Hey guys, we are back on normally the show with normalish it takes for when the news gets weird. This week, once again we are a little heavy on takes and lighter on news because we were doing an AMA.

Hey guys, we are back on normally the show with normalish it takes for when the news gets weird. This week, once again we are a little heavy on takes and lighter on news because we were doing an AMA.

I am Mary Catherine Ham.

I am Mary Catherine Ham.

And I'm Carol marco Itz. Thanks so much for joining us.

And I'm Carol marco Itz. Thanks so much for joining us.

I hope you guys have had a great break.

I hope you guys have had a great break.

Carol, And can I ask what do you guys do in Florida? You guys like light up your palm trees? Is that what happens that as I sit in the snow.

Carol, And can I ask what do you guys do in Florida? You guys like light up your palm trees? Is that what happens that as I sit in the snow.

Here, the day after Thanksgiving, Florida lights up all as palm trees. I mean that's really literally what happens everywhere around. I th think it did start that early in New York either. It wasn't like the day after Thanksgiving all the lights went up. It's very organized here, like a lot of things, it just functions very very well. And then one year, I think, you know, one community didn't have its lights up and everybody was all up in arms about it because what are you doing? Like what's the delay here?

Here, the day after Thanksgiving, Florida lights up all as palm trees. I mean that's really literally what happens everywhere around. I th think it did start that early in New York either. It wasn't like the day after Thanksgiving all the lights went up. It's very organized here, like a lot of things, it just functions very very well. And then one year, I think, you know, one community didn't have its lights up and everybody was all up in arms about it because what are you doing? Like what's the delay here?

We've got some fun questions still coming in.

We've got some fun questions still coming in.

We'll do a couple serious ones, but I like this one what was your favorite Christmas gift you ever received? Yours will have to be gift in general slash.

We'll do a couple serious ones, but I like this one what was your favorite Christmas gift you ever received? Yours will have to be gift in general slash.

I guess.

I guess.

I'm just not like A. I don't know. I you know, I have to say my husband and I are just not big gift givers. I know this that sounds awful, but like it's more like when we need something, we just get it. It's not I don't know. I sometimes wish we were better at it, but I also don't want to try that hard. So all right, can I do?

I'm just not like A. I don't know. I you know, I have to say my husband and I are just not big gift givers. I know this that sounds awful, but like it's more like when we need something, we just get it. It's not I don't know. I sometimes wish we were better at it, but I also don't want to try that hard. So all right, can I do?

So?

So?

Yeah?

Yeah?

I think it's okay.

I think it's okay.

You've called a You've called a truth as long as your desires are wind up.

You've called a You've called a truth as long as your desires are wind up.

Back and nobody's disappointed. And you know that that's the worst part, right when people are like one side is like not a big on gift giving and the other side is exactly I have to say, the best gift my kids have gotten recently. If anybody's still looking at shop, I know this is clost Christmas, but a silent basketball. It like feels like a basketball and it doesn't feel like it plays like a basketball, but it's for indoor you and it's really good. I'm a big fan. Yeah, get that.

Back and nobody's disappointed. And you know that that's the worst part, right when people are like one side is like not a big on gift giving and the other side is exactly I have to say, the best gift my kids have gotten recently. If anybody's still looking at shop, I know this is clost Christmas, but a silent basketball. It like feels like a basketball and it doesn't feel like it plays like a basketball, but it's for indoor you and it's really good. I'm a big fan. Yeah, get that.

Things that we can make in this modern world amazing.

Things that we can make in this modern world amazing.

I think I would say my favorite, maybe my favorite childhood present was a do you remember the cartoon ThunderCats.

I think I would say my favorite, maybe my favorite childhood present was a do you remember the cartoon ThunderCats.

Of course, yes, thunder So I got the whole.

Of course, yes, thunder So I got the whole.

Yeah, my parents must have been doing pretty well that year or something because I got There were other years where like things were I remember. I still remember them being so magical, but my parents will tell me later, like we got all those things at the thirst store. This was a This was a brand new Thundercat's lair with like a racetrack running through it that you could put the ThunderCats uh cars on and vehicles and it was like it was very elaborate. There were several figurines. I'm sure it would be worse something if I still had it. Loved that And I think I got a pound puppy the same year, so it was like a pretty I really was a big year Christmas.

Yeah, my parents must have been doing pretty well that year or something because I got There were other years where like things were I remember. I still remember them being so magical, but my parents will tell me later, like we got all those things at the thirst store. This was a This was a brand new Thundercat's lair with like a racetrack running through it that you could put the ThunderCats uh cars on and vehicles and it was like it was very elaborate. There were several figurines. I'm sure it would be worse something if I still had it. Loved that And I think I got a pound puppy the same year, so it was like a pretty I really was a big year Christmas.

