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

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest political and cultural stories shaping the week&mdash;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 &amp; Economic Messaging A surprisingly strong January jobs report shows 130,000 jobs added and unemployment falling to 4.3%&mdash;but why aren&rsquo;t voters feeling it? MK &amp; 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&mdash;or just better data? Mary Katharine and Karol examine media narratives and what&rsquo;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 &amp; Karol discuss why the case resonates, the dangers of speculation, and the broader concerns about elderly safety and rising AI-driven scams.
🔹 Elite College &ldquo;Disabilities&rdquo; Surge &amp; 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.
<a href="mailto:normallythepod@gmailcom">EMAIL THE SHOW</a>

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. Catch Normally every Tuesday & Thursday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Normally is the podcast for normal people, by normal people. We&rsquo;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. Catch Normally every Tuesday &amp; Thursday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.&nbsp;

Normally

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.

Normally Podcast: DHS Shutdown Fight, Strong Jobs Report, Crime Drop & Nancy Guthrie Mystery

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4442ce16-3d3f-44b2-9034-b3ef0037bf81/transcript