Crying in Baseball with Julie Kliegman

The JFK Assassination Part 2 with Mackenzie Joy Brennan

Jun 30, 20262h 30mSummary

In this episode of You're Wrong About, hosts explore the enduring conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy, specifically focusing on the public’s struggle to reconcile the tragedy with the information provided by the Warren Commission. Joined by Mackenzie Joy Brennan, the discussion examines how a combination of government secrecy, the lack of a definitive legal resolution, and the rapid, often inaccurate nature of breaking news contributed to a fertile environment for speculation. The hosts delve into specific elements of the case, such as conflicting eyewitness accounts, the controversial identification of individuals in crowd photos, and the skepticism surrounding the weapon used. A significant portion of the episode highlights the "Carry All" problem—the human tendency to look for narrative patterns in real life, much like in fiction, where every detail feels like a deliberate clue. By juxtaposing these theories with the reality of human fallibility, poor police work, and the mundane, messy lives of the individuals involved, the hosts argue that conspiracy theories often fill the vacuum left by our discomfort with senselessness and the chaotic nature of history.

The JFK Assassination Part 1 with Mackenzie Joy Brennan

Jun 23, 20261h 43mSummary

In this episode of You're Wrong About, hosts explore the enduring cultural impact and persistent myths surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Joined by guest Mackenzie Joy Brennan, the discussion examines how the tragedy shifted from a political event into a cornerstone of American conspiracy theories. The hosts delve into the intersection of forensics, bureaucracy, and public perception, noting how the lack of advanced forensic science at the time, combined with erratic handling of the investigation, inadvertently fueled decades of speculation. The conversation highlights the historical context of the event, including the political climate of 1963 and the profound impact of the media’s first foray into a continuous, 24-hour news cycle. The hosts also reflect on the role of pop culture—from Oliver Stone’s films to The Simpsons—in shaping modern memories of the incident. By stripping away misconceptions, the episode seeks to separate the "cartoonish" version of history from the reality of the governmental failures and personal tragedies involved. Ultimately, the discussion frames the Kennedy assassination as a formative moment for modern societal distrust in institutions, laying the groundwork for later investigations into forensic accountability and state transparency.

Rainbows with Lulu Miller

May 26, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of You're Wrong About, guest host Lulu Miller joins the program to explore the history, science, and cultural mythology of rainbows. Far from being merely frivolous or saccharine, rainbows are presented as misunderstood phenomena that have historically been viewed as powerful, sometimes ominous, bridges between the earthly and the divine. The discussion begins by unpacking the long-standing associations between rainbows, leprechauns, and luck, while also highlighting the ancient, often cautionary beliefs held by various cultures. Moving toward a more scientific lens, the hosts discuss historical attempts to define the rainbow, from Aristotle’s theory of "muddied" light to the contributions of medieval scholars like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, whose work in trigonometry and astronomy reflects a deeper, expansive human drive to understand the universe. The conversation evolves into a meditation on infinity, the nature of human perception, and our place in the cosmos. Through a reading of Marie Howe’s poem "The Singularity," the hosts touch on the interconnectedness of all matter, concluding that while science has provided technical answers for the rainbow, it has yet to diminish the awe and mystery that these atmospheric bridges inspire in the human experience.