Life in the Stupid Times cover art

Life in the Stupid Times

Life in the Stupid Times

By: James D. Melton and Lisa Lee
Listen for free

About this listen


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.


Buy Me a Coffee

https://coff.ee/lifeinthestupidtimes

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

James D. Melton and Lisa Lee Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • A White House Beef with the Pope

    A White House Beef with the Pope
    Apr 21 2026

    James and Lisa discuss the Strait of Hormuz situation, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's invocation of Quentin Tarantino, RFK Jr.'s fascination with roadkill, FBI Director Kash Patel's alleged party-boy ways, and the administration's weird beef with Pope Leo. Also discussed: the embarrassing attempts of JD Vance and Tom Homan to lecture the pope about theology, which was as stupid as you think.





    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
    18 mins
  • Donald Trump's Fake Divinity

    Donald Trump's Fake Divinity
    Apr 13 2026

    James and Lisa discuss the recent Artemis II mission to beyond the Moon and back, highlighting its significance and the impressive distance traveled by the astronauts. They then review Melania Trump's speech about Epstein, Tucker Carlson's concern about the president being the Antichrist, and Trump's beef with Pope Leo. The Main Thing segment looks at the perceived divinity of Donald Trump among some right-wing evangelicals, who compare him to Jesus Christ and discuss in religious terms by his advisors and supporters. They also touched on the contrast between this trend and the opposition from more mainstream religious leaders, including Pope Leo.




    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
    18 mins
  • Iran War and the End Times

    Iran War and the End Times
    Mar 31 2026

    James and Lisa discuss the catastrophe that was CPAC 2026, why air travel won't get better as quickly as hoped, and the latest reason Trump is a disaster for farmers. After that, they dive into why the Iran War won't lead to Armageddon, no matter how badly the MAGA crowd wants it to.



    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
    18 mins
No reviews yet