Normally

Republicans are reeling from a disastrous midterm election, and the infighting is just beginning. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down President Donald Trump's controversial 60 Minutes interview, his surprising openness to immigration amnesty, and the growing divide between JD Vance and Marco Rubio over the Iran war.

Plus, Susie Wiles is out as White House chief of staff, Stephen Miller takes over, and conservatives are questioning where Trump's immigration agenda goes next. The ladies also tackle California's latest political decisions, Nithya Raman's victory in Los Angeles, and a wave of new...

Republicans are reeling after a devastating 2026 midterm election as Democrats deliver a stunning blue wave, flipping key races and raising serious questions about Donald Trump's political future. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the GOP's election-night disaster, including shocking losses in Texas and South Carolina, voter turnout failures, economic frustration, and growing backlash against the Trump administration.

Is the Republican Party headed for a major shakeup? The ladies examine what went wrong, whether Trump will change course, and how the election reshapes the 2028 Republican presidential race featuring JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Ron DeSantis.

Election Day 2026 is here, and Democrats are facing a political firestorm in Michigan! Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down Haley Stevens' stunning endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers over Abdul El-Sayed, the backlash from Democrats, and the controversy surrounding antisemitism in the Michigan Senate race.

Meanwhile, Florida Republicans are growing nervous about Byron Donalds' showdown with David Jolly as Ron DeSantis stays off the campaign trail. Plus, the hosts examine allegations of ballot manipulation in Alaska involving Mary Peltola, questionable election polling, transgender sports and parental rights ballot measures, California's proposed billionaire wealth tax, and new...

Are Americans being scared into preparing for a post-election disaster? Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz tackle viral doomsday warnings, AI-related fears, emergency preparedness, and questionable midterm election polls. Plus, they discuss Israel's election results, Marco Rubio's leadership, and the political battles shaping the 2026 midterms.

Then, the controversy surrounding Rep. Ilhan Omar intensifies as the hosts examine allegations and unanswered questions about her immigration history, citizenship documents, and the debate over denaturalization. They also take aim at CBS's 60 Minutes coverage of immigration enforcement, examine a Gallup poll highlighting America's growing patriotism divide, and discuss the importance of...

Barack Obama is back on the campaign trail, but are his attacks on Donald Trump and defense of Obamacare exposing more problems than they solve? On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down Obama's latest political remarks, the debate over healthcare costs, and Trump's hilarious and unpredictable campaign tangents, including his comments about Nicki Minaj.

Plus, the Michigan election heats up as Mike Rogers faces questions surrounding Abdul El-Sayed and alleged Muslim Brotherhood connections, while Democrats in key Senate races reconsider their positions on transgender athletes in women's sports. Mary Katharine and...

Fake election polls, an ugly Ohio campaign controversy, and Americans regretting their decision to flee Donald Trump's America are making headlines as the 2026 midterm elections approach. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political controversies, media failures, and election surprises shaking up the final weeks of the campaign.

The ladies examine a controversial attack ad featuring Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother and why the strategy could backfire on Vivek Ramaswamy. They also discuss Michelle Tafoya's increasingly competitive Minnesota Senate race against Peggy Flanagan, allegations surrounding Flanagan's academic credentials...

France is erupting in violent riots, historic buildings are burning, and President Emmanuel Macron is facing growing criticism over his response. On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the escalating unrest in France, the role of immigration and failed integration policies, the financial strain of Europe's welfare state, and whether Marine Le Pen could benefit from the political backlash.

Back in Washington, the ladies examine Senator Elissa Slotkin's controversial warning about working for the Trump administration, renewed scrutiny surrounding Rep. Ilhan Omar, and the growing debate over political retaliation and government...

What happened to James Talarico, and why isn't the media asking more questions? Why did progressive streamer Hasan Piker struggle through comedian Ziwe's brutally awkward interview? And how did Kelly Clarkson end up in a bizarre public feud with a Brooklyn boutique?

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest political controversies, media double standards, and pop culture headlines.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Mary Katharine and Karol examine the questions surrounding Texas Democrat James Talarico's extended absence from the campaign trail, the New York Times' reporting, and...

ICE investigations, political mysteries, blue-state crime, and another comedy controversy dominate today's episode of Normally. Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down reports of an immigration-related investigation involving Rep. Ilhan Omar, questions surrounding Texas Senate candidate James Talarico's unexplained absence from the campaign trail, and the media's handling of both stories.

Plus, we examine New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to a controversial ICE shooting in the Bronx, violent crime cases in Rhode Island and Minnesota, and growing concerns about public safety, sanctuary-city policies, and criminal justice accountability.

