Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"It is just, it is absolutely. I'm going to go ahead and use the trademark term redonculus. It really is my friend." — Henry Zebrowski
"The downfall of Anchorage mayor, Ethan Berkowitz. Oh. This comes from reporters, Jeff Landfield, with Pax and Wilbur." — Ben Kissel
"He was either going to turn himself in, kill himself, or do what he needed to do. I will personally kill you and Mara Kimmel. I don't even hate you. I will pray for your kindness. Fucking ass. You piece of shit loser." — Maria Athens (Voicemail recording)
The episode delves into a rapidly unfolding scandal in Anchorage, Alaska, that led to the resignation of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. The situation began with a reporter, Maria Athens, making accusations against the mayor, which quickly escalated with the release of a photograph. Athens was subsequently arrested for assaulting her boss, who was also her boyfriend, and attacking a police officer.
The narrative then introduces Molly Blakely, a woman who sells boozed-infused cookies, and her daughter, Redhead Ray, who worked as an escort. Blakely, claiming her daughter had a positive experience with a "short man who worked for the state," seemingly identified this man as Mayor Berkowitz. This accusation, amplified by Athens' previous claims and subsequent actions, created a complex web of allegations. Further complicating matters, Blakely is revealed to be the half-sister of Andy Criner, who had previously defied the mayor's COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining, suggesting a potential motive rooted in familial and political opposition.
The scandal reached its peak when the Mayor's office released a statement acknowledging a consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens several years prior, leading to his resignation. The episode also touches upon other listener-submitted stories, including a man smuggling gold nuggets in his rectum to avoid taxes in Dubai, and experiences with sleep paralysis and hauntings.