Radio Free X: Recent Episodes
Michelle Denise Norton
Politics and current events through our very personal LGBTQ Gen X lens. Gayle and Michelle met at Northwestern University in 1988 as the AIDS epidemic seized the national political narrative. Now we are watching our country barely keep a half step ahead of fascist and white supremacists cheating their way to power in another pandemic. Listen for our take on current events and practical ways to make our country better for everyone.
We talk about the wonders of Nancy Drew on the CW - go watch it, right now - and the state of vaccinations and live theater.
We talk Covid-19 vaccinations, pandemic walls, anti trans bills, and corporations stepping up.
Our reaction to the second impeachment of former President Donald J. Trump. Plus some GOP state skulduggery.
We talk President Biden's initial actions and what you need to watch for and push back against on the local level as Republicans assault voter and trans rights.
We talk about January 6th, 2021 and the massacre that could have happened at the United States Capitol, incited by Donald Trump, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and too many other Republicans. Do not forget their names.
We talk snow, Christmas movies, Godzilla, Love Live, congressional Covid-19 failings, and the GOP's Russia, lying, and sedition addictions.
We're back after a break to talk sore losers, the Covid-19 crisis, coming out, Christmas movies, and Dolly frikkin American hero Parton.
We check in and give you resources to help if you have any difficulties with voting. Now go vote Biden Harris.
Don't believe disinformation, our elections are secure, and voting is sexy. And vote BLUE!!!
keep calm and go vote! also, keep paying attention to covid-19, and the current Supreme Court nominee is no friend to the lgbtq community.
Voting is happening, join in and help us stop the damage the Republicans in power are inflicting on America. #stanLuna
We talk about militias, what makes a gang, why Joe Biden isn't a socialist, how Donald Trump has failed America, and why Jeff Bezos owes us all money.
We talk about Trump's coronavirus diagnosis, why Biden is the man for the moment, and why white supremacy has NEVER been something anyone should support.
We talk about our current disagreement on how the media is treating Trump, disinformation tactics, some tips for stopping a coup, and why you need to vote Biden-Harris.
Every day there are several new, compelling reasons to vote Biden-Harris. Also, we take a moment of silence for the victims of the coronavirus. And we talk about some of the ways we take breaks from the news.
We talk about saving the Post Office from the attacks by wannabe dictator Donald Trump and his lackey, Louis DeJoy. In the second half, we talk about Kamala Harris, Joe Biden's Vice Presidential pick, why we're excited, and how to help.
We talk about the unidentified federal agents who are arresting people in Portland, and then clear the palate with Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi. Yes, it all ties together, give a listen!
We talk about the death of George Floyd, murderous police brutality, what's happening on the streets of America right now, and what you can do.
We need more Alice Wu movies! Plus we talk about masks, cats, movies, Madonna, JLo and so much more.
Catching up after a month spent developing a quarantine routine. We talk the National Theatre's Twelfth Night, The Met's operas, Anime Night, coronavirus, and voting.
We talk about why you should be angry at the total parasitic failure that is the Trump administration and then, in the second half, some casual chat about quarantine life.
Surprise: we are a The CW household. No surprise: we want you to VOTE FOR WARREN. Also, WASH YOUR HANDS.
Elizabeth Warren, Nancy Drew and more - we're talking about smart women who get it done. Also, Bess Marvin is a lesbian disaster and we LOVE IT.
We talk about Birds Of Prey, Margot Robbie, Harley Quinn, Cathy Yan And then we gush about Parasite's well deserved Oscar wins, Miky Lee, and Korea's reach into entertainment.
We talk about the beautiful skies of Weathering With You, the ugly truths of Impeachment, and some quirks of local politics.
We give you our Impeachment trial perspective, and then talk heroes, Crisis On Infinite Earths, Batwoman and being out for the public good.
We react to the Oscar nominations (too many dudes, J Lo was robbed, what the heck Hollywood), talk about movies we did see in 2019 and enjoy. We also review Like A Boss.
Gayle listens to an Elizabeth Warren speech for the first time, we discuss Julián Castro's Warren endorsement, and the marginalized communities they are both fighting for. Then we talk Iran, war, and assassinations. And we finish up with how and why we all need to help a burning Australia like the American Rescue Crafters Connect network.
