Podcast Title: I've Had It
Episode: The Stupid Era
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Guest: Drew Afualo, Host of The Comment Section Podcast and Author of the New York Times Bestselling Book Loud

Introduction to "The Stupid Era"

In the March 18, 2025 episode of "I've Had It", hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan delve into what they term "The Stupid Era", a period marked by diminishing respect for expertise, rampant misinformation, and societal frustrations. The episode features a passionate discussion about various pet peeves and a special guest, Drew Afualo, who brings additional insight into the pervasive issues of misogyny and white supremacy.

Misuse of Express Checkout Lanes

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing everyday annoyances. Angie vents about the misuse of express checkout lanes in grocery stores:

Angie (00:30):
"I’ve had it with when you run into the grocery store and just have to get like one or two, three things. You go to the express line and it clearly says 15 items or less, and then some motherfucker pulls up with a whole basket. They need to get in the long lane and leave the express lane out of it."

Jennifer relates by sharing her preference for self-checkouts to avoid such inconveniences:

Jennifer (01:19):
"I do the self-checkout most of the time now because it’s less interaction and I have the utmost respect for any checker."

The War on Science and Anti-Expertise Sentiment

The conversation swiftly shifts to broader societal issues, with Jennifer expressing her frustration over the "war on science":

Jennifer (02:10):
"I've had it with the war on science. The amount of people in the United States who probably haven't had a science class since high school yet act like they know more than scientists, particularly about vaccines and the environment."

She criticizes the erosion of respect for expertise, attributing it to political leaders and misinformation spreaders:

Jennifer (03:00):
"We are living in the stupid era. We used to value facts and expertise, and the diminishing respect for expertise really bothers me... These guys act like they have a PhD in virology and they fucking don’t."

Notably, Jennifer condemns public figures promoting harmful ideas, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene suggesting "measles parties":

Jennifer (03:50):
"Dipshit Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that people throw measles parties to infect children so that they would get immunity. Can you imagine what a stupid idea that is from a stupid person who doesn’t know anything about science?"

Host Frustrations with Political Figures and Public Perception

Jennifer continues her critique by discussing the paradox of public perception versus reality, particularly focusing on Donald Trump and Elon Musk:

Jennifer (04:50):
"The juxtaposition of someone who is such a massive failure yet ascended to such a successful position is astonishing. Take away his trust fund and white privilege, and he’d be bankrupt or even incarcerated."

She compares this to the public's uncritical admiration of figures like Elon Musk, questioning the basis of their perceived intelligence and success.

The Role of Women in Leadership and Combating Misogyny

Transitioning to the role of women in leadership, Angie and Jennifer discuss the positive impact of women in positions of power and the challenges posed by misogynistic attitudes:

Angie (11:22):
"If there were more women at the top, there’d be a lot less of all these problems we’re having... We'd be far, far down the trail. But instead, we’re going backwards."

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of women on boards and in government, despite acknowledging that not all leaders are exemplars:

Jennifer (12:08):
"When you have groups of white men in charge, a lot of shit happens. But having women brings a moderating moral force into that space."

Rising Misogyny in Schools Influenced by Online Figures

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing rising misogyny in schools, influenced by online personalities like Andrew Tate:

Jennifer (14:11):
"Teachers are witnessing a disturbing rise in misogyny in schools. A new study finds that 76% of secondary and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about boys absorbing toxic views from influencers like Andrew Tate."

Jennifer shares her personal efforts to monitor her own children’s online consumption to shield them from such toxic influences.

Guest Segment: Drew Afualo on Combating Bigotry

Drew Afualo joins the conversation to provide expert insights into combating misogyny and white supremacy. She discusses her experiences calling out misogynists online and the backlash she faces:

Drew Afualo (21:39):
"I’ve had it with British people getting mad at me that I don’t like British food. It's objectively terrible."

She elaborates on the broader issues of white supremacy as the root of various forms of bigotry:

Drew Afualo (28:03):
"Most forms of bigotry or prejudice are based on white supremacy. Everything from fatphobia to homophobia and misogyny leads back to it."

Drew also shares her strategies for handling oppressors, emphasizing a no-nonsense approach:

Drew Afualo (31:44):
"When I approach bigots, I’m mean as fuck, times a million. Whatever they did, I double it and give it to them."

The Importance of Active Allyship

Throughout the discussion, Drew and the hosts stress the necessity of active allyship and speaking out against oppression:

Drew Afualo (30:35):
"If you really want to learn how to be a better ally, a better activist, just keep going and learn more past me."

Jennifer echoes this sentiment, highlighting the dangers of silent acquiescence:

Jennifer (35:38):
"The most insidious and harmful forms of racism are the silent acquiescence where people know and pretend like racism doesn't exist. The person that enables it holds closet racism themselves."

Confronting Misogyny and Racism in Everyday Life

The conversation delves into how everyday behaviors and attitudes perpetuate misogyny and racism. Jennifer critiques traditional roles that enforce subservience:

Jennifer (38:52):
"When someone says they're traditional, it inherently puts the woman in a role where she's subservient to him... Traditional equals sexist, misogynist, homophobic."

Drew further explains how systemic racism and subtle forms of bigotry continue to oppress marginalized groups:

Drew Afualo (36:45):
"Racism is a systemic structure. It’s not just slurs. Homophobia is a systemic, oppressive structure."

Final Thoughts and Empowerment

As the episode concludes, both Jennifer and Angie express hope for the future, inspired by individuals like Drew who actively fight against bigotry. They underscore the importance of diverse voices and collective action in dismantling oppressive systems.

Drew offers words of encouragement to the hosts and listeners:

Drew Afualo (48:10):
"Women like the two of you are extremely essential in times like this. Your voices are needed."

In response, Jennifer and Angie commend Drew’s efforts and reaffirm their commitment to advocating for change.

Key Takeaways

• "The Stupid Era" is characterized by a decline in respect for expertise, widespread misinformation, and societal frustrations.
• Misogyny, racism, and white supremacy are interconnected systems of oppression that require active confrontation and dismantling.
• Women in leadership play a crucial role in moderating and addressing systemic issues in society.
• Active allyship and speaking out against oppression are essential in combating bigotry and fostering an inclusive society.
• Personal responsibility in monitoring and influencing younger generations is vital to curb the rise of toxic attitudes perpetuated by online influences.

Notable Quotes

• Angie on Express Lanes (00:30):
  "They are cheaters, they're frauds. They need to get in the long lane and leave the express lane out of it."

• Jennifer on the War on Science (02:10):
  "We are living in the stupid era. We used to value facts and expertise..."

• Drew on Handling Bigots (31:44):
  "When I approach bigots, I’m mean as fuck, times a million."

• Jennifer on Silent Acquiescence (35:38):
  "The person that enables it holds closet racism themselves."

• Drew on Active Allyship (36:45):
  "Racism is a systemic structure. It’s not just slurs."

Conclusion

"The Stupid Era" episode of "I've Had It" delivers a powerful critique of current societal trends, emphasizing the urgent need to combat misinformation, uphold expertise, and dismantle systemic oppression. With insightful contributions from guest Drew Afualo, the episode serves as a call to action for listeners to engage actively in fostering a more equitable and informed society.