Keen On America

Why Podcasts Are Ruining Our Lives: On the Insidious Charm of Chat

Aug 4, 2025
Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large at Tablet magazine and a former podcaster, critiques the podcasting landscape, arguing it has devolved into shallow journalism. He discusses how podcasts create dangerous parasocial relationships, fostering faux intimacy without substance. Leibovitz laments the missed opportunities for meaningful discourse and calls for a revival of authentic conversations. He explores the transformative impact of AI on storytelling and the state of intellectual freedom in academia, urging a return to vibrant exchanges of ideas.
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ANECDOTE

Cat Named After Podcaster

  • A listener named her cat after Liel Leibovitz because he was her favorite podcaster.
  • This strange gesture reveals the powerful faux intimacy podcasts create between hosts and listeners.
INSIGHT

Podcasting's Parasocial Intimacy

  • Podcasts connect with listeners during vulnerable, private moments like doing dishes or walking dogs.
  • This replaces real human interaction with parasocial relationships through performed intimacy.
INSIGHT

Podcasts’ Trust May Mislead

  • Podcasts' perceived intimacy causes audiences to trust them more than other media.
  • This allows podcasts to mislead listeners as they carry undue credibility.
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