1007: We Love You, Boomers — Seriously! | Secret Podcast

Summary

Below is a detailed summary of Episode 1007: We Love You, Boomers — Seriously! | Secret Podcast, originally released on August 15, 2025, on The Next Level. In this subscriber-only episode, hosts Sarah Longwell and JVL (Jonathan V. Last) engage in their signature mix of witty banter and incisive political commentary, taking a deep dive into the nature of protests, the evolving role of law enforcement in political activism, and what these trends say about conservatism in today’s America.

────────────────────────────── Episode Overview ────────────────────────────── • Purpose & Theme
– Sarah and JVL introduce the Secret Podcast (a premium product for Bulwark Plus subscribers) and explain its value relative to their regular show (TNL).
– The episode is steeped in lively debate, self-reflection, and humor as they discuss recent public reactions to remarks about boomer protesters, the symbolism in protest tactics, and recent police practices.

• Tone & Context
– The discussion is both affectionate (especially toward older protesters) and critical (targeting authoritarian overreach and Trump-inspired tactics).
– The hosts balance levity (jokes about straw hats, sandwich-throwing as protest, and playful flame exchanges) with serious criticism of how protest actions are framed by political actors.

────────────────────────────── Key Discussion Points & Insights ──────────────────────────────

The Secret Podcast Format and Friendly Banter
• [00:00–00:59] Sarah introduces the Secret Podcast and its exclusive, behind-the-paywall status, emphasizing that this is one of the few Bulwark products that asks for a subscription.
• JVL chimes in with light-hearted remarks about his “North Kakalaki satellite office,” setting the tone for an engaging and relaxed conversation.
Addressing Recent Comments on Boomer Protests
• [02:04–03:24] Sarah brings up a highly liked comment from a 75-year-old protester who defended the presence and effectiveness of senior citizens in protests against Trump.
– The comment challenged dismissive remarks about older protesters and sparked significant engagement online.
• The discussion quickly turns into clarifying intent—Sarah explains that her original comments were meant as both affectionate and ironic, contrasting the way detractors label protesters (by their appearance, like “purple hair” or “nose rings”) with the dignified image of a 70‑year‑old in a straw hat.
Protest Tactics and the Debate Over Heckling
• [05:57–08:31] JVL introduces a new protest tactic seen in Washington D.C.—heckling a heavily armed, militarized police presence by a protester he envisions as a 70‑year‑old lady with a straw hat.
– He humorously suggests that sometimes a bit of verbal provocation (“Get a hobby, you piece of shit”) can be more symbolic than violence.
• Sarah underscores the point: while she firmly opposes throwing objects (like bricks or sandwiches) at police, the idea is to avoid giving authorities a pretext for further overreach. – They discuss the case of a DOJ employee charged with felony assault for throwing a Subway sandwich, pondering whether such actions—even if ridiculously disproportionate—could backfire politically by exposing authoritarian excesses.
Symbolism in the Acts of Protest
• [08:31–10:11] The conversation shifts to how simple actions (like a sandwich toss) can become potent symbols when authorities overreact.
– JVL comments that if someone in full body armor is incapacitated by a thrown sandwich, it might highlight the superficiality or absurdity of the militarized response.
– Notable humor arises as they debate what constitutes “assault” by contrasting everyday, nonthreatening items (e.g., a “9-inch Turkey Club”) with violent acts. • Sarah and JVL both acknowledge the fine line between expressions of dissent and actions that might otherwise grant the authorities an excuse to crack down on protest movements.
Critique of Militarized Policing and Checkpoints
• [12:48–14:54] Moving the focus toward law enforcement practices in D.C., the hosts criticize the visible yet performative posture of police checkpoints at places like 14th and U.
– Sarah observes that the police are not really there to help local communities (like protecting a cupcake store or a Peloton class) but rather to send a national message—a message that aligns with Trump’s agenda of control.
• Both express discomfort with the increasing normalization of sobriety and security checkpoints, arguing that such tactics are more about spectacle and governmental control than public safety.
Reflections on Conservatism
• [20:08–21:35] As the discussion winds down, the conversation touches upon how current policing tactics and protest responses reflect broader shifts in conservatism.
– The hosts debate the professional versus authoritarian roles of law enforcement, with JVL succinctly noting, “Anybody who covers their faces as an agent of the state is not there to be a member of the public… They are there to subjugate the public.” • They hint at deeper explorations on whether the conservatism we see today—especially as championed by figures like Donald Trump—was inevitable over time. The topic serves as a teaser for further discussions in episodes to come.

────────────────────────────── Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments ────────────────────────────── • “I didn't check my email once... not having Donald Trump in my head for nine days was amazing.” – JVL, [01:23] – A humorous observation that sets up their mutual longing for a change in political focus.

• “As a 75 year old woman who has participated in several protests against Trump…” – Sarah reads a comment, [02:50]
– This comment becomes a centerpiece for their discussion on age, respect, and the portrayal of protesters in the media.

• “Get a hobby, you piece of shit. Did you try, ever try therapy?... Get a job. I'll pay you to do my gardening.” – JVL, [07:51]
– A striking and eccentric moment highlighting JVL’s support for using humor and heckling as a protest tactic.

