Hysteria Hysteria

Russian to Conclusions w. Anna Holmes & Brandy Zadrozny

Sep 24, 2026 · 1h 21m

Summary

Hosts Aaron Ryan and Brandi Zadrasni discuss a Kremlin-backed troll campaign using AI to fake celebrity endorsements for Republicans, noting how Brandi herself was targeted by a fake video claiming she recanted her reporting. They critique the lack of substance in Ross Douthat’s 60 Minutes interview with Patrick Clancy, the ex-husband of the woman charged with killing her children, and analyze the "burnerverse," a shadowy network of sports fans who digitally exploit women. The episode also features Anna Holmes on the power of saying no and includes a segment on bleeped political ads.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Neutrophil hair growth supplement Sponsor: Real food for dogs in NYC Sponsor: Bob's Discount Furniture Discussion on AI-generated political ads Analysis of deepfake campaign tactics Interview: Russian disinformation and journalist safety Troll farms and global disinformation sources Critique of Russian propaganda video styles Review of Patrick Clancy's 60 Minutes interview Analysis of Clancy interview follow-ups and tone Media ethics and public surrogate questioning Sponsor: Smalls cat food and personal anecdote Sponsor: Wild Alaskan Company seafood The Burnerverse and online misogyny culture Consequences for online harassers and bravery Sponsors: Helix mattress and Jones Road makeup Interview: Anna Holmes on 'The Power of No' Sponsor: Haze cannabis products Sponsors: CricketCon and Just Be with Bethany Frankel Closing banter and show credits
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