Podcast Summary: How Is This Better?

Episode: Politics is Wrestling
Released: June 27, 2025
Host: Akilah Hughes
Produced by: COURIER

Introduction

In this thought-provoking episode of How Is This Better?, host Akilah Hughes delves into the striking similarities between modern politics and professional wrestling. With a critical eye, Hughes examines how political figures, notably former President Donald Trump, have adopted the theatrical and performative elements of wrestling to captivate and manipulate public perception.

Theatricality and Persona in Politics

Timestamp [00:30] - [04:35]

The discussion kicks off with Dave Schilling and Daniel Harnsberger drawing parallels between the world of pro wrestling and the current political landscape. Daniel highlights Trump's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and his infamous "Battle of the Billionaires" match where Trump shaved Vince McMahon's head (00:35). This event serves as a metaphor for Trump's approach to politics—blurring the lines between performance and reality.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Harnsberger [00:34]: "Donald Trump, before he was ever elected president... was inducted into the WWE hall of Fame."

Schilling elaborates on the manipulative nature of both wrestling and politics, emphasizing that both realms prioritize spectacle over substance. He explains how wrestling writers create storylines to elicit emotional responses, mirroring how politicians craft speeches to influence public sentiment (02:07).

Notable Quote:

Dave Schilling [02:07]: "Wrestling is purposefully lying to you... politics..."

Donald Trump's Wrestling Influence

Timestamp [03:34] - [05:05]

The conversation shifts to Trump's adeptness at playing the "heel"—the villainous character in wrestling. Schilling points out that Trump's willingness to embrace negativity and controversy has been a significant factor in his political strategy since 2015 (04:05). This persona keeps him in the public eye and fuels his base's fervor.

Notable Quote:

Dave Schilling [04:05]: "Donald Trump understands the power of being a heel. He's okay being hated."

Hughes and Schilling debate the challenges the Democratic Party faces in finding a charismatic adversary comparable to Trump's theatrical flair. They muse over the idea of a wrestler-turned-politician, akin to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, being a suitable candidate to counteract Trump's influence (05:53).

Kayfabe: The Blurring of Reality and Performance

Timestamp [10:20] - [16:42]

Post-break, the episode introduces Josie Reisman, an author and personal friend, who delves into the concept of Kayfabe. Originating from carnival traditions, Kayfabe refers to the preservation of the illusion that wrestling storylines are genuine. Reisman explains how this concept has migrated into politics, where politicians maintain a façade to manipulate public perception (10:20).

Notable Quote:

Josie Reisman [10:20]: "Kayfabe... was this lie that you would commit to so hard it would start to become the truth."

Reisman and Daniel discuss the evolution of Kayfabe into what Reisman terms "Neo Kayfabe," a blend of reality and fantasy where the audience is aware of the performative aspects but still engages with the underlying manipulations (13:26). This tactic fosters an environment ripe for conspiracy theories and misinformation, further entrenching the spectacle nature of politics.

Notable Quote:

Josie Reisman [15:05]: "Conspiracy thinking is now a feature, not a bug."

Case Study: The Progressive Liberal

Timestamp [17:18] - [21:59]

The episode spotlights Daniel Harnsberger's personal experience as "The Progressive Liberal," a wrestler-turned-realtor who embodied liberal ideals in the conservative South. Harnsberger recounts how adopting a heel persona allowed him to engage audiences by provoking reactions against political correctness (18:43).

Notable Quote:

Daniel Harnsberger [19:16]: "I never felt like I was a character in the Progressive Liberal. It was just me amped up."

However, he reflects on the challenges of maintaining such a persona and the eventual realization that blending politics with entertainment can alienate both the performer and the audience. This case underscores the broader issue of politics becoming intertwined with performative spectacle, detracting from substantive policy discussions.

Impact of Spectacle on Democracy

Timestamp [21:06] - [22:14]

Daniel and Josie further explore the detrimental effects of treating politics as a form of entertainment. They argue that this approach prioritizes personal branding and media attention over genuine governance and democratic values. Josie emphasizes that the focus on spectacle undermines the integrity of political discourse and policy-making (22:14).

Notable Quote:

Daniel Harnsberger [22:14]: "Not better to root for a side like it's Wrestlemania... when it's all spectacle, the people who get hurt aren't just the ones who believed it was real. It's all of us."

Conclusion and Insights

Timestamp [22:14] - [23:15]

Akilah Hughes wraps up the episode by reiterating the central thesis: the fusion of politics and wrestling-like spectacle is detrimental to society. The emphasis on performance over policy leads to a polarized and distracted electorate, ultimately harming the democratic process. Hughes encourages listeners to reflect on how this shift impacts their understanding and engagement with politics.

Notable Quote:

Daniel Harnsberger [22:14]: "Not better to watch politics as bloodsport... when it's all spectacle, the people who get hurt aren't just the ones who believed it was real. It's all of us."

Hughes closes by inviting listeners to engage with the show through ratings and subscriptions, emphasizing the importance of informed and critical consumption of political content.

Key Takeaways

• Performance Over Substance: Modern politics increasingly mirrors the theatricality of professional wrestling, prioritizing persona and spectacle over genuine policy discussions.

• Donald Trump's Influence: Trump's background and strategies from the wrestling world have significantly shaped his political approach, embracing the role of a "heel" to maintain media presence and influence.

• Kayfabe in Politics: The concept of maintaining a façade, reminiscent of wrestling's Kayfabe, has permeated political discourse, fostering an environment conducive to misinformation and conspiracy theories.

• Case Study Insight: The experience of "The Progressive Liberal" highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of merging political ideology with performative entertainment.

• Democratic Implications: The spectacle-driven approach to politics undermines democratic values, leading to increased polarization and reduced focus on substantive governance.

Credits:
How Is This Better? is written and hosted by Akilah Hughes, produced by Devin Maroney, and edited by Shane Verkhest. The production team includes Kevin Dreyfus (Managing Director and Executive Producer), RC Demezzo (VP of Brand and Social), Charlotte Robertson (Deputy Director of Brand and Social), Tracy Kaplan (Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution), and Marianne Kuga (Director of Marketing). Show artwork is by Danielle Del Plato with original theme music by Used People.