Yeah, I mean my fae great gift ever was my Cabbage Patch Kid.

Yeah, I mean my fae great gift ever was my Cabbage Patch Kid.

That got a promotion or something.

That got a promotion or something.

Yeah. Yeah, Cabbage Patch Kid was basically the biggest toy of my childhood. I still have it. My you know, lives on my daughter's bed. He lives on my daughter's bed. He Victor with the with the birth certificate.

Yeah. Yeah, Cabbage Patch Kid was basically the biggest toy of my childhood. I still have it. My you know, lives on my daughter's bed. He lives on my daughter's bed. He Victor with the with the birth certificate.

Yes, yes, but signature on their butts.

Yes, yes, but signature on their butts.

The butt still exists. Navier Roberts still kind of smells a little bit like baby powder. I mean, this is like tho years later, more than thirty even thirty five, and it still has the little scent. It's it's and we've washed it. So I don't know what they do.

The butt still exists. Navier Roberts still kind of smells a little bit like baby powder. I mean, this is like tho years later, more than thirty even thirty five, and it still has the little scent. It's it's and we've washed it. So I don't know what they do.

That's all. That's impressive. What did they make that out of? I wonder something right?

That's all. That's impressive. What did they make that out of? I wonder something right?

And then my husband is an extremely thoughtful gift giver, so I have to keep married.

And then my husband is an extremely thoughtful gift giver, so I have to keep married.

It's uh, it's great.

It's uh, it's great.

I think I actually think I've I've told him before he should give classes to other hetero dudes about how to give presents.

I think I actually think I've I've told him before he should give classes to other hetero dudes about how to give presents.

But he'd be hilariously bad.

But he'd be hilariously bad.

At giving classes because he's just like, well, I just listened to what you're saying, and when you say that you like a thing, I remember it, and I'm like, yeah, that's the thing.

At giving classes because he's just like, well, I just listened to what you're saying, and when you say that you like a thing, I remember it, and I'm like, yeah, that's the thing.

That other people aren't doing right, Steve.

That other people aren't doing right, Steve.

Yeah. But also people, I have never heard my husband say he wants something ever. Ever. Ever, he has never been like he's never walked by a store window and kind of glanced. I never, So some people just don't give you the clues either.

Yeah. But also people, I have never heard my husband say he wants something ever. Ever. Ever, he has never been like he's never walked by a store window and kind of glanced. I never, So some people just don't give you the clues either.

Yeah, that's true.

Yeah, that's true.

And my husband actually frustratingly buys everything he wants for himself, which.

And my husband actually frustratingly buys everything he wants for himself, which.

Is not a lot of husbands to.

Is not a lot of husbands to.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, and so he's very hard to shop for.

Yeah, and so he's very hard to shop for.

I did one time make him a hat rack out of like a you know, like a like a raw edged piece of wood. We have a very large, tall ceilinged wall that we put this like piece of spruce on and I like standed it all up and finished it and.

I did one time make him a hat rack out of like a you know, like a like a raw edged piece of wood. We have a very large, tall ceilinged wall that we put this like piece of spruce on and I like standed it all up and finished it and.

Put hooks on it.

Put hooks on it.

And now that's where our BA small caps reside, so that we would love it like fancy white trash instead.

And now that's where our BA small caps reside, so that we would love it like fancy white trash instead.

Of I think we've seen it in the background of some of our normally videos.

Of I think we've seen it in the background of some of our normally videos.

Is that is that the one that's a different one? The other one?

Is that is that the one that's a different one? The other one?

This one is much more elaborate than that. I will show it to you guys sometimes.

This one is much more elaborate than that. I will show it to you guys sometimes.

Yeah, definitely.

Yeah, definitely.

It was a little weird because we were actually not early in dating, but it was like we were dating, yeah, and I was like.

It was a little weird because we were actually not early in dating, but it was like we were dating, yeah, and I was like.

If I make this very elaborate gift for him, is it going to be too much? You know, you have to gauge your gift giving. And it was also very big, so I was like, close your eyes on bringing this giant thing into your home and I don't know if you'll like it or not.

If I make this very elaborate gift for him, is it going to be too much? You know, you have to gauge your gift giving. And it was also very big, so I was like, close your eyes on bringing this giant thing into your home and I don't know if you'll like it or not.

And he did and it's still on the wall.

And he did and it's still on the wall.

Hey, it all worked out.

Hey, it all worked out.

All right. I'm gonna do another fun one. Let's do it. What was the first concert for each of you?

All right. I'm gonna do another fun one. Let's do it. What was the first concert for each of you?

My first concert was Debbie Gibson Electric Youth. I have to say, I know shade to Debbie, but I definitely got into her to fit in with the other girls. I was a bon Jovi like kind of getting into like heavy metal person, and all the girls in my class were like, Debbie Gibson is so much better than that, and I was like, I want to hang out with you girls, So I will. I will become a Debbie Gibson super fan. I will go to her concert. I will learn the names of her background singers and I look I like her music. I had, you know, again, no shade at all, but it was definitely an attempt to fit in. I'll also say my last concert wasn't also a long islander. I went to see Billy, Joel and San Antonio last month with the children. My then eight year old he is now nine, fell asleep for most of that show. The lesson here is don't fire kids extensive concert tickets because they can't make it.

My first concert was Debbie Gibson Electric Youth. I have to say, I know shade to Debbie, but I definitely got into her to fit in with the other girls. I was a bon Jovi like kind of getting into like heavy metal person, and all the girls in my class were like, Debbie Gibson is so much better than that, and I was like, I want to hang out with you girls, So I will. I will become a Debbie Gibson super fan. I will go to her concert. I will learn the names of her background singers and I look I like her music. I had, you know, again, no shade at all, but it was definitely an attempt to fit in. I'll also say my last concert wasn't also a long islander. I went to see Billy, Joel and San Antonio last month with the children. My then eight year old he is now nine, fell asleep for most of that show. The lesson here is don't fire kids extensive concert tickets because they can't make it.

My first one, And then I'm going to ask you your favorite concert you've ever been to.

My first one, And then I'm going to ask you your favorite concert you've ever been to.

My first one, I believe, was Leonard skinnerd.

My first one, I believe, was Leonard skinnerd.

Ooh, that is a first concert which is on brand. You are cool.

Ooh, that is a first concert which is on brand. You are cool.

I have to say there may have been one I went to with my parents before that, which was this is an odd one.

I have to say there may have been one I went to with my parents before that, which was this is an odd one.

Julian Lennon. Oh yeah, do you remember when Julian Lennon was a thing.

Julian Lennon. Oh yeah, do you remember when Julian Lennon was a thing.

Yeah, he actually had a He put out one great album in the mid eighties, and we went to a concert.

Yeah, he actually had a He put out one great album in the mid eighties, and we went to a concert.

So I did see that one.

So I did see that one.

And then Leonard Skinner on my own in high school was my I think my first one, and my favorite concert was probably and this is the only thing that gives me any cred. I saw Outcast in nineteen ninety eight in a very small out yeah yeah, and it was like an eight dollar ticket and I was splurging, Carol.

And then Leonard Skinner on my own in high school was my I think my first one, and my favorite concert was probably and this is the only thing that gives me any cred. I saw Outcast in nineteen ninety eight in a very small out yeah yeah, and it was like an eight dollar ticket and I was splurging, Carol.

I was like, it was really clea, this is worth it.

I was like, it was really clea, this is worth it.

It was really close to my dorm room the field where they played, and so some people were like, I don't know, We're just going to sit in our dorm room and open the windows, which you could do, and I was like, I'm going to do it. I'm going to spend eight of my hard earned dollars to go see Outcast and it was fantastic.

It was really close to my dorm room the field where they played, and so some people were like, I don't know, We're just going to sit in our dorm room and open the windows, which you could do, and I was like, I'm going to do it. I'm going to spend eight of my hard earned dollars to go see Outcast and it was fantastic.

Have you ever seen Ludacris? I really I associate you with Ludacris very very tightly.

Have you ever seen Ludacris? I really I associate you with Ludacris very very tightly.

I have not, somewhat surprisingly, I should probably get that done.

I have not, somewhat surprisingly, I should probably get that done.

Yeah, definitely, I'll see Luda. My favorite concert. I just I know this is going to sound so cheesy because it is cheesy, but it really was Taylor Swift. I went to see Taylor Swift in June with my daughter in Liverpool. It was a three hour show. It was incredible. I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan. I'm not, but my daughter was so into it and we sang along with all the songs and it was a very well done show. Obviously, I mean, people aren't just going because they're crazy, but that was amazing. Like you, I have seen big rap artists. Back in Brooklyn, there was a club called Intensity for and it was four teenagers, like I was like fifteen at the time. I saw like Cypress Hill, that's effects. I mean, just tons of really big kind of acts, really up close I would say eight dollars is probably more more than a cost. It might have been like five or six. It's kind of wild they would never do it at teenage clubs, for example, is not a thing anymore.

Yeah, definitely, I'll see Luda. My favorite concert. I just I know this is going to sound so cheesy because it is cheesy, but it really was Taylor Swift. I went to see Taylor Swift in June with my daughter in Liverpool. It was a three hour show. It was incredible. I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan. I'm not, but my daughter was so into it and we sang along with all the songs and it was a very well done show. Obviously, I mean, people aren't just going because they're crazy, but that was amazing. Like you, I have seen big rap artists. Back in Brooklyn, there was a club called Intensity for and it was four teenagers, like I was like fifteen at the time. I saw like Cypress Hill, that's effects. I mean, just tons of really big kind of acts, really up close I would say eight dollars is probably more more than a cost. It might have been like five or six. It's kind of wild they would never do it at teenage clubs, for example, is not a thing anymore.

