You're Wrong About • Sarah Marshall

In the gripping episode of "You're Wrong About" titled "Balto with Blair Braverman", hosts Sarah Marshall and Blair Braverman delve into the extraordinary events of the 1925 Nome Serum Run. They recount the terrifying spread of diphtheria in Nome, Alaska, that prompted an audacious and dangerous mission. With children's lives at stake, listeners are taken back to the chilling reality faced by Dr. Welch as he battled the epidemic that began with symptoms no more alarming than sore throats, yet ended in heartbreaking fatalities for the youngest of Nome.

The podcast vividly illustrates the perilous sled relay across Alaska's unforgiving landscape, a race against time and nature's wrath, led by resilient mushers and their steadfast dogs. Focusing on the undervalued contributions of Seppala and his remarkable lead dog, Togo, the hosts bring attention to the duo's imperatively dangerous journey, overshadowed by the fame of Balto. The tale winds through the tragic, the heroic, and the controversial, exploring the nuances of historic recognition and the complex fate that befell these canine heroes post-mission, igniting a dialogue on the preservation of their legacy.

Join Sarah Marshall and guest speaker Miles Klee on "You're Wrong About," as they delve into the complex narrative of Richard Reid, also recognized as the "Shoe Bomber." Their discussion peels back the layers of Reid's troubled background, exploring how a childhood marred with difficulties in London led to his eventual radicalization. From factors such as a broken home and a search for belonging that found its answer in the extremist networks at the Finsbury Park mosque, listeners are taken on a journey of transformation that reaches its pinnacle with Reid's attempted act of terror.

This episode not only examines the events leading up to the thwarted mid-air attack on a Paris-Miami flight but also takes a critical look at the aftermath and its global consequences. The speakers analyze the immediate security responses, including the now-familiar airport shoe checks, and question their effectiveness in today's context. As they discuss the controversial Patriot Act's role in Reid's swift prosecution, this conversation offers a wider lens through which to view the ongoing balance between public safety and civil liberties in a post-9/11 world. "You're Wrong About" tackles these socially significant topics with depth, making them digestible and offering fresh perspectives.

Dive into the paradoxical world of the 1960s icon Tiny Tim with Sarah Marshall and Harmony Colangelo on "You're Wrong About". In this episode, the hosts delve into the enigmatic career of the long-haired, falsetto-voiced singer known for his hit "Tiptoe Through the Tulips," his embrace of vintage pop music, and how he became a symbol of the hippie movement. Despite garnering critical acclaim and admiration from legendary figures, Tiny Tim's career involved more than just stardom; it also reflected a complex relationship with his personal identity and cultural expression, revealing lesser-known aspects of this unique figure in music history.

The discussion also highlights Tiny Tim's conservative religious stances, conflicting with his public persona and internal battles regarding sexuality and relationships. The hosts explore his unexpected rise to mainstream fame through "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," culminating in one of the most-watched television events of the era. But as quickly as fame came, his star began to wane. Learn about Tiny Tim's fall from public grace in the 1970s, his struggle to retain both his sanity and celebrity status, and the events leading up to his untimely end—painting a full portrait of an artist whose life was as intriguing as his art.

In the latest episode of "You're Wrong About," hosts Sarah Marshall and Megan Burbank delve into the intricate tapestry of the U.S. pro-life movement's roots and its evolution into a pivotal political force. The discussion reveals how what began as a protective measure for segregated schools' tax status morphed into a seemingly religious crusade against abortion. The hosts unwrap the undercurrents of self-interest that catalyzed the alliance between evangelical Christians and Catholics, exploring the deliberate strategy that sought to secure tax exemptions, political power, and influence—shaping a moral stance into a potent tool of advocacy and policy.

Listeners of "You're Wrong About" are given a thorough examination of the pro-life movement's methodologies and its disproportionate influence on American politics, despite being a minority perspective. The podcast dissects emotive tactics, legislative maneuvers, and the movement’s capacity to project its values as mainstream, which led to a landmark alteration of legal precedents affecting reproductive rights. Marshall and Burbank discuss how, through crafted narratives and political savvy, this movement’s reach stretches well beyond its actual base, shaping public discourse and policy in ways that belie its numeric standing in public opinion.

Delve into the historic "Battle of the Sexes" and its enduring significance with Sarah Marshall and guest Julie Kliegman on the "You're Wrong About" podcast. As they dissect the legendary tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, the episode explores King's monumental victory and its broad cultural resonance. Witness how King's continuous activism for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, including founding the Women's Sports Foundation, has advanced the acceptance of female and trans athletes in sports. The episode paints a vivid picture of King as not only a sports icon but also a cultural beacon, with her influence still echoing in today's conversations on gender norms within athletics.

Meanwhile, the discussion also brings to light the dramatic build-up and societal context that led to the high-stakes match, illustrating how it transcended the realm of sports to become a symbolic battleground for the women's rights movement. As the speakers analyze King's strategic mastery and the speculations of Riggs' motives, they invite listeners to consider the complex implications this match had on Title IX and the struggle for equal compensation in sports. This episode offers an intricate review of the match, addressing rumors of Riggs' potential match-fixing with insights into the associated conspiracy theories, and critiques the decision of the biopic "Battle of the Sexes" to sidestep this tangled historical thread.