The JFK Assassination Part 2 with Mackenzie Joy Brennan

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.

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.