DMZ America with Ted Rall & Scott Stantis

Ted Rall & Scott Stantis
  • 4.3 (6)
  • Politics
  • Updated Biweekly

Left-wing political cartoonist Ted Rall and right-wing political cartoonist Scott Stantis cut the BS out of today's news, politics and pop culture. 

  1. Jul 17

    Episode 249| July 17, 2026: Pat Oliphant 1935-2026

    Pat Oliphant, one of the most influential political cartoonists of the 20th and 21st centuries, has died. Considering his legacy on DMZ are editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left), Scott Stantis (from the Right) and Mike Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American editorial cartoonist known for his sharp wit and bold, expressive style. Born in 1964, he is widely syndicated. Thompson’s work frequently appears in USA Today and other major outlets.  Born Patrick Bruce Oliphant on July 24, 1935, in Adelaide, Australia, he began his career as a news illustrator for The Adelaide Advertiser before moving to the United States in 1964. Hired by The Denver Post, Oliphant quickly gained national attention for his bold, fluid line work and savage wit. In 1974 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning. His cartoons appeared in over 500 newspapers through universal syndication, making him a daily fixture in American political discourse for more than five decades. Oliphant’s signature creation was “Punk,” a small, irreverent, tufted bird who often appeared in the corner of panels delivering a final dry or biting comment. His style blended elegant draftsmanship with ferocious satire, skewering presidents from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama with equal glee. He famously said he drew “not to change minds, but to make people angry enough to think.” Later in life he expanded into sculpture and fine-art painting while continuing to produce cartoons. Oliphant’s work is held in major collections including the Library of Congress. He died in 2026 at age 90, leaving behind a legacy as a defining voice of modern American editorial cartooning. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  2. Jul 10

    Episode 248| July 10, 2026: What’s Wrong with Cartooning

    Why is American editorial cartooning in crisis? Sure, journalism is melting down. But the cartoonists might be guilty too.  Joining cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) to discuss is DC-based cartoonist Alexandra Bowman. Alexandra Bowman is a versatile American political cartoonist, illustrator, satirist, journalist, and fine artist based in Washington, D.C. Born in March 2000 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, she graduated early from Georgetown University with a BA and MA in English while double-majoring in Art.  Bowman served as editorial political cartoonist for The Hoya (Georgetown’s student newspaper) and has created work for The Lincoln Project, Our Daily Planet, World War Zero (John Kerry’s climate initiative), Voice of America, BBC Books, and the National Wildlife Federation. She is known for live political cartooning at events like the MSNBC Climate Forum and her role as Director of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Her syndicated work appears via Cagle Cartoons.  A multi-medium artist skilled in traditional pen-and-ink, digital tools, murals, and fine art painting, Bowman also illustrates children’s books, designs costumes, and hosts The Hilltop Show, a student political comedy series. Her sharp, witty style blends cultural commentary, environmental advocacy, and satire, establishing her as a rising voice in editorial cartooning. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  3. Jul 3

    Episode 240| May 14, 2026: Are we doomed?

    Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) disagree on quintessential issues like whether God is real, capitalism or communism is better, and whether Gregorian chants are more listenable than the Dead Kennedys. But they’re best friends, so those disagreements come from a place of mutual respect. Check out the conversation that is giving hope to more and more Americans! Today's special guest is cartoonist Rob Rogers, formerly of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Ted and Scott react to the latest political absurdities making headlines this week. They break down fresh cartoon ideas that are already stirring controversy. And they tackle listener questions in today’s polarized landscape. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  4. Jul 3

    Episode 245| June 18, 2026: Russian Cartoonist Assassinated

    obert Kuzovkov, 44, an exiled Russian political cartoonist whose work criticized President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and other leaders, was assassinated in eastern Poland. He was shot five times in the head and torso on Monday outside his house in the city of Biala Podlaska. Kuzovkov “engaged in public artistic activities, using the pseudonym Simon Skrepetski, among others, through which he expressed criticism of the current policies of the Russian authorities,” the prosecutor’s office said. Police detained two men from Belarus near the Belarusian Consulate in Biała Podlaska, but officials did not offer further details aside from their ages, 33 and 37. The city is less than 20 miles from the border with Belarus. It’s another reminder that political cartoonists are in physical danger—and rarely protected. Cartoonists Ted Rall and Mr. Fish (filling in for Scott Stantis) discuss the Kuzovkov killing and the news through their cartoons. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  5. Jul 3

