Is irony dead? Greg Olear talks to antiquarian, archeologist, and satirist Ryan Byrne, of History Falls Apart and Devin’s Cow’s COW PAC, about the state of comedy, Babylonic cuneiform, Sumerian dick jokes, Dr. Strangelove, Alanis Morrissette, how to lean in to extinction, and how comedy can save the day. Plus: a new school for chaos agents. Follow History Falls Apart: https://twitter.com/historyfalls Donate to COW PAC: https://www.cowpac.com/ Watch The Five 8, Fridays at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern...
May 20, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 64
Greg Olear talks to Brynn Tannehill, author of the new book AMERICAN FASCISM, about how the United States got to the precipice of fascism, how minoritarian rule might look, and what, if anything, we can do to turn the ship around. Plus: a new ballad on a house in Chevy Chase. Follow Brynn Tannehill: https://twitter.com/brynntannehill Brynn’s website: http://www.brynntannehill.com Buy AMERICAN FASCISM: https://www.amazon.com/American-Fascism-How-Subverting-Democracy/dp/1955348030/ref=tmm_pap_swat...
May 13, 2022•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 63
Greg Olear talks to his friend Jennifer Reitman, the founder and publisher of DAME Magazine, about the notion of fight, why amoral people befuddle the good guys, the status of the January 6 investigation, Democratic messaging, the pitiful state of legacy media, and the reasons for hope. Plus: 007 as you’ve never seen him before. Follow Jennifer Reitman: https://twitter.com/jenniferreitman Follow DAME Magazine: https://twitter.com/damemagazine Read DAME: https://www.damemagazine.com/ On Monday, D...
May 06, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 62
Should we humanize the inhumane? Brandon Gauthier, author of the new book “Before Evil: Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim,” talks to Greg Olear about his travels to North Korea and his impetus for writing the book, and shares incredible stories about Hitler, Mao, and Lenin as young men. Plus: a new Nashville Twitter alternative. Follow Brandon Gauthier: https://twitter.com/bk_gauthier Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/Before-Evil-Hitler-Stalin-Mussolini/dp/1948954613 Subscr...
Apr 29, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 61
Greg Olear wades into sports, where he discusses the appalling contract given by the Cleveland Browns to quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is being sued by 22 massage therapists for sexual misconduct. Then he brings on the investigative journalist David de Jong to talk about de Jong’s fascinating new book, “Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History of Germany’s Wealthiest Families.” Plus: a lost track from Billy Joel’s Russia album. Follow David de Jong: https://twitter.com/davidthejong Buy his book: ht...
Apr 22, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 60
Greg Olear addresses the debate on whether we should criticize the Justice Department. Then he speaks to journalist and author Nina Burleigh about her piece for “Airmail Weekly” on the plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan; about the Ghislaine Maxwell trial and the documentary on which she was an EP; and updates on the pandemic response. Plus: a candidate declares for the Senate. Follow Nina Burleigh: https://twitter.com/ninaburleigh Nina’s book VIRUS: https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4352-v...
Apr 15, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 59
Greg Olear talks to the Arabist and cultural expert Diana Darke, author of “Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe” and a number of other books on the Middle East, on the history of Syria, the current situation with the Assad regime, and what Putin learned from Russia’s involvement. Plus: a new film by Stanley Kubrick. Follow Diana Darke: https://twitter.com/dianadarke Her site: https://dianadarke.com/ Buy her books: https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Darke/e/B001KI82JM?ref...
Apr 08, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 58
Trump, the assault on common decency, pandemic, quarantine, insurrection, and now war: we have all suffered collective trauma these last five years. Greg Olear talks with actor and trauma therapist Claudia Black about the causes of trauma and how to heal from it. Plus: DFG sings. Follow Claudia: https://twitter.com/TheClaudiaBlack Her site: http://www.claudiablackconsulting.com Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.substack.com/about Make America Great Gatsby Again! https://book...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 57
Greg Olear talks to his friend Aja Raden, author of STONED and THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES, about the new diamond industry documentary “Nothing Lasts Forever,” the Bitcoin bubble bursting, anti-Semitism as an indicator of Fascism, oligarchs, and the future of Vladimir Putin. Plus: an apocalyptic new film. Follow Aja: https://twitter.com/AjaRaden Buy her books: https://www.amazon.com/Aja-Raden/e/B013SJLVJI/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 The trailer for “Nothing Lasts Forever:” https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Mar 25, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 56
Season Three of the PREVAIL podcast begins with a special double episode. First, Greg Olear talks to his friend Zarina Zabrisky, who has been covering Putin for years and the invasion of Ukraine since it started, about the situation on the ground, Putin’s madness, and the history of the two countries. Then, he brings on his friend and PREVAIL contributor Moscow Never Sleeps to discuss what the war means for Russia and the Russian people. Plus: a new support group. Follow Zarina: https://twitter....
