Podcast Summary: Red Scare – Episode "Fake and Gaetz"
Episode Information:
- Title: Fake and Gaetz
- Release Date: November 21, 2024
- Hosts: Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova
- Description: Red Scare is a cultural commentary podcast hosted by bohemian layabouts Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova.
Introduction
In the episode titled "Fake and Gaetz," hosts Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova engage in a candid and often irreverent discussion covering a wide range of topics from personal health struggles to sharp critiques of political figures and societal issues. The conversation is marked by sharp wit, unabashed opinions, and a flirtation with controversial subjects, providing listeners with an unfiltered glimpse into the hosts' perspectives.
Personal Health and Productivity
ADHD and Medication:
- Anna Khachiyan opens the conversation by discussing her diagnosis with inattentive ADHD and her use of Adderall to manage symptoms, particularly short-term memory loss.
- Anna Khachiyan [01:04]: “I was actually diagnosed with inattentive ADHD that I take medication to treat... Adderall.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [02:21]: “Cool. Sounds amazing. Sign me up.”
Impact on Daily Life:
- Anna mentions increased productivity due to the medication but also notes the downside, such as compulsive online chess playing.
- Anna Khachiyan [01:54]: “I'm more productive. But then I kind of play the online chess compulsively, which isn't great...”
Cultural Commentary on Art and Māori Influence
Art Criticism Revival:
- The hosts delve into Dean Kisich Harper’s cover story (though not discussed in detail) and the resurgence of art criticism.
- Dasha Nekrasova [03:17]: “It reminded me of that Janet Malcolm essay on the Ingrid Cishi takeover of Artforum…”
Maori Culture in New Zealand:
- Anna shares her experiences in New Zealand, critiquing the strong influence of Māori culture and labeling it as "gay race communism."
- Anna Khachiyan [05:00]: “They had decided to make like a Maori holiday, like a national holiday... it was the late colonization.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [07:07]: “It's so funny and ironic to see like woke tards ripping up equality bills because isn't that what we were fighting for all along?”
Celebrity and Pop Culture Analysis
Mike Tyson’s Recent Fight:
- Dasha discusses Mike Tyson's unexpected resilience and critiques his behavior and appearance.
- Dasha Nekrasova [08:52]: “Mike Tyson is actually my dream podcast guest because he's such a genius.”
- Anna Khachiyan [08:14]: “But he didn't get, like, knocked out.”
Ariana Grande’s Appearance:
- The hosts critique Ariana Grande’s recent look, speculating about her use of the weight loss drug Ozempic.
- Dasha Nekrasova [10:20]: “She looks like a Hasidic old woman and... she's on Ozempic, I guess.”
- Anna Khachiyan [10:14]: “They're all on Ozempic, I guess.”
Political Commentary: Trump Administration Appointees
Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard:
- The bulk of the episode focuses on the Trump administration's controversial appointments, particularly Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard.
- Dasha Nekrasova [25:17]: “I was on Matt Gaetz's Wikipedia today, trying to figure out...”
- Anna Khachiyan [27:24]: “Tulsi gets accused of being a Russian asset, and Bari Weiss called her an Assad toady.”
Recess Appointments and Senate Dynamics:
- Discussion on how Trump utilizes the recess appointment clause to bypass Senate confirmation, allowing him to place contentious figures in key positions.
- Anna Khachiyan [26:12]: “Trump signed an executive order banning a family separation...”
- Dasha Nekrasova [30:00]: "Or the head of the Department of Homeland Security... advisors or consultants."
Critique of Matt Gaetz:
- The hosts vehemently criticize Matt Gaetz, accusing him of being involved in sex trafficking and other immoral behaviors.
- Anna Khachiyan [82:37]: “Matt Gaetz is a sex trafficking, drug addicted piece of... he is abhorrent.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [84:17]: “Matt Gaetz is like what liberals think Trump is...”
Societal and Demographic Issues
Declining Birth Rates and Grandparent Grief:
- The episode explores the emotional and societal impacts of declining birth rates, focusing on the grief experienced by older generations who may never become grandparents.
- Dasha Nekrasova [106:13]: “Everyone needs grandchildren as a reward for aging.”
- Anna Khachiyan [122:11]: “That's very... sad. But there is a justice in it.”
Permissive Parenting Styles:
- The hosts critique permissive parenting styles, blaming them for the current generation's reluctance to have children.
- Dasha Nekrasova [108:19]: “A lot of these people understand that to be a parent is to become the villain in some way...”
Media and Perception
New York Times Articles:
- Brief mentions of New York Times articles on grandparents and teachers' political affiliations in NYC public schools, with the hosts expressing skepticism and mocking the narratives.
- Anna Khachiyan [106:09]: “She's insane.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [111:09]: “How long have we been going?”
Joe Rogan and Media Influence:
- The hosts briefly touch on Joe Rogan's opinions on Trump and media influence over public perception.
- Dasha Nekrasova [34:42]: “Joe Rogan says he changed his opinion on Trump because he’s a brave man.”
Educational System Critique
Bias in Education:
- Anna and Dasha discuss the political biases within the education system, referencing philosophers like Zizek and critiquing authoritarian versus permissive teaching styles.
- Dasha Nekrasova [110:37]: “Zizek's point about the authoritarian father versus the permissive father...”
Impact of Liberal Bias:
- The conversation covers how liberal bias in education has led to generational shifts in values and societal norms.
- Anna Khachiyan [120:53]: “They’re using what is pro progeny with policies that actually encourage...”
Concluding Remarks
The episode wraps up with a continued critique of political figures and societal trends, emphasizing the perceived failures of current leadership and educational systems. The hosts blend personal anecdotes with broader cultural critiques, maintaining a tone of sardonic humor throughout.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Anna Khachiyan [01:04]: “I was actually diagnosed with inattentive ADHD that I take medication to treat... Adderall.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [25:17]: “I was on Matt Gaetz's Wikipedia today, trying to figure out...”
- Anna Khachiyan [82:37]: “Matt Gaetz is a sex trafficking, drug addicted piece of... he is abhorrent.”
- Dasha Nekrasova [84:17]: “Matt Gaetz is like what liberals think Trump is...”
- Anna Khachiyan [122:11]: “That's very... sad. But there is a justice in it.”
Key Themes
- Political Critique: Harsh criticism of Trump administration appointees, especially Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard, highlighting scandals and perceived immoral behaviors.
- Cultural Commentary: Discussions on art criticism, Māori influence in New Zealand, and critiques of celebrity appearances.
- Societal Issues: Exploration of declining birth rates, the emotional impact on older generations, and the role of permissive parenting styles.
- Media Influence: Skepticism towards mainstream media narratives and the role of figures like Joe Rogan in shaping public opinion.
- Educational Bias: Critique of political biases within the education system and their impact on generational values.
Conclusion
"Fake and Gaetz" is a quintessential Red Scare episode, blending personal anecdotes with sharp cultural and political critiques. Anna and Dasha offer an uncompromising look at contemporary issues, peppered with humor and a no-nonsense approach to controversial topics. This episode serves as a potent example of Red Scare's signature style—bold, unfiltered, and provocatively engaging.
Support the Hosts:
- Patreon: Join the Red Scare Community
- Follow Anna Khachiyan: @annakhachiyan
- Follow Dasha Nekrasova: @nobody_stop_me