Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Normalizing catastrophes and catastrophizing normalcy (with Mike Pesca)

Aug 9, 2023

In this engaging conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and an experienced journalist, critiques the media's tendency to sensationalize ordinary events, a phenomenon known as catastrophizing. He discusses the dangers of paltering in journalism, questioning whether real objectivity is achievable or if reporters should focus on driving social change. With insights on environmental advocacy and the complexities of cancel culture, Pesca highlights the impact of media narratives on public perceptions and fears about societal threats.

01:26:45

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Episode guests

Mike Pesca

Highlights

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Episode notes

Paltoring: Cherry-picking facts to manipulate conclusions

00:45

The Influence of Cases Like Yours on Journalism and Opinion Expression

00:46

The Definition of a Civil War and Media Bias

00:44

Harms of Journalists Spreading Fearful Narratives

00:56

Intro

2min

Media Bias and Paltering in Journalism

19min

Navigating Objectivity and Fairness in Journalism

4min

Nuclear Realities: Examining Environmental Advocacy

3min

Navigating Media Narratives and Societal Fears

27min

Navigating Powerlessness in a Complex Society

3min

Navigating Controversy in Media

8min

Navigating Cancel Culture in Media

20min

The Power of Self-Belief in Personal Growth

2min

Read the full transcript here.

Besides the need to attract attention, what are some other drivers behind the news media's tendency to "catastrophize the normal"? To what extent does paltering take place on the politically left and right ends of the new media spectrum? Should journalists try to be as objective and unbiased as possible, or should they strive to make a difference in the world by highlighting particular issues that are important to them? Is the US on the verge of a civil war? Are prophecies of civil war self-fulfilling? Is it (and should it be) okay to reference certain taboo phrases by saying them explicitly? To what extent do journalists pull their punches because they fear angering the wrong crowd?

Mike Pesca is host of The Gist, the longest running daily news podcast in history, consistently ranked in Apple's Top 20 Daily News charts. During his 10 years as a correspondent for NPR, Mike guest hosted All Things Considered and the news quiz Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. His work has been featured on This American Life, Radiolab, and Planet Money. He has frequently appeared on MSNBC, CNN, and The PBS Newshour, and written for The Washington Post, The Guardian, GQ, Slate, and Baseball Prospectus. Listen to Mike on The Gist, or follow him on Twitter at @pescami.

Staff

Spencer Greenberg — Host / Director
Josh Castle — Producer
Ryan Kessler — Audio Engineer
Uri Bram — Factotum
WeAmplify — Transcriptionists
Miles Kestran — Marketing

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