Red Scare Podcast Episode Summary: "Thiel it to the Judge TEASER"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Red Scare
• Hosts: Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova
• Episode: Thiel it to the Judge TEASER
• Release Date: July 2, 2025
• Description: Red Scare is a cultural commentary podcast that delves into contemporary societal issues with a sharp, thought-provoking lens, hosted by the bohemian layabouts Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova.

Introduction to the Episode

In the teaser episode titled "Thiel it to the Judge," hosts Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova engage in a candid and provocative dialogue exploring the complexities of modern gender dynamics, sexuality, and power structures. The conversation weaves through topics such as consent in contemporary dating, the intricacies of BDSM, critiques of modern feminist literature, and the inherent power dynamics in heterosexual relationships.

Misconceptions of Consent in Modern Dating

The episode opens with a discussion about the prevalent misconceptions surrounding consent in the context of online dating platforms like Tinder.

• Anna Khachiyan (A): "Men are slapping chicks they meet on Tinder because they think they want it, but the chicks are thinking the men want it, but no one actually, like some people want it." [00:00-00:12]

The hosts critique the oversimplification of consent, highlighting the disconnect between intention and perception in modern dating interactions.

• Dasha Nekrasova (B): "Maybe in theory, but not in practice that it's one of the few things that's still left where you can truly, like, lose yourself and forget about the rest of the world." [00:05-00:20]

This segment underscores the complexity of human interactions and the often misguided assumptions that underlie them.

Exploring BDSM and Contractual Sexual Arrangements

Transitioning from mainstream dating, Anna and Dasha delve into the realm of BDSM, examining its portrayal and societal perceptions.

• A: "It gets into the kind of like BDSM style arrangements that people have. And that's, you know, we've always said on this show could be one of the, like this. One of the least sexy things you can do is have like, contractual, weird, kinky sex." [00:12-00:49]

They discuss the challenges of negotiating rules within BDSM, contrasting it with spontaneous sexual encounters.

• B: "Because it's about, like, tediously negotiating rules versus actually doing the real thing. She says almost nothing is perfectly knowable about sex. Almost no act is always thrilling or always unpleasant. Almost everything depends on context, and context can always change." [00:49-02:12]

This conversation highlights the unpredictability of sexual experiences and the intricate balance between structure and spontaneity in BDSM relationships.

Critique of Gia Tolentino's Writing

The discussion shifts to a critique of Gia Tolentino's literary approach to discussing sexuality and power.

• B: "I never thought I would get such a thoughtful and humane passage out of Gia Tolentino, who's like, a pretty decent writer. It goes down easy. She's. But she's always kind of like, hedging and caveating." [00:12-01:26]

Anna expresses disappointment with Tolentino's reluctance to take definitive stances.

• A: "The insights are mid. And she's too much of a coward to take a real position. She's just kind of like saying stuff in like a kind of thoughtful tone." [01:26-01:36]

This segment critiques the perceived indecisiveness in contemporary feminist literature, arguing for more assertive and clear-cut perspectives.

The Inherent Power Dynamics in Heterosexual Relationships

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to dissecting the underlying power dynamics inherent in heterosexual relationships, drawing on philosophical and feminist theories.

• B: "She says Perry's book is less a guide than a warning. It's important, she cautions readers to remember that quote. Almost all men can kill almost all women with their bare hands, but not vice versa." [01:36-02:12]

Anna builds on this by discussing the provocative nature of such assertions.

• A: "Daddy's chill." [02:12-02:16]
• B: "And this is like, you know, an insight that Perry frames is like dangerous and disturbing, but is actually just turn on. It's like the core." [02:16-02:25]

They explore the paradox of finding attraction in potential danger, a theme resonating through historical and modern sexual dynamics.

• A: "That's why we have sex with men. Cuz they." [02:25-02:27]
• B: "The essence of the heterosexual power dynamic. Like you, you're turned on by the man because you know he can kill you, but has chosen instead to be tender." [02:27-02:40]

This analysis juxtaposes Andrea Dworkin's radical feminist assertions with their own interpretation, challenging traditional feminist critiques.

• A: "I know." [02:40-02:42]
• B: "It's like when, when, you know, Andrea Dworkin says, like, all heterosexual sex is rape. Yes. She's kind of directionally correct and spiritually correct. But she's saying that's a bad thing. I'm saying that's a good thing." [02:42-02:59]
• A: "Exactly. No, it's true. That's what we like about men. Yes. Is that they could kill and crush us." [02:59-03:12]
• B: "Yes. If they couldn't, there would be almost nothing to like about." [03:12-03:17]
• A: "Why would you have sex with them if you didn't think they could kill you?" [03:17]

Conclusion and Insights

Though the episode is a teaser, the conversation encapsulates Red Scare's signature blend of cultural critique and philosophical inquiry. Anna and Dasha challenge conventional narratives surrounding gender and power, advocating for a nuanced understanding of human sexuality and interpersonal dynamics. Their discourse invites listeners to reconsider entrenched beliefs and engage with complex societal issues through a candid and often contrarian lens.

Notable Quotes:

• "Almost all men can kill almost all women with their bare hands, but not vice versa." – Dasha Nekrasova [01:36]
• "The essence of the heterosexual power dynamic. Like you, you're turned on by the man because you know he can kill you, but has chosen instead to be tender." – Dasha Nekrasova [02:27]
• "Why would you have sex with them if you didn't think they could kill you?" – Anna Khachiyan [03:17]

Takeaways:

• The podcast challenges simplistic notions of consent in modern dating.
• It scrutinizes the complexities of BDSM and contractual sexual arrangements.
• The hosts offer a critical perspective on contemporary feminist literature, advocating for stronger positions.
• They explore the inherent power dynamics in heterosexual relationships, presenting a provocative take on attraction and vulnerability.

For those seeking an unfiltered and intellectually stimulating exploration of cultural and societal issues, "Red Scare" continues to offer compelling discussions that push the boundaries of conventional discourse.