Man Scream
Season 3. Episode 3: Man Scream. And here’s the story we wanted to figure out for history: In January of 2004, Howard Dean gave an impassioned speech to his supporters following a disappointing finish in the Iowa caucuses. That speech was punctuated by an unusually shrill call to arms that was quickly dubbed “The Dean Scream.” Within weeks, Howard Dean’s once promising presidential campaign was over. Now, nearly 20 years later, it's time to ask: What was the big deal? And moreover, are we sure it was even a scream?
Join hosts Matty & Kevin as they attempt to define the anatomy of a scream based on five criteria: Anger, Distress, Frequency, Duration and Roughness. Using these criteria, they travel through the mouth, into the throat and deep into the interior of Vermont's beloved former governor. From there, however, the duo wonder: When is it acceptable for men to scream? And why? Why are Steven Tyler and John Lennon beloved for their screams? Why is it hysterical when Jim Carrey and Anthony Michael Hall scream on film? What happens when an NFL quarterback celebrates in a shrill tone? Is he still embraced in the huddle? Is the rare audio of Tom Brady screaming in elation authentic or is it Belichick propaganda?
As always, Matty & Kevin go deep. Too deep, in fact. And, when they get in over their heads, they are joined by Harvard professor, Nicco Mele, an expert in the intersection of politics, media and technology. Nicco, who had a senior technology role in the 2004 Dean campaign, takes us back to the days and weeks before the Iowa caucuses. He deconstructs the milieu and, somewhat reluctantly revisits the sound itself. In that noise, Nicco, Matty and Kevin all agree that Dean's sound exists in some uncanny valley and might be more accurately described as a "yelp" or "shriek." They agree that Dean was perhaps just not a competent screamer and had Brian Johnson from AC/DC or Joe Cocker lent him their voices, he would likely have been the Democratic candidate for President.
Special thanks to Nicco Mele, who has a great politics Substack here. And thanks to Quincy, Matt, Gabe and the Blue Duck Media team for their production support.