No, we had that teenagers.

No, we had that teenagers.

Like they started like seven and they end at like nine thirty. It's crazy that they don't.

Like they started like seven and they end at like nine thirty. It's crazy that they don't.

We had that too with like punk bands and you know, get some cigarettes in there.

We had that too with like punk bands and you know, get some cigarettes in there.

Well, yes, maybe that's why they don't have them anymore.

Well, yes, maybe that's why they don't have them anymore.

Not that I would engage in such a thing, but I'd be.

Not that I would engage in such a thing, but I'd be.

Saying, yeah, yeah, it was a different time.

Saying, yeah, yeah, it was a different time.

It was a different time, it was a better time. We're going to take a short break and come right back with normally. Should we do a more serious one?

It was a different time, it was a better time. We're going to take a short break and come right back with normally. Should we do a more serious one?

Oh yeah, here's a question.

Oh yeah, here's a question.

Would we ever have a non Zionist Jew on the show for a discussion?

Would we ever have a non Zionist Jew on the show for a discussion?

Yeah, you know, I like that question actually because because well we don't do guests on normally. But I have another show where I interview people. And my answer to that is no, I would not, And why would I not not? Because I don't feel like I could be challenged or any of that. Zionism is the belief that Israel should exist, or even more specifically, it's the pre Israel belief that there should be an Israel that you know, let's have an Israel. Now that Israel exists, it's not up for debate anymore. So to me, it'd be similar to having on somebody who doesn't think America should exist or France should exist or whatever. You're arguing with something that will absolutely never happen. Israel is not going to pack up and call it a day, right, They're not going to say, oh, this argument that this guy I'm made on this podcast is so strong that we are we're going to just leave now. So what you're saying is you want basically mass genocide of Israelis, and I can't engage with that. It becomes you know, people from a distance can't tell who is who with the whole arguing with an idiot. That's where I feel like anti Zionism brings me. So, if you believe Israel shouldn't exist, that is a fringe, crazy belief that will never come true, and I don't want to engage with that.

Yeah, you know, I like that question actually because because well we don't do guests on normally. But I have another show where I interview people. And my answer to that is no, I would not, And why would I not not? Because I don't feel like I could be challenged or any of that. Zionism is the belief that Israel should exist, or even more specifically, it's the pre Israel belief that there should be an Israel that you know, let's have an Israel. Now that Israel exists, it's not up for debate anymore. So to me, it'd be similar to having on somebody who doesn't think America should exist or France should exist or whatever. You're arguing with something that will absolutely never happen. Israel is not going to pack up and call it a day, right, They're not going to say, oh, this argument that this guy I'm made on this podcast is so strong that we are we're going to just leave now. So what you're saying is you want basically mass genocide of Israelis, and I can't engage with that. It becomes you know, people from a distance can't tell who is who with the whole arguing with an idiot. That's where I feel like anti Zionism brings me. So, if you believe Israel shouldn't exist, that is a fringe, crazy belief that will never come true, and I don't want to engage with that.

Well, I think the point you've made before, which I think is very smart about it doing a disservice to Palestinians truly argue assuming that an Israel.

Well, I think the point you've made before, which I think is very smart about it doing a disservice to Palestinians truly argue assuming that an Israel.

Will ever not exist exactly. Yea, is very real.

Will ever not exist exactly. Yea, is very real.

You're just hurting people by engaging in something that is never going to happen, and.

You're just hurting people by engaging in something that is never going to happen, and.

I'm certaving them that false hope. Yeah.

I'm certaving them that false hope. Yeah.

Yeah, and it perpetuates all sorts of societal incentives that have not served the Palestinian people thus far and will continue not to and in fact have not served the entire Middle East and all of Iranian proxies for the past two years as they face hard times after October seventh. I'm also just I was gonna say, cracks me up. It's not cracks me up. It's like it's dismaying to hear people to watch people watch the world post October seventh and be like the solution to all of this is to have nowhere for the Jews to go. And I'm like, well, that sounds like a different kind of solution, if you know what I'm saying.

Yeah, and it perpetuates all sorts of societal incentives that have not served the Palestinian people thus far and will continue not to and in fact have not served the entire Middle East and all of Iranian proxies for the past two years as they face hard times after October seventh. I'm also just I was gonna say, cracks me up. It's not cracks me up. It's like it's dismaying to hear people to watch people watch the world post October seventh and be like the solution to all of this is to have nowhere for the Jews to go. And I'm like, well, that sounds like a different kind of solution, if you know what I'm saying.

