

Episode 399: We'll Always Have Paris
Aug 15, 2024
Jules Boykoff, an expert on Olympic security and politics, shares his insights from Paris. The discussion dives into the complex political dynamics surrounding the Olympics, including the repression of dissent and the impact on local communities. Health risks related to the Seine River ahead of the triathlon raise serious concerns about athlete safety. The critique of the Paris Games highlights government arrogance and the commercialization of the event, while touching on challenges Los Angeles will face in 2028. A humorous banter about absurd sports adds a lighthearted twist.
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Hot Dog Contest Cheating Scandal
- Brace hosted a hot dog eating contest in Philadelphia where contestants ate up to nine hot dogs in 10 minutes.
- He uncovered a scandal where a contestant hid hot dogs in his pocket to cheat, causing controversy.
Olympics Boost Security Powers
- Olympic host cities ramp up state surveillance and security measures extensively before and during the games.
- These expanded security efforts typically remain post-games, intensifying racialized policing.
Surveillance Tech's False Promise
- New AI surveillance tools tested at Olympics often perform poorly but are eagerly adopted.
- This leads to public money enriching private security companies despite immature technology.