Kurt Andersen, a celebrated writer and former editor of New York Magazine, joins Michael Hirschorn, CEO of Ish Entertainment, to dissect the interplay of reality television and politics. They share amusing anecdotes, including a revelation about a college cocaine dealer turned cabinet member. The duo reflects on the cultural implications of Trump and Musk, while also recommending standout books and shows like 'Wicked' and Kendrick Lamar's latest album. Their insightful banter navigates the blurred lines between performative politics and authentic identities.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Cabinet Pick Anecdote
Kurt Andersen reveals Trump's HHS secretary nominee was his college cocaine dealer.
Andersen and his roommate prank-called the Pope and Kennedys after finding the dealer's address book.
insights INSIGHT
Media's Decline
Michael Hirschorn posits a dangerous convergence of political pressure on journalism and the decline of major media outlets. This follows a trend of suppressing anti-establishment media, starting with Gawker.
insights INSIGHT
Dangerous Appointments
Trump's controversial cabinet appointments, especially Kash Patel to the FBI, threaten the rule of law. Patel's potential for confirmation is high due to a lack of personal scandals.
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This biography by Stacy Schiff offers a comprehensive look at Samuel Adams's life and his significant impact on American history. With masterful storytelling, Schiff delves into Adams's relentless pursuit of liberty and justice, highlighting his enduring legacy in the context of the American Revolution.
True Believers
Kurt Andersen
Heyday
A Novel
Kurt Andersen
Fantasyland
How America Went Haywire
Kurt Andersen
In "Fantasyland" untersucht Kurt Andersen die Geschichte der Vereinigten Staaten und die Rolle von Verschwörungstheorien und extremistischen Ideologien. Er argumentiert, dass die amerikanische Kultur seit ihrer Gründung von einer Tendenz zur Übersteigerung und zum Glauben an fantastische Geschichten geprägt ist. Das Buch beleuchtet die Entwicklung dieser Tendenz von den frühen Puritanern bis zur heutigen Zeit und zeigt, wie sie die amerikanische Politik, Wirtschaft und Kultur beeinflusst hat. Andersen analysiert die Ursachen dieser Tendenz und ihre Folgen für die amerikanische Gesellschaft. Das Buch ist eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit der amerikanischen Identität und ihren Widersprüchen.
Turn of the Century
Turn of the Century
Kurt Andersen
Evil Geniuses
The Unmaking of America: A Recent History
Kurt Andersen
In 'Evil Geniuses', Kurt Andersen chronicles the deliberate reengineering of the American economy and society since the 1960s by a confederacy of the rich, the right, and big business. The book explores how this shift, marked by the rise of neoliberalism and a culture of greed, has led to socially and morally catastrophic inequality. Andersen names key figures and institutions responsible for this change and offers a critical analysis of the current state of American politics and economy, while also suggesting a path forward to reclaim progressive values.
John is joined by writer/editor/producers Kurt Andersen and Michael Hirschorn—longtime friends, former business partners, and intellectual entrepreneurs extraordinaire—to take stock of the Trump Era in our politics and culture. The three old friends discuss the once and future president’s reelection, his cabinet picks (one of whom, Kurt reveals, was his college cocaine dealer), and the ways in which the spread of the logic and reality TV not only explains the Trump phenomenon but that of Elon Musk, RFK Jr, and Luigi Mangione. Kurt and Michael also riff on the books, movies, and TV shows that floated their boats this year, from Wicked and Somebody Somewhere to Kendrick Lamar’s GNX.
Impolitic with John Heilemann 