Finally, comedian Shane Gillis sparks...

France is erupting as widespread riots grip the country and thousands are arrested—but what’s really driving the unrest, and what does it mean for Europe’s future?

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the chaos in France, Brazil’s political shakeup, and a disturbing new argument framing abortion as an “affordability” issue. Then, they examine Canada’s controversial MAID euthanasia system and growing concerns over reports of plague in Russia, as the U.S. presses Moscow for answers about what’s happening near a Siberian research facility.

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Are Republicans getting too comfortable ahead of the 2026 midterm elections?

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz warn against counting Democrats out as election season heats up. From Maine and Minnesota to Seattle and Los Angeles, they examine the political consequences of progressive policies on taxes, housing, crime, policing, immigration, and education. 

Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Los Angeles' controversial "mansion tax," repeat violent offenders and crime in American cities, and a surprising shift in Seattle as its socialist mayor proposes adding police while avoiding new taxes. 

They also tu...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild week of news, starting with the midair attack aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After an altercation between the pilots sent the aircraft into a rapid descent, passengers and crew intervened and the plane ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia. 

Then, Mary Katharine and Karol turn to Britain, terrorism and immigration before examining Zohran Mamdani’s plan to combat antisemitism in New York City. Karol argues the proposal fails to adequately address attacks against Jewish New Yorkers, anti-Zionism and recent campus unrest.

Plus, the...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild weekend in politics, from the backlash surrounding Vivek Ramaswamy to growing frustration among voters over the economy, gas prices, tariffs, immigration, and the direction of the Republican Party.

Then, is “Woke 2.0” already taking shape? Mary Katharine and Karol examine renewed debates over race and identity politics, the controversy surrounding claims about recent deaths of Black Americans, and why they believe some of the rhetoric echoes the political and cultural battles of 2020. They also discuss the reaction to allegations involving Mary Peltola and what it says about changing stan...

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz celebrate the show’s two-year anniversary before diving into the biggest political, cultural, and education stories of the week.

Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones’ account of her daughter’s public-school experience, including their views on school choice, selective schools, testing, classroom discipline and accountability. Karol argues that many of the problems Hannah-Jones describes are connected to education policies she previously supported, while the hosts debate what the story says about the larger fight over public education.

They also react to President Donald Trump’...

Mary Katharine Ham is joined by Defending Education’s Erika Sanzi for a deep dive into Nikole Hannah-Jones’ revealing new essay about her daughter’s education—and the questions it raises about school choice, testing, discipline, accountability, and America’s public schools.

After years of advocating for integration and criticizing selective schools, Hannah-Jones writes about her daughter’s difficult experience in a New York City public school and her eventual decision to attend a more academically challenging high school. Mary Katharine and Erika examine what the story says about putting ideology ahead of individual students, low academic expectations...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back with Normalish takes on crime, free speech, politics, pop culture — and why sometimes the secret to a happy marriage is simply being nice about the new bowls.

First, they examine a series of criminal justice controversies, including developments involving San Francisco’s law-enforcement oversight system, Virginia’s parole board and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. A federal judge has referred Krasner and a senior prosecutor to federal authorities for potential investigation over their conduct in a post-conviction murder case; Krasner disputes the judge’s findings and plans to appeal.

T...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back with Normalish takes as Washington’s artificial intelligence panic reaches a new level.

They break down the growing calls to slow AI development, concerns raised by former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, and the unlikely convergence of Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon around tougher AI restrictions. Mary Katharine and Karol debate the genuine risks of advanced AI, whether government regulators are equipped to handle them, and whether some of the push for regulation could benefit the biggest players already dominating the industry.

Then, the conversation turns to a se...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz mark two somber anniversaries while looking at what they mean for America today: 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks and one year since the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Mary Katharine and Karol reflect on their own memories of 9/11, the fear and uncertainty Americans experienced in the aftermath, and the extraordinary heroism of first responders and ordinary citizens. They also discuss how younger generations understand the attacks, the rise of 9/11 conspiracy theories, and how parents can teach their children about that day while emphasizing courage, service and resilience.

Then, one...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz check in on what they call the increasingly bizarre ideas coming from America’s socialist left—from attacks on the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality to claims that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are “fascistic” and part of a supposed war on fat people.

They also dig into resurfaced comments from Democratic congressional candidate William Lawrence criticizing the nuclear family and capitalism, and Mary Katharine and Karol explain why they believe Republicans should make the fight against socialism a major issue heading into the midterms.

