Dystopia Now
190 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsWho needs dystopian fiction when you've got the real thing right outside? Kerouac and Todd try to make sense of a world gone haywire.
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Episodes
The assault on Pride
June 03, 2023 18:01 - 27 minutes - 22.8 MBJune is here and with it Pride Month, which should and will be a month of celebration. As usual, there's been a load of corporate Pride initiatives ... like Target stocking shelves with LGBTQ-friendly merchandise. But thanks to the demonizing of trans folks, things have taken a dark turn this time around. Stay safe out there friends. Donate to abortion funds here. In Ohio? Vote NO on Issue 1 on Aug. 8.
The Blue Check meltdown
April 25, 2023 15:40 - 34 minutes - 28.7 MBTwitter's move to eliminate the legacy blue checks led to a bizarre and entertaining weekend on the social media site, with a bunch of the dummies who paid for the service throwing a prolonged fit. Just goes to show what happens when you replace verification with faux validation. Donate to abortion funds here.
Dominion makes FOX pay
April 21, 2023 13:58 - 28 minutes - 23.5 MBLike everyone else out there, we wanted to see FOX News get taken to the cleaners in court but we had to settle for, well, a settlement. Now, it's a hefty price to pay, but it sure would have been nice to see them sweat. Donate to abortion funds here.
The Tennessee 3
April 08, 2023 17:15 - 29 minutes - 24.8 MBDemocracy took a hit in Tennessee this week. Two of three lawmakers who stood with children protesting for gun control were expelled from the state's House of Representatives. The whole affair was a travesty, right down to the obvious reason one lawmaker was spared. For local coverage, check out the TN Holler here. Donate to abortion funds here.
Baaaaaaad justice
April 04, 2023 18:16 - 20 minutes - 17.4 MBWhile the world watches a jackass get arrested in Manhattan, we instead focused on the story of a little girl and the people who had her pet goat Cedar seized in order to teach her a lesson. Find the petition for justice for Cedar here. Donate to abortion funds here.
Michelangelo's 'David' vs. Florida
March 28, 2023 18:48 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBSo Florida has a problem with one of the most famous sculptures in history, despite the fact it's a masterpiece steeped in religion. Now a principal is out of a job and a bunch of sixth graders are probably confused over how any of this is a big deal. Donate to abortion funds here.
RIP SVB
March 17, 2023 14:15 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MBThis episode took longer than usual to pull together ... heck, one of the biggest banks in the U.S. collapsed in less time. Sorry about the delay, but I'm sure "woke" is somehow to blame. Donate to abortion funds here or the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
FOX News v. Dominion
March 07, 2023 19:33 - 22 minutes - 19.3 MBEveryone's favorite fake news outlet looks like it could be in for a hefty payout over its 2020 election coverage. Let's hope so. Plus some thoughts on an ugly CPAC. Donate to abortion funds here or the National Center for Transgender Equality here.
The Scott Adams Situation
March 02, 2023 18:40 - 31 minutes - 26 MBSo the creator of a comic strip nobody cares about went and got himself canceled last week. Scott Adams is still trying to post through it, but it's not going well. Or it's going exactly as he hoped and the racism grift pays off. We'll find out soon enough. Donate to abortion funds here.
Angst life grand?
January 26, 2023 15:46 - 31 minutes - 25.8 MBWe're boiling this show down to its essence: Two Gen Xers embracing their angsty stereotype and talking about what's bringing them down. Like the news these days gives us any choice.
The Damar Hamlin coverage
January 06, 2023 03:54 - 34 minutes - 28.6 MBThere's some hopeful news about Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest during Monday Night Football in Cincinnati. We look into the initial response to the horrific incident in this episode. You can find Hamlin's fundraiser at The Chasing M's Foundation Community Toy Drive.
The year that was (awful)
December 29, 2022 18:51 - 39 minutes - 32.3 MBNot gonna lie, this one is pretty raw. Todd and Kerouac rehash some of the biggest ongoing trends and news stories of the last year. If you were on Earth for the last year, you know that none of it was good. You know what is good, though? Donating to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Colorado Springs
November 22, 2022 20:32 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBThe hate parade aimed at the LGBTQ community reached its inevitable conclusion Saturday night, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Stay safe out there, folks. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Music: Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I/tracks 1 & 6; God is Gay/Poisson
The red wave that wasn't
November 16, 2022 00:46 - 28 minutes - 24 MBHow's everybody holding up after the midterms? Did we dodge a bullet or was the bullet always a myth? Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Elon Musk buys Twitter
November 03, 2022 03:04 - 21 minutes - 18.5 MBLike the world wasn't bad enough. The richest guy on the planet deals with his insecurity by buying Twitter and the rest of us pay the price. We're staying for now, but we don't have to like it. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Sinema is trash
September 30, 2022 14:04 - 18 minutes - 16.1 MBThere's a reason Mitch McConnell called Kyrsten Sinema the most effective first-term senator he's seen during his tenure ... and it isn't because she's doing anything to help her party. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
The Queen and Trump
September 15, 2022 14:43 - 21 minutes - 18.6 MBIt's been a weird week here in the Dystopian States of America. The whole country got worked up over the death of a monarch and a fake tweet went viral. OK, that last part happens all the time, but it doesn't make it any better. Follow "Kafka Jones" at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
'Woke' Middle Earth and Westeros?
