WTF

This week, the Drs. break down some of the more recent catastrophes dominating the news cycle. They begin with a recap of the Oscars and move on to the fateful Oval Office meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Trump. The episode rounds out with a discussion of the cruelty of the new DoD policy to remove transgender service members, because apparently these heroic people are a threat to U.S. national security.

Phase 1: WTF: A Vanilla Oscar Show. While the 2020 #Oscarssowhite hashtag shone a light (for those who had not noticed) on the lack of race and gender diversity at the Oscars, we could always be sure that at least some heavy hitters would use the platform to comment on injustice in the world. Not so in 2025. The Drs discuss the Oscars, including the more memorable awards and nominations and lament the lack of allyship from some of the country’s most powerful white men. 

Phase 2: WTF: Bullies in the Oval. The world watched in stomach-churning shock last week as President Trump and VP Vance berated and attacked President Zelenskyy of Ukraine during a visit to D.C. In a shameful display of disdain, self-aggrandizement, and gaslighting, the U.S.’s top leaders told Zelenskyy he was ungrateful, that Putin would of course abide by a ceasefire, and that Zelenksyy's attire (worn in solidarity to his troops) was disrespectful.

Phase 3: WTF: David and Goliath. Last week, the Department of Defense released its policy banning transgender service members in line with President Trump’s executive order. It directs the military to start “separation proceedings” for service members who have “a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria.” Trans service members make up about 0.2-0.4% of the military based on available data, and in a time when all three military branches are struggling to recruit, the Drs argue that transphobia is the threat to national security, not trans people.

Mentioned in the show:

The 2025 Oscars: Heavy on speeches, light on politics, and one big winner - NPR
Zoe Saldaña Accepts Academy Award as First Dominican American to Win an Oscar: ‘I Will Not Be the Last’ – Elle Magazine

"No Other Land" Best Documentary acceptance speech – You Tube

Conservative commentator questions Zelensky over attire: ‘Why don’t you wear a suit? – The Hill

US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine - BBC

‘Why Don’t You Wear a Suit?’: A Right-Wing News Outlet With Coveted Access Questions Zelensky - NYT

Pentagon plans to begin removing trans service members from the military next month - NPR

Department of Defense Transgender Service Member Ban Policy