Normally

iHeartPodcasts
  • 4.6 (136)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Normally Podcast: Democrats Go Far Left, AOC Eyes 2028 & the WNBA Faces a Gender Reckoning

    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 extreme candidates could ultimately work to the GOP’s advantage. The conversation then turns to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and 2028, including speculation about a potential presidential campaign and the political conversation surrounding AOC’s decision to publicly document freezing her eggs. Plus, Karol and Tim tackle the latest WNBA controversy after Sophie Cunningham was clotheslined during a game, as well as former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Could their stunt force the league into a legal and political battle over how it defines who is eligible to play in women’s basketball? Also discussed: AOC and the legacy of “woke” politics, the conservative movement’s culture-war strategy, Hassan Piker’s influence on Democratic politics, Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, women’s sports, and what both parties face heading toward the 2026 midterms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Democrats Go Far Left, AOC Eyes 2028 & the WNBA Faces a Gender Reckoning

  2. 6d ago

    Normally Podcast: Michigan's Socialist Surge, California's Wealth Tax & WNBA Reality Check

    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. They also tackle the affordability debate, rising grocery prices, Gen Z's expectations about work and success, and whether politicians are offering real economic solutions—or simply promising more government spending. Finally, the MK & Karol discuss Sophie Cunningham's comments on biological males competing in women's sports, Clay Travis' $10 million basketball challenge, and why the WNBA continues to find itself at the center of America's debate over fairness in women's athletics.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Michigan's Socialist Surge, California's Wealth Tax & WNBA Reality Check

  3. Aug 4

    Normally Podcast: Fauci Exposed? Florida Proven Right, RFK Jr. Fires Back & GOP Faces Max Miller Scandal

    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 lockdowns and school closures. Later, they turn to the growing controversy surrounding Rep. Max Miller, as serious domestic abuse allegations spark calls for his resignation and raise difficult questions for Republicans. Finally, they unpack OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's latest AI parenting proposal—and explain why technology should help families spend more time together, not replace real conversations between parents and children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Fauci Exposed? Florida Proven Right, RFK Jr. Fires Back & GOP Faces Max Miller Scandal

  4. Jul 30

    Normally Podcast: Fauci Pleads the Fifth, Mamdani's Socialist Grocery Stores & Sophie Cunningham Defends Women's Sports

    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 continues to dominate headlines, and how the conversation around fairness and biological sex in athletics is evolving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Fauci Pleads the Fifth, Mamdani's Socialist Grocery Stores & Sophie Cunningham Defends Women's Sports

  5. Jul 28

    Normally Podcast: Fauci's Secret COVID Diaries, Ben Sasse on Dying Well & the Left's Attack on Motherhood

    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. They wrap up by examining the latest media criticism of Usha Vance, Karoline Leavitt, and other conservative women over pregnancy fashion, exploring the broader cultural debate surrounding motherhood, pronatalism, feminism, and family values. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Fauci's Secret COVID Diaries, Ben Sasse on Dying Well & the Left's Attack on Motherhood

  6. Jul 23

    Normally Podcast: 2026 Midterm Election Forecast, Democratic Socialists' Rise, Trump’s Election Security Push & New Jersey Voting Controversy

    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 be misreading the electorate. Finally, they discuss President Trump's latest remarks on election security, concerns over foreign influence, the SAVE Act, and the controversy surrounding New Jersey's acknowledgment that thousands of non-citizens were mistakenly registered to vote, including hundreds who cast ballots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: 2026 Midterm Election Forecast, Democratic Socialists' Rise, Trump’s Election Security Push & New Jersey Voting Controversy

  7. Jul 21

    Normally Podcast: Teachers Unions Under Fire, Homeschooling Debate & The Crisis in American Education

    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 on college campuses, and how public confidence in universities continues to decline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Teachers Unions Under Fire, Homeschooling Debate & The Crisis in American Education

  8. Jul 16

    Normally Podcast: Amy Coney Barrett Threats, Supreme Court Security, New York's AI Data Center Ban & the Return of Cigarettes

    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 jobs, and America's AI future? Mary Katharine and Karol break down the debate over data centers, electricity, water usage, and why they believe the U.S. can't afford to fall behind China in the AI race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Normally Podcast: Amy Coney Barrett Threats, Supreme Court Security, New York's AI Data Center Ban & the Return of Cigarettes
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4.6
out of 5
136 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
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • 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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