Michelle is breaking the gremlin rules and painting after midnight on New Year's Eve. Add a couple of bonus movie reviews in and our hopes for 2020.
We talk about the final Star Wars movie, with rants from Michelle about the horrors of Kylo Ren and why that character is so not necessary to the story along with discussions of how bad JJ Abrams is as a storyteller.
We review the case for Donald Trump's impeachment, call out the GOP for the lying cowards that they are, and suggest you join a rally on Tuesday, December 17th to insist the no one is above the law.
We discuss the gay in Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas. And we recommend another violin virtuoso (we like them), this one with a Christmas album. Bonus: Gayle rants about the Golden Globes lack of women nominees.
We talk about how much fun we're having moving, Thanksgiving, indigenous peoples, Michelle's art, our experience with this amazing concert of music censored by the Third Reich, why you shouldn't give Nazis a platform, and why you should support local artists.
We tell you why you should go see Charlie's Angels and then segue from Elizabeth Banks to two of our favorite sports movies: Pitch Perfect and Bring It On. We then finish up with an Impeachment watching tip.
We have untied the ribbon, torn the wrapping paper, and opened the lid on the Christmas season, starting with a three movie weekend. And then we finish off with an Impeachment Season pep talk.
It's election night and we're ranting about local election snafus, and then we're raving about the joy, skill and wonder that is Black Violin. Enjoy!
Hear our creepy Gettysburg story, other favorite scares, what makes a spooky movie spooky, and the truth about Sherlock Holmes: He wasn't the first fictional modern detective.
Gayle lashes into the President's increasing list of crimes, we talk about the Democratic LGBTQ Town Hall and the latest debate, and finish off with an semi musical ode to The Addams Family.
We walk about the sharpness of Batwoman's first episode, then switch to some softer tones: the gender role bending fun of Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun and Way Of The House Husband.
Turns out the song Michelle is currently obsessed with was written by Duke Ellington. So we dive into Ellington's genius and why if you don't know much about him, you're missing out.
We open with a discussion of Donald Trump, the Ukraine, and the need to impeach, as well as the SAFE Act and keeping our elections free of foreign influences. In good news, we talk the recent GLAAD LGBTQ Forum. And then, in our second half, we introduce the newest series of Terrace House and discuss why we continue to be addicted to this Japanese reality tv show. VROOM ; )
We're talking about the movie Hustlers, with incredible performances by JLo, Constance Wu, Julia Stiles and the rest of the cast, and how great it is to see a movie about strippers told ENTIRELY from the female view. And then we tell you about our latest tv binge obsession, which is so hysterical that sometimes we can't breathe for laughing.
We watched most of this week's CNN Climate Town Halls with the top 10 Democratic candidates. We tell you who impressed us, which ideas sparked, and what future the candidates are trying to build. Bonus: Michelle goes on a China rant.
We talk moving and why Marie Kondo's the anti clutter queen. Then we review Season 3 of Stranger Things. Is channelling teen sex horror movies a good thing? What would you do at the mall? Find out what we see as the strengths and weaknesses of this latest season of spooky 80's throwback fun. Pop open a New Coke and listen.
Fires in the Amazon, the insanity of Microsoft, Springsteen in the movies and lots more!
We talk two seasons of Stranger Things, all the excellences, Winona Ryder, cool girls, and science. We also talk Jay Inslee and why we're evolving and rebranding. Listen in.
Right now in America, life too often is an assault of eventa that are either tragic or infuriating. We talk about some of the scary things going on in the world and how America is coping or not coping, and how the government is letting the country down. But we're also looking for the bright spots, like the fact that our favorite band is on tour here now. So do something positive, make connections with people, DO NOT LIVE YOUR LIVES IN FEAR.
This week, Elizabeth Warren announced a plan to accelerate the switch to clean tech by putting the market to work. And while we're talking Senator Warren and plans, she has one for your national park too. Listen in.
With busing in the news, Gayle gives her perspective as someone who was bused as a child, and Michelle points out that there weren't any black kids in the AP classes in Gayle's downtown high school. One of those interesting discussions ensues.
Trillions of trees! Countries, cities, counties and just people can change the world just by planting trees and other native greenery. Find out who. And how.
