In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down a landmark legal case in which a young woman successfully sued her psychologist and surgeon for medical malpractice following a mastectomy. We also examine how this ruling challenges long-standing assumptions around gender-affirming care, particularly for minors, and what it means for medical accountability moving forward.

The conversation explores the role of medical consensus, the suppression of dissent within healthcare institutions, and the broader societal consequences of irreversible medical interventions. This episode takes a hard look at how law, medicine, and culture collide—and why this case could mark a turning point in the national debate.

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In this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz kick things off with "some banter" on weekend plans—from ice skating ambitions to a quick trip to Las Vegas—before diving into the week’s biggest cultural and political stories.

The episode turns serious with a breakdown of the arrest of Don Lemon, examining the media reaction, public narratives, and what the case raises about First Amendment protections and press accountability.

Mary Katharine and Karol also tackle the ongoing crisis of school closures and municipal dysfunction in major U.S. cities, unpacking how these failures hit students, parents, and taxpayers hardest. The episode wraps with a broader cultural look at food delivery culture—why convenience has become so expensive, how habits shifted after the pandemic, and what it all says about modern life.

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Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political stories revealing deeper cracks in America’s institutions. From weather-related infrastructure failures in major cities to Marco Rubio’s headline-making congressional testimony, they examine what these moments say about governance and accountability. The conversation widens to the early maneuvering for the 2028 elections, the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, and the high-stakes redistricting wars unfolding in Virginia. Together, these battles offer a preview of the political fights that will define the next decade.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol bring personal insight and sharp analysis to a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, cultural values, and civic responsibility — all through the lens of current events.

They reflect on their own experiences raising kids in politically charged times and shift into a candid discussion about the recent fatal Border Patrol shooting in Minneapolis that has sparked national protests, intense political debate, and scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics.

Together, they unpack:

• The political and legal accountability of local and federal officials responding to public unrest.

• The role of federal law enforcement agencies like ICE and Border Patrol in community policing and civil demonstrations.

• Why body-cameras and transparent reporting matter more than ever for accountability and trust.

• How society confronts crime reporting, public safety, and the broader cultural divide over family values, civil liberties, and political ideology.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the biggest stories shaping politics, culture, and public trust—from global elites to everyday governance.

The conversation begins with the World Economic Forum in Davos, examining what its influence says about global power, accountability, and democratic legitimacy. They then turn to U.S.–Canada relations, highlighting how cooperation—or the lack of it—impacts border security, trade, and law enforcement.

Mary Katharine and Karol also analyze crime reduction strategies, emphasizing the importance of coordinated policing and realistic public safety policies over ideological posturing. Shifting to culture, they unpack the very public feud within the Beckham family, using it as a lens to explore family dynamics, media narratives, and how fame distorts private conflict.

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In this episode of Normally, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz react to a shocking anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, igniting serious concerns about civil liberties and First Amendment protections. MK & Karol condemn the demonstrators’ behavior and scrutinize the media response—particularly coverage involving Don Lemon—arguing that the incident represents a dangerous escalation in activist tactics and press complicity.

They explore the legal ramifications of targeting religious worship, including potential violations of federal law, and discuss what this moment reveals about the growing normalization of intimidation in political protests. The conversation then turns to Virginia politics, where new policies and Democratic leadership are examined for their economic and cultural consequences. The episode wraps with a refreshing, feel-good story about a YouTuber stepping back from content creation to focus on reading and self-improvement—highlighting the value of personal growth in an outrage-driven culture.

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In this episode of Normally, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz tackle some of the most explosive political and cultural issues shaping America and the world. The conversation begins with the uprising in Iran, examining whether U.S. and international military intervention could accelerate regime change and what’s really at stake for the Middle East.

They also confront the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism across the West and what it reveals about modern progressive politics. From there, Ham and Markowicz dive into the transgender athletes in women’s sports debate, breaking down the Supreme Court’s handling of gender definitions and why it could permanently reshape Title IX and women’s athletics.

The episode also explores California’s proposed wealth tax, asking whether it would actually raise revenue or push even more businesses and taxpayers out of the state. Finally, they reflect on the mixed legacy of the Trump administration, weighing its major successes against its biggest missed opportunities.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol unpack the fatal shooting of activist Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, exploring the conflicting narratives, community outrage, and the broader implications for law enforcement accountability and civilian interactions. With national protests erupting and debates over ICE’s role intensifying, we break down what the media is missing.

The conversation then shifts to global human rights as we highlight the ongoing protests in Iran, the lack of sustained media coverage, and how listeners can stay informed and engaged in support of freedom and dignity abroad.

Finally, we get candid about parenting challenges in today’s world, offering practical, relatable advice on how parents can set effective boundaries with their children—including strategies for sleep routines and day-to-day home life.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz break down the political shockwaves following Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City mayor and what it reveals about the growing influence of socialism in America’s largest cities. The conversation also reflects on the anniversary of the devastating California fires and examines how Governor Gavin Newsom continues to 'navigate' crises while positioning himself for a larger national role.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol kick off the New Year with personal reflections and resolutions before diving into one of the most consequential foreign policy developments of the moment: President Trump’s bold move to apprehend Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. They analyze the implications of Maduro’s capture, the legal questions surrounding the operation, and the explosive reaction from Venezuelans on social media.

The conversation then turns to a massive childcare fraud scandal in Minnesota, raising serious concerns about government accountability and taxpayer dollars. To close, they examine a growing shift in academia away from political activism in the classroom and the ongoing struggle of San Francisco leaders to confront rising crime. A wide-ranging, news-driven discussion to start the year.

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