September 06, 2022 17:12 - 32 minutes - 26.9 MBThere's a whole bunch of people getting big mad over brown people existing in their fantasy content. It doesn't help that social media incentivizes that hate. Follow "Kafka Jones" at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Good news?!?!
August 10, 2022 18:55 - 27 minutes - 24.1 MBYeah, the world sucks. But every now and then a guy like Alex Jones gets taken to the cleaner or Donald Trump has his precious Mar-a-Lago raided and things seem a little brighter. Plus, Kansas took a stand to support abortion ... like what is even happening? Follow "Kafka Jones" at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Golf's blood money bonanza
August 03, 2022 17:59 - 22 minutes - 19 MBWhy is a Saudi-backed golf league throwing around impossible amounts of cash to some of the world's best golfers? It sure seems to be a bid to "sports-wash" their awful reputation on human rights. And Donald Trump is more than happy to help. Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Josh Hawley does the running man
July 24, 2022 18:25 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBThe January 6 committee poked fun at Missouri senator Josh Hawley in their final hearing of the summer, showing him first with his defiant raised fist, then as he ran for his life during the riot. Much laughter ensued, both in the audience and especially on Twitter. Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
53 films in 52 nights
July 21, 2022 22:09 - 40 minutes - 31.8 MBThis week, we take a break from news to talk about a quest Kerouac is on to watch a feature length film every single night. Don't worry, the news is still all bad. Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/
Calling out the Dodgers
July 12, 2022 18:44 - 24 minutes - 20.8 MBLast week, Todd posted a Twitter thread on behalf of a friend who was forced to change her Nasty Woman shirt before being allowed to attend a Los Angeles Dodgers game. We talk about the response to the thread and the utter silence of the Dodgers. The Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/ToddBehrendt/status/1545398059193946112 Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
Brittney Griner
July 07, 2022 18:23 - 27 minutes - 22.9 MBAn American sports star has been detained in Russia on trivial charges since days before the invasion of Ukraine, but until recently there wasn't a lot of coverage. What are we going to do about it? Petition: https://blackfeministfuture.org/bringbrittneyhome/ Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
Supreme Court coup
July 03, 2022 15:13 - 25 minutes - 20.5 MBIs there any other way to describe what happened the last two weeks? Stay safe out there, folks. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
"They aren't here to hurt me"
June 30, 2022 18:05 - 24 minutes - 20.1 MBTuesday's bonus hearing was probably the most compelling yet from the January 6 select committee. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
Supreme Court v. privacy
June 28, 2022 15:18 - 25 minutes - 21.2 MBFriday's decision to strike down Roe v Wade was a long time coming, but it isn't the end of the line for a court that is rapidly reshaping policy in this country. Donate to abortion funds at https://abortionfunds.org/ Follow Kerouac at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
Texas GOP wants to secede
June 23, 2022 16:46 - 24 minutes - 19.5 MBThe Texas GOP convention was a doozy, eh? The new platform denies the 2020 election results, condemns homosexuality and even includes a bit about holding a referendum on leaving the United States. Also, Kerouac is watching a movie every night for as long as he can. Follow along at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/
Jan. 6 hearings -- pumping up Pence
June 19, 2022 17:42 - 16 minutes - 14 MBMan, the January 6 committee sure played up Mike Pence's role in preventing an attempted coup. Don't they realize that he'd have done it if he thought it would actually work? Also, Kerouac is watching a movie every night for as long as he can. Follow along at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Jan. 6 hearing takeaways
June 15, 2022 14:52 - 20 minutes - 17.2 MBThrough two hearings, we've got a pretty good idea of what the January 6 committee has in store for us the rest of the way. Whether it makes a difference is less clear. Also, Kerouac is watching a movie every night for as long as he can. Follow along at https://letterboxd.com/kafkajones/activity/ Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
One way to cope
June 07, 2022 15:48 - 36 minutes - 30.5 MBThe world is pretty bleak right now; sometimes it can help to just tune out. Kerouac tells Todd all about the project he's undertaken that has allowed him a couple hours of peace every night. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Uvalde and America's gun crisis
May 27, 2022 14:55 - 22 minutes - 18 MBTwo days after the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, authorities are still failing to explain their response to the mass shooting and politicians are still trying to put the focus on anything but guns. https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101161673/how-to-help-uvalde-school-shooting Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
The danger of replacement rhetoric
May 17, 2022 18:05 - 18 minutes - 15.6 MBA mass shooting in Buffalo seems to be inspired by a racist theory being spread in the worst places on the Internet, and by right-wing politicians and a major media company. And after yet another tragedy, they all keep passing the buck. Donate to your local abortion fund. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Protesting at homes
