The Rich Roll Podcast

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Baratunde Thurston On Social Media Perils, Institutional Distrust & Why Empathy Is The Solution To Our Political Divide

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Aug 7, 2023

Guest

Baratunde Thurston

Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic, dives into the perils of social media and its impact on democracy. He discusses the erosion of trust in institutions and the importance of diverse representation in media. Thurston emphasizes empathy as a solution to political divides and explores the intersection of personal identity and systemic challenges. The conversation highlights the need for grassroots activism and the role of outdoor experiences in bridging divides, all while calling for deeper, authentic connections in a digital age.

01:57:59

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insights

INSIGHT

Media's Role

Media reflects who we are and what we're capable of, but it's giving us a narrow reflection.
Technology amplifies both good and bad voices, with no inherent morality.

insights

INSIGHT

Past vs. Present Media

While seemingly safer, past media muted many voices.
Current media profits from conflict, not good for democracy.

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ANECDOTE

Loving America

Baratunde shares a story about his deceased mother, realizing she wasn't perfect but loves her more now.
He connects this to loving America, saying we must know its flaws to truly love it.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Navigating Identity and Distrust in Modern America

02:20 • 5min

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Navigating Media, Race, and Democracy

07:15 • 24min

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Navigating Pain and Truth

31:17 • 12min

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Breaking Down Personal Struggles and Systemic Challenges

43:06 • 3min

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Grassroots Activism and Democratic Evolution

46:07 • 19min

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Redefining Connection in a Digital Age

01:05:33 • 12min

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Navigating Truth in a Post-Truth World

01:17:15 • 4min

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Rethinking Truth in Social Media

01:21:43 • 11min

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Bridging Divides Through Nature

01:32:40 • 7min

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Balancing Activism and Well-Being

01:39:39 • 16min

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Concluding Thoughts and Future Endeavors

01:55:42 • 3min

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#60

• Mentioned in 147 episodes

Voicing Change

Rich Roll

Voicing Change is a culmination of Rich Roll's eight-year journey of interviewing unique thinkers and visionaries on his acclaimed podcast. The book distills the collective wisdom from these conversations into thoughtful essays and first-person wisdom, focusing on themes of intentional living, life lessons, and enduring inspiration.

#39

• Mentioned in 187 episodes

Finding Ultra

Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Top Ultrarunners

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Finding Ultra recounts Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from an out-of-shape, mid-life couch potato to one of the world’s top ultrarunners. The book chronicles his battle with alcoholism, his transformation into an elite endurance athlete, and his adoption of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes his experiences in the elite Ultraman competition and the EPIC5, five Ironman-distance triathlons completed in less than a week on different Hawaiian islands. The revised and updated edition provides practical tools, practices, and strategies for optimal performance, longevity, and wellness, making it a guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through self-discovery and a healthier lifestyle.

#9427

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

How to Be Black

Baratunde Thurston

How to Be Black is a memoir by Baratunde Thurston that combines humor and serious commentary to explore the complexities of being black in America. The book chronicles Thurston's life from his childhood in Washington, D.C. , raised by an Afrocentric single mother, to his education at Sidwell Friends School and Harvard University. It includes satirical 'lessons' such as 'How to Be the Black Friend' and 'How to Speak for All Black People,' as well as interviews with a diverse panel of black experts. Thurston tackles issues like racial stereotypes, discrimination, and the internal conflicts within the black community, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and cross-racial friendships. The book is designed to educate readers on the realities of black culture and to encourage black people to be themselves without conforming to societal expectations.

#3219

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

The Sum of Us

What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together

Heather McGhee

In 'The Sum of Us,' Heather McGhee explores the pervasive impact of racism on American society, arguing that it is a systemic issue that harms not only people of color but also white people. She documents how policies and practices rooted in racism have led to economic disparities, such as student debt, housing crises, and lack of accessible healthcare. McGhee also introduces the concept of the 'Solidarity Dividend,' which suggests that gains can be achieved when people come together across racial lines. Through personal stories, historical examples, and economic research, McGhee presents a compelling case for why addressing racism is essential for the prosperity of all Americans.

#78

• Mentioned in 132 episodes

The Plantpower Way

Whole Food Plant-Based Recipes and Guidance for the Whole Family

Julie Piatt

Rich Roll

Created by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt, this book shares their experiences and the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes a variety of easy-to-prepare whole food recipes, such as hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners, smoothies, juices, and desserts. The book is not just a recipe collection but a comprehensive guide to long-term wellness, body, mind, and spirit health, and a celebration of a simple and sustainable lifestyle.

Today's podcast guest is Baratunde Thurston—an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic focused on the intersection of tech, democracy, climate change, and race in America.

A generational voice in the media landscape, Baratunde is a former executive at The Onion, a writer for Puck News, the New York Times bestselling author of How To Be Black, and the host of both America Outdoors on PBS, and the podcast How To Citizen.

Today we cover everything from the impact of technology and social media on society to the current perils of our democratic system. We also discuss the need for diversity and representation in media, the importance of community and belonging, nuanced conversation, and responsible media practices. We also address the rapid evolution of our media landscape and our declining trust in institutions across the country, what it means to be black in America, and how we can all become more active and informed citizens.

I’ve been a fan of Baratunde and his work for many years. He is a witty and masterful storyteller and someone I respect for fearlessly confronting difficult problems with actionable solutions, enthusiasm, and consensus building.

This one is powerful.

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