Mar 18, 2022•2 hr 23 min•Ep. 55
Mississippi Free Press has done some of the most impactful local journalism in the country. Greg Olear talks to Donna Ladd, co-founder of the Jackson Free Press and executive director and editor of MFP, about her remarkable origin story, racism in the Deep South vs. racism in the North, systemic sexism, the misogyny of the media, a new approach to journalism, Tate Reeves and the political landscape in Jackson, and the complexities of the Magnolia State. Plus: a web hosting company for monsters, ...
Mar 11, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 54
Ukraine is the largest country in Europe, and is in the geographic center of the continent. Understanding its history vis a vis its more famous northern neighbor is critical to grasping what’s happening right now in the Crimea—and why Western defense of Ukraine is so vital to global stability. Greg Olear talks with Ukraine expert Victor Rud, past chair of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, about Ukraine’s past, present, and future. Plus: A new offering from Time/Life Books. Thanks Magic Min...
Mar 04, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 53
In the 50th episode of the PREVAIL podcast, Greg Olear talks to stand-up comic and Twitter legend Noel Casler about the absurdity of it all. Plus: a new national anthem for a new nation. Follow Noel: https://twitter.com/caslernoel Noel’s website: http://www.noelcasler.com Noel’s podcast: https://www.noelcasler.com/podcast Thanks Magic Mind! Go to magicmind.co/PREVAIL and use code PREVAIL at checkout for 20% off Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.substack.com/about Make Americ...
Feb 25, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 52
Greg Olear talks to the journalist Tom LoBianco, author of “Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House,” about the inscrutable Indiana politician who uses boredom as camouflage. Plus: an appeal to charity. Follow Tom: https://twitter.com/tomlobianco Buy Tom’s book: http://amzn.to/3mKjRom Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg https://www.betterhelp.com/greg Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.s...
Feb 18, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 51
Greg Olear talks to the Canadian journalist, author, and attorney Mark Bourrie about the “Freedom Convoy,” Canadian politics, covid as morality test, and the future of democracy in North America. Plus: Mike Pence sings. Follow Mark: https://twitter.com/MarkBourrie Buy Mark’s books: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B001HMPSIY Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg https://www.betterhelp.com/greg Subscribe to the PREVAIL...
Feb 11, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 50
Greg Olear and Zarina Zabrisky discuss Vladimir Putin’s motivations, Russia’s Eurasian plan, and the escalating situation in Ukraine. Plus: a new CD collection. Follow Zarina: https://twitter.com/ZarinaZabrisky Zarina’s website: http://www.zarinazabrisky.com/ Zarina’s news analysis: https://zarinazabrisky.medium.com/ https://bylinetimes.com/author/zarinazabrisky/ Globus Books YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GlobusBooksSF/videos Zarina’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Zarina-Zabrisky/e/...
Feb 04, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 49
“The Bulwark” columnist Amanda Carpenter joins Greg Olear to discuss her piece on the insurrection, “The Six Main Strands of the Trump Coup Attempt,” the future of the Republican Party, and the fate of Trumpism. Plus: a new, sexy candy by Tucker Carlson. Follow Amanda Carpenter: https://twitter.com/amandacarpenter Read her work at “The Bulwark:” https://www.thebulwark.com/author/amanda-carpenter/ Read her “Six Strands” piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/the-six-main-strands-of-the-trump-coup-atte...
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 48
Florida has been notorious for its colorful characters and its corruption since the first real estate developer set foot there in 1565. Greg Olear talks to the Sunshine State’s own Gal Suburban about Matt Gaetz, Roger Stone, Ron SeSantis, Joel Greenberg, and the other creatures of the Florida swamp. Plus: how can the GRU help YOU? Follow Gal Suburban: https://twitter.com/gal_suburban Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/greg https://www...
Jan 21, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 47
Fascism is on the rise in the United States. Greg Olear talks to Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history, expert on authoritarianism, and author of “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” about Mussolini & Hitler, Putin & Trump, and the dictator’s “tools of rule.” Plus: a song about the new covid cure. Follow Ruth Ben-Ghiat: https://twitter.com/ruthbenghiat Subscribe to LUCID: https://lucid.substack.com/ Buy STRONGMEN: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324001546 Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsor...
Jan 14, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 46
A year after MAGA besiegers tried to overthrow our democracy, Greg Olear talks to the Guardian’s Congressional correspondent, Hugo Lowell, about the January 6 House Select Committee, the insurrection’s key players (Bannon, Stone, Flynn, Meadows, etc.), Trump’s motives, and what to expect in the months to come. Plus: a gift for the guy who has everything. Follow Hugo Lowell: https://twitter.com/hugolowell Hugo’s work at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/hugo-lowell Thanks to Bette...
