Drew Harwell, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, discusses the striking trend of political figures emulating social media influencers for cabinet roles, dubbed ‘influencer creep.’ He highlights the implications of this culture on politics, including the commodification of fame in governance. The conversation also dives into Claudine Gay's tumultuous presidency at Harvard, marking a clash over cultural wars, free speech, and expectations of diversity, revealing how social media amplified campus tensions amid ongoing protests.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter for the Washington Post, dives into the contentious world of age verification technology. He discusses how these systems raise critical concerns around freedom of speech and privacy, particularly for vulnerable groups. Harwell highlights the disparities in age estimation algorithms and the potential censorship of important topics, especially for LGBTQ youth. The conversation critically examines the impact of legislative measures on digital spaces, urging for a delicate balance between child safety and civil liberties.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter focused on data privacy, dives into the troubling lawsuit against TikTok for violating child data protections. He outlines the serious implications of how the app handles children’s personal information under COPPA. The conversation expands to discuss the broader issues of data collection across various platforms, revealing how apps often share this data with law enforcement and governments. Additionally, listeners are treated to a heartwarming look at Australian sea lions showcasing their unique foraging behaviors.

Tech reporter Drew Harwell from The Washington Post dives into the intriguing rise of influencers in politics, spotlighting figures like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz. He discusses the blurred lines between public service and commercialism, especially in the wake of the Trump era. The conversation also tackles ethical concerns around influencer marketing and the complexities of federal endorsements. With the digital age reshaping political branding, Harwell questions what this means for genuine engagement from elected officials in an increasingly commercial landscape.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the rise of influencer culture in politics, highlighting figures like Trump and RFK Jr. He explores how social media reshapes political dynamics and the blurred lines between authenticity and marketing. The conversation dives into controversies surrounding endorsements and potential conflicts of interest in political ambitions, such as those involving Dr. Oz. Harwell raises concerns about transparency in sponsored content and the implications for public trust in governance.

Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the powerful influence of social media on the election landscape. Risa Venturia, a fact-checker, sheds light on the challenges of misinformation, especially for Gen Z voters. Grace Goh shares firsthand insights from young voters about issues that matter most to them. They explore the contrasting strategies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the role of TikTok in engaging youth, and the importance of critical thinking to navigate the current media chaos.

Tech reporter Drew Harwell from the Washington Post discusses the proliferation of conspiracy theories after significant events, the role of social media in politics, and how powerful individuals amplify false narratives. The influence of conspiracy theories in modern media and challenges in navigating a landscape where misinformation spreads online.

Drew Harwell from Washington Post discusses the rise of conspiracy theories post-assassination attempt on Trump. They explore the challenges of moderating content on social media, the influence of powerful figures like Elon Musk and Roