Normally

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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: Iran Strikes, Hegseth & Rubio’s Case, Texas Primary Shockers, and a Major Supreme Court Win for Parents

    HACE 2 DÍAS

    Normally Podcast: Iran Strikes, Hegseth & Rubio’s Case, Texas Primary Shockers, and a Major Supreme Court Win for Parents

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the latest in the U.S.–Iran conflict and the administration’s argument that the operation is delivering air supremacy and rapid results. They react to Secretary of War's Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, discuss the media narrative vs. operational success, and dig into Marco Rubio’s explanation of why the U.S. moved now—and why claims that “Israel forced America into war” don’t hold up. They also look at early public opinion: how support changes depending on whether Americans believe the conflict will last days, weeks, months, or years, and why that matters politically. Plus, they note the real cost of war, honoring the American troops killed in Kuwait and the families left behind. Then it’s politics: the shockwaves from Texas primaries, including James Talarico defeating Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic Senate primary, Cornyn vs. Paxton heading to a GOP runoff, and Dan Crenshaw losing his primary. Mary Katharine and Karol debate “electability vs. bombast,” what Latino-heavy counties turning out in a Democratic primary could signal, and how Trump endorsements may shape the next round. The conversation also touches the early 2028 terrain—Gavin Newsom’s Israel comments, the left’s growing comfort with “apartheid” rhetoric, and why Democrats may be steering into an intraparty fight over America’s closest Middle East ally. They flag a Virginia storyline too: why “moderate” branding may not survive hard questions on crime and immigration enforcement. Finally, they close with a major Supreme Court development: the Court granting relief to California parents challenging school policies around social transition and parental notification—why the justices signaled parents are likely to win on religious exercise and the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  2. Normally Podcast: Olympic Gold Pride, Newsom’s “I Can’t Read” Act, and NYC Subway Chaos

    24 FEB

    Normally Podcast: Olympic Gold Pride, Newsom’s “I Can’t Read” Act, and NYC Subway Chaos

    On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz react to a disturbing security incident at Mar-a-Lago and the broader pattern of escalating threats against public officials—stories that vanish from the headlines far too quickly. Then it’s time for a much-needed palate cleanser: Team USA’s Olympic hockey triumph, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning gold in overtime against Canada. Mary Katharine and Karol break down the gritty, emotional win—complete with missing teeth, family legacy, and the powerful tribute to fallen NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his family that had fans tearing up worldwide. Plus: the small controversy over Kash Patel celebrating with the team… and why most normal people don’t care. From there, the hosts turn to Gavin Newsom’s latest “I’m just like you” routine, including the eyebrow-raising “I can’t read”/SAT score messaging and what it signals about his larger political rebrand—and media protection. They also dig into Bernie Sanders’ inability to answer a basic follow-up question about why the U.S. produces more successful businesses than Europe, and why “tax the billionaires” is not a plan. Finally, Normally tackles the viral New York City debate no one should have to have: is urinating on a crowded subway car just part of urban life now? The hosts explain why “stop noticing” isn’t governance, and why normal people are done being told to accept dysfunction as compassion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

    17 FEB

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

    12 FEB

    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

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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. 

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