Don't Blame Us (Penelope Trunk Returns)

On this most special episode, the ladiex say a tearless goodbye to the campaign of Kamala Harris, as well as to our little podcast. Yes, you read that right: This is the Very 👏 Last 👏 Episode 👏. After we are gone, we hope you finally realize how much we meant to you, and wallow in regret for not showing it nearly enough. But in all seriousness—you guys have been the best audience we could have wished for, and we will miss you! (Read more about our decision, here, if you would like.)Love, S&M This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

As a gesture of goodwill, we interrupt the election doom/analysis-vomit to bring you a calm, collected, and pre-recorded conversation with political scientist Wilfred Reilly. The threesome cover Wilfred’s unique upbringing and current thoughts on race, academia, and the dating/mating crisis. Links* Wilfred’s books: Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, Taboo: 10 Facts You Can’t Talk About This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

In this episode, Penelope Trunk returns for another session of therapeutic sado-masochism. We relay listeners’ most personal questions and Penelope duly dismisses their trauma and punishes them for such public displays of vulnerability—everyone wins! We hope this leaves you with a sense of relief and lightness. It’s like a deep tissue massage for your (lame) psyche. And if not, don’t blame us. You knew what you were getting into. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

On this episode of A Special Place, the ladies decide to get their act together and learn how to do this YouTube e-lady thing right. But first, a tribute to the heroes at the Rescue the Republic rally, who dared to believe they can still draw a crowd. Finally, some handwringing about Kids These Days, and the anti-natalism conspiracy of car seat regulations.Links * How to Succeed at a Mr. Beast Production* The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books* K-12 Education in a Post-Literate Age* Cheat on Sarah! Subscribe to Meghan's YouTube Channel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

On this sexploitative episode, the ladies discuss (disapprovingly, duh) a variety of recent steamy scandals: Olivia Nuzzi / RFK Jr. sexts, ex-COVID czar Jay Varma's pandemic sex parties, Chris Rufo's alleged Ashley Madison account, and more. Does anyone know how to have normal adulterous sex anymore? Where can Sarah get MDMA? Will Meghan, who just learned that eggplant emojis aren't invitations to go to the farmer's market, ever get the hang of emoji seduction? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

On this already-stale episode, the ladies discuss the past week’s debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, before delving into the more politically salient topic of Joe Rogan’s Austin kingdom. Finally, thoughts on the finer points of eating cats. Links * How Joe Rogan Remade Austin This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

On this episode, the ladies try and uncover the mysteries of AI, and whether it is about to take their jobs. Meghan says no, but is she in denial? Then, should you divorce your mom for worrying about your eternal soul? Is going "no contact" with grandma a form of self-care?Links* Why A.I. Isn’t Going to Make Art * Why So Many People Are Going “No Contact” With Their Parents This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

In this episode, the girlx welcome special guestx Uri Berliner, journalist and famed NPR critic/apostate. Uri discusses his youthful attraction to public radio and how the slow erosion of many its ideals led to his decision to air his critique in the Free Press -- and, shortly thereafter, make his exit. He also reflects on how things have gone since the big leap. Was selling his soul to Bari Weiss worth it? (How can the girlx manage to do the same?)Note: This episode was recorded on June 18. Uri has since joined The Free Press as a senior editor. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

On this episode, the ladies white-knight Bari Weiss following a War and Peace-length profile in the NYTimes. Can any journalist be expected to cover The Free Press founder fairly, given that she's positioned herself as their main critic? Does Bari's unique ability to hold steady in the face of extreme character defamation prove that women really can be public champions of unpopular truths? Most importantly: will our fangirling lead to jobs offers or restraining orders? Finally, a discussion about marriageability vs. hotness. Is it a compliment to tell a man that you wouldn't just use him for his body, but rather, for his wallet? Links* Bari Weiss Knows Exactly What She’s Doing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com

In this (livestreamed) episode, the ladies de-center their American colonialist perspective to consider the recent hooliganism across the pond. Has the UK slipped into authoritarianism? Is British post-colonial guilt giving American guilt a run for its money? Or did the song There Always Be An England mean there will always be the threat of jail for wrong-speak? Then, Meghan flip-flops on JD Vance's trans friend and finally, a (lengthy) showdown on Art and Regret.Links* ‘Think before you post’: Britain’s slide into censorship (Spiked)* She Used to Be Friends With JD Vance (The Daily)* The Emotion I Didn’t Expect As A New Parent: Regret (NYTimes)* I Used to Write Jokes About How Parenting Is Terrible. Then I Had My Daughter. (NYTimes) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aspecialplace.substack.com