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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.

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Thursday · 30 min
Normally Podcast: Dolly Parton’s Legacy, Trump’s Winning Endorsements & the Coming AI Shakeup
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back on Normally to break down the latest political, cultural, and technology stories — and remember the extraordinary life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton. First, they dig into the latest election results and what victories by Trump-backed candidates say about Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of the House and Senate, and whether Republicans can overcome what could be a difficult political environment. Then, Mary Katharine and Karol tackle the growing fight over children and social media after Meta faces major legal consequences over allegations involving Facebook, Instagram, and harm to minors. Are lawsuits and government regulation really the answer — or do parents ultimately have to take control of their kids’ phones and social media use? Plus, Bill Gates is sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence and its potential to eliminate jobs and cause major economic disruption. Is an AI-driven employment crisis really coming, or are predictions of catastrophe overlooking the opportunities created by technological change? Finally, Mary Katharine and Karol remember Dolly Parton, her legendary songwriting career, her faith, humor, generosity, Imagination Library, and the remarkable ability she had to remain beloved across political and cultural divides. They also react to the King’s Guard honoring Dolly with a performance of “9 to 5” following her death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tuesday · 32 min
Normally Podcast: Hasan Piker’s Shocking Charlie Kirk Song & Democrats’ Far-Left Problem
Hasan Piker is back in the spotlight after performing a song mocking the murder of Charlie Kirk for a cheering audience. Mary Katharine and Karol examine Piker’s growing influence on the political left, his connections to Democratic candidates, and why Democrats who sought access to his massive online audience may now have a much bigger political problem on their hands. They also take on the growing backlash against data centers and ask whether the populist campaign against them is based on legitimate local concerns—or fueled by misleading narratives about energy, water, jobs, and economic growth. Plus, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sparks a debate over whether conservative parents should pay to send their children to elite universities like Harvard. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss ideological conformity on college campuses, free speech, the pressures conservative students face, and what parents should consider when choosing a university. Then, the New York Times suffers a rare courtroom defeat after an Alabama jury awards former Crimson Tide basketball player Kai Spears $9.25 million in a defamation case stemming from the newspaper’s reporting on a 2023 murder. And after IndyCar took over the streets surrounding the National Mall for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the hosts discuss the spectacle, President Trump’s role in bringing the event to Washington, D.C., and why sometimes it’s okay to admit something is simply cool. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 20 · 32 min
Normally Podcast: 2026 Primary Warning Signs, Trump’s Endorsement Problem & the Lindsay Clancy Debate
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest lessons from the latest 2026 primary elections — and why both Republicans and Democrats should be worried about highly online ideological factions gaining influence in low-turnout races. In Florida, James Fishback falls short but still captures 10% of the vote, while Alexander Vindman suffers a stunning defeat in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary despite a massive fundraising advantage. Mary Katharine and Karol examine what the results say about the changing Democratic Party, the Republican Party's own ideological battles and the declining power of President Donald Trump's endorsement after a string of Trump-backed candidates lost their primaries. They also discuss new FBI crime data showing the U.S. murder rate reaching a 20-year low and violent crime recording a historic decline — and why those numbers deserve more attention. But Northern Virginia provides a troubling contrast. Mary Katharine examines controversial criminal justice decisions in Fairfax County and a recent murder near a popular hiking area, asking what it will take for voters in deep-blue communities to demand a different approach to public safety. Finally, the trial of Lindsay Clancy sparks a much broader debate about postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Mary Katharine and Karol push back against attempts to dismiss the reality of postpartum mental health struggles while making clear that acknowledging those conditions does not mean excusing the killing of children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 18 · 34 min
Normally Podcast: Trump, Vance & the GOP’s 2026 Problem, Plus Luigi Mangione and California’s Wealth Tax
Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back together on Normally to break down a packed political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections. They start with the races that could determine control of the Senate, including Florida, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and New Hampshire. Is the Democratic Party moving too far left for voters — or could Republicans still find a way to sabotage their advantage? Then, Mary Katharine and Karol react to President Donald Trump’s comments about scaling back U.S.-South Korea military exercises and Vice President JD Vance’s remarks about the U.S. dollar and reserve currency. What do these comments reveal about where Trump and Vance are taking the Republican Party? Plus, California’s proposed wealth tax has Mark Cuban warning about an exodus of entrepreneurs and investment, while Democrats face a growing fight over socialism, billionaires and taxing the rich. The conversation also turns to Luigi Mangione’s guilty plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the disturbing fandom surrounding Mangione, and the political reaction to the murder. Finally, America’s education divide is getting harder to ignore. UC Berkeley professors are confronting students who struggle with basic math, the University of Michigan is hiding first-semester grades on transcripts, while Mississippi and Louisiana are showing what can happen when schools return to phonics, accountability and educational basics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 13 · 27 min
Normally Podcast: Francesca Hong’s Stunning Wisconsin Loss, Fauci’s Vaccine Scandal & Florida’s Crime Drop
A stunning upset in Wisconsin has Democrats—and Democratic Socialists—asking what went wrong. Karol Markowicz is joined by guest co-host Jordan Schachtel, publisher of The Dossier, to break down Francesca Hong’s surprise loss in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary despite polling that suggested she was positioned to win. Did the Democratic establishment quietly mobilize to stop the socialist candidate? Karol and Jordan examine Bernie Sanders and AOC’s decision not to endorse Hong, David Crowley’s remarkable return to the race, and what the result could reveal about the Democratic Party’s ability to contain its far-left flank. They also dig into other major primary results, including Mike Lindell’s defeat in Minnesota, Michelle Tafoya’s political future, and the South Carolina Senate runoff. Then, Karol and Jordan turn to new questions surrounding Anthony Fauci and the COVID vaccine. They discuss reports about Fauci’s private concerns involving vaccination and pregnancy, informed consent, public-health messaging, and why the pandemic response shattered trust in America’s medical establishment for so many people. Finally, Florida is posting striking crime numbers. Karol and Jordan discuss Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approach to law enforcement, why they believe Florida’s policies are producing results, and whether Byron Donalds can continue the state’s conservative trajectory in the race for governor. From Wisconsin’s election shock to Fauci, COVID, crime and the future of Florida, Karol and Jordan break down the stories driving the political conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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August 11 · 34 min
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.
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August 6 · 35 min
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.
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August 4 · 34 min
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.
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July 30 · 38 min
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.
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July 28 · 37 min
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.
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July 23 · 33 min
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.
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July 21 · 32 min
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.
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July 16 · 27 min
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.
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July 14 · 34 min
Normally Podcast: Remembering Lindsey Graham, Ro Khanna’s Israel Controversy & The Smithsonian’s History Debate
Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden passing at age 71 has sent shockwaves through Washington. Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz reflect on Graham's legacy, his decades of public service, his influence on U.S. foreign policy, and the political battle now brewing over his South Carolina Senate seat. The conversation then shifts to Ro Khanna, his controversial trip to the West Bank, accusations surrounding his political motivations, media coverage from The New York Times, and the growing debate over Israel, activism, and the 2028 Democratic presidential field. Finally, they examine a new report criticizing the Smithsonian Institution, discussing claims of ideological bias, the portrayal of America's founding, the omission of key historical figures, and the broader fight over how American history should be taught and remembered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 9 · 34 min
Normally Podcast: Trump's Iran Strategy, Mitch McConnell Health Questions & Graham Platner Scandal
Is the Iran ceasefire officially over? Karol Markowicz and Mary Katharine Ham break down President Trump's latest comments on Iran after renewed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating U.S. military strikes, and the growing debate over selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The hosts also discuss the mystery surrounding Senator Mitch McConnell's extended absence from the Senate, why his health has become a national political story, and what elected officials owe the public when they're unable to serve. Plus, the Graham Platner controversy continues to spiral as new allegations emerge, Democrats struggle with the fallout, and questions mount about why the party ignored warning signs for months. Karol and Mary Katharine examine Platner's leverage, the media's delayed reporting, and the growing divide between mainstream and conservative coverage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 7 · 20 min
