The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 392. This Podcast Will Polarize You – And It Should | Matt Taibbi
In this engaging conversation, Matt Taibbi, an award-winning investigative reporter known for his incisive political commentary, shares insights from his diverse career. He touches on journalism's evolution in the shadow of major global events, including the 2008 financial crisis. They discuss the implications of U.S.-Russia relations and the importance of independent news sources. Taibbi also critiques political norms, examining figures like Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and the troubling dynamics between media and government over free speech.
01:39:30
Uzbek Baseball and Mongolian Basketball
- Matt Taibbi played baseball for the Uzbek national team while trying to be a freelance reporter.
- He later played basketball in the Mongolian Basketball Association after leaving a job in Moscow.
Learning Russian
- Matt Taibbi's love for Russian comic fiction led him to study at Leningrad Polytechnic in the Soviet Union.
- He aimed to read his favorite authors, like Gogol and Bulgakov, in their original language.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict Nuances
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict has a complex history, including US support of questionable elements in Ukraine.
- Americans often misunderstand Russia's historical nervousness about NATO expansion.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
From Journalism to Sports: A Journey Through Challenges
01:32 • 15min
NATO, Russia, and the Legacy of Cold War Tensions
16:14 • 6min
Navigating Regime Change and Diplomacy in Russia
22:11 • 9min
The Disruption of Political Norms in America
31:16 • 5min
Hillary's Challenge: Perception vs. Reality
36:05 • 13min
The Technological Roots of the 2008 Financial Collapse
49:01 • 4min
The Flaws of Mortgage-Backed Securities and Accountability Post-Crisis
53:04 • 22min
Media, Policing, and Political Engagement
01:14:56 • 23min
Exposing Media and Government Collusion on Free Speech
01:37:28 • 4min
#21410
The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby
Tom Wolfe
Published in 1965, 'The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby' is Tom Wolfe's first book, featuring essays that blend fiction techniques with non-fiction storytelling.
The book explores various aspects of American culture, from custom car culture to socialites and art scenes, using Wolfe's characteristic flamboyant and innovative writing style.
#13518
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
I can't breathe
Matt Taibbi
Matt Taibbi's 'I Can't Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street' provides a detailed narrative of Eric Garner's life and death, highlighting the complexities of his personal history and the systemic issues that led to his tragic demise.
The book explores themes of policing, racial disparity, and social justice, offering a critical examination of the events surrounding Garner's death and its broader implications for American society.
#1029
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
Hunter S. Thompson
Published in 1971, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' is a novel written by Hunter S. Thompson, presented as a blend of journalism and fiction.
The story follows journalist Raoul Duke (Thompson's alter ego) and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (based on Oscar Zeta Acosta), as they embark on a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race.
However, their assignment quickly devolves into a chaotic and surreal journey fueled by a variety of recreational drugs.
The novel critiques American society, consumerism, and the failure of the 1960s counterculture, while also exploring the concept of the American Dream.
The narrative is characterized by its blurred lines between reality and fiction, reflecting Thompson's signature Gonzo journalism style.
#1447
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
Manufacturing consent
Edward S. Herman
John Pruden
Noam Chomsky
#7576
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Great Derangement
Climate Change and the Unthinkable
Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh's "The Great Derangement" is a powerful exploration of the relationship between climate change and literature.
Ghosh argues that the dominant narratives of our time have failed to adequately address the climate crisis.
He examines how literature, history, and politics have shaped our understanding of the world and contributed to our current predicament.
The book challenges readers to rethink our relationship with the environment and consider the ethical implications of climate change.
It's a thought-provoking work that blends literary analysis with environmental concerns.
#1377
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
The Master and Margarita
Mikhail Bulgakov
The novel intertwines several narratives, including the story of Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ, and the adventures of the devil Woland and his entourage in Moscow.
The Master, a writer who has been driven to insanity by the rejection of his novel about Pontius Pilate, and his mistress Margarita, who remains loyal and determined to save him, are central characters.
Margarita's journey involves becoming a witch and hosting Woland's midnight ball, where she uses her newfound powers for altruistic ends.
The book is a critique of Soviet society, exposing corruption, moral decay, and the repression of artists and dissidents.
It blends elements of satire, fantasy, and philosophical inquiry, reflecting Bulgakov's personal experiences with censorship and societal pressures.
#2028
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Case for Trump
David Lertham
Victor Davis Hanson
In this book, Victor Davis Hanson presents a case for the presidency of Donald Trump, analyzing his policies, actions, and the context in which he operated.
Hanson, a historian and commentator, argues that Trump's unconventional approach to politics and governance had significant impacts on various aspects of American society and policy.
#15542
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72
Hunter S. Thompson
This book is a detailed and humorous account of the 1972 U.S.
presidential campaign, written in Hunter S. Thompson's signature gonzo style.
