Normally

What happened to James Talarico, and why isn't the media asking more questions? Why did progressive streamer Hasan Piker struggle through comedian Ziwe's brutally awkward interview? And how did Kelly Clarkson end up in a bizarre public feud with a Brooklyn boutique?

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the chaos in France, Brazil’s political shakeup, and a disturbing new argument framing abortion as an “affordability” issue. Then, they examine Canada’s controversial MAID euthanasia system and growing concerns over reports of plague in Russia, as the U.S. presses Moscow for answers about what’s happening near a Siberian research facility.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a wild week of news, starting with the reported midair attack aboard a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After an alleged altercation between the pilots sent the aircraft into a rapid descent, passengers and crew intervened and the plane ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Pasted text Then, Mary Katharine and Karol turn to Britain, terrorism and immigration before examining Zohran Mamdani’s plan to combat antisemitism in New York City. Karol argues the proposal fails to adequately address attacks against Jewish New Yorkers, anti-Zionism and recent campus unrest. Pasted text Plus, they dig into the disturbing allegations surrounding a Cornell University fraternity case, the conflicting accounts at the center of the civil complaint, and why due process still matters even when the alleged conduct is deeply troubling. Pasted text Pasted text Finally, Sen. Eric Schmitt’s questioning of former special counsel Jack Smith produces an extraordinarily uncomfortable Senate moment after Schmitt appears to get a key detail wrong—prompting Mary Katharine and Karol to break down what happened and the reaction in the hearing room.

Mary Katharine and Karol discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones’ account of her daughter’s public-school experience, including their views on school choice, selective schools, testing, classroom discipline and accountability. Karol argues that many of the problems Hannah-Jones describes are connected to education policies she previously supported, while the hosts debate what the story says about the larger fight over public education.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz are back with Normalish takes on crime, free speech, politics, pop culture — and why sometimes the secret to a happy marriage is simply being nice about the new bowls. First, they examine a series of criminal justice controversies, including developments involving San Francisco’s law-enforcement oversight system, Virginia’s parole board and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. A federal judge has referred Krasner and a senior prosecutor to federal authorities for potential investigation over their conduct in a post-conviction murder case; Krasner disputes the judge’s findings and plans to appeal.

Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz mark two somber anniversaries while looking at what they mean for America today: 25 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks and one year since the murder of Charlie Kirk.

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.

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.

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.