We're Not Wrong

The gang discusses new polling showing heavy social media users are less committed to the concept of democracy, raising questions about whether online life is distorting reality or just revealing deeper cracks. Then they pivot to “Disney adults,” a high-spending, status-driven fandom that fuels Disney’s success while drawing ridicule. Is it harmless escapism or something more unsettling?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:52 - Global Developments (Mostly Iran)00:42:44 - Social Media and Democracy01:14:14 - Disney Adults01:38:01 - Emails01:50:50 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang talks through the ongoing problems facing travelers as TSA delays continue to build up. With the Democrats balking at their initial proposal in order to ask for additional ICE restrictions, what solution — if any — can we find to this DHS shutdown? Then they discuss a new piece in The Atlantic arguing that former Jezebel writer Lindy West's new memoir marks the end of "millennial feminism."Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:11:03 - Iran00:22:54 - DHS Shutdown00:47:14 - Millennial Feminism01:11:36 - Emails01:53:55 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down Arizona’s lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, which the state says is illegally operating as a gambling business by allowing bets on elections and sports. Kalshi argues its contracts are federally regulated financial products, setting up a broader fight over whether states can police prediction markets at all. Then they turn to what some are calling an “intimacy crisis,” as fewer Americans form relationships and loneliness rises despite humans being wired for connection. With dating apps, economic stress, and online culture all playing a role, they ask whether modern life is pulling people away from real relationships.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:11:12 - Prediction Markets00:46:00 - Intimacy Crisis01:14:42 - Emails01:36:08 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down a sweeping investigation into hospice care in LA County, where hundreds of providers show warning signs of fraud. With some providers billing Medicare despite reporting zero patients and average billing far above the national average, they debate whether this is a systemic failure or a contained abuse of the system. Then they turn to Florida, where lawmakers are advancing a bill that could open land near the Everglades to housing construction. A good way to ease housing shortages, or a risk for floods and poor drinking water?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:19:14 - Hospice Fraud00:56:20 - Everglades01:15:30 - Emails01:34:22 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the escalating conflict with Iran after the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury, a sweeping air and missile campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered retaliation across the region. With Iranian missile and drone attacks already underway and fears of broader escalation rising, they ask what the long term legacy of the operation could be for U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East.Then they turn to the BAFTA Awards controversy after a guest with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a live presentation featuring actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The moment slipped through the BBC broadcast delay and sparked a heated debate surrounding disability, intent, and who bears responsibility when live television goes wrong. Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:04:35 - Texas Primaries00:17:17 - Iran01:12:37 - BAFTAs01:34:28 - Emails01:51:34 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the controversy surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales after explicit text messages between him and former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles surfaced, prompting resignation calls and ethical questions about power dynamics in Congress. With Gonzales denying wrongdoing and calling the backlash politically motivated, they ask whether he should step aside or stay in the race. Then they turn to the Olympic culture war, as celebrations of Team USA’s gold medals collide with partisan backlash, White House invitations, and viral locker room politics. When did rooting for American athletes become a political statement?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:14:36 - State of the Union00:32:15 - Tony Gonzales00:54:35 - Olympic Culture War01:15:13 - Emails01:36:17 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang debates the SAVE America Act, the proposal requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Supporters say it strengthens election integrity, while opponents argue noncitizen voting is already illegal and rare and warn the documentation requirements could disenfranchise eligible voters. Then they turn to “Amelia,” the purple haired character from a UK government-backed anti-extremism game called Pathways, who became an unlikely internet mascot after critics argued her concerns about immigration and national identity were framed as extremism. How exactly did a government messaging tool turn into a meme?