On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest political and media chaos—from New York City’s growing budget crisis to the media firestorm surrounding Stephen Colbert.

They dive into the fallout from progressive economic policies in NYC, where “free” programs are colliding with fiscal reality—raising questions about taxes, spending, and who ultimately pays the price. Plus, they unpack the viral controversy over Colbert’s pulled interview, separating fact from narrative and exposing how quickly misinformation spreads in today’s media ecosystem.

Also in this episode:

• The truth behind the Colbert “censorship” claims and FCC rules

• Why CNN’s ratings are collapsing while competitors surge

• How media bias and viral narratives shape public perception

• The unintended consequences of minimum wage hikes and gig worker laws

• What redistricting battles in Virginia could mean for 2026

EMAIL THE SHOW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz open with a heartfelt remembrance of online friend John Echtel, then reflect on the strange way public grief and “parasocial” connections collide in the modern age.

From there, they dig into the biggest moments from the Munich Security Conference—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s widely praised speech on Western confidence, shared civilization, and why “decline is a choice.” They also break down the viral clips making the rounds: AOC’s halting answer on Taiwan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s non-answer on Ukraine, and what those moments reveal about readiness, media expectations, and “hard-question privilege.”

The conversation then turns to two stories they say they don’t want to cover—but feel they have to:

• Candace Owens vs. Erika Kirk and why they argue the line should be drawn with real consequences, not endless engagement-bait.

• The ongoing Epstein files frenzy, including the Ro Khanna/Thomas Massie episode that swept innocent names into the discourse—and why “transparency isn’t justice.”

Finally, they hit a jaw-dropping governance story: a major wastewater pipeline failure sending sewage into the Potomac River—and why the public response (“don’t touch the river”) isn’t remotely good enough.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest political and cultural stories shaping the week—without the hysteria.

🔹 Congressional Showdown Over DHS Funding
With a possible government shutdown looming, Democrats and Republicans clash over Department of Homeland Security funding, immigration enforcement, and last-minute negotiations ahead of the February 13 deadline.

🔹 Blowout Jobs Report & Economic Messaging
A surprisingly strong January jobs report shows 130,000 jobs added and unemployment falling to 4.3%—but why aren’t voters feeling it? MK & Karol discuss media framing, independent voter sentiment, and whether AI anxiety is clouding economic optimism.

🔹 Crime Plunges in Major Cities
Violent crime and homicides are down sharply across major U.S. cities. Is this the result of policy shifts—or just better data? Mary Katharine and Karol examine media narratives and what’s really happening on the ground.

🔹 The Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
The mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped national attention. MK & Karol discuss why the case resonates, the dangers of speculation, and the broader concerns about elderly safety and rising AI-driven scams.

🔹 Elite College “Disabilities” Surge & Stanford Dating Experiment
Why are up to 40% of students at elite schools claiming disabilities for accommodations? And at Stanford University, a new matchmaking algorithm is taking over campus dating culture. What does it all say about Gen Z, competition, and social anxiety?

Normalish takes for when the news gets weird.

EMAIL THE SHOW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.