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Dad Saves America

Michael Shellenberger: How Our Leaders Lost All Credibility

Aug 29, 2024
In this episode, Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and author known for his critical insights on climate and societal issues, discusses the erosion of trust in elite institutions and its repercussions on American cities, particularly California. He addresses the disconnect between populism and political elites, emphasizing how leadership fails to connect with the public. The conversation also explores the importance of free speech in media, challenges of audience engagement, and parenting approaches, culminating in a reflection on cultural trust and the future of political discourse.
01:57:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The collapse of trust in elite institutions has led to increased public dissatisfaction and resentment towards those in power.
  • Populism has emerged as a response to the disconnect between elites and ordinary citizens, reshaping political dynamics significantly.

Deep dives

Understanding the Role of Elites in Society

The discussion revolves around the concept of elites and their impact on civilization, particularly how those who benefit the most from societal structures often undermine them. The speaker highlights that the general public feels disconnected from elites, leading to dissatisfaction and resentment. While inequalities exist within societies, successful civilizations manage to maintain a level of trust and respect between elites and ordinary citizens. The conversation suggests that as elites fail to deliver on their responsibilities, anger towards them grows, leading to calls for accountability and change.

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