How to Survive the Broligarchy Podcast (private feed for stefanpeto@me.com)

How to Survive the Broligarchy

Feb 23, 2025

Mark Little, a journalist turned media and tech entrepreneur known for his work with Storyful, delves into the challenges of navigating a new political landscape marked by disinformation. He discusses the impact of the 'broligarchy' on democracy, emphasizing the need for innovative journalism that prioritizes public interest. Together with Claire Wardle, they explore the precarious state of news media, advocate for grassroots information sharing, and highlight the importance of collective action in resisting authoritarian shifts. Buckle in for a thought-provoking conversation!

34:18

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Episode guests

Mark Little

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The convergence of political power and Silicon Valley influence, termed 'broligarchy', poses significant risks to democratic values and governance.

Engaging in local conversations about political issues is essential for creating informed communities and reclaiming agency in today’s media landscape.

Deep dives

The Context of the Broligarchy

The conversation highlights the unique convergence of political power and Silicon Valley influence in current governance, coining the term 'broligarchy' to describe this new dynamic. The term reflects a merger between authoritarian impulses and technological advances, where traditional government authority is intertwined with corporate interests. This raises concerns about the potential risks posed to democratic values, as powerful tech figures align with political entities for mutual benefit. The discourse emphasizes the necessity of understanding this blend of power to effectively navigate and respond to emerging threats to democracy.

Intro

4min

The Rise of the Broligarchy: Political Shifts and Global Implications

5min

Media's Role in Democracy

20min

Navigating Academic Freedom and Local Conversations

1min

Navigating Dissonance and Collective Action in Troubling Times

4min

This is the first pilot episode of a new podcast, How to Survive the Broligarchy, a handbook for the age of technoauthoritarianism and a manifesto for how to fight back. It's named after a viral column that I - Carole Cadwalladr - wrote after Trump’s re-election in November 2024, and pretty much everything it predicted how now come to pass.

This week represents a hinge of history. Everything has changed. America and Russia are now allies. Ukraine has been thrown to the dogs. Europe’s security hangs in the balance. On the one hand, there’s nothing any of us can do. On the other, we have to do something. So, here’s what I’m doing. I’m starting a conversation. I’ve recorded the first one - a scrappy pilot - a podcast I’ve called How to Survive the Broligarchy and I’ve re-named the newsletter too. This first conversation with disinformation professor Claire Wardle and journalist turned media and tech entrepreneur Mark Little and words of wisdom from tech investor and high-profile critic, Roger McNamee, is about how we need a new, open and transparent process-driven journalism to deal with the dangerous new world we’re in.

This is a reader and listener-supported experiment. I want to hear your feedback, please do visit and leave a comment at www.broligarchy.substack.com.

Transcript available here: https://otter.ai/u/yMK4ADqKLnsk63c98ZXBA-n2EFY?utm_source=copy_url

Get full access to How to Survive the Broligarchy at broligarchy.substack.com/subscribe