Jan 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 45
What were the most under-reported stories in 2021? And what can we expect to happen in the New Year? Greg Olear spends New Year’s Eve answering these and other questions with Lincoln’s Bible, Lou Neu, Cheri Jacobus, Kimberley Johnson, and Tom Joseph. Plus: a MAGA Christmas carol. LB (@lincolnsbible) wrote, produced, and voiced the hit mobsters-and-spies podcast “The World Beneath.” https://link.chtbl.com/theworldbeneath Lou Neu (@ninaandtito) is a founder of Citjourno. https://twitter.com/ninaan...
Dec 31, 2021•2 hr 26 min•Ep. 44
Greg Olear’s guest is Katherine Mulhern, the founder and CEO of Restitution, an organization dedicated to assisting democratic, anti-corruption-focused governments in their fight against corruption by providing funding and support for civil enforcement and asset recovery. Plus: a new MAGA app. Follow Restitution: https://twitter.com/RestiImpact Restitution’s website: https://restitution.org.uk/ Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter: https://gregolear.substack.com/about Make America Great Gatsby Ag...
Dec 17, 2021•53 min•Ep. 43
Greg Olear addresses the debate on whether we should criticize the Justice Department. Then he speaks to journalist and author Nina Burleigh about her piece for “Airmail Weekly” on the plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan; about the Ghislaine Maxwell trial and the documentary on which she was an EP; and updates on the pandemic response. Plus: a candidate declares for the Senate. Follow Nina Burleigh: https://twitter.com/ninaburleigh Nina’s book VIRUS: https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4352-v...
Dec 10, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 15
Greg Olear addresses the debate on whether we should criticize the Justice Department. Then he speaks to journalist and author Nina Burleigh about her piece for “Airmail Weekly” on the plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan; about the Ghislaine Maxwell trial and the documentary on which she was an EP; and updates on the pandemic response. Plus: a candidate declares for the Senate. Follow Nina Burleigh: https://twitter.com/ninaburleigh Nina’s book VIRUS: https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4352-v...
Dec 10, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 41
Greg Olear speaks with Reecie Colbert, founder of Black Women Views Media, about disinformation campaigns, Democratic Party messaging, mainstream media failures, and Biden’s successes, and they debunk the many false narratives about Vice President Kamala Harris. Plus: a new musical. Follow Reecie Colbert: https://twitter.com/blackwomenviews Reecie’s website: https://blackwomenviews.com/ Black Women Views YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackWomenViews Subscribe to the PREVAIL newslett...
Dec 03, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 40
New intro, replay interview. In 1991, Jamison Firestone went to Moscow and established a law firm, helping foreign businesses with Russian law. Among his clients: William Browder. Among his employees: Sergei Magnitsky. Among his adversaries: Natalia Veselnitskaya. Among his acquaintances: Alexei Navalny. Greg Olear and Moscow Never Sleeps talk to Firestone about his remarkable experiences in Russia. Plus: a hit from conservative country star Addison Mitchell. Jamison Firestone’s YouTube channel:...
Nov 26, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 39
Greg Olear talks to Arthur Snell -- former British diplomat, current executive at Orbis Business Intelligence, and host of the excellent new podcast DOOMSDAY WATCH -- about his new project, the Second Civil War in the U.S., the rise of autocracy in Xi’s China, BREXIT and Boris Johnson, and the British royal family. Plus: a sneak peek at next week’s “Succession.” Follow Arthur: https://twitter.com/SnellArthur Listen to DOOMSDAY WATCH: https://kite.link/doomsday Subscribe to the PREVAIL newsletter...
Nov 19, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 38
Greg Olear talks to PREVAIL contributor Nia Molinari about Rudy Guiliani, Dennis Hof, country club Republicans, and the many faces of Tucker Carlson, the most dangerous man in America. Plus: a new insurance product. Read her piece on Tucker: https://gregolear.substack.com/p/all-tuckered-out Make America Great Gatsby Again! https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-great-gatsby-four-sticks-press-centennial-edition/e701221776c88f86?ean=9798985931976&next=t Subscribe to The Five 8: https://www.youtube.c...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 12
Greg Olear talks to Jennifer Taub, author of BIG DIRTY MONEY, about the lessons of Election Day, the Merrick Garland situation, Lisa Monaco bringing the hammer on white-collar criminals, the power of art, and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” Plus: Greg’s DAME magazine “Theory of Everything,” and footage from a meeting of the Texas Republican Oversight of Literature League (TROLL). Follow Jennifer Taub: https://twitter.com/jentaub Buy her book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/62...
Nov 05, 2021•56 min•Ep. 36
Greg Olear interviews Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) on a wide range of topics, including: dark money, anonymous donors, regulatory capture, the Federalist Society and Leonard Leo, Mitch McConnell’s motives, amicae curiae, Citizens United, climate change legislation (or lack thereof), the loss of John McCain, expanding the court, Brett Kavanaugh, and the FBI’s botched tip line. Plus: A new cryptocurrency. Follow Senator Whitehouse: https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse Watch his speeches on “The Sch...
Oct 29, 2021•53 min•Ep. 35
