We’ve All Heard It Before

Michael Fragomeni and Peter Woods are two linguists trying to make sense of the current political situation.

Episodes

3 days ago

14 min

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the unprovoked and unnecessary act of aggression by the US against Iran from the perspective of military history, using three S's as bullet points. This episode focuses on Sustainability.
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

6 days ago

18 min

In this episode, Mike comments on the resignation of Karoline Leavitt and the contrasting ways in which her departure was discussed on social media by political pundits (Katty Kay and Steve Schmidt)
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley
Here's a link to:
https://www.youtube.com/@thewarningwithsteveschmidt
and 
https://www.youtube.com/@RestPoliticsUS
 

Aug 10, 2026

19 min

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the unprovoked and unnecessary act of aggression by the US against Iran from the perspective of military history, using three S's as bullet points. This episode focuses on supply.
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Aug 3, 2026

14 min

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the unprovoked and unnecessary act of aggression by the US against Iran from the perspective of military history, using three S's as bullet points. This episode focuses on strategy.
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jul 28, 2026

30 min

In this third of 4 episodes, Mike and Peter continue their discussion on the strange bedfellows Trump has surrounded himself with. This episode focuses on ICE and Stephen Miller's racist motivations, as well as the possibility of ICE being used to police the midterm elections.
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jul 21, 2026

16 min

In this precursor episode to their next Strange Bedfellows installment, Mike and Peter compare Stephen Miller to one of Hitler's most notorious henchmen.  
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jul 16, 2026

26 min

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the life and political career of Lindsey Graham through the strange bedfellows lens.  
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jul 15, 2026

8 min

In this mini-episode, Mike and Peter revisit the meaning of Strange Bedfellows in the context of politics.
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jul 8, 2026

51 min

In this second of 4 episodes, Mike and Peter continue their discussion on the strange bedfellows Trump has surrounded himself with. This episode focuses on the Epstein files and how the lack of full transparency has landed them into the annals of conspiracy theories. 
The Link to The Miami Chronicles: Booby Trap
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s1e1-the-official-story/id1534934131?i=1000495548526
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Jun 29, 2026

30 min

In this first of 4 episodes, Mike and Peter discuss the idiom "Strange Bedfellows" and apply it to Trump's sycophantic cabinet members and other hanger-on advisors. Trump, having made 4 promises to his voters during the 2024 election, assured his supporters on the following issues: (1) He would be a peace president and not start any new wars (2) He would release the Epstein files and expose those who are guilty of pedophilia and other crimes therein (3) He would only deport criminals and cartel/gang members (4) He would fix the economy and lower inflation. This episode focuses on the unnecessary war with Iran.   
Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley.
Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germanic linguistics from UC Berkeley

Michael Fragomeni

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