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:10:01 - Halftime Show Emails00:26:29 - SAVE America00:59:12 - Brief Kid Rock-RFK Jr. Thoughts01:01:53 - Amelia01:21:30 - Emails01:32:34 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang dives into the political turmoil sweeping Europe, where major leaders are seeing their approval ratings crater. From Keir Starmer’s record-low numbers in the UK to Emmanuel Macron’s struggles in France and Friedrich Merz’s challenges in Germany, Justin, Jen, and Heaton explore why incumbents across the continent are facing voter backlash and what it means for the rise of far-right movements. Then they turn to a jaw-dropping Olympic moment, as a Norwegian bronze medalist uses his post-race interview to confess to cheating on his girlfriend in a bid to win her back. Romantic gesture or spectacular miscalculation?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:22:58 - European Leaders' Unpopularity00:47:44 - Olympian Admits to Cheating on Girlfriend01:03:43 - Emails01:44:06 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang digs into the massive new release of Epstein-related documents and the public reaction to yet another transparency dump that raises more questions than it answers. From who gets named to what “appearing in the files” actually means, they talk through how information spreads, how narratives form, and why ambiguity fuels speculation. Then they pivot to a study on “kind lying,” debating when honesty is overrated, when lies are socially rewarded, and what people really want when they say they want the truth.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:14:33 - Epstein01:04:20 - "Kind Lying"01:25:46 - Emails01:46:04 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis protest against ICE, as federal officials quietly change their public posture amid growing backlash. With video evidence contradicting early claims and questions mounting about the agents’ actions, they ask what the most important unanswered piece of the story really is. Then they turn to the so called “substation theory,” as Super Bowl bound teams avoid the 49ers’ training facility over concerns that a nearby electrical substation may be linked to unusually high injury rates. Is there anything to the theory, or is this just another case of pattern seeking in sports?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:10:45 - Minnesota ICE Shooting00:52:44 - Substation Theory01:11:55 - Emails01:33:22 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down President Trump’s escalating rhetoric over Greenland, including newly revealed text messages with Norway’s prime minister and renewed claims that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for global security. They debate how serious this push really is and what it signals about American power politics. Then they turn to the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is opening the door to a possible ban on social media for children under 16, reversing earlier opposition and raising questions about whether similar restrictions could come to the United States.This episode was recorded prior to the framework deal being announced.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:22:00 - Greenland01:17:17 - Social Media Ban01:40:57 - Emails02:22:32 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang discusses the killing of Renée Good, a U.S. citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent during protests against a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. With conflicting accounts from federal authorities, witnesses, and local officials, they dig into questions of use of force, accountability, and how immigration enforcement is escalating inside U.S. cities. Then, they turn to California’s proposed billionaire wealth tax, which has prompted Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin to move assets and cut ties with the state. Is this a long overdue redistribution effort, or a policy that will drive massive capital flight?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:08:27 - ICE Shooting in Minnesota00:55:10 - Wealth Tax01:24:59 - Emails01:52:16 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a surprise overnight raid approved by President Trump, an unprecedented move that killed dozens of Cuban guards and triggered international outrage. With critics calling it illegal regime change and supporters celebrating Maduro’s removal, they ask what this means for U.S. foreign policy going forward. Then they turn to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s sudden decision to drop out of his reelection race amid a long-running fraud scandal involving state funded childcare programs. Why step aside now in a deep blue state, and what does the timing say about accountability and political pressure?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:12:46 - Venezuela01:08:42 - Tim Walz01:36:34 - Emails02:00:08 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang once again dives into a year's worth of stories to each pick out a random date worth revisiting. Happy New Year from We're Not Wrong!Chapters:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:24 - Jen's Pick00:33:08 - Heaton's Pick00:42:09 - The Gang's New Year's Resolutions01:03:47 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Tis the season! Enjoy a sampler of episodes from all three of the podcast's hosts' other shows.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:36 - Px3's "Worst State Party Draft"01:18:19 - Congressional Dish's "One Big Beautiful Bill — a Dangerous Law"03:04:59 - The Political Orphanage's "Assassins Part III: An Anarchist Murders McKinley"04:10:31 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang discusses the ongoing manhunt following the deadly shooting at Brown University, where two students were killed and the suspect remains at large days later. With limited footage and mounting public anxiety, they ask how long it takes before a failure to make an arrest becomes alarming. Then, they turn to Vanity Fair’s revealing profile of Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles, unpacking her candid admissions about internal chaos, hardline policies, and her role as an enforcer rather than a moderating force inside the administration.