Normally

iHeartPodcasts
  • 4.6 (124)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Normally is the podcast for normal people, by normal people. We’re going to limit the hysteria, tone down the crazy, and talk about what really matters. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz have been in the political commentary world a long time. Both are known for being funny, and a bit irreverent, but also serious and thoughtful about the issues that are important to the country. Catch Normally every Tuesday & Thursday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

  1. Normally Podcast: NYC Budget Crisis, Colbert “Censorship” Drama & CNN Ratings Collapse

    19H AGO

    Normally Podcast: NYC Budget Crisis, Colbert “Censorship” Drama & CNN Ratings Collapse

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest political and media chaos—from New York City’s growing budget crisis to the media firestorm surrounding Stephen Colbert. They dive into the fallout from progressive economic policies in NYC, where “free” programs are colliding with fiscal reality—raising questions about taxes, spending, and who ultimately pays the price. Plus, they unpack the viral controversy over Colbert’s pulled interview, separating fact from narrative and exposing how quickly misinformation spreads in today’s media ecosystem. Also in this episode: The truth behind the Colbert “censorship” claims and FCC rules Why CNN’s ratings are collapsing while competitors surge How media bias and viral narratives shape public perception The unintended consequences of minimum wage hikes and gig worker laws What redistricting battles in Virginia could mean for 2026 EMAIL THE SHOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  2. Normally Podcast: Rubio Wins Munich, AOC/Whitmer Fumble Taiwan & Ukraine, Epstein Files Chaos + “Poop River”

    2D AGO

    Normally Podcast: Rubio Wins Munich, AOC/Whitmer Fumble Taiwan & Ukraine, Epstein Files Chaos + “Poop River”

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz open with a heartfelt remembrance of online friend John Echtel, then reflect on the strange way public grief and “parasocial” connections collide in the modern age. From there, they dig into the biggest moments from the Munich Security Conference—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s widely praised speech on Western confidence, shared civilization, and why “decline is a choice.” They also break down the viral clips making the rounds: AOC’s halting answer on Taiwan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s non-answer on Ukraine, and what those moments reveal about readiness, media expectations, and “hard-question privilege.” The conversation then turns to two stories they say they don’t want to cover—but feel they have to: Candace Owens vs. Erika Kirk and why they argue the line should be drawn with real consequences, not endless engagement-bait. The ongoing Epstein files frenzy, including the Ro Khanna/Thomas Massie episode that swept innocent names into the discourse—and why “transparency isn’t justice.” Finally, they hit a jaw-dropping governance story: a major wastewater pipeline failure sending sewage into the Potomac River—and why the public response (“don’t touch the river”) isn’t remotely good enough. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  3. Normally Podcast: DHS Shutdown Fight, Strong Jobs Report, Crime Drop & Nancy Guthrie Mystery

    FEB 12

    Normally Podcast: DHS Shutdown Fight, Strong Jobs Report, Crime Drop & Nancy Guthrie Mystery

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest political and cultural stories shaping the week—without the hysteria. 🔹 Congressional Showdown Over DHS Funding With a possible government shutdown looming, Democrats and Republicans clash over Department of Homeland Security funding, immigration enforcement, and last-minute negotiations ahead of the February 13 deadline. 🔹 Blowout Jobs Report & Economic Messaging A surprisingly strong January jobs report shows 130,000 jobs added and unemployment falling to 4.3%—but why aren’t voters feeling it? MK & Karol discuss media framing, independent voter sentiment, and whether AI anxiety is clouding economic optimism. 🔹 Crime Plunges in Major Cities Violent crime and homicides are down sharply across major U.S. cities. Is this the result of policy shifts—or just better data? Mary Katharine and Karol examine media narratives and what’s really happening on the ground. 🔹 The Nancy Guthrie Disappearance The mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped national attention. MK & Karol discuss why the case resonates, the dangers of speculation, and the broader concerns about elderly safety and rising AI-driven scams. 🔹 Elite College “Disabilities” Surge & Stanford Dating Experiment Why are up to 40% of students at elite schools claiming disabilities for accommodations? And at Stanford University, a new matchmaking algorithm is taking over campus dating culture. What does it all say about Gen Z, competition, and social anxiety? Normalish takes for when the news gets weird. EMAIL THE SHOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  4. Normally Podcast: Super Bowl Culture Wars, ICE Surveillance Whiplash & Why Trust in Media Is Collapsing

