INDIGNITY MORNING PODCAST

Tom Scocca faces the news for you

About the show

Good morning! Indignity editor and longtime media critic Tom Scocca gets newsprint on his hands to give you a quick summary of the new day's current events, with commentary about how they're being covered.

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Episodes

  • Episode 557: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 557: Secrecy and encryption.

    October 17th, 2025  |  13 mins 8 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast of October 17, 2025, covered several key news stories. The U.S. military carried out an unprovoked strike in the Caribbean, leaving survivors, raising questions about aid and custody. Admiral Alvin Holsey resigned from his post at the U.S. Southern Command amid concerns over the mission's legality. John Bolton was indicted for mishandling classified information. Trump's administration cut $17.84 billion in federal funding for infrastructure in blue states and delayed FEMA aid. A federal judge ordered $34 million in anti-terrorism funding for the NYC subway. ZOHRAN Mamdani faced skepticism from Jewish community protesters. The government shutdown could impact Jon Ossoff's re-election prospects.

  • Episode 556: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 556: A huge news cycle for official racism.

    October 16th, 2025  |  17 mins 7 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast on October 16, 2025, discussed the Supreme Court's potential weakening of the Voting Rights Act, which could disproportionately affect Democratic-held House districts. The Trump administration's refugee policy changes favor English speakers and white individuals, prioritizing assimilation. Racist and homophobic texts among young Republicans were exposed, leading to job losses and condemnation. The U.S. revoked visas of individuals criticizing Charlie Kirk. The Trump administration authorized covert actions in Venezuela to pressure Maduro. Additionally, a federal judge halted mass federal layoffs during the government shutdown, and the EPA canceled a $20 million grant to protect an Alaska Native village from floods.

  • Episode 555: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 555: The data itself.

    October 15th, 2025  |  15 mins 34 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast discussed President Trump's unprovoked attacks on boats in the Caribbean, claiming they were transporting drugs without evidence. The New York Times criticized the lack of legal justification and Congressional authorization. The podcast also highlighted the impact of Trump administration cuts on weather data in Alaska, which worsened a typhoon's forecast. Additionally, it covered the U.S.-Arab Gaza deal, the insufficient funding for forest conservation, and the influence of the Alliance Defending Freedom in British politics. The podcast concluded with updates on Janet Mills' Senate bid and the coordinated arson attacks in Nepal.

  • Episode 554: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 554: A function of access.

    October 14th, 2025  |  14 mins 51 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast of October 14, 2025, discussed the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, noting Israeli attacks and intra-Palestinian violence. The Trump administration's higher education compact, initially rejected by MIT, was extended to all colleges, with only the University of Texas showing interest. News organizations refused a Defense Department policy restricting access without a pledge not to obtain unauthorized material. The podcast highlighted the hostage and prisoner exchange in Gaza, with mixed reactions from Israelis and Palestinians. It also touched on the impact of the war on Gaza, the regional summit, and campus protests against the conflict.

  • Episode 553: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 553: Redefine criminality.

    October 10th, 2025  |  14 mins 36 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast discussed the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Correa Machado, despite her support for US-led regime change in Venezuela. The podcast highlighted the Gaza truce and hostage exchange deal brokered by President Trump, with Israelis and Palestinians celebrating. It also covered the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey by a prosecutor handpicked by Trump, raising concerns about political interference in the justice system. Additionally, the podcast touched on the chaotic and violent Gen Z protests in Nepal, leading to the ouster of the government and the appointment of a new interim prime minister.

  • Episode 552: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 552: Watching the world burn.

    October 9th, 2025  |  16 mins 29 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast discussed the New York Times' headline about Israel and Hamas reaching a deal for hostage exchange, with Trump's involvement. Norway braces for potential retaliation if Trump isn't awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In Syria, celebrations use sparklers instead of gunfire. A memorial for Charlie Kirk in Lima was poorly attended. A 29-year-old was arrested for setting a fire linked to the La Blaze disaster. Colombia accused the US of bombing a boat from Colombia. Myanmar's junta bombed a festival, killing 24. Andrew Cuomo proposed rebuilding Rikers Island, despite legal requirements to close it. The podcast also covered the impact of the Gaza conflict on the NYC mayoral race.

  • Episode 551: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 551: Widely criticized as flimsy.