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:15:26 - Brown University00:38:16 - Susie Wiles00:55:10 - Emails01:18:38 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the arrest of Brian J. Cole Jr., the man charged with planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters the night before January 6. After years of stalled leads, investigators linked him through surveillance, cell data and component purchases, raising new questions about motive and timing. Then the gang turns to a new study showing people are more likely to exploit AI when it is labeled female. They dig into what this means for how companies design AI systems and how human gender bias gets projected onto machines.Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro00:18:31 - January 6th Pipe Bomber00:39:11 - National Security Strategy Thoughts00:52:03 - The Wildest Krampus Tangent You'll Ever Hear01:02:59 - AI Misogyny01:18:02 - Emails01:47:20 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang digs into the explosive report that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered troops to "kill everyone" aboard a suspected narco-trafficking boat in the Caribbean. After a second missile strike killed survivors clinging to the wreckage, lawmakers are calling the incident a possible war crime and demanding answers. Then they turn to Ireland’s new alcohol warning labels, which link drinking to cancer, liver disease, and risks during pregnancy. With adoption delayed until 2028 and binge drinking still high among young adults, the crew debates whether these labels will change anything.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:14:04 - Second Boat Strike00:47:02 - Ireland's Drinking Warnings01:05:19 - Emails01:23:42 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang breaks down the revival of Rush Hour 4, a project brought back to life after President Trump reportedly lobbied Paramount’s top shareholder to greenlight Brett Ratner’s return to the franchise. With Ratner facing years of misconduct allegations and Trump reshaping Hollywood through friendly creatives, the trio asks what this says about Trump's pressure on companies. Then they turn to Thanksgiving travel, questioning whether the busiest travel weekend in America should have its own federal rules as airports, highways, and rail systems buckle each year under the holiday surge.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:10:12 - Rush Hour 400:34:21 - Thanksgiving Travel Laws00:52:35 - Emails01:07:07 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang digs into the House’s overwhelming vote to force the public release of the Epstein files, a fight that spiraled into a rare bipartisan stampede after a discharge petition backed leadership into a corner. With Trump’s behind the scenes pressure campaign failing to stop the momentum, the bill sailed through and now heads to the Senate. Then the group turns to shrinkflation, using Panera’s new turnaround plan to ask whether companies are finally reversing years of portion cuts and ingredient downgrades.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:09:39 - Epstein00:53:30 - End of Shrinkflation01:11:53 - Emails01:37:23 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang reacts to the end of the longest federal shutdown in American history, as Senate Democrats face backlash for a deal that included funding extensions and back pay, but not their key health care priorities. Did they cave, or is this just how governance works now? Then, they turn to the state of the climate change movement, with Bill Gates calling for a strategic pivot just as GM abandons some of its electric truck plans. Is the momentum fading, or is this sort of pivot needed?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:05:13 - Shutdown00:42:06 - Climate Change Movement01:05:08 - Emails01:27:37 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang reacts to a seismic political shift in New York City as Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo and promising sweeping changes across housing, transit, and childcare. His Democratic Socialist platform has progressives cheering—and business leaders warning — how big of a deal is this? Then, the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney sparks a conversation about his towering influence over American foreign policy, the post-9/11 era, and the modern Republican Party.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro and Shutdown Talk00:24:08 - Mamdani's NYC00:54:40 - Dick Cheney01:10:35 - Emails01:12:52 - More Mamdani Talk01:18:27 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 2023-throwback episode, the gang talks through Javier Milei's victory in Argentina. His La Libertad Avanza party secured more than 40 percent of the national vote following two years of austerity politics. Is this a sign that things are turning around in the South American country? Then our attention turns to George Santos, who recently had his seven-year sentence commuted, alongside all other fines and penalties. While the conviction remains on Santos' record, is this a miscarriage of justice?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:04:14 - Shutdown Update00:23:37 - Argentina00:47:15 - George Santos01:08:04 - Emails01:33:01 - Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.