The Rich Roll Podcast

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

Aug 7, 2023

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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Baratunde Thurston

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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

Intro

2min

Navigating Identity and Distrust in Modern America

5min

Navigating Media, Race, and Democracy

24min

Navigating Pain and Truth

12min

Breaking Down Personal Struggles and Systemic Challenges

3min

Grassroots Activism and Democratic Evolution

19min

Redefining Connection in a Digital Age

12min

Navigating Truth in a Post-Truth World

4min

Rethinking Truth in Social Media

11min

10.

Bridging Divides Through Nature

7min

11.

Balancing Activism and Well-Being

16min

12.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Endeavors

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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