May 12, 2022 15:12 - 18 minutes - 15.5 MBSince they don't want to actually discuss the Supreme Court decision to upend abortion rights in the U.S., politicians and media are now focusing on protests happening outside of justices' homes. Don't let them distract you ... and keep making their lives hell. Donate to your local abortion fund. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
End of the Roe
May 04, 2022 18:16 - 28 minutes - 23.1 MBA bombshell report from Politico on Monday night revealed an early draft of a Supreme Court decision to upend abortion rights in the U.S. We talk about the so-called integrity of the court, the performative dramatics over the leak itself and what the future might hold. Donate to your local abortion fund. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Florida vs. math
April 22, 2022 14:55 - 14 minutes - 12.4 MBFlorida governor Ron DeSantis continues his assault on "woke" education -- this time taking aim at math textbooks. Wait, what? You'd think math might be the one subject that was safe, but there's nothing he won't turn into ammo for his culture war. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Canceling student loan debt
April 15, 2022 15:19 - 13 minutes - 11.2 MBChuck Schumer says the White House is really coming around on eliminating a sizable chunk of student loan debt ... but whether it actually happens is anyone's guess. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
"Don't Say Gay" bills
April 07, 2022 16:58 - 17 minutes - 14.9 MBThis week, Ohio legislators introduced their own version of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill. Why is this happening and what can be done about it? Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
The panic over furries
March 31, 2022 15:16 - 15 minutes - 13.2 MBA state senator from Nebraska went viral after he lost it over debunked rumors of furries overrunning schools in his state. He has since apologized, but the damage is done. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
The Ketanji Brown Jackson hearing
March 25, 2022 18:31 - 19 minutes - 16.7 MBHave you folks been watching or listening to the confirmation hearing? Todd and Kerouac talk about the bad-faith grilling of a supremely qualified nominee and how it reflects on the bigger picture. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Let's see less of Cillizza
March 17, 2022 17:14 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBThe former president continues to spout his dangerous rhetoric to riled up crowds and CNN's favorite listicle maker keeps mining it for clickbait. It's just not funny anymore. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Oh no, a giant spider invasion
March 09, 2022 18:25 - 14 minutes - 12.7 MBThe Joro spider landed in Georgia late last year, but is now poised to spread all over the East coast. Should you be worried? Depends on where you get your news. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
KleptoCapture
March 04, 2022 18:45 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBJoe Biden announced that the U.S. will start to seize the yachts, jets and luxury homes of Russian oligarchs in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Let's talk about that. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Media loves a war
March 02, 2022 19:50 - 18 minutes - 15.3 MBThere's only been one thing on the news for the last week. But what makes the coverage a little different this time around? Todd and Kerouac discuss. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
The Crypto Bowl
February 18, 2022 19:04 - 14 minutes - 12.3 MBBoy, the commercials from Sunday's Super Bowl sure seemed to be heavy on cryptocurrency. Why the big celebrity push to get folks to put their hard-earned dollars into virtual money? Todd and Kerouac discuss. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Halftime hand-wringing
February 16, 2022 16:08 - 12 minutes - 10.7 MBThe Super Bowl halftime show sent some folks into a tizzy. Wonder what was so different about this year's show that set people off. Just kidding. We all know why. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
We're not buying it
February 11, 2022 16:01 - 14 minutes - 12.5 MBIt's always great to hear scandalous information about Trump's time in office way after the fact. Maggie Haberman is using the news cycle to drop a scoop we could have used in real time in order to promote her upcoming book. Todd and Kerouac aren't buying it. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Canada's convoy protest
February 09, 2022 16:03 - 15 minutes - 13.3 MBWhat's going on with the so-called trucker convoy protest in Ottawa that's lasted for nearly two weeks? And is a version of it headed for the United States of Dystopia? Todd and Kerouac discuss. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Facebook and Spotify tanking
February 04, 2022 18:17 - 15 minutes - 13.1 MBTodd and Kerouac are back to talk about what sent Facebook and Spotify stocks into the crapper this week. Whatever it is, let's hope it keeps going. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/
Book bans
February 02, 2022 17:51 - 18 minutes - 15.1 MBTodd and Kerouac are back to discuss the wave of book challenges going on in school districts around the country. Check out copodco.com to listen for more shows, including Under the Covers and Pretend This Didn't Happen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copodco/