    October 8th, 2025  |  17 mins 3 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast of October 8, 2025, discussed several alarming news stories. The Associated Press reported on starving children in Myanmar due to US aid cuts, while Reuters highlighted Trump's call to jail Chicago's mayor and governor. The New York Times covered Ian Roberts' arrest by ICE for falsifying his citizenship and educational credentials. Harvard's classroom culture was scrutinized, revealing students' tendency to skip classes. The podcast criticized the Times for burying stories on the government shutdown and Trump's potential violation of federal law to deny back pay to furloughed workers. Additionally, it highlighted Pam Bondi's evasive testimony and a report on Hunter Biden's land deal in Romania.

  • Episode 550: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 550: Let's do the [CURSE WORD] news.

    October 7th, 2025  |  12 mins 55 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: The Indignity Morning Podcast discussed Bari Weiss's controversial appointment as CBS News editor-in-chief, highlighting her lack of traditional journalism experience and her focus on combating "wokeness." Weiss's social clout and wealthy allies, including Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel, were noted. The podcast also covered the government shutdown's minimal impact on air travel, despite delays and sick-outs among air traffic controllers. Additionally, it addressed the Supreme Court's upcoming decisions on Trump's policies, including tariffs and executive orders, and the resignation of French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, jeopardizing France's budget passage.

  • Episode 549: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 549: The 21st paragraph.

    October 6th, 2025  |  13 mins 34 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: On October 6, 2025, the Indignity Morning Podcast discussed several key issues. A federal judge barred President Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, citing unsupported claims. Chicago sued to stop the deployment of Illinois and Texas National Guard members. Paramount, under new ownership, acquired the Free Press and appointed Bari Weiss as CBS News editor-in-chief. The New York Times highlighted the government shutdown, noting Trump's AI-generated memes and the lack of urgency from both parties. A Supreme Court case on Colorado's conversion therapy ban was also discussed, with concerns about the court's tendency to favor religious exemptions.

  • Episode 548: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 548: An Eisenhower sword.

    October 3rd, 2025  |  13 mins 49 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses various pressing news topics, including the controversy surrounding the Eisenhower sword, President Trump's claims of armed conflict against drug cartels, public perceptions of political division in the U.S., and the implications of the government shutdown on air traffic safety. The conversation highlights the intersection of politics, law, and public sentiment, providing insights into the current state of affairs in America.

  • Episode 547: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 547: No matter what Congress says.

    October 2nd, 2025  |  13 mins 45 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses the ongoing government shutdown, public perceptions of blame, and the tactics employed by the Trump administration. The conversation highlights the political implications of the shutdown, including how it affects public opinion and the strategies used by both parties. Additionally, the episode covers recent immigration raids in Chicago, shedding light on their impact on local communities and the lack of evidence supporting the government's claims.

  • Episode 546: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 546: Ahead of a midnight deadline.

    October 1st, 2025  |  13 mins 11 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses the imminent federal government shutdown, its implications for federal services, and the political dynamics at play. The conversation also delves into military leadership under Trump, controversial remarks made by the president, and the current state of public opinion regarding his administration.

  • Episode 545: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 545: Fear of retribution.

    September 30th, 2025  |  14 mins 48 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses the impending government shutdown, the military's leadership and accountability issues, Trump's foreign policy strategies, the ongoing immigration crackdown, and the implications of political speculation on the rule of law. The conversation highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding these topics, providing a critical analysis of current events.

  • Episode 544: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 544: Something of a joke.

    September 29th, 2025  |  13 mins 13 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses a series of violent incidents across the U.S., the political ramifications of Eric Adams' withdrawal from the New York mayoral race, Trump's controversial military threats, the looming federal government shutdown, and the evolving political landscape surrounding Marjorie Taylor Greene.

  • Episode 543: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 543: Chikungunya.

    September 26th, 2025  |  15 mins 7 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses a range of pressing news topics, including the Trump administration's controversial decisions regarding historical military honors, significant political developments, actions taken by the Justice Department, corporate accountability issues, the looming threat of a government shutdown, and emerging health concerns related to a mosquito-borne virus.

  • Episode 542: Indignity Morning Podcast No. 542: Strangers on the street.

    September 25th, 2025  |  14 mins 13 secs

    AI-GENERATED SUMMARY: In this episode of the Indignity Morning Podcast, host Tom SCOCCA discusses the devastating impact of Typhoon Ragasa, the looming government shutdown and its implications for healthcare subsidies, the rise of politically motivated violence in the U.S., the Pentagon's relationship with the press, and the evolution of late-night comedy in response to political events, particularly under the influence of figures like Trump and Stewart.