Conspirituality

248: What Side Are You On?

Mar 13, 2025

The podcast dives into the unsettling parallels between contemporary politics and historical fascism. It explores how media has historically grappled with authoritarianism and the evolution of journalistic integrity. The discussion today highlights the role of social media in shaping public opinion and the surge of emotionally charged conservative media. Attention is also given to the ethical dilemmas posed by billionaire ownership in journalism, questioning the future of objective reporting in an increasingly polarized landscape.

01:20:24

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast explores how the evolution of journalism from sensationalism to objective reporting raises vital questions about media responsibility during authoritarian movements.

It highlights the manipulation of conspiracy theories by political figures, particularly surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, to shape public narratives and influence trust in governance.

The discussion addresses the challenges posed by billionaire ownership of media outlets, questioning the impact of affluent proprietors on journalistic integrity and independence.

Deep dives

The Appeal of Prepared Meals

Prepared meal services, such as Factor, offer convenience and nutrition for busy lifestyles. They provide a diverse menu with around 40 options each week, catering to various dietary preferences like calorie smart, keto, and protein-focused meals. For example, the creamy Dijon pork tenderloin is highlighted as a favorite dish, showcasing their emphasis on quality ingredients. Such meal services make it easy for individuals to maintain healthy eating habits without the hassle of cooking.

Intro

1min

Journalism, Power, and Conspiracy

9min

The Influence of Controversy and Journalism's Evolution

6min

The Complex Tapestry of Journalism and Bias

22min

Challenges of Historical Comparisons in Contemporary Politics

4min

The Evolving Influence of Social Media on News Consumption

2min

The Rise of Conservative Media in Social Landscapes

12min

Billionaires, Media Ownership, and Ethical Journalism

22min

Lately a lot of folks (including us) have been doing the fascism comparisons.

The questions we ponder this week: How long it takes for fascism to fully dig its roots in, how varied is the opposition along the way, and what role does the media play?

Show Notes

165: Outrage Machine (w/Tobias Rose-Stockwell)

16 October 1919 | Hitler Archive

Konrad Heiden

Fritz Gerlich, publicist and prophet – how did he resist the Nazis?

Fritz Gerlich

Nazi Germany’s Schriftleitergesetz: The End of Freedom of the Press - Arolsen Archives

The illegal press – Verzetsmuseum

The Liberal Media Always Fails Against Fascism — Robert Evans

Can a news media that doesn’t really oppose fascism ever cover it well?

Against Normalization: The Lesson of the “Munich Post” | Los Angeles Review of Books

The Newspaper Axis: Six Press Barons Who Enabled Hitler