And we right, we.

And we right, we.

Have a place because you guys already ethnically cleansed in all of these places. So I also, I just, I also found it hilarious that people are like international international international law until like, you know, the un sanctioned the creation of Israel. The UN says that Hesblas should be behind this certain line and Lebanon and they're like, oh no, not those international laws, right, those aren't the ones that we like.

Have a place because you guys already ethnically cleansed in all of these places. So I also, I just, I also found it hilarious that people are like international international international law until like, you know, the un sanctioned the creation of Israel. The UN says that Hesblas should be behind this certain line and Lebanon and they're like, oh no, not those international laws, right, those aren't the ones that we like.

Yeah, so yeah, I mean I appreciate you so much, Like it is a different guilt lonely, you know, fight sometimes for Jews, and I just you're amazing. So many Christians are amazing. I'm just thankful for you and thankful for a lot of people. People are so good. We forget that, and I like to be reminded of that.

Yeah, so yeah, I mean I appreciate you so much, Like it is a different guilt lonely, you know, fight sometimes for Jews, and I just you're amazing. So many Christians are amazing. I'm just thankful for you and thankful for a lot of people. People are so good. We forget that, and I like to be reminded of that.

Well, I'm always my favorite trait in people. Well, there's two good. Humor and resilience are my two favorite traits, and I feel like the Jews certainly embody both of those, and particularly if you ever get the chance to visit Israel. I went in March when and you went with us when things were really pitched there and there's just people out on the beaches playing volleyball, and I'm like, this is what life is about.

Well, I'm always my favorite trait in people. Well, there's two good. Humor and resilience are my two favorite traits, and I feel like the Jews certainly embody both of those, and particularly if you ever get the chance to visit Israel. I went in March when and you went with us when things were really pitched there and there's just people out on the beaches playing volleyball, and I'm like, this is what life is about.

It's an amazing thing to see.

It's an amazing thing to see.

That's right, and will bring the funny. We will definitely bring the funny.

That's right, and will bring the funny. We will definitely bring the funny.

Do you want about living in a blue state You've.

Do you want about living in a blue state You've.

Been there, Yeah, let's do it someone says, I'm.

Been there, Yeah, let's do it someone says, I'm.

Living in a blue state for important reasons like job and family. My husband and I dream of retiring to a state with actual checks and balances. I try not to get overly invested in state politics, but it can be frustrating. My state prioritizes policies and spending in ways that I strongly oppose. What recommendations do you have for people in my circumstances.

Living in a blue state for important reasons like job and family. My husband and I dream of retiring to a state with actual checks and balances. I try not to get overly invested in state politics, but it can be frustrating. My state prioritizes policies and spending in ways that I strongly oppose. What recommendations do you have for people in my circumstances.

I need a normal ish take.

I need a normal ish take.

Yeah, it's so tough, I get it. I like I. You know, when I was struggling with living in New York and I was just unhappy, so unhappy with so many policies. My kids weren't going to school. They went to school sometimes, and I was watching red states just continue to function normally. A lot of people would just tweet at me and say, just move, just move. It's really hard to move. And I want people to understand that that is terrible advice. It just just move is something you could say to like Jeff Bezos, like, oh, you're not a happy where you are, just move, And even him, even if you do have a lot of means, you still have family and friends and roots and all that, and end up the picture of how you thought your life would go. I never imagine i'd leave New York. I always thought I would grow older. I had a vision for how that would look. I would retire to Manhattan from my home in Brooklyn. It was, it was very specific. So I would say that's it's really tough. Go easy on yourself that you haven't been able to make it happen, or that you might not be able to don't. I feel like people get really hard on themselves and they don't accomplish what they want. And so I would say to this person writing in that, I would say for them. In the meantime, do get overly invested in state politics. Try to make changes in the place where you are. Our friend Alicia Kraus, for example, lives in California, says she's never going to leave, is staying and fighting and doing her best over there. So do that.

Yeah, it's so tough, I get it. I like I. You know, when I was struggling with living in New York and I was just unhappy, so unhappy with so many policies. My kids weren't going to school. They went to school sometimes, and I was watching red states just continue to function normally. A lot of people would just tweet at me and say, just move, just move. It's really hard to move. And I want people to understand that that is terrible advice. It just just move is something you could say to like Jeff Bezos, like, oh, you're not a happy where you are, just move, And even him, even if you do have a lot of means, you still have family and friends and roots and all that, and end up the picture of how you thought your life would go. I never imagine i'd leave New York. I always thought I would grow older. I had a vision for how that would look. I would retire to Manhattan from my home in Brooklyn. It was, it was very specific. So I would say that's it's really tough. Go easy on yourself that you haven't been able to make it happen, or that you might not be able to don't. I feel like people get really hard on themselves and they don't accomplish what they want. And so I would say to this person writing in that, I would say for them. In the meantime, do get overly invested in state politics. Try to make changes in the place where you are. Our friend Alicia Kraus, for example, lives in California, says she's never going to leave, is staying and fighting and doing her best over there. So do that.

