The JFK Assassination Part 1 with Mackenzie Joy Brennan

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.

Crying in Baseball with Julie Kliegman

Jun 9, 20261h 25mSummary

In this episode of You’re Wrong About, the hosts are joined by author Julie Kliegman to explore the history of women in professional baseball. The conversation centers on the realities behind the famous 1992 film A League of Their Own, which depicted the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. While the film is a beloved touchstone, Kliegman highlights the discrepancies between the movie’s Hollywood narrative and the historical truth, including the league’s strict enforcement of femininity—such as requiring players to attend charm school and wear skirts—to ensure the public remained comfortable. The discussion delves into the systemic policing of women’s bodies in sports, noting how these regulations have historically aimed to undermine female athleticism and suppress the presence of queer women in the game. Beyond the AAGPBL, the hosts touch upon the lesser-known contributions of women in the Negro Leagues, such as Toni Stone, and the ongoing challenges surrounding gender roles and inclusivity in modern athletics. Ultimately, the episode serves as an engaging critique of how cultural narratives—both in film and in social media—can simplify the complex, often arduous history of women striving for legitimacy and community in sports.

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.