What Makes the Red Scare Podcast Worth Your Feed
Red Scare has released more than 470 episodes since Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova launched the show from New York City in March 2018, growing from a small independent project into one of the most discussed cultural commentary podcasts of the past decade.
Each episode mixes current events, literature, and politics with the hosts’ distinct conversational style, recorded largely from their own homes. The show has built a loyal audience through Patreon and become known for pulling in guests from politics, comedy, and media.
If you are exploring the catalog for 2026, here are ten Red Scare podcast episodes with some of the most interesting conversations.
10 Red Scare Podcast Episodes With the Most Interesting Talks
1. Tulsi Gabbard Joins the Show
Former congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard sits down with the hosts for a wide-ranging political conversation. It stands out as one of the show’s more notable crossovers into mainstream political media.
2. Stavros Halkias Stops By
Comedian Stavros Halkias brings his stand-up background into a conversation that blends comedy industry talk with the show’s usual cultural commentary. The episode is a good example of how Red Scare draws guests from outside strictly political media.
3. Nick Mullen on Comedy and Internet Culture
Cum Town co-host Nick Mullen joins for a conversation that dives into internet comedy and the overlapping audiences between independent podcasts. It is a strong pick for listeners interested in the broader alternative podcasting scene.
4. Adam Friedland Talks Media and Comedy
Podcaster and comedian Adam Friedland joins the hosts for a conversation spanning media criticism and the comedy world. The episode reflects the small, interconnected world of independent commentary podcasts the show emerged from.
5. Angela Nagle on Online Culture Wars
Writer Angela Nagle, known for her book on internet subcultures and online politics, joins for a conversation on how digital culture shapes modern political movements. It is one of the more academically minded episodes in the catalog.
6. Simon Reynolds on Music Criticism
Music critic and author Simon Reynolds brings a deep knowledge of pop culture history to a conversation about music journalism and cultural memory. It is a good listen for fans of the show’s more culture-focused episodes.
7. Evan Barker on Nothing Left
Author Evan Barker joins the hosts to discuss her book examining her time as a Democratic political operative. It offers a firsthand account of party politics filtered through the show’s skeptical lens on mainstream political institutions.
8. Remembering Gloria Steinem
The hosts reflect on the life and legacy of feminist icon Gloria Steinem following her death, placing her influence on the women’s movement within the show’s broader critique of modern feminism.
9. Remembering Dolly Parton
This episode pays tribute to Dolly Parton following her death, mixing genuine appreciation for her career with the hosts’ signature cultural commentary style.
10. The Odyssey Book Club Episode
In one of the show’s literary-leaning episodes, the hosts revisit Homer’s The Odyssey with a guest, discussing the epic’s themes alongside more contemporary cultural references. It is a strong example of how the show blends classic literature with current commentary.
Why These Episodes Stand Out in the Catalog
Each entry on this list reflects a different side of the Red Scare podcast. Some bring in political and media figures, others lean into comedy and internet culture, and a few turn toward literature and cultural history.
That range has helped the show maintain a dedicated audience well beyond its original independent media roots.
How to Start Listening to the Red Scare Podcast in 2026
New episodes are published regularly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the show’s Patreon, where subscribers get early access and bonus content. Starting with a guest episode is an easy way to sample the show’s range before diving into the hosts’ regular current events conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red Scare podcast only about politics?
No. While political and cultural commentary anchor the show, episodes regularly cover literature, comedy, music, and media criticism.
How often does the Red Scare podcast release new episodes?
New episodes are released on a regular but not strictly weekly schedule, with additional bonus content available through the show’s Patreon.
Where can I listen to the Red Scare podcast?
The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and through a Patreon subscription for early and bonus content.
Final Thoughts
The Red Scare podcast built its audience by mixing sharp cultural commentary with a wide range of guests from politics, comedy, and media.
From the Tulsi Gabbard interview to the literary deep dive into The Odyssey, these ten episodes offer a strong cross-section of what makes the show worth following in 2026.