Yeah, California got a bunch redder.

Yeah, California got a bunch redder.

And I texted Alicia and I was like, look at this, and she's like, it's really happening. So that you can make progress. I also think your impact on state politics or local politics can be a lot larger. And I'm not practicing what I preach because it's very hard to find the time to engage in those things.

And I texted Alicia and I was like, look at this, and she's like, it's really happening. So that you can make progress. I also think your impact on state politics or local politics can be a lot larger. And I'm not practicing what I preach because it's very hard to find the time to engage in those things.

And I do all this national politics.

And I do all this national politics.

However, I think another thing that you can do in blue states is find your normy community right wherever it is. We have a little school that our kids go to with a bunch of normy parents and a bunch of normy kids, and we have we have a neighborhood that is full of military moms and dads, and so those families really are closer to our values. I feel very lucky that we ended up there, a church community. Whatever it is that you can find that is certain, that.

However, I think another thing that you can do in blue states is find your normy community right wherever it is. We have a little school that our kids go to with a bunch of normy parents and a bunch of normy kids, and we have we have a neighborhood that is full of military moms and dads, and so those families really are closer to our values. I feel very lucky that we ended up there, a church community. Whatever it is that you can find that is certain, that.

Is removing you have sounds amazing.

Is removing you have sounds amazing.

Yeah, No, it's great, and I think it's our saving grace living in a place that is fairly I mean, certainly Northern Virginia is very blue. And then I would say, if you are paying attention to state politics, occasionally someone can come along who's sensible and smart and good at politics, like Governor Glenn Youngkin, who will then become the governor of your state instead of Terry mccauliffe, who my husband and I were considering leaving if he became the governor during COVID because we thought that that would go very badly and youngin one he has a sixty five percent approval rating. And the power of a figure like that to change the tenor in your state and to change the way that life feels in your state is can be really powerful.

Yeah, No, it's great, and I think it's our saving grace living in a place that is fairly I mean, certainly Northern Virginia is very blue. And then I would say, if you are paying attention to state politics, occasionally someone can come along who's sensible and smart and good at politics, like Governor Glenn Youngkin, who will then become the governor of your state instead of Terry mccauliffe, who my husband and I were considering leaving if he became the governor during COVID because we thought that that would go very badly and youngin one he has a sixty five percent approval rating. And the power of a figure like that to change the tenor in your state and to change the way that life feels in your state is can be really powerful.

Yeah. And you know, you don't say what blue state you're from the person who's writing it in, so I don't know if it's somewhere that is kind of beyond that that. I mean, that would be completely impossible. But yeah, the I look continue that dream also the retirement. You know, maybe you do get to a red state and I so I would say, in the meantime, stay and fight, but get to that red state as soon as you can. It is pretty glorious, pretty glorious.

Yeah. And you know, you don't say what blue state you're from the person who's writing it in, so I don't know if it's somewhere that is kind of beyond that that. I mean, that would be completely impossible. But yeah, the I look continue that dream also the retirement. You know, maybe you do get to a red state and I so I would say, in the meantime, stay and fight, but get to that red state as soon as you can. It is pretty glorious, pretty glorious.

Yeah, I know she does make me jealous sometimes.

Yeah, I know she does make me jealous sometimes.

This person had a great comment too that said, listening to the podcast is the equivalent of getting coffee with our mom friends.

This person had a great comment too that said, listening to the podcast is the equivalent of getting coffee with our mom friends.

And I love that.

And I love that.

That's the vime we're going for.

That's the vime we're going for.

That's what we're going for. So I wish you the best in your blue state. I know it can be tough to find the folks who are your folks. The other thing I always recommend to people, particularly if you are a political outlier in your neighborhood is I don't do next door or neighborhood Facebook. Now you can miss things like cool things on the side of the road that you could pick up for free. Yeah, but I think next door is basically designed, unfortunately, to make you hate your neighbors interest and I don't want to. So I used to live in a much more liberal neighborhood and I didn't do that. And I think if I had, and I had seen certain people's online personas before I had met them in real life, I would not have had those acquaintances or friendships. I think it would have set me up to fail in a couple of situations so or made me more isolated.

That's what we're going for. So I wish you the best in your blue state. I know it can be tough to find the folks who are your folks. The other thing I always recommend to people, particularly if you are a political outlier in your neighborhood is I don't do next door or neighborhood Facebook. Now you can miss things like cool things on the side of the road that you could pick up for free. Yeah, but I think next door is basically designed, unfortunately, to make you hate your neighbors interest and I don't want to. So I used to live in a much more liberal neighborhood and I didn't do that. And I think if I had, and I had seen certain people's online personas before I had met them in real life, I would not have had those acquaintances or friendships. I think it would have set me up to fail in a couple of situations so or made me more isolated.

