Strict Scrutiny Podcast Summary
Episode: "Our Favorite Things, 2024"
Release Date: December 23, 2024

Introduction

In the festive episode titled "Our Favorite Things, 2024," hosted by constitutional law professors Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray, Strict Scrutiny takes a delightful detour from its usual Supreme Court analysis to share personal favorites, gift ideas, and engaging discussions. This episode combines legal insights with personal anecdotes, offering listeners both informative and entertaining content.

Favorite Things: Appreciating the Justices
Timestamp: 01:53 – 28:15

The hosts kick off the episode by introducing a new tradition: sharing their favorite things about each Supreme Court Justice. This segment offers a unique and personal perspective on the personalities and contributions of the justices.

1. Chief Justice John Roberts

   • Kate Shaw (02:12): Appreciates Roberts for revealing his true colors in landmark cases like Trump vs. United States and Loper Bright, showcasing his non-institutionalist stance.
   • Leah Litman (02:19): Commends Roberts for his political savviness and ability to regain control of the court with strategic maneuvers.
   • Melissa Murray (03:20): Likes Roberts' commitment to maintaining a presidential demeanor, likening him to a "George Clooney circa 1995."

2. Justice Clarence Thomas

   • Kate Shaw (04:12): Notes a shift in Thomas's demeanor, suggesting his ego may prevent a swift replacement, maintaining balance on the court.
   • Melissa Murray (04:40): Appreciates Thomas's unapologetic stance on personal perks and his ability to hint at needs without direct requests.
   • Leah Litman (05:28): Highlights Thomas's passive-aggressive negotiation tactics regarding court salaries and benefits.

3. Justice Samuel Alito

   • Leah Litman (05:30): Values Alito as the quintessential "villain," providing a necessary counterbalance on the court.
   • Kate Shaw (05:51): Grateful for Alito's gesture of gifting Leah a book, symbolizing collegiality despite ideological differences.
   • Melissa Murray (05:55): Admiration for Alito's physical resilience and supportiveness towards his wife.

4. Justice Sonia Sotomayor

   • Leah Litman (06:19): Praises Sotomayor’s dedication to meticulous case analysis and her empathetic approach to litigants.
   • Kate Shaw (07:07): Reveres Sotomayor’s impactful dissents, particularly in the immunity decision.
   • Melissa Murray (07:27): Appreciates Sotomayor’s ability to find good in her colleagues and maintain congenial relationships, even with opposing justices.

5. Justice Elena Kagan

   • Melissa Murray (08:04): Enjoys Kagan's cheeky demeanor and her ability to blend humor with serious legal discourse.
   • Leah Litman (08:10): Finds Kagan's frustration with less competent judges relatable and inspiring.
   • Kate Shaw (08:55): Loves Kagan's dynamic presence during oral arguments, balancing support for strong advocates with criticism of weak ones.

6. Justice Neil Gorsuch

   • Melissa Murray (10:06): Values Gorsuch for bringing geographic diversity to the court.
   • Leah Litman (10:16): Enjoys Gorsuch’s penchant for snarking, making criticism engaging and fun.
   • Kate Shaw (10:40): Appreciates Gorsuch’s ability to inspire critical reviews through his writings, specifically his book "Please."

7. Justice Brett Kavanaugh

   • Kate Shaw (11:32): Observes Kavanaugh’s eagerness to be liked during oral arguments, hinting at potential strategic benefits.
   • Leah Litman (12:16): Views Kavanaugh as an inspirational figure for achieving high office despite perceived mediocrity.
   • Melissa Murray (12:53): Commends Kavanaugh’s athleticism and dedication to running, highlighting his commitment to personal fitness.

8. Justice Amy Coney Barrett

   • Melissa Murray (13:30): Admires Barrett’s "school marm" energy and her balanced approach to handling both liberal and conservative colleagues.
   • Kate Shaw (14:13): Notes improvements in Barrett’s hair as a humorous personal preference.
   • Leah Litman (14:19): Appreciates Barrett’s consistent demeanor and her commitment to an equal-opportunity approach in her judgments.

9. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

   • Kate Shaw (14:48): Celebrates Jackson’s groundbreaking performance on Broadway and her ability to balance energy and righteous indignation in oral arguments.
   • Leah Litman (15:10): Loves Jackson’s ability to maintain positivity while confronting the court’s challenges.
   • Melissa Murray (15:49): Appreciates Jackson’s supportive personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband, exemplifying self-worth and mutual respect.

Gift-Giving Ideas
Timestamp: 20:32 – 40:08

Expanding on the holiday spirit, the hosts share thoughtful gift recommendations categorized into "something you want," "something you need," "something to wear," and "something to read."

1. Something You Want

   • Leah Litman (20:32): Desires an album of acoustic surprise songs from Taylor Swift's ERAS tour and additional portraits of her dog.
   • Melissa Murray (21:11): Wishes for an Elena Kagan-inspired gold paperclip necklace, a classic retro manual typewriter, high-quality nonstick pans, and alternatives to Amazon Prime services.
   • Kate Shaw (24:21): Hopes for designer jewelry, sustainable electric scooters for family use, and WNBA tickets to support women’s sports.

