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Life in the Stupid Times

Life in the Stupid Times

By: James D. Melton and Lisa Lee
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We're witnessing what could be the most perplexing era in American history.


Fringe ideas, conspiracy theories, anti-intellectualism, and a rejection of science are all gaining a foothold in our public discourse. It's maddening.


We started “Life in the Stupid Times” to connect with people who share our frustration with the times we face. It’s free to listen. Contribute what you want, even if it’s nothing at all.


We are, let’s face it, hurtling toward fascism and idiocracy. History has seen this before. And all the signs are evident now.


Our podcast exists to remind ourselves and our audience that much of what we’re experiencing is not normal. And we cannot let it become normalized.


Fascism occurs when people surrender and acquiesce to the changes around them. Some will do that enthusiastically. Others will do it reluctantly. And to our children, this could become the only reality they ever know.


We can’t let that happen. One way to avoid a fascist future is to reaffirm what we stand for and what we oppose.


Going to the streets will be necessary, but it will not be sufficient. The same is true for writing, podcasting, boycotts, community organizing and direct, nonviolent action. We must do all those things simultaneously. Only relentless pressure on several


This era wlifend, If we are determined. But until it does, you don't have to face stupidity alone.


Every week (more or less), "Life in the Stupid Times" examines the insanity to help you make sense of the growing pile of nonsense.


This is not the most slick podcast out there. Our style is bare-bones. We record on at-home equipment and edit it ourselves. Frankly, we are learning as we go.


There's no cure for stupidity. But we can prevent it.


There's no cure for stupidity. But we can prevent it. Get your dose of sanity here.


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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James D. Melton and Lisa Lee Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Odd Case of Stephen Miller

    The Odd Case of Stephen Miller
    Dec 16 2025

    James and Lisa discussed several news items, including updates on National Guard Sergeant Andrew Wolf's condition following the Washington, D.C. shooting incident. and Dick Van Dyke's 100th birthday. They reviewed an AP-NORC poll showing Trump's approval rating at a record low of 31% and discussed Trump's legal actions regarding the 2020 election and his rhetoric leading to increased death threats against lawmakers.


    The Main Thing segment focused on an analysis of Stephen Miller's background, policies, and controversial immigration views, with particular attention to his pseudo-intellectual approach to racism and his role in shaping Trump's immigration policies.

    We're witnessing what could be the most perplexing era in American history.


    Donald Trump and his supporters are spreading fringe ideas, conspiracy theories, anti-intellectualism, and a rejection of science are all gaining a foothold in our public discourse. It's maddening. It has never been more important for Americans to stand up for democracy.


    You don't have to face stupidity alone. Every week (more or less), "Life in the Stupid Times" will examine the insanity to help you make sense of the growing pile of nonsense. We are proudly pro-democracy and anti-fascist.


    There's no cure for stupidity. But we can prevent it. Get your dose of sanity here.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Wokeness: Not a Satanic Conspiracy

    Wokeness: Not a Satanic Conspiracy
    Dec 8 2025

    James and Lisa discuss the Supreme Court's possible endorsement of the unitary executive theory, Mike Johnson's whining and why you will have to pay to enter national parks on MLK Day and Juneteenth. Also, what is wokeness and is it really destroying America? Spoiler: It's not.


    We're witnessing what could be the most perplexing era in American history.


    Donald Trump and his supporters are spreading fringe ideas, conspiracy theories, anti-intellectualism, and a rejection of science are all gaining a foothold in our public discourse. It's maddening. It has never been more important for Americans to stand up for democracy.


    You don't have to face stupidity alone. Every week (more or less), "Life in the Stupid Times" will examine the insanity to help you make sense of the growing pile of nonsense. We are proudly pro-democracy and anti-fascist.


    There's no cure for stupidity. But we can prevent it. Get your dose of sanity here.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • The New Sharia Panic

    The New Sharia Panic
    Dec 1 2025

    Also: James and Lisa talk about the "closure" of Venezuela's airspace, Trump's unfounded claims about Biden's use of the autopen, the ongoing saga of the poor saps who bought a Trump phone and why Dearborn, Michigan, is a not-at-all scary place to visit.




    We're witnessing what could be the most perplexing era in American history.


    Donald Trump and his supporters are spreading fringe ideas, conspiracy theories, anti-intellectualism, and a rejection of science are all gaining a foothold in our public discourse. It's maddening. It has never been more important for Americans to stand up for democracy.


    You don't have to face stupidity alone. Every week (more or less), "Life in the Stupid Times" will examine the insanity to help you make sense of the growing pile of nonsense. We are proudly pro-democracy and anti-fascist.


    There's no cure for stupidity. But we can prevent it. Get your dose of sanity here.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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