Normally Podcast: BREAKING: Graham Platner Scandal Explodes: Democrats Turn, New Allegations Surface & the Future of Maine’s Senate Race
On this breaking episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz react to the escalating controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as new allegations emerge and prominent Democrats begin calling for him to leave the race. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss the latest reporting, the political fallout, and why earlier accusations against Platner were dismissed by many of his supporters. They examine how media outlets handled the story, the standards used to judge political scandals, and the questions now facing Democratic leaders as they decide whether to continue backing him. Plus, they break down what the controversy reveals about candidate vetting, political loyalty, the future direction of the Democratic Party, and why the Maine Senate race could become one of the most important battles for control of Washington See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 7 · 38 min
Normally Podcast: America at 250: Trump vs. Mamdani, the Rise of Socialism & Why Standards Still Matter
On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a packed Independence Day weekend as America celebrates its 250th birthday. From President Trump’s patriotic message and Zohran Mamdani’s competing vision for America to the growing influence of Democratic Socialists across the country, they examine the cultural and political battles shaping America’s future. Mary Katharine and Karol discuss why socialism is gaining momentum among younger voters, the Democratic Party’s internal fight over its future, and what recent primary victories could mean heading into upcoming elections. They also dive into the debate over American exceptionalism, immigration, citizenship, and the importance of preserving the values that built the country. Plus, they react to the latest culture moments — including Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s headline-making wedding, America’s soccer controversy with FIFA, and the renewed debate over universities dropping SAT requirements and whether lowering standards hurts the students it claims to help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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July 2 · 24 min
Normally Podcast: Friends, Phones & Far-Fetched Theories
In this 'Ask Us Anything' episode of Normally, Mary Katharine and Karol share insights on their long-standing friendship, political conspiracy theories, entertainment preferences, and the current political landscape in New York City. They also discuss the implications of banning cell phones in schools and share nostalgic anecdotes from their school days. Normally is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 30 · 28 min
Normally Podcast: America's 250th, NYC Socialism & the Dangerous Rise of Democratic Socialists
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz examine the growing influence of democratic socialism across the country and ask whether New York City's political shift could spread nationwide. The conversation explores the rise of Zohran Mamdani and other Democratic Socialist candidates, the economic consequences of rent control, the importance of free-market principles, and why understanding America's founding ideals matters more than ever. They also discuss escalating political extremism, antisemitism on the far left, and the viral confrontation involving California State Senator Scott Wiener. MK & Karol wrap with a patriotic discussion on America's 250th anniversary, sharing the historic moments each host wishes they could have witnessed—from the Revolutionary War to Ronald Reagan's historic 1984 landslide victory. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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June 25 · 32 min
Normally Podcast: Mamdani’s Socialist Surge, Chicago’s ‘Transfemicide’ Crisis & Elon Musk Under Fire
On this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political shockwaves from New York’s latest primary elections, where candidates backed by Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America scored major victories. Is this the future of the Democratic Party—or a warning sign for the country? The also examine the rise of democratic socialism, the growing influence of anti-establishment progressive candidates, and the broader implications for New York, national Democrats, and the 2026 midterm elections. They also discuss whether mainstream Democrats are equipped to stop the party’s leftward shift. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares a “transfemicide” state of emergency despite no reported transgender murders in the city over the past year, reigniting debates over public safety priorities in one of America’s most violent cities. And later, MK & Karol dive into Rep. Ro Khanna’s attacks on Elon Musk, the politics of wealth creation, economic literacy, entrepreneurship, and why America’s innovators increasingly find themselves in the political crosshairs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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