Nike has announced a climate plan, Extinction Rebellion has called for a year long fashion boycott, and we have a few ideas for action.
We talk Women's World Cup, Legend of Korra and the women of Avatar: The Last Airbender, what''re our favorite franchises, what JK Rowling did wrong, and what does franchise mean. We also denounce the inhumane concentration camps on the US southern border.
We talk Greenland, science, weather, plastic straw bans, and ICE raids. So listen up, Wildcats ; )
In which we call out the Climate Denier In Chief, after the White House suppressed research by refusing to let the State Department enter scientific testimony into the Congressional Record.
Wide ranging conversation from Shakespeare to the I.T. Crowd, with segues on football, Godzilla, and the tendency of straight white dudes to drift into the center of the frame.
Tom Perez, champion of hedging your bets vs. Jay Inslee, champion of the planet: in which we call out Tom Perez and the Democratic National Committee for refusing to commit to a #ClimateDebate. Gayle comes out swinging Σ੧(❛□❛✿)
A quick weekly check in with the state of the planet, climate change news, and ways to help. This week we talk about Greta Thunberg, student strikes, single use plastics, Star Trek, and the Green New Deal.
We discuss Olivia Wilde's charming, wild, and winning teen sex comedy, Booksmart, all the reasons you should see it ,and why it's the next classic teen comedy.
We talk with Michelle's brother Joe about comic books, comic book movies, gay representation, Sunday serial comics, and the electability of Elizabeth Warren - Joe, you're still wrong. Enjoy.
Spoilers abound! Michelle and Gayle talk about all of the Marvel Comic Universe movies, including Avengers: Endgame (hint: really not thrilled). We rant about RDJ dominance, give shoutouts to our favorite Avenger performances, and admit what moments moved us to tears (and laughter). Also: Gayle tracks down a rat.
Michelle's youngest brother Beau is in town for the weekend so we record a podcast while setting up Settlers Of Catan. Conversation ranges from Brexit to Gayle getting a dose of life advice from the Nortons. Trigger warnings: language, cutting references, politics, Hitler.
Welcome to our dress rehearsal. Warning, there are a few glitches and a brief moment of profanity. Enjoy!
We talk One Day At A Time (fourth season please Netflix), gay teenagers now, our first date, Rita Moreno's continuing appeal, Captain Marvel, straight out lies toxic dudes tell, the many stregths of Brie Larson, and why we've renamed Avengers: Endgame Captain Marvel 2.
We love watching the Oscars. Here's what we hated and loved from this year's broadcast and the moments you shouldn't miss. Plus, Gayle's Oscar acceptance speech.
We watch the Fox Almost Live production of RENT, after years of avoiding it and WOW. So many awesome things, plus a discussion of how Mimi deserved a better story arc leading to a segue on plot tropes that really need to go.
We talk with our first guest, Taylor Ramage, about her book of blackout poetry from the pages of Carmilla, the novella featuring the first female vampire in English literature. The three of us also talk mood: Carmilla and how the modern web series update captures it so well. You'll be en-thralled ;-)
Are we slacker, disaffected cynics? Listen and find out. Other questions answered: Do we have a favorite John Hughes movie? What cultural event do biggest Gen X news events lists leave out? Which movie character influenced Michelle's sense of style? What is Gayle's favorite movie franchise?
Now that female superheroes are in the movies, put 'em in the advertising too. In this episode, we review the Aquaman movie, talk about why Mera should have been on the poster, and ramble through our favorite superhero movies.
Our second episode, from mid November. Gayle and Michelle talk making your own holidays, family holidays and being gay, and why you should expect an Oscars podcast episode in 2019.
We couldn't stop watching Terrace House -- and then this addictive Japanese reality show added a guy who was figuring out if he's bi. Want to know why that's such a big deal? Give it a listen!
In our first podcast episode, Gayle and Michelle introduce themselves, talk Bohemian Rhapsody, performing for an audience, androgyny, Robert Mapplethorpe, and the music we liked in our teen years (spoiler: we have very little overlap). Enjoy!
On December 17th, Michelle participated in the Tumblr Log Off to protest the removing of adult content on Tumblr. So we talk about Tumblr, censorship, the LGBTQ community, comics, manga, fandoms, art, how stupid algorithm filters are, et alia.