Plus, the hosts react to the Pod S...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest developments in the Charlie Kirk murder case after a Utah judge rules that prosecutors have presented enough evidence for Tyler Robinson to stand trial, with the death penalty remaining on the table.

They examine the legal arguments surrounding the case and the explosion of conspiracy theories that has followed Kirk's killing. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Candace Owens' claims, the true-crime culture surrounding real-life tragedies, and why people can become so invested in online theories that contradictory evidence no longer changes their minds.

Then, the...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the growing controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and left-wing streamer Hasan Piker. As El-Sayed attempts to distance himself from Piker, his past appearances and campaign events with the controversial streamer are coming under new scrutiny. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the relationship could mean for El-Sayed’s race against Mike Rogers — and why Piker may become a much bigger problem for Democrats heading into future elections.

Then, they debate the Trump administration’s new Venezuela oil agreement and whether expanding American access to Venezuela’s massive oil rese...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton.

First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment.

Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing figh...

Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker’s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands.

They also take on the growing backlash against data centers and ask whether the populist campaign against them is based on legitimate local concerns—or fueled by misleading narratives about energy, water, jobs, and economic growth.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections — and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races.

In Florida, James Fishback falls short but still captures 10% of the vote, while Alexander Vindman suffers a stunning defeat in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary despite a massive fundraising advantage. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the results say about the changing Democratic Party, the Republican Party's own ideological battles and the declining power of President Donald Trump's endorsement after a st...

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back together on Normally to break down a packed political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

They start with the races that could determine control of the Senate, including Florida, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and New Hampshire. Is the Democratic Party moving too far left for voters — or could Republicans still find a way to sabotage their advantage?

Then, Mary Katharine and Karol react to President Donald Trump’s comments about scaling back U.S.-South Korea military exercises and Vice President JD Vance’s remarks about the U...

A stunning upset in Wisconsin has Democrats—and Democratic Socialists—asking what went wrong.

Karol Markowicz is joined by guest co-host Jordan Schachtel, publisher of The Dossier, to break down Francesca Hong’s surprise loss in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary despite polling that suggested she was positioned to win. Did the Democratic establishment quietly mobilize to stop the socialist candidate? Karol and Jordan examine Bernie Sanders and AOC’s decision not to endorse Hong, David Crowley’s remarkable return to the race, and what the result could reveal about the Democratic Party’s ability to contain its far-left...

Karol Markowicz is joined by comedian, commentator, and Heritage Media Fellow Tim Young for a wide-ranging conversation about the 2026 midterms, the Democratic Party’s progressive turn, AOC’s political future, and the latest controversy engulfing the WNBA.

Karol and Tim begin with the upcoming midterm elections and whether Republicans can hold both the House and Senate despite concerns about the GOP’s political strategy. They also examine candidates including Francesca Hong and the growing influence of democratic socialist politics on the Democratic Party. Tim predicts Republicans can narrowly retain control, arguing that some of the left’s more ext...

Michigan's Democratic primary may have reshaped the 2026 political landscape. In this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down Abdul El-Sayed's narrow Senate primary victory, what it signals about the Democratic Party's growing socialist wing, and why Republicans see a major opportunity heading into November.

The conversation then shifts to California, where Democrats have embraced a controversial wealth tax proposal that could dramatically change how personal wealth is taxed. Mary Katharine and Karol examine the economic consequences, why wealthy residents continue leaving the state, and whether progressive economic policies are becoming mainstream.

...

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz react to the latest revelations surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci, including newly uncovered diary entries, renewed scrutiny over COVID-era policies, and why they believe Florida—and Gov. Ron DeSantis—got it right when much of the country did not.

MK & Karol discuss RFK Jr.'s fiery exchange with CNN's Dana Bash over free speech, public health, and media accountability, while revisiting the treatment of scientists like Dr. Jay Bhattacharya during the pandemic. They also examine why many Americans voted with their feet by leaving states with prolonged lock...

Anthony Fauci returns to Capitol Hill—but refuses to answer key questions. Mary Katharine Ham is joined by Lauren Stewart to break down Fauci's Fifth Amendment testimony, the explosive revelations from his reported COVID-era diaries, and what the controversy could mean for government accountability moving forward.

The conversation then shifts to New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani's latest policies—including taxpayer-funded grocery stores, controversial property tax proposals, and rising concerns over public safety and antisemitism—continue to generate heated debate.

Finally, they discuss WNBA star Sophie Cunningham's comments defending women's sports, why the issue contin...

