Elegy: The Many Myths of JD Vance

A panel of political experts join the final episode of “Elegy: The Many Myths of JD Vance” to talk about the presidential election outcome. Hosted by CityBeat’s Madeline Fening and “Elegy” host Ashley Paul, featuring University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven, Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief David DeWitt and the host of Appodlachia, John Isner. 

Madeline returns to Middletown to interview current residents of Vance’s childhood home, as well as the house Madeline was born in. Driving through her hometown, Madeline finds small surprises at every turn.

Voters could make Vance the first Vice President to come from a childhood impacted by the opioid crisis. Madeline and Ashley examine Vance’s track record addressing this crisis, with help from opiate policy researchers, the harm reduction community and an old friend in recovery.

Madeline and Ashley take a step back from the election grind to chat about the songs that impact their storytelling. Listen to the official pod playlist here.

An unearthed speech given at a secretive conservative retreat gives insight into JD Vance's priorities and connections. CityBeat speaks with ProPublica's Andy Kroll about the billionaires behind the shadowy group, known as The Teneo Network, and its mission to dominate American culture. Madeline and Ashley ponder a nagging question with Congressman Greg Landsman: who are Vance's "people?" Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, Fireside Pizza. Located on East McMillan Street in Walnut Hills. Serving beer, wine, and pies everyday for everyone.

A former Vice News reporter reflects on his time spent with JD Vance in 2016. Madeline asks “Big” John Isner of Appodlachia about Hillbilly Elegy, and we hear from Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. Check out more from Appodlachia here: http://bit.ly/4dPX9CL

Madeline explores the contrasting narrative of her hometown as depicted in Vance’s 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy with her own as a lifelong resident.