War Without Coffins

War Without Coffins

Author: Andrew Heaton April 15, 2026 Duration: 44:55

Why now? Why did the United States go to war with Iran this year, as opposed to last year, or ten years ago? Michael Tint is a data scientist and aerospace expert, and is here to talk about the Iran War–and why it's a different sort of conflict.


Finding a sensible conversation about politics that doesn't devolve into partisan shouting can feel like a lonely endeavor. That's the space The Political Orphanage occupies, hosted by comedian and self-described independent Andrew Heaton. This isn't a debate show; it's a series of long-form discussions where curiosity replaces contempt. Each episode, Heaton sits down with authors, policy experts, and various thought leaders to unpack complex ideas without the usual animosity. The goal is to explore the substance behind the headlines-the "big thinky stuff," as he puts it-while remembering that the absurdity of the political world is often best met with a laugh. You'll hear genuine conversations that delve into policy nuances, historical context, and the philosophies shaping our world, all filtered through a lens of wit and a distinct lack of bile. The result is a podcast that feels like a respite from the noise, a place for the politically curious who don't find a comfortable home in the entrenched camps of left and right. It’s news, comedy, and politics blended into something uniquely engaging, proving that serious topics don't require a solemn tone. Tune in for the kind of thoughtful, humorous dialogue that reminds you why these discussions matter in the first place.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Political Orphanage
Podcast Episodes
The Ethics of Performing for Dictators [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:22
Can comedians ethically perform standup for a despotic regime without endorsing it? Recently the Riyadh Comedy Festival invited furor when some comics schlepped to Saudi Arabia to perform–at great expense–while others de…
(Sneak Peak) From Branding to the Electric Chair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Okay, so what constitutes "cruel and unusual"? Why was it okay to brand horse thieves in the face in old timey days, but it's barbaric now? In the final installment of this year's Judge Week, we go over the history of cr…
How Texas Blocked Pornhub [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:18
Pornhub ceased operating in the Lone Star State after Texas implemented an age verification law. Pornhub, and other adult websites, said the compliance was too onerous, and the potential fines too staggering. In response…
The Fight Over Gay Characters in Public Schools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:25
In Mahmoud v. Taylor the Supreme Court affirmed parents rights to remove their children from LGBTQ material used in public schools. The Court ruled that opt-outs preserve separation of church and state, and protect paren…
Rogue Judges and Birthright Citizenship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:52
In Trump v. Casa the Supreme Court ruled that district judges cannot issue "universal injunctions" against the federal government… Well, what the hell does that mean? The ruling comes in regard to Trump's executive order…
Katie Herzog Gives Me Advice On My Drinking Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:26
I think I probably drink too much, and I ought to curb that before I wrinkle prematurely. Fortunately, there is Katie Herzog. You may know her as the host of the Blocked & Reported podcast, but she is also the author of…
Daryl Davis Attends Klan Rallies (Rebroadcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:50
Daryl Davis is an African American musician responsible for de-radicalizing over 200 Klansmen and Neo-Nazis in his attempts to understand racism. He joins Heaton to talk about his experience, contact science, and the bes…
Why Europe is Poorer than America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:20
Europe's GDP and purchasing power lag behind that of the United States. Why? Sam Bowman is the Editor of Works in Progress at Stripe, and the former Executive Director of the Adam Smith Institute. He recently wrote an ar…
Does Liberalism Eat Itself? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:02
Liberalism was once thought to be triumphant and inevitable, but at the moment it's losing ground across the globe. Cass Sunstein joins to discuss what liberalism is, why it's good, and some of the in-family debates. LIN…
Charlie Kirk and the Heinous "Other" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:49
Well, how do we respond after assassinations and political tragedies? Let's talk about it. Ugh. Link: Assassins Part II: A Loser Kills Garfield https://www.patreon.com/posts/130642450