2. Something You Need

   • Leah Litman (20:32): Expresses a need for emotional support items like a plush pickle and ensuring the Wisconsin Supreme Court race progresses favorably.
   • Melissa Murray (22:02): Seeks an independent media subscription, muslin comfort sheets, weighted blankets for stress relief, and high-quality hand refreshers.
   • Kate Shaw (23:17): Emphasizes the importance of supporting independent media outlets and maintaining meaningful group chats for healthy digital interactions.

3. Something to Wear

   • Leah Litman (33:09): Obsessed with Skims' soft lounge wear and Bamboo Crew necks, along with workwear from The RealReal.
   • Melissa Murray (35:15): Recommends Honey Love shapewear for comfort and style, Aritzia’s super puff belt bags, and Danessa Myrick’s skin-blurring balm powder.
   • Kate Shaw (35:03): Desires a functional water backpack for running and family pajamas from Hannah Anderson for coordinated family attire.

4. Something to Read

   • Leah Litman (40:04): Recommends a diverse selection of books covering legal, historical, and fictional narratives, including titles like "Vigilante Nation" by John Michaels and "Bright Young Women" by Jessica Knoll.
   • Kate Shaw (42:49): Shares her favorites such as Miranda July’s "All Fours," Percival Everett’s "James," and Octavia Butler’s "The Parable of the Sower," along with nonfiction works like Rebecca Nagle’s "By the Fire We Carry" and Dylan Penningroth’s "Before the Movement."
   • Melissa Murray (46:33): Highlights recent reads including Jonathan Eig’s "A Life," Colm Tóibín’s "Long Island," and Rob Sears’s humorous take on Donald Trump’s tweets in "Beautiful Poetry of Donald Trump."

Podcast and Media Recommendations
Timestamp: 40:01 – 50:55

Beyond books, the hosts suggest engaging podcasts and media series that resonate with their themes of legal scrutiny and societal issues.

• Ear Witness

  • Kate Shaw (50:55): Explains the podcast's investigation into the wrongful conviction of To Forest Johnson, exploring themes of justice and systemic flaws in the legal system.

• Less Radical

  • Kate Shaw (50:55): Discusses this podcast’s focus on Dr. Bernie Fisher’s revolutionary work in breast cancer treatment and his subsequent political persecution, echoing the podcast’s broader themes of scientific integrity and political interference.

• Mind’d Own with Lupita Nyong’o

  • Melissa Murray (52:02): Praises this storytelling podcast where Lupita Nyong’o narrates modern African diaspora stories, blending culture with personal narratives.

• Rebel Spirit with Akilah Hughes

  • Melissa Murray (52:02): Highlights this documentary series examining race, culture, and sports through Hughes’s efforts to change her hometown’s mascot, showcasing the podcast’s deep dive into social issues.

• Yacht Rock the Documentary

  • Melissa Murray (52:02): Enthusiastically recommends this Netflix documentary as a nostalgic and entertaining exploration of 1970s-80s music culture.

Listener Tributes and Community Engagement
Timestamp: 54:26 – 68:15

The episode shifts focus to celebrate the listeners, featuring voice memos and personal stories that highlight the podcast's impact.

• Listener Voice Memos

  • Highlights include greetings from around the world, including Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and various US states.
  • Listeners share how the podcast assists them in understanding the Supreme Court and staying informed about legal developments.
  • Personal anecdotes range from using the podcast during runs and maternity leave to finding solace and community through the show’s discussions.

• Special Acknowledgments

  • Leah Litman (63:10): Thanks listeners for their support, especially those who helped her attend events like the ERAS tour.
  • Kate Shaw & Melissa Murray (54:26 – 67:48): Express gratitude towards each other and the podcast’s production team, emphasizing teamwork, mutual support, and the importance of the podcast community.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to share positive or significant court developments for future episodes and remind them of the upcoming programming break before returning in the new year. They extend heartfelt holiday wishes and emphasize the community’s strength and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Shaw (02:12): "He showed his true colors last year and is really not an institutionalist."
• Melissa Murray (03:20): "Chief Justice is like the Tom Hanks character in that pirate movie when Sam Alito was like, 'I'm the captain now.'"
• Leah Litman (05:28): "He seems to be good at asking for things without asking for them... passive-aggressive. I like it."
• Kate Shaw (07:07): "Justice Sotomayor really models someone who gives attention to every case and every litigant in a way that is really admirable."
• Melissa Murray (14:58): "She reminds me of Eliza Wilder in 'Little House on the Prairie'—she's an equal opportunity destroyer."

Conclusion

"Our Favorite Things, 2024" serves as a warm, engaging episode that humanizes the Supreme Court justices through personal reflections and shared favorites. Coupled with thoughtful gift ideas and community engagement, this episode exemplifies the podcast’s ability to blend legal discourse with relatable, heartwarming content. Whether you're a legal professional or a casual listener, this episode offers valuable insights and a sense of camaraderie among the hosts and their audience.

Stay Connected

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