In this 'Ask Us Anything' episode of Normally, Mary Katharine and Karol reflect on their holiday experiences, share their reading lists, and discuss the challenges of finding quality fiction. They delve into political concerns regarding future elections and the potential rise of socialist candidates, while also celebrating the spirit of community in sports, particularly during the Army-Navy game. Normally is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. 

In this 'Ask Us Anything' episode of Normally, Mary Katharine and Karol reflect on their holiday experiences, share their reading lists, and discuss the challenges of finding quality fiction. They delve into political concerns regarding future elections and the potential rise of socialist candidates, while also celebrating the spirit of community in sports, particularly during the Army-Navy game. Normally is part of the Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday &amp; Thursday.&nbsp;

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

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

In this 'Ask Us Anything' episode of Normally, Mary Katharine and Karol reflect on their holiday experiences, share their reading lists, and discuss the challenges of finding quality fiction. 

Normally Podcast: The Holidays and Reading Recommendations

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d814b4c8-7dae-437a-86d6-b2520032c33f/transcript

Welcome to Normally the Show

Remembering Dolly Parton

Election Results and Political Implications

Meta's Legal Troubles and Social Media

Bill Gates on AI's Impact

Tributes to Dolly Parton

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.

First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment.

Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing fight over children and social media after Meta faces major legal consequences over allegations involving Facebook, Instagram, and harm to minors. Are lawsuits and government regulation really the answer — or do parents ultimately have to take control of their kids’ phones and social media use?

Plus, Bill Gates is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and its potential to eliminate jobs and cause major economic disruption. Is an AI-driven employment crisis really coming, or are predictions of catastrophe overlooking the opportunities created by technological change?

Finally, Mary Katharine and Karol remember Dolly Parton, her legendary songwriting career, her faith, humor, generosity, Imagination Library, and the remarkable ability she had to remain beloved across political and cultural divides. They also react to the King’s Guard honoring Dolly with a performance of “9 to 5” following her death.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories &mdash; and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.
First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump&rsquo;s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment.
Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing fight over children and social media after Meta faces major legal consequences over allegations involving Facebook, Instagram, and harm to minors. Are lawsuits and government regulation really the answer &mdash; or do parents ultimately have to take control of their kids&rsquo; phones and social media use?
Plus, Bill Gates is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and its potential to eliminate jobs and cause major economic disruption. Is an AI-driven employment crisis really coming, or are predictions of catastrophe overlooking the opportunities created by technological change?
Finally, Mary Katharine and Karol remember Dolly Parton, her legendary songwriting career, her faith, humor, generosity, Imagination Library, and the remarkable ability she had to remain beloved across political and cultural divides. They also react to the King&rsquo;s Guard honoring Dolly with a performance of &ldquo;9 to 5&rdquo; following her death.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.

Normally Podcast: Dolly Parton’s Legacy, Trump’s Winning Endorsements & the Coming AI Shakeup

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dcbf1b47-715f-4de5-b8d0-b4b3001e9f43/transcript

Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker’s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands.

They also take on the growing backlash against data centers and ask whether the populist campaign against them is based on legitimate local concerns—or fueled by misleading narratives about energy, water, jobs, and economic growth.

Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sparks a debate over whether conservative parents should pay to send their children to elite universities like Harvard. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss ideological conformity on college campuses, free speech, the pressures conservative students face, and what parents should consider when choosing a university.

Then, the New York Times suffers a rare courtroom defeat after an Alabama jury awards former Crimson Tide basketball player Kai Spears $9.25 million in a defamation case stemming from the newspaper’s reporting on a 2023 murder.

And after IndyCar took over the streets surrounding the National Mall for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the hosts discuss the spectacle, President Trump’s role in bringing the event to Washington, D.C., and why sometimes it’s okay to admit something is simply cool.

Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker&rsquo;s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands.
They also take on the growing backlash against data centers and ask whether the populist campaign against them is based on legitimate local concerns&mdash;or fueled by misleading narratives about energy, water, jobs, and economic growth.
Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sparks a debate over whether conservative parents should pay to send their children to elite universities like Harvard. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss ideological conformity on college campuses, free speech, the pressures conservative students face, and what parents should consider when choosing a university.
Then, the New York Times suffers a rare courtroom defeat after an Alabama jury awards former Crimson Tide basketball player Kai Spears $9.25 million in a defamation case stemming from the newspaper&rsquo;s reporting on a 2023 murder.
And after IndyCar took over the streets surrounding the National Mall for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the hosts discuss the spectacle, President Trump&rsquo;s role in bringing the event to Washington, D.C., and why sometimes it&rsquo;s okay to admit something is simply cool.

Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker’s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands.

Normally Podcast: Hasan Piker’s Shocking Charlie Kirk Song & Democrats’ Far-Left Problem

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1c169423-3e94-4942-9c68-b4b10014b9aa/transcript

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections — and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races.

In Florida, James Fishback falls short but still captures 10% of the vote, while Alexander Vindman suffers a stunning defeat in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary despite a massive fundraising advantage. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the results say about the changing Democratic Party, the Republican Party's own ideological battles and the declining power of President Donald Trump's endorsement after a string of Trump-backed candidates lost their primaries.

They also discuss new FBI crime data showing the U.S. murder rate reaching a 20-year low and violent crime recording a historic decline — and why those numbers deserve more attention.

But Northern Virginia provides a troubling contrast. Mary Katharine examines controversial criminal justice decisions in Fairfax County and a recent murder near a popular hiking area, asking what it will take for voters in deep-blue communities to demand a different approach to public safety.

Finally, the trial of Lindsay Clancy sparks a much broader debate about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Mary Katharine and Karol push back against attempts to dismiss the reality of postpartum mental health struggles while making clear that acknowledging those conditions does not mean excusing the killing of children.

 

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections &mdash; and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races.
In Florida, James Fishback falls short but still captures 10% of the vote, while Alexander Vindman suffers a stunning defeat in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary despite a massive fundraising advantage. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the results say about the changing Democratic Party, the Republican Party's own ideological battles and the declining power of President Donald Trump's endorsement after a string of Trump-backed candidates lost their primaries.
They also discuss new FBI crime data showing the U.S. murder rate reaching a 20-year low and violent crime recording a historic decline &mdash; and why those numbers deserve more attention.
But Northern Virginia provides a troubling contrast. Mary Katharine examines controversial criminal justice decisions in Fairfax County and a recent murder near a popular hiking area, asking what it will take for voters in deep-blue communities to demand a different approach to public safety.
Finally, the trial of Lindsay Clancy sparks a much broader debate about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Mary Katharine and Karol push back against attempts to dismiss the reality of postpartum mental health struggles while making clear that acknowledging those conditions does not mean excusing the killing of children.
&nbsp;

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections — and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races.

Normally Podcast: 2026 Primary Warning Signs, Trump’s Endorsement Problem & the Lindsay Clancy Debate

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f3d74507-961a-4937-b11b-b4ab01219d3d/transcript

Normally Podcast: The Holidays and Reading Recommendations

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