• “Subway 9 inch Turkey Club is now a symbol of peace.” – JVL, [16:27]
– This tongue-in-cheek remark encapsulates the episode’s recurring theme of how even banal encounters (and sandwich choices) can evolve into symbols of resistance.

• “Anybody who covers their faces as an agent of the state is not there to be a member of the public... They are there to subjugate the public.” – JVL, [20:27]
– A powerful statement underscoring the hosts’ critique of the modern intrusions in civic life.

────────────────────────────── Timestamps Highlights ────────────────────────────── • [00:00–00:59] – Introduction to the Secret Podcast and explanation of subscriber benefits.
• [01:18–03:24] – Discussion of the recent online comment regarding boomer protesters and clarifications on earlier remarks.
• [05:57–08:31] – The debate on protest strategies, including humorous suggestions to heckle police without provoking actual violence.
• [09:24–11:29] – The case of a DOJ employee throwing a Subway sandwich and the disproportionate legal response it elicited.
• [12:48–14:54] – Critique of visible but arguably performative policing measures in Washington D.C.
• [20:08–21:35] – Discussion on the evolving roles of police and the broader implications for American conservatism.
• [21:57–22:06] – A teaser for an upcoming deep dive into the nature of conservatism under Trump’s influence.

────────────────────────────── Conclusion ────────────────────────────── In this lively installment, Sarah and JVL mix humor with incisive political critique. They affirm their respect for genuine protest—even from older demonstrators—while warning against tactics that could inadvertently empower authoritarian narratives. Their conversation cuts across topics from the symbolism of a thrown sandwich to the performative nature of police checkpoints, all while preparing the listener for a deeper exploration of conservatism in future discussions.

For those who enjoy a blend of thoughtful analysis, personal anecdotes, and biting wit, this episode leaves you with plenty to ponder—and plenty of reasons to join Bulwark Plus for even more in-depth conversations.

Summary

The Secret Podcast Format and Friendly Banter
• [00:00–00:59] Sarah introduces the Secret Podcast and its exclusive, behind-the-paywall status, emphasizing that this is one of the few Bulwark products that asks for a subscription.
• JVL chimes in with light-hearted remarks about his “North Kakalaki satellite office,” setting the tone for an engaging and relaxed conversation.
Addressing Recent Comments on Boomer Protests
• [02:04–03:24] Sarah brings up a highly liked comment from a 75-year-old protester who defended the presence and effectiveness of senior citizens in protests against Trump.
– The comment challenged dismissive remarks about older protesters and sparked significant engagement online.
• The discussion quickly turns into clarifying intent—Sarah explains that her original comments were meant as both affectionate and ironic, contrasting the way detractors label protesters (by their appearance, like “purple hair” or “nose rings”) with the dignified image of a 70‑year‑old in a straw hat.
Protest Tactics and the Debate Over Heckling
• [05:57–08:31] JVL introduces a new protest tactic seen in Washington D.C.—heckling a heavily armed, militarized police presence by a protester he envisions as a 70‑year‑old lady with a straw hat.
– He humorously suggests that sometimes a bit of verbal provocation (“Get a hobby, you piece of shit”) can be more symbolic than violence.
• Sarah underscores the point: while she firmly opposes throwing objects (like bricks or sandwiches) at police, the idea is to avoid giving authorities a pretext for further overreach. – They discuss the case of a DOJ employee charged with felony assault for throwing a Subway sandwich, pondering whether such actions—even if ridiculously disproportionate—could backfire politically by exposing authoritarian excesses.
Symbolism in the Acts of Protest
• [08:31–10:11] The conversation shifts to how simple actions (like a sandwich toss) can become potent symbols when authorities overreact.
– JVL comments that if someone in full body armor is incapacitated by a thrown sandwich, it might highlight the superficiality or absurdity of the militarized response.
– Notable humor arises as they debate what constitutes “assault” by contrasting everyday, nonthreatening items (e.g., a “9-inch Turkey Club”) with violent acts. • Sarah and JVL both acknowledge the fine line between expressions of dissent and actions that might otherwise grant the authorities an excuse to crack down on protest movements.
Critique of Militarized Policing and Checkpoints
• [12:48–14:54] Moving the focus toward law enforcement practices in D.C., the hosts criticize the visible yet performative posture of police checkpoints at places like 14th and U.
– Sarah observes that the police are not really there to help local communities (like protecting a cupcake store or a Peloton class) but rather to send a national message—a message that aligns with Trump’s agenda of control.
• Both express discomfort with the increasing normalization of sobriety and security checkpoints, arguing that such tactics are more about spectacle and governmental control than public safety.
Reflections on Conservatism
• [20:08–21:35] As the discussion winds down, the conversation touches upon how current policing tactics and protest responses reflect broader shifts in conservatism.
– The hosts debate the professional versus authoritarian roles of law enforcement, with JVL succinctly noting, “Anybody who covers their faces as an agent of the state is not there to be a member of the public… They are there to subjugate the public.” • They hint at deeper explorations on whether the conservatism we see today—especially as championed by figures like Donald Trump—was inevitable over time. The topic serves as a teaser for further discussions in episodes to come.