The World Baseball Classic gave the world a rare moment of unity: everyone hating on Americans as they act like absolute assholes. While other countries showed up with joy, pride, and actual personalities, Team USA brought military cosplay, dead-serious nationalism, and all the energy of a Pentagon halftime show. The gang digs into the militarization of sports, why America seems incapable of just having fun anymore, and whether this whole performative patriotism routine has finally gone from absurd to embarrassing.

(0:00:00) Intro

(0:04:30) Meredith’s conservatorship update

(0:09:35) Jay is impressing the Mormons

(0:22:13) Sounds of the Week: Pete Hegseth’s Iran war update

(0:33:30) Sounds of the Week: Afroman defamation case

(0:46:55) United States shenanigans at World Baseball Classic

Songs:

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen

“Pink Houses” by John Mellencamp

“Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young

Notes:

Donald Trump telling Brian Kilmeade he doesn’t take anyone’s advice on anything (0:26:50)
“Lemon Pound Cake” by Afroman
“Randy Walters is a Song of a Bitch” by Afroman
“Licc’em Low Lisa” by Afroman
“Will You Help Me Repair My Door” by Afroman
The Daily Show did a good recap of the Afroman case
The World Baseball Classic, Team USA, and the war problem
Bryce Harper Called Out For 'Loser' Behavior During World Baseball Classic
Cal Raleigh tries to squash Randy Arozarena beef over non-handshake
Navy SEAL who killed Osama Bin Laden gives stirring clubhouse pep talk to Team USA at World Baseball Classic