So I just don't. I don't do that.

So I just don't. I don't do that.

Yeah, you know, I don't know if we have next door actually where I am. But people don't participate that much in the Facebook groups.

Yeah, you know, I don't know if we have next door actually where I am. But people don't participate that much in the Facebook groups.

It's probably because you live somewhere normal.

It's probably because you live somewhere normal.

Maybe. Yeah, but that is a very interesting take that don't don't participate too much in your neighborhood stuff.

Maybe. Yeah, but that is a very interesting take that don't don't participate too much in your neighborhood stuff.

I just think if you get too much exposure to that, you start getting really sour about everyone around you.

I just think if you get too much exposure to that, you start getting really sour about everyone around you.

Yeah, makes sense. Online online life doesn't always make us better people? All right, what else do we have?

Yeah, makes sense. Online online life doesn't always make us better people? All right, what else do we have?

We have?

We have?

Actually, we have a bunch of other questions, but let's let's take another one.

Actually, we have a bunch of other questions, but let's let's take another one.

Let's see. Okay, I got, I got a semi serious one and a silly one. Here's one you can give your take.

Let's see. Okay, I got, I got a semi serious one and a silly one. Here's one you can give your take.

Because I enjoy your your your ex get togethers that I see in Florida and don't get to go to. What really goes on during those conservative Twitter get togethers where we see everyone breaking bread together.

Because I enjoy your your your ex get togethers that I see in Florida and don't get to go to. What really goes on during those conservative Twitter get togethers where we see everyone breaking bread together.

It's funny because what I want to tell you is like, oh, when we get together, we don't talk politics at all. We just hang out and like it's totally normal. I want to tell you that that is just not true. Like my husband will say to me, I don't understand how you and your friends talk about your work when you were together. But look, we obviously love this crazy thing of ours, right, we love this this thing that we do. When we get together, we still talk politics a lot, like for most of the time, I mean, we get we have to like how are the kids, how's the wife, how's whatever, But we still have political conversations and they do feel you know, we share ideas, we talk things out, We you know, do stuff like that. They're great. I mean, I've always enjoyed the conservative happy hours that we had, you know, in New York, and you and I have had in like, you know, around Seapac when it was in d C and Virginia. Always a good time. I think we have a good thing going on the right. I know that there are some divisions and there's some fractures, but in general, I like most of the conservative right and there's very few you know, kind of exceptions to that, so you know, having drinks with them, I'm all in Forlida all the time.

It's funny because what I want to tell you is like, oh, when we get together, we don't talk politics at all. We just hang out and like it's totally normal. I want to tell you that that is just not true. Like my husband will say to me, I don't understand how you and your friends talk about your work when you were together. But look, we obviously love this crazy thing of ours, right, we love this this thing that we do. When we get together, we still talk politics a lot, like for most of the time, I mean, we get we have to like how are the kids, how's the wife, how's whatever, But we still have political conversations and they do feel you know, we share ideas, we talk things out, We you know, do stuff like that. They're great. I mean, I've always enjoyed the conservative happy hours that we had, you know, in New York, and you and I have had in like, you know, around Seapac when it was in d C and Virginia. Always a good time. I think we have a good thing going on the right. I know that there are some divisions and there's some fractures, but in general, I like most of the conservative right and there's very few you know, kind of exceptions to that, so you know, having drinks with them, I'm all in Forlida all the time.

Yeah, No, I'm with you that it's it's often is shop talk.

Yeah, No, I'm with you that it's it's often is shop talk.

But I think places like in particular, I think I like feel like they're like satellite conservative mafia clubs in New York and Florida, and I feel like they look like so much more fun than ours in DC, because DC is like and there's so many people who are professional conservatives there.

But I think places like in particular, I think I like feel like they're like satellite conservative mafia clubs in New York and Florida, and I feel like they look like so much more fun than ours in DC, because DC is like and there's so many people who are professional conservatives there.

That it's not so much you don't really need that raft.

That it's not so much you don't really need that raft.

I think as much as a Norman place like Florida where you want a place to discuss it things, or a place like New York where you're just really not the norm there and so you need like a little life raft to have those discussions. I also think for people who like policy, not everybody wants.

I think as much as a Norman place like Florida where you want a place to discuss it things, or a place like New York where you're just really not the norm there and so you need like a little life raft to have those discussions. I also think for people who like policy, not everybody wants.

To talk about it.

To talk about it.

