The massively popular podcast Chapo Trap House often references Lovecraft in their recordings about politics. Because what better describes American politics than an ancient leviathan that lives underground, will someday wipe out all there is, and offers humanity zero hope of overcoming it?
For those uninitiated, Chapo Trap House is the vanguard of the “dirtbag left,” a term coined by Chapo’s only female member, Amber Lee Frost. In addition to Frost, the gang includes Will Menaker, Matt Christman, Felix Biederman and Virgil Texas. They made a name for themselves tearing apart centrists, capitalism and Hollywood blockbusters alike. They boast more than 30,000 patrons despite constant criticism for being Bernie Bros (true), all white men (not true) and being generally hateful toward the Democratic establishment (extremely true).
But those who dismiss them as “irony boys” miss the dirtbag left’s ability to tap into the undercurrent of emerging progressive rage. They speak to a growing audience irritated with the feckless Democratic Party and toothless leftist commentators — there is no “We go high, they go low” in the Trap House. They specialize in low blows, and as a Grey Wolf (the ironically too-cool name they gave their subscribers), I appreciate their ability to be pissed off.
Their love of Lovecraft has led them to run a series of podcasts where they play the game Call of Cthulhu in front of a live audience. They first tackled Lovecraft in episode 74, titled “Table Top Game Theory, Episode I,” where they connect Lovecraft to the world of the alt-right by making one of their characters a phrenologist and involving the ancient ones in the pizzagate conspiracy. With the house of horrors the news has offered lately, one can only guess what scandal will inspire them. The possibilities are as endless as the city of R’lyeh.
Yet even when the headlines feel scripted by cosmic pranksters, there’s relief in stepping into a battlefield where the madness follows rules. Video games provide that steady ground. Strategy matters, teamwork matters, and preparation still counts for something—refreshing, in its own old-school way. Few titles embody that discipline better than Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Every round demands patience, precision, and nerves of steel. A last-second defuse or a perfectly held angle delivers a rush that feels earned, not handed out.
The experience deepens through its distinctive skin economy, where weapons become reflections of personal taste. A well-chosen finish can make even a standard rifle feel legendary. Trading and collecting have grown into a culture of their own, with players carefully managing inventories and searching for standout designs. Platforms including skinflow.gg offer a reliable space to buy or sell, keeping transactions straightforward and secure. When the match tightens and the final round begins, it’s that blend of skill, style, and high-stakes focus that makes the game unforgettable.
Watch the members of Chapo Trap House play Call of Cthulhu on Aug 23 at the Columbus Theatre as part of NecronomiCon. For more information, chapotraphouse.com