The episode features hosts Jerry and Stably engaging in a discussion about Huey Long: A Biography by T. Harry Williams. The conversation begins with Jerry expressing his frustration with the book’s length and dense formatting, noting that it was difficult to obtain digitally. Stably acknowledges the challenge but defends the book’s depth and significance. They proceed to explore the life and political career of Huey Long, the populist governor and senator from Louisiana, whose ambitions and policies made him one of the most controversial figures in American history.

The discussion highlights Long’s rise to power, his unconventional political tactics, and his ability to mobilize mass support through populist rhetoric. Stably emphasizes Long’s role in reshaping Louisiana politics, particularly his efforts to expand social programs, build infrastructure, and challenge entrenched elites. Jerry, however, is more critical, questioning whether Long’s authoritarian tendencies undermined the very democratic ideals he claimed to champion. They debate whether Long was a true reformer or a self-serving demagogue, referencing specific moments in his career, including his battles with corporations, his conflicts with political opponents, and his aggressive consolidation of power.

The hosts also consider Long’s national ambitions, discussing his Share Our Wealth program, which proposed radical wealth redistribution during the Great Depression. They analyze how his policies resonated with struggling Americans but also raised concerns about their feasibility and authoritarian implications. The episode concludes with a reflection on Long’s legacy, debating whether his assassination cut short a dangerous trajectory or silenced a leader who might have reshaped American politics.

In this episode we discuss A Generation of Sociopaths: How the Baby Boomers Betrayed America by Bruce Cannon Gibney. Jerry selected the book as a deep dive into the behaviors and societal impact of the baby boomer generation, a topic that both hosts had discussed in passing. The conversation explores Gibney’s central thesis that baby boomers, as a generational cohort, have demonstrated extreme selfishness and short-sighted governance, prioritizing their own interests at the expense of younger generations and the country’s long-term well-being.

The hosts examine key arguments from the book, particularly how the economic and political power wielded by boomers led to policies favoring immediate personal gains over sustainable societal progress. They highlight examples such as fiscal irresponsibility, the erosion of public infrastructure, and the dismantling of social safety nets. The discussion also touches on how boomers’ approach to wealth accumulation, corporate influence, and political decision-making has created financial and environmental burdens for future generations.

Jerry and Stably engage in a critical analysis of whether Gibney’s arguments are fair and balanced, debating the extent to which structural forces versus generational attitudes contributed to current societal issues. They reflect on personal anecdotes and historical contexts, considering alternative perspectives on intergenerational responsibility. The episode concludes with a discussion on whether younger generations can shift the trajectory set by boomers and what lessons can be learned from the book’s analysis.

In this episode, Jerry and Stably dive into Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football by Rob Smyth, a fascinating exploration of the life and myth of Carlos Kaiser. Known for his extraordinary ability to avoid playing professional football while maintaining a high-profile “career,” Kaiser’s story blends deception, charisma, and ingenuity. The hosts discuss how Kaiser leveraged charm, fake injuries, and carefully orchestrated media coverage to sustain his reputation in the elite world of football without ever stepping on the pitch.

Jerry and Stably analyze the cultural and systemic factors that allowed Kaiser to thrive in 1980s and 1990s football, highlighting how charisma and myth-making can sometimes outweigh skill and merit. They share amusing and thought-provoking anecdotes from the book, such as Kaiser’s elaborate schemes to evade matches, and explore broader themes of ambition, imposture, and the human fascination with larger-than-life figures.

The episode examines the ethical and societal implications of Kaiser’s actions, questioning whether his story is one of clever survival or manipulative fraud. With their trademark mix of humor and insightful critique, Jerry and Stably offer listeners a compelling look at a figure who turned football’s conventions on their head and became a legend for all the wrong—or perhaps right—reasons.