DMZ America Podcast with Ted Rall and Scott Stantis

Why is American editorial cartooning in crisis? Sure, journalism is melting down. But the cartoonists might be guilty too. Joining cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) to discuss is DC-based cartoonist Alexandra Bowman.Alexandra Bowman is a versatile American political cartoonist, illustrator, satirist, journalist, and fine artist based in Washington, D.C. Born in March 2000 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, she graduated early from Georgetown University with a BA and MA in English while double-majoring in Art. Bowman served as editorial political cartoonist for The Hoya (Georgetown’s student newspaper) and has created work for The Lincoln Project, Our Daily Planet, World War Zero (John Kerry’s climate initiative), Voice of America, BBC Books, and the National Wildlife Federation. She is known for live political cartooning at events like the MSNBC Climate Forum and her role as Director of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Her syndicated work appears via Cagle Cartoons. A multi-medium artist skilled in traditional pen-and-ink, digital tools, murals, and fine art painting, Bowman also illustrates children’s books, designs costumes, and hosts The Hilltop Show, a student political comedy series. Her sharp, witty style blends cultural commentary, environmental advocacy, and satire, establishing her as a rising voice in editorial cartooning.Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

Andrew Farago Upskirt Scandal: The curator of the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum was arrested for secretly recording up to 20 people (including children) in his bathroom at a birthday party using a hidden phone. Farago admitted the act in an email as a “tremendous lapse in judgment” and has been fired. Broader Scandals in Cartooning: Discussion of multiple past incidents including Al Capp’s predatory behavior, Darrin Bell’s child pornography charges, Ben Sargent’s indecent exposure arrest, Mike Lester’s domestic violence case, and the Superman artist secretly drawing S&M comics. Why Cartoonists Behave Badly: Exploration of whether the solitary nature of cartooning, arrested development, abusive childhoods, and lack of socialization lead to higher rates of weird or destructive sexual behavior among cartoonists. Separating Art from the Artist: In-depth debate on whether immoral or criminal behavior by creators (Picasso, Woody Allen, Hitler’s paintings, etc.) should affect enjoyment of their work. Hosts largely agreed the art stands alone, especially after death. Forgiveness, Firing & Judgment: Should Farago have been immediately fired before conviction? Discussion of presumption of innocence, redemption, Jean-Paul Sartre vs. Ted Lasso philosophies, and how people are often judged by their worst actions. Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) bring you up-to-date on this bizarre case rocking the American cartooning world.Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

Sarah F. Davidson joins editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) to check in on the Graphic Novels industry. (Ted has authored numerous graphic novels, including My War with Brian, The Stringer and The Year of Loving Dangerously.)Sarah is a graphic novelist, colorist, and Professor of Sequential Art at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Creator of the award-winning Jackson’s Wilder Adventures series (ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children), she specializes in middle-grade comics filled with magic, nostalgia, and feel-good vibes. She has colored for major publishers including Random House, Feiwel & Friends, and Webtoon.Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

Politics is what happens when members of a society identify problems, determine which ones are most pressing, and debate proposed solutions to those priorities. It’s a messy process that, over time, hopefully leads to progress. But what happens when members of society live in completely different realities, in which the major problems that afflict one half of the population doesn’t exist, much less matter, to the other half? Politics don’t happen at all—and there’s no hope for building a better world. That’s where America is today.Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) disagree on quintessential issues like whether God is real, capitalism or communism is better, and whether Gregorian chants are more listenable than the Dead Kennedys. But they’re best friends, so those disagreements come from a place of mutual respect. Check out the conversation that is giving hope to more and more Americans!Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com

Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) disagree on quintessential issues like whether God is real, capitalism or communism is better, and whether Gregorian chants are more listenable than the Dead Kennedys. But they’re best friends, so those disagreements come from a place of mutual respect. Check out the conversation that is giving hope to more and more Americans!Ted and Scott react to the latest political absurdities making headlines this week. They break down fresh cartoon ideas that are already stirring controversy. And they tackle listener questions in today’s polarized landscape.“TK” is journalism jargon for “to come,” when you don’t have the info yet but you want to indicate where it will go. Today, we have no idea what we’ll be talking about, but if you want to chime in, please do, and that will help!Support the showThe DMZ America Podcast is recorded weekly by political cartoonists Ted Rall and Scott Stantis. Twitter/X: @scottstantis and @tedrallWeb: Rall.com