It's not fun for everyone, but we do, and we sometimes like to debate that. I think that's one of the things someone asked in an earlier episode about our temperament. And I think one of the things I didn't realize about my temperament until I was much older that would have been helpful to know when I was younger, is that having an intellectual debate. I don't like emotional confrontations, but having an intellectual debate does not bother me at all. I find it fun most of the time. I find it interesting and I understand it. To other people it's conflict and they're like, no, no, no, right.

It's not fun for everyone, but we do, and we sometimes like to debate that. I think that's one of the things someone asked in an earlier episode about our temperament. And I think one of the things I didn't realize about my temperament until I was much older that would have been helpful to know when I was younger, is that having an intellectual debate. I don't like emotional confrontations, but having an intellectual debate does not bother me at all. I find it fun most of the time. I find it interesting and I understand it. To other people it's conflict and they're like, no, no, no, right.

Well, I was saying that this is the most abnormal thing about us, is that we enjoy this insane thing.

Well, I was saying that this is the most abnormal thing about us, is that we enjoy this insane thing.

Yes, And so having people that are happy to toss the ball around like that and not get mad about it or get mad about it and then have another drink and be fine. You know, that is a that's a fun environment to be in. And honestly, I wish that DC fostered a little more of what I see in Florida, in New York and New York in those communities.

Yes, And so having people that are happy to toss the ball around like that and not get mad about it or get mad about it and then have another drink and be fine. You know, that is a that's a fun environment to be in. And honestly, I wish that DC fostered a little more of what I see in Florida, in New York and New York in those communities.

Yeah, but you're right, it is because we need the life rafts. The last half of that question was what was Ben like in person? For instance? And I assume that means Ben Shapiro. He talks super fast. He is exactly who you think he is. He's like the guy that you see on the screen. Is the guy that you know I see over dinner.

Yeah, but you're right, it is because we need the life rafts. The last half of that question was what was Ben like in person? For instance? And I assume that means Ben Shapiro. He talks super fast. He is exactly who you think he is. He's like the guy that you see on the screen. Is the guy that you know I see over dinner.

Yeah.

Yeah.

By the way, I'm going to make the weirdest comparison ever, but perfect for us. Ben Shapiro in person is much like Outcast in concert. It's just as fast as it is on the recording, and it's very impressive.

By the way, I'm going to make the weirdest comparison ever, but perfect for us. Ben Shapiro in person is much like Outcast in concert. It's just as fast as it is on the recording, and it's very impressive.

I like that Ben Shapiro the rapper.

I like that Ben Shapiro the rapper.

He is a rapper, so I've seen him do it.

He is a rapper, so I've seen him do it.

Do it. We'll be right back on normally. All right, our last question what should it be? Oh? How about this? Let's leave with a nice, easy one. How do you help your kids stay in the normy range as they age? Love all the content, Thanks for working so hard. Look, I mean one thing is our kids just my kids do not have any concept of what goes on in my online world. We keep them normal by keeping them normal and by not introducing them to concepts that are too advanced to them. I think that's the overall thing.

Do it. We'll be right back on normally. All right, our last question what should it be? Oh? How about this? Let's leave with a nice, easy one. How do you help your kids stay in the normy range as they age? Love all the content, Thanks for working so hard. Look, I mean one thing is our kids just my kids do not have any concept of what goes on in my online world. We keep them normal by keeping them normal and by not introducing them to concepts that are too advanced to them. I think that's the overall thing.

Yeah, I think we do try to be a light screens family. They are allowed screen time, but it is pretty restricted at this point. They do not have a rich online life. They don't know much about my online life or even about my job.

Yeah, I think we do try to be a light screens family. They are allowed screen time, but it is pretty restricted at this point. They do not have a rich online life. They don't know much about my online life or even about my job.

They know what I do, but they don't.

They know what I do, but they don't.

They don't think about it very much because they don't need to think about politics very much.

They don't think about it very much because they don't need to think about politics very much.

They're sort of.

They're sort of.

Well informed about civics, which is what we're going for. I keep them connected to family and to faith. I think those things have enduring values that go beyond whatever the fat of the day might be that they run into. And yeah, reading books also, which is the thing that at the beginning of all these asking me other things, we decided we were going to do more of in twenty twenty five.

Well informed about civics, which is what we're going for. I keep them connected to family and to faith. I think those things have enduring values that go beyond whatever the fat of the day might be that they run into. And yeah, reading books also, which is the thing that at the beginning of all these asking me other things, we decided we were going to do more of in twenty twenty five.

So that's right to learn what my kids are well. Thank you for joining us on this very special episode of Normally Normally airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you can subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us at normallythepod at gmail dot com. Thanks for listening and when things get weird remember act normally

So that's right to learn what my kids are well. Thank you for joining us on this very special episode of Normally Normally airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you can subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us at normallythepod at gmail dot com. Thanks for listening and when things get weird remember act normally