiding new taxes. They also turn to Minnesota politics, Amy Klobuchar, Michelle Tafoya and the battle for voters heading into the midterms, before taking on the immigration debate and media coverage of children facing deportation proceedings under the Trump administration. Plus, the hosts discuss reports of a possible pneumonic plague outbreak in Russia and signs that parts of the medical establishment may be moving back toward a more traditional approach to medicine after the COVID era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- 4 weeks ago28 min
Normally Podcast: Terror in the Cockpit? Plus Mamdani, the Cornell Case & Eric Schmitt’s Big Mistake
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild week of news, starting with the midair attack aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After an altercation between the pilots sent the aircraft into a rapid descent, passengers and crew intervened and the plane ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Then, Mary Katharine and Karol turn to Britain, terrorism and immigration before examining Zohran Mamdani’s plan to combat antisemitism in New York City. Karol argues the proposal fails to adequately address attacks against Jewish New Yorkers, anti-Zionism and recent campus unrest. Plus, they dig into the disturbing allegations surrounding a Cornell University fraternity case, the conflicting accounts at the center of the civil complaint, and why due process still matters even when the alleged conduct is deeply troubling. Finally, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s questioning of former special counsel Jack Smith produces an extraordinarily uncomfortable Senate moment after Schmitt appears to get a key detail wrong—prompting Mary Katharine and Karol to break down what happened and the reaction in the hearing room.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Sep 29, 202635 min
Normally Podcast: Woke 2.0 Is Here: Vivek, Political Hypocrisy & the Return of Identity Politics
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild weekend in politics, from the backlash surrounding Vivek Ramaswamy to growing frustration among voters over the economy, gas prices, tariffs, immigration, and the direction of the Republican Party. Then, is “Woke 2.0” already taking shape? Mary Katharine and Karol examine renewed debates over race and identity politics, the controversy surrounding claims about recent deaths of Black Americans, and why they believe some of the rhetoric echoes the political and cultural battles of 2020. They also discuss the reaction to allegations involving Mary Peltola and what it says about changing standards on the political left. Plus, the conversation turns from politics to culture with a fascinating look at trad-wife influencer culture, the dangers of turning your personal life into an online brand, and the pressure created by audience capture. Finally, Justin Verlander’s retirement provides a very different picture of marriage, fatherhood, sports, and family—with Kate Upton and their children joining him for an emotional farewell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Sep 24, 202634 min
Normally Podcast: Nikole Hannah-Jones’ School Experiment, Trump at the UN & Gen Z Growing Pains
On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz celebrate the show’s two-year anniversary before diving into the biggest political, cultural, and education stories of the week. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones’ account of her daughter’s public-school experience, including their views on school choice, selective schools, testing, classroom discipline and accountability. Karol argues that many of the problems Hannah-Jones describes are connected to education policies she previously supported, while the hosts debate what the story says about the larger fight over public education. They also react to President Donald Trump’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, his comments about Iran, his meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the administration’s dispute with members of the White House press corps, and the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Plus, a Massachusetts bar faces backlash after making one night mask-optional, and Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the latest Gen Z etiquette debates: college freshmen quitting after only weeks on campus, bringing iced coffee to job interviews, and whether younger adults are getting enough practice navigating uncomfortable social situations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Sep 22, 202638 min
Normally Podcast: Nikole Hannah-Jones’ School Choice Reckoning with Erika Sanzi
Mary Katharine Ham is joined by Defending Education’s Erika Sanzi for a deep dive into Nikole Hannah-Jones’ revealing new essay about her daughter’s education—and the questions it raises about school choice, testing, discipline, accountability, and America’s public schools. After years of advocating for integration and criticizing selective schools, Hannah-Jones writes about her daughter’s difficult experience in a New York City public school and her eventual decision to attend a more academically challenging high school. Mary Katharine and Erika examine what the story says about putting ideology ahead of individual students, low academic expectations, classroom disruption, standardized testing, school funding, and whether the education establishment is learning the right lessons. Plus, Erika gives an update on Defending Education’s legal fight involving compelled speech and preferred pronouns at UC Berkeley. Then, Mary Katharine and Erika tackle the “mental load” debate in marriage—and make the case for appreciating spouses who are better at calendars, organization, bills, and finding the car keys.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Sep 17, 202631 min
Normally Podcast: Macklemore’s Ed Sheeran Fallout Explodes & Larry Krasner Faces DOJ Scrutiny
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back with Normalish takes on crime, free speech, politics, pop culture — and why sometimes the secret to a happy marriage is simply being nice about the new bowls. First, they examine a series of criminal justice controversies, including developments involving San Francisco’s law-enforcement oversight system, Virginia’s parole board and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. A federal judge has referred Krasner and a senior prosecutor to federal authorities for potential investigation over their conduct in a post-conviction murder case; Krasner disputes the judge’s findings and plans to appeal. Then, Karol and Mary Katharine dive into the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour following his pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium. Tour promoter Messina Touring Group said multiple venues would not host concerts with Macklemore on the lineup, while Sheeran has said the decision was made by promoters and venues rather than by him. Other supporting acts subsequently withdrew from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore. The conversation expands into a broader debate over political expression, boycotts, free speech and consequences in entertainment. They also discuss Mahmoud Khalil’s lawsuit against Columbia University and NBA player Kyle Kuzma’s public comments about Palestinians, Hamas and Israel. Finally, they lighten things up with some relationship advice inspired by a viral debate about husbands, wives and replacing perfectly functional cereal bowls. Their takeaway: you don’t have to care about the bowls — but being nice to your spouse is free.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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