Anthony Fauci's newly released COVID-era diary entries are making headlines after Senator Rand Paul released more than 1,000 pages from his congressional investigation. Mary Katharine Ham and Bethany Mandel break down what Fauci's private writings reveal about his media obsession, COVID lockdown policies, school closures, masking, and the growing distrust of public health institutions.

The conversation then shifts to former Senator Ben Sasse's deeply moving reflections on living—and dying—with pancreatic cancer. Mary Katharine and Bethany discuss mortality, faith, family, parenting, and why Sasse's public honesty offers an important reminder about what truly matters in life.

T...

With the 2026 midterm elections rapidly approaching, Mary Katharine Ham is joined by political strategist Kelly Maher for a wide-ranging look at the battle for control of Congress. They break down the latest House and Senate forecasts, why competitive races are shrinking, and whether Republicans can overcome historical midterm trends.

The conversation also explores the growing influence of Democratic Socialists within the Democratic Party, the divide between establishment Democrats and the DSA movement, Colorado's political landscape, and what recent primary results could signal for November. They examine new polling, voter enthusiasm, fundraising advantages, and why both parties may...

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham is joined by Nicki Neily, founder and president of Defending Education, for an in-depth conversation about the growing crisis in American education.

The discussion examines the American Federation of Teachers convention, Randi Weingarten's re-election, and ongoing criticism of teachers unions over school closures, declining student achievement, and accountability. Mary Katharine and Nicki also dive into the national debate surrounding homeschooling, school choice, public education funding, and why more families are leaving traditional public schools.

They also explore higher education's growing ideological divide, the lack of viewpoint diversity...

Are America's Supreme Court justices facing an unprecedented wave of political intimidation?

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz examine the growing security threats against Supreme Court justices, including the swatting of Justice Amy Coney Barrett and renewed calls for increased protection after years of escalating political violence. They discuss whether threats against public officials are becoming normalized and why stronger enforcement may be needed.

The conversation then shifts to New York's controversial decision to halt new AI data center development. Is the Empire State driving away billions in investment, high-paying...

Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden passing at age 71 has sent shockwaves through Washington. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz reflect on Graham's legacy, his decades of public service, his influence on U.S. foreign policy, and the political battle now brewing over his South Carolina Senate seat.

The conversation then shifts to Ro Khanna, his controversial trip to the West Bank, accusations surrounding his political motivations, media coverage from The New York Times, and the growing debate over Israel, activism, and the 2028 Democratic presidential field.

Finally, they examine a new report criticizing the Smithsonian Institution, discussing...

Is the Iran ceasefire officially over? Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down President Trump's latest comments on Iran after renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating U.S. military strikes, and the growing debate over selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

The hosts also discuss the mystery surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell's extended absence from the Senate, why his health has become a national political story, and what elected officials owe the public when they're unable to serve.

Plus, the Graham Platner controversy continues to spiral as new allegations emerge, Democrats struggle with...

On this breaking episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz react to the escalating controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as new allegations emerge and prominent Democrats begin calling for him to leave the race.

Mary Katharine and Karol discuss the latest reporting, the political fallout, and why earlier accusations against Platner were dismissed by many of his supporters. They examine how media outlets handled the story, the standards used to judge political scandals, and the questions now facing Democratic leaders as they decide whether to continue backing him.

Plus, they break...

On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a packed Independence Day weekend as America celebrates its 250th birthday. From President Trump’s patriotic message and Zohran Mamdani’s competing vision for America to the growing influence of Democratic Socialists across the country, they examine the cultural and political battles shaping America’s future.

Mary Katharine and Karol discuss why socialism is gaining momentum among younger voters, the Democratic Party’s internal fight over its future, and what recent primary victories could mean heading into upcoming elections. They also dive into the debate o...

In this 'Ask Us Anything' episode of Normally, Mary Katharine and Karol share insights on their long-standing friendship, political conspiracy theories, entertainment preferences, and the current political landscape in New York City. They also discuss the implications of banning cell phones in schools and share nostalgic anecdotes from their school days. Normally is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday.

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As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz examine the growing influence of democratic socialism across the country and ask whether New York City's political shift could spread nationwide.

The conversation explores the rise of Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic Socialist candidates, the economic consequences of rent control, the importance of free-market principles, and why understanding America's founding ideals matters more than ever. They also discuss escalating political extremism, antisemitism on the far left, and the viral confrontation involving California State Senator Scott Wiener.

MK & Karol wrap with a...