It chronicles the Democratic primaries, the rise and fall of various candidates, and the ultimate contest between George McGovern and Richard Nixon.
Thompson's narrative is infused with his characteristic wit, intensity, and emotional engagement, capturing the chaotic essence of American politics during that era.
The book also introduces future political leaders like Gary Hart and Jimmy Carter, and it remains a cornerstone of American political journalism.
#7379
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Hell's Angels
A Strange and Terrible Saga
Hunter S. Thompson
In 'Hell's Angels: A Strange and Terrible Saga', Hunter S. Thompson provides an immersive account of his time with the Hells Angels, detailing their lifestyle and challenging the myths surrounding them.
The book offers a sociological commentary on the media's portrayal of the gang and their place in American culture.
#2293
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test
Tom Wolfe
The book is a firsthand account of the experiences of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, a group of psychedelic enthusiasts who traveled across the United States in a painted school bus called Furthur.
The narrative, written in the New Journalism style, later referred to as Gonzo Journalism, details their use of LSD and other psychedelic drugs, their 'Acid Tests' parties, and interactions with notable figures of the 1960s counterculture, including the Grateful Dead, Hells Angels, and Allen Ginsberg.
The book also explores Kesey's exile to Mexico, his arrests, and his impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
#4680
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Hate Inc.
Why Today’s Media Makes Us Despise One Another
Matt Taibbi
In this book, Matt Taibbi provides an insider's guide to the ways in which today's mainstream media distorts the news.
He argues that the news has become a twisted wing of the entertainment business, where media companies master the art of monetizing anger, paranoia, and distrust.
Taibbi, drawing from his extensive experience covering elections, offers a rich taxonomic survey of American political journalism's dirty tricks and how the media has evolved into a form of entertainment that fosters division and conflict.
#21237
Insane clown president
Dispatches from the 2016 Circus
Matt Taibbi
In this book, Matt Taibbi chronicles the 2016 U.S.
presidential election, particularly the rise of Donald Trump.
The work is a compilation of his reports for Rolling Stone, along with original essays.
Taibbi critiques the media's coverage of Trump, analyzes the societal factors that contributed to Trump's success, and reflects on the broader implications for American politics and society.
The book is known for its vivid observations, sharp writing, and critical analysis of the election process.
#5487
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The Divide
A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and Solutions
Jason Hickel
Jason Hickel's "The Divide" offers a comprehensive analysis of global inequality, exploring its historical roots and contemporary manifestations.
The book dissects the mechanisms of exploitation that perpetuate this inequality, examining the role of colonialism, capitalism, and global trade.
Hickel proposes solutions that challenge conventional economic models, advocating for policies that promote economic justice and sustainability.
He argues for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources, emphasizing the need for systemic change to address the deep-seated inequalities that shape our world.
The book's insightful analysis and practical recommendations make it a valuable resource for understanding and tackling global inequality.
#12647
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Griftopia
Bubble Machines, Vampire Squids, and the Long Con That Is Breaking America
Matt Taibbi
In 'Griftopia', Matt Taibbi delves into the events leading to the 2007–2008 financial crisis, arguing that it was not an accident of the free market but a result of a complex politico-financial process.
Taibbi critiques the role of figures like Alan Greenspan and the influence of Goldman Sachs, describing them as part of a 'grifter class' that manipulates financial and political systems for their benefit.
The book covers topics such as the commodities bubble, the bailout of Wall Street, and the impact of financial speculation on global food prices.
Taibbi's analysis is characterized by his populist fervor and critical view of the financial industry's grip on American politics.
Dr. Jordan B Peterson sits down with author and journalist Matt Taibbi. They discuss his early career both in journalism and professional basketball, his time in the U.S.S.R. learning Russian and publishing a successful gonzo-inspired newspaper, and his breaking coverage of the subprime mortgage bubble. They also examine the state of the world today with Russia and the U.S. military industrial complex, the upcoming presidential election, and the dire necessity for alternative news sources.
Matt Taibbi is an award-winning investigative reporter and one of America’s more recognizable literary voices. In 2002, Taibbi began work as a contributing editor for Rolling Stone. There he won the National Magazine Award for commentary. He is best known for his coverage of four presidential campaigns, of the 2008 financial crisis, and the criminal justice system. He has written ten books, including four New York Times bestsellers: The Great Derangement, Griftopia, The Divide, and Insane Clown President. His book, I Can’t Breathe, about the police killing of Eric Garner, was named one of the year’s ten best books by the Washington Post. His latest book about media division, Hate Inc., has been hailed by everyone from Joe Rogan to Publishers Weekly, and called “The best explanation of media behavior since Manufacturing Consent” by Glenn Greenwald.
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