Musk Derangement Syndrome

This week (or was it last week?) the girls/women monitor the midterm election returns as they re-record the episode (#BecauseStandards). Along the way they discuss the latest object of mass cultural derangement: Elon Musk. Is Musk the new Trump? Is Twitter really any different than it was a few weeks ago? It’s difficult to say, but as it happens Meghan spent several days hanging out with Musk several years ago when she profiled him for Vogue (in 2015; not in 2014 like she kept saying). She describes their interactions (sort of) and recounts having lunch with Musk’s first wife, Justine, as well as the excitement of seeing her name on a designated parking space at the SpaceX headquarters. The ladies then move onto the fraught topic of crop tops in the office. Did the New York Times cover this issue just to get the attention of podcasters? Does having opinions about appropriate attire amount to policing women’s bodies? Also: should we blame our parents for letting us do dumb things as teenagers (things even dumber than wearing crop tops) that we were hellbent on doing no matter what? Should people who aren't extremely online be eyed with suspicion? Finally, in a rare moment of “get off my lawn,” Sarah complains about too many young people being in charge despite not knowing anything about anything. In the very special Bonus Content: the girls/women refresh their browsers and check in with the midterm results. Meghan reveals what her Google news suggestions say about her true interests and Sarah reassures her that not caring about political horse races is not a character flaw. Upon discovering that a 25-year-old has been elected to Congress in Florida, both ladies declare civilization officially over. At least for the evening. Meghan’s Vogue Magazine profile of Elon Musk NY Times article on crop tops in the office. Sarahs’s Substack page, Hold That Thought Meghan’s Substack page, The Unspeakable With Meghan Daum

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com/subscribe