If You're Listening This can't be good for our brains
Sep 22, 2025
Kara Jensen-McKinnon, a supervising producer known for her insightful reporting and analysis, joins the discussion. They dive into the chaotic morning when news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination broke, highlighting the overwhelming rush of graphic content and speculation. The conversation shifts to the historical context of the Zapruder Film, exploring past media secrecy and the legal battles over its release. Finally, they reflect on the cognitive toll of instant access to violent news, questioning the impact of this modern phenomenon on our mental well-being.
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Waking To Violent News
- Matt Bevan woke at 7:10am to a call telling him Charlie Kirk had been assassinated and saw close-range video within minutes.
- He describes seeing graphic murders before breakfast as a distressingly normal part of his life now.
Avoid Phones In Bed
- Kara Jensen-McKinnon notes psychologists advise no phones in bed and no morning news.
- She admits she still scrolls every push notification first thing each morning.
News Used To Arrive Hours Later
- Kara highlights that in 1968 people often learned major news hours later from speeches like Robert F. Kennedy's.
- She contrasts that with today's instant, screen‑centric information flow.
