Elsies Little Pickles’s Podcast

Dead at Her Desk and The Prodigal Pickle Returns!

In this episode of Elsie's Little Pickles, join us as we dive into two captivating stories that have recently made headlines. First, we discuss the shocking discovery of a Wells Fargo employee found dead at her desk days after she last clocked into work. What does this say about workplace culture and the isolation of remote employees? How could such a tragedy go unnoticed for so long?Next, we turn our attention to the political arena, exploring the fallout from Trump's recent admission that he lost the 2020 election. This revelation has led to a significant backlash from his supporters, including white nationalist Nick Fuentes. How many people have faced legal consequences due to Trump's lies, and what does this mean for the future of his influence?Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on these pressing issues and more, only on Elsie's Little Pickles.

Fascism: Part 2

Welcome back to another episode of Elsie's Little Pickles. In part two of our series on fascism, we dive deep into why it's crucial to understand fascism, especially in today's political environment. Joining us again is Colton, our guest pickle, sitting in for Kiefer. We begin with a quick recap of what fascism is and then continue our discussion on Umberto Eco's 14 Points of Fascism.

We start with a brief overview of how ideologies function and the definition of freedom in an ideal ideological position. Colton reminds us that fascism is inherently incoherent by design, making people more likely to believe that the dictator knows best. This leads us to discuss the modern political climate, drawing parallels between historical fascism and contemporary politics.

The conversation touches on several significant points, including the cult of tradition, rejection of modernism, and the importance of action for action's sake. We explore how historical figures like Mussolini and Hitler manipulated these points and how similar tactics are being observed today. We also delve into the appeal to frustrated middle-class individuals and the obsession with plots, highlighting the similarities between past and present political rhetoric.

As we move through Eco's points, we examine the fear of difference, the importance of machismo and toxic masculinity, and the contempt for the weak. Colton provides historical context and draws connections to modern examples, making the discussion both informative and engaging.

Join us as we uncover the chilling parallels between historical fascism and today's political landscape, and why it's essential to stay informed and vigilant.

Understanding Fascism Part 1

Welcome back to another episode of Elsie's Little Pickles. This week, we're diving deep into a topic that's more relevant than ever: fascism. With our special guest, Colton, a political science major and one of the smartest minds on politics, we're dissecting the nuances of fascism and its alarming parallels with the current political climate, particularly the MAGA movement.We start with a discussion on the absence of Kiefer, who is on the road, and introduce Colton. The conversation kicks off with a critical look at the Democratic National Convention and its handling of various issues. We then transition into a detailed analysis of fascism, drawing on definitions and insights from experts like Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Umberto Eco.This episode is rich with insights, from the cult of tradition to the othering of various groups, and how these elements play into the current political landscape. We also touch on the role of Christian nationalism and the potential impact of a Trump loss on the church and American society.Join us for this eye-opening discussion, and stay tuned for part two, where we'll delve further into Umberto Eco's 14 points of fascism and draw more connections to today's political climate.Don't miss this crucial episode that sheds light on the stakes of the upcoming election and the future of American democracy.

Cereal Killers

Welcome to another episode of Elsie's Little Pickles! In this special episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to our childhood, reminiscing about our favorite cereals, comfort foods, and the fond memories that come with them. From the unforgettable Carnation Breakfast Bars to the comforting warmth of grilled cheese with tomato soup, we dive deep into the foods that shaped our youth.We also pay tribute to the special people in our lives who made these moments memorable, sharing stories about our mom and auntie, and the little traditions that brought us joy. Whether it's the excitement of discovering new flavors or the comfort of familiar favorites, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the simple pleasures that connect us to our past.Join us as we take a break from the usual political discussions and invite you to share your own favorite childhood foods and memories. Let's celebrate the flavors that bring us back to simpler times!

Political Drama, Motorcycle Insights,

Welcome back to another episode of Elsie's Little Pickles, the Pickle Pod for the people! After a brief hiatus, we're back and fully loaded with an amazing week to recap.
In this episode, we dive into the personal and political, with unexpected humor and candid discussions. We kick off with a light-hearted update on personal health before transitioning to the serious topic of Harley Davidson's controversial move from Wisconsin to Thailand and its impact on American motorcycle manufacturing. Our resident motorcycle enthusiast offers deep insights into the industry and the surprising reality of "American-made" bikes.
Next, we shift gears to discuss the significant findings from a Japanese university linking umbilical cord blood metabolites to autism symptoms, and we explore the potential implications of this discovery. We also touch on Laura Trump's bold statements about the 2024 election and the shaky future of peaceful transfers of power.
As we continue, we uncover the connections between Donald Trump and the Heritage Foundation, highlighting the intertwined relationships and political maneuvering. The conversation takes a surprising turn when we reveal Trump's recent use of Jeffrey Epstein's plane, sparking a lively debate on the optics and implications of such a decision.
We then delve into the UAW's federal labor charges against Trump and Elon Musk, examining the accusations of intimidation against striking workers. The episode also covers Trump's recent unhinged press conference, his cognitive decline, and his panicked reactions to shifting political winds.
To wrap up, we play a fun and challenging guessing game about the best and worst things to come out of America, according to British citizens. The surprising results lead to a fascinating discussion on cultural perceptions and historical contributions.
Join us for a packed episode filled with humor, insight, and thought-provoking discussions on Elsie's Little Pickles!