    FEB 10

    Normally Podcast: Super Bowl Culture Wars, ICE Surveillance Whiplash & Why Trust in Media Is Collapsing

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down how the Super Bowl became yet another front in the culture wars—from the Bad Bunny halftime controversy to what it reveals about elite messaging, nationalism, and representation. The conversation expands into a sharp analysis of surveillance culture, sparked by a viral Ring camera commercial and Democrats’ sudden reversal on ICE body cameras. Why did mass surveillance go from “necessary accountability” to “dangerous overreach” overnight? MK & Karol also examine the accelerating collapse of trust in legacy media, including the Washington Post’s massive layoffs, journalism’s failures during COVID, and why audiences are increasingly turning elsewhere for information. Plus: blue-state governance failures, protest crackdowns, the political migration out of New York, and why “normie voters” are finally pushing back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
  5. Normally Podcast: Landmark Malpractice Ruling Shakes Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

    FEB 5

    Normally Podcast: Landmark Malpractice Ruling Shakes Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

    In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a landmark legal case in which a young woman successfully sued her psychologist and surgeon for medical malpractice following a mastectomy. We also examine how this ruling challenges long-standing assumptions around gender-affirming care, particularly for minors, and what it means for medical accountability moving forward. The conversation explores the role of medical consensus, the suppression of dissent within healthcare institutions, and the broader societal consequences of irreversible medical interventions. This episode takes a hard look at how law, medicine, and culture collide—and why this case could mark a turning point in the national debate. EMAIL THE SHOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  6. Normally Podcast: Don Lemon Arrest Fallout, School Closures, and the True Cost of Convenience

    FEB 3

    Normally Podcast: Don Lemon Arrest Fallout, School Closures, and the True Cost of Convenience

    In this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz kick things off with "some banter" on weekend plans—from ice skating ambitions to a quick trip to Las Vegas—before diving into the week’s biggest cultural and political stories. The episode turns serious with a breakdown of the arrest of Don Lemon, examining the media reaction, public narratives, and what the case raises about First Amendment protections and press accountability. Mary Katharine and Karol also tackle the ongoing crisis of school closures and municipal dysfunction in major U.S. cities, unpacking how these failures hit students, parents, and taxpayers hardest. The episode wraps with a broader cultural look at food delivery culture—why convenience has become so expensive, how habits shifted after the pandemic, and what it all says about modern life. EMAIL THE SHOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  7. Normally Podcast: Urban Failures, Rubio’s Testimony & the Redistricting Battles Shaping 2028

    JAN 29

    Normally Podcast: Urban Failures, Rubio’s Testimony & the Redistricting Battles Shaping 2028

    Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political stories revealing deeper cracks in America’s institutions. From weather-related infrastructure failures in major cities to Marco Rubio’s headline-making congressional testimony, they examine what these moments say about governance and accountability. The conversation widens to the early maneuvering for the 2028 elections, the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, and the high-stakes redistricting wars unfolding in Virginia. Together, these battles offer a preview of the political fights that will define the next decade. EMAIL THE SHOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  8. Normally Podcast: Parenting, Protests & Police Accountability in the Aftermath of the Minneapolis Border Patrol Shooting

    JAN 27

    Normally Podcast: Parenting, Protests & Police Accountability in the Aftermath of the Minneapolis Border Patrol Shooting

    In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol bring personal insight and sharp analysis to a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, cultural values, and civic responsibility — all through the lens of current events. They reflect on their own experiences raising kids in politically charged times and shift into a candid discussion about the recent fatal Border Patrol shooting in Minneapolis that has sparked national protests, intense political debate, and scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics. Together, they unpack: The political and legal accountability of local and federal officials responding to public unrest. The role of federal law enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol in community policing and civil demonstrations. Why body-cameras and transparent reporting matter more than ever for accountability and trust. How society confronts crime reporting, public safety, and the broader cultural divide over family values, civil liberties, and political ideology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
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4.6
out of 5
124 Ratings

About

Normally is the podcast for normal people, by normal people. We’re going to limit the hysteria, tone down the crazy, and talk about what really matters. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz have been in the political commentary world a long time. Both are known for being funny, and a bit irreverent, but also serious and thoughtful about the issues that are important to the country. Catch Normally every Tuesday & Thursday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Normally

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