The Rich Roll Podcast

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

Aug 7, 2023

01:57:59

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Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated writer and cultural critic, discusses the impact of technology, social media, and declining trust in institutions. They touch on diversity in media, responsible media practices, the evolution of the media landscape, and what it means to be black in America. They explore the roots of anger and frustration, the benefits of therapy and plant-based eating, the importance of shifting perspectives for political change, finding meaning in a changing world, and the dangers of misinformation. They also discuss creating healthy digital public spaces, connecting people to nature, and promoting Baratunde's work

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Quick takeaways

Creating a culture of democracy involves investing in relationships, understanding power dynamics, valuing the collective, and practicing democracy in our own households and relationships.

Citizens Assemblies offer a compelling model for meaningful democratic participation, allowing for nuanced discussions and collaborative decision-making.

True community is built on peer-to-peer connections and self-organization, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling individuals to work towards common goals.

Meaningful change and fostering a culture of democracy require simultaneously addressing grassroots efforts and systemic issues, recognizing that change happens on a spectrum.

Deep dives

Promoting a Culture of Democracy

Creating a culture of democracy involves expanding our understanding of practicing democracy beyond voting and shopping. It requires investing in relationships, understanding power dynamics, valuing the collective, and practicing democracy in our own households and relationships. By fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, we can create a culture that embraces diverse perspectives and nurtures democratic values. This grassroots approach can gradually lead to the transformation of systemic issues and the fostering of a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

Baratunde discusses the rapidly changing world of media and technology

02:44

The Need for Faith in Each Other and Facing the Truth

03:08

The Value of Diversity in Various Systems

03:50

The Challenge of Coherence and Relevance in a Changing World

03:32

Introduction

3min

AG1: Simplifying Nutrition

7min

The Impact of Social Media and Erosion of Trust

22min

Exploring Origins of Anger and Frustration

12min

Exploring the Benefits of Therapy, Convenient Plant-Based Eating, and Systemic Change

4min

Shifting Perspectives for Political Change

13min

Finding Meaning and Purpose in a Changing World

17min

The Importance of Truth and the Dangers of Misinformation

4min

Creating Healthy and Thriving Digital Public Spaces

11min

10.

Nature's Role in Connecting People to America and Addressing Climate Change

23min

11.

Promoting the Guest's Work, PBS Video App, and Closing Remarks

3min

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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Rich