Walz this way...

In this explosive episode, we delve into the recent political developments that have stirred up a storm. We explore the dynamic between Kamala Harris and her newly announced Vice Presidential pick, Tim Walz, and how their campaign is gaining momentum, much to the dismay of Trump and J.D. Vance.
We discuss the contrasting backgrounds and experiences of the candidates, highlighting Walz's folksy Midwestern appeal and extensive public service versus Vance's relatively short political career. The episode also touches on the potential impact of their campaign strategies and the unique energy they bring to the Democratic ticket.
As the GOP grapples with internal conflicts and ineffective attacks, we analyze how the Democrats are turning the tables and leveraging their strengths. We also speculate on the future of the campaign, including the role of prominent figures like Obama and Bill Clinton in rallying support for Harris and Walz.
Tune in for an engaging discussion on the current political landscape, the challenges facing both parties, and what the future holds as we approach the election.

Kamala Harris vs. Trump: The Battle of Choices and Change

Welcome to another episode of Elsie's Little Pickles! We kick off with a light-hearted conversation about pickles before diving into a heated discussion on current events. Keith brings us the latest news, highlighting Donald Trump's controversial praise for Putin and the Republican response. We explore the dynamics of the upcoming election, focusing on Kamala Harris and the surprising Republican support she is garnering.
The episode delves into the broader implications of these political maneuvers, examining themes of choice, sexism, and the role of AI in shaping our future. We also touch on the monopolistic nature of various industries and how these dynamics impact our daily lives.
In a lighter segment, we share some heartwarming stories, including a touching encounter between a cowboy and a young admirer, and acts of kindness that remind us of the good in the world.
Join us for an engaging mix of humor, news, and thoughtful discussion, as we navigate the complexities of modern life and politics.

Bible vs. Education vs Olympic opening ceremonies

In this episode of the Power to the Pickle People podcast, we delve into a heated discussion about Oklahoma's MAGA Superintendent, Ryan Walters, and his controversial mandate to teach the Bible in public schools. The episode kicks off with a passionate response to Walters' ultimatum to teachers and schools defying his order.
As the conversation unfolds, the hosts debate the implications of this mandate on the separation of church and state, the quality of education in Oklahoma, and the broader impact on American public education. The episode is laced with humor and biting commentary, touching on various cultural references and the hosts' personal anecdotes.
In addition, the episode explores the backlash against the artistic representation in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the absurdity of the outrage and the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts. This episode is a fiery, thought-provoking ride through current events, education, and the intersection of religion and public life.

Pickle Power, Political Showdowns, and Hypocrisy Unveiled

In this episode, we dive into the whimsical world of vibrating pickles, affectionately named "Pickle Tickles," and potential pickle-themed merchandise. We then pivot to the chaotic political landscape, highlighting Kamala Harris's readiness to debate Trump, the Trump campaign's reluctance, and the hypocrisy of their media preferences.The episode dissects the absurdity of Christian nationalism and their controversial statements about political representation. We expose the hypocrisy and contradictions within the Trump campaign and discuss the rising momentum behind Kamala Harris's campaign, bolstered by influential endorsements from celebrities like Beyonce and Taylor Swift.We also touch on the bizarre antics of J.D. Vance, his controversial comments, and his peculiar obsession with couches. The episode concludes with a satirical take on the absurdity of conspiracy theories, especially those surrounding the flat Earth movement and their connection to the current political discourse.Join us for a rollercoaster of laughter, political analysis, and a deep dive into the idiosyncrasies of today's political climate.

Kamala's Big Week: A Historic Election Unfolds

Join us as we delve into Kamala Harris's impressive fundraising success, raising over $100 million without traditional merchandise. This episode explores the renewed enthusiasm in the Democratic Party, the historic nature of the upcoming election, and the challenges Trump faces with his campaign tactics. We also discuss the excitement and energy surrounding Harris's campaign, drawing comparisons to Obama's 2008 run, and the potential implications for the Republican Party. Amid the political analysis, we touch on recent events, including an explosion at Yellowstone, and the ongoing culture wars in Nashville. Tune in for a lively discussion on the political landscape, conspiracy theories, and the unexpected turns in the race to the White House.