    Episode 242| May 28, 2026: Alternative facts

    Politics is what happens when members of a society identify problems, determine which ones are most pressing, and debate proposed solutions to those priorities. It’s a messy process that, over time, hopefully leads to progress. But what happens when members of society live in completely different realities, in which the major problems that afflict one half of the population doesn’t exist, much less matter, to the other half? Politics don’t happen at all—and there’s no hope for building a better world. That’s where America is today. Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) disagree on quintessential issues like whether God is real, capitalism or communism is better, and whether Gregorian chants are more listenable than the Dead Kennedys. But they’re best friends, so those disagreements come from a place of mutual respect. Check out the conversation that is giving hope to more and more Americans! Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  6. Jul 3

    Episode 241| May 21, 2026: Topic TK

    Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) disagree on quintessential issues like whether God is real, capitalism or communism is better, and whether Gregorian chants are more listenable than the Dead Kennedys. But they’re best friends, so those disagreements come from a place of mutual respect. Check out the conversation that is giving hope to more and more Americans! Ted and Scott react to the latest political absurdities making headlines this week. They break down fresh cartoon ideas that are already stirring controversy. And they tackle listener questions in today’s polarized landscape. “TK” is journalism jargon for “to come,” when you don’t have the info yet but you want to indicate where it will go. Today, we have no idea what we’ll be talking about, but if you want to chime in, please do, and that will help! Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  7. Jul 3

    Episode 247| July 3, 2026: America at 250

    As America turns 250, where are we now? DMZ America co-hosts and history buffs Ted Rall and Scott Stantis compare the state of the nation today to where we stood at year zero (1776) and at the previous 50-year benchmarks: 1826, 1876, 1926, and 1976.  Join the guys for a fascinating trip down memory lane through our country’s history—its triumphs, struggles, and everything in between! We discussed: 1776 – Revolution & Independence: The founders were divided roughly one-third each for independence, loyalty to Britain, and indifference. The war was a prolonged guerrilla effort aided by home advantage, French support, and British distraction with more valuable Caribbean colonies. 1826 – Era of Good Feelings: Marked by westward expansion, prosperity, and the simultaneous deaths of rivals-turned-friends John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Slavery debates simmered beneath surface harmony under President Monroe. 1876 – Centennial & Stolen Election: Celebrated 100 years amid Reconstruction's end. The disputed Hayes-Tilden election led to the Compromise of 1877, withdrawing Union troops from the South and enabling Jim Crow segregation and violence. 1926 – Roaring Prosperity: America boomed under popular President Coolidge with economic growth, innovation, and the Sesquicentennial Exposition. Women had the vote, but storm clouds of socialism and labor unrest loomed. 1976 – Bicentennial Recovery: Post-Vietnam, Watergate, and stagflation, Americans embraced commercialized but unifying celebrations with tall ships, fireworks, and the Freedom Train during a civilized Ford-Carter election year. 2026 & 2076 Outlook: America faces imperial decline after losing wars including to Iran, eroding patriotism, truth decay, and capital flight. Speakers foresee climate devastation, possible balkanization, and deepening rich-poor conflict or socialist pressures. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

  8. Jul 3

    Episode 246| April 19, 2025: Cartoon Museum Curator Nabbed for Upskirt Videos

    Andrew Farago Upskirt Scandal: The curator of the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum was arrested for secretly recording up to 20 people (including children) in his bathroom at a birthday party using a hidden phone. Farago admitted the act in an email as a “tremendous lapse in judgment” and has been fired.  Broader Scandals in Cartooning: Discussion of multiple past incidents including Al Capp’s predatory behavior, Darrin Bell’s child pornography charges, Ben Sargent’s indecent exposure arrest, Mike Lester’s domestic violence case, and the Superman artist secretly drawing S&M comics.  Why Cartoonists Behave Badly: Exploration of whether the solitary nature of cartooning, arrested development, abusive childhoods, and lack of socialization lead to higher rates of weird or destructive sexual behavior among cartoonists.  Separating Art from the Artist: In-depth debate on whether immoral or criminal behavior by creators (Picasso, Woody Allen, Hitler’s paintings, etc.) should affect enjoyment of their work. Hosts largely agreed the art stands alone, especially after death.  Forgiveness, Firing & Judgment: Should Farago have been immediately fired before conviction? Discussion of presumption of innocence, redemption, Jean-Paul Sartre vs. Ted Lasso philosophies, and how people are often judged by their worst actions.  Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) bring you up-to-date on this bizarre case rocking the American cartooning world. Support the show The DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis.  Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrall Web: Rall.com

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Left-wing political cartoonist Ted Rall and right-wing political cartoonist Scott Stantis cut the BS out of today's news, politics and pop culture. 

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