Blood Work podcast - “Crock of Schmitt”

Carl Schmitt was a German jurist, political theorist, and author known for his controversial association with the Nazi regime. He is influential in political thought for his concepts, particularly the idea that the sovereign is "one who decides on the exception" and that politics is defined by the “friend-enemy” distinction. His work was highly critical of liberal democracy and influential in the development of authoritarian political theory, and is for the most part unavoidable when discussing theory around states of exception.

The new Blood Work podcast series, which you can find here and here, takes on Schmitt’s work in their November 19, 2025, episode entitled “Crock of Schmitt.” And they do so with the following caveat: “Come join us, won’t you, for a deep dive into one of the twentieth century’s biggest assholes. Say hello to Carl Schmitt: Jurist, legal scholar, political philosopher… Nazi? Look: We’re only showing you him so you know how to get away from him.”

Be advised there are a few more vulgarities thrown around in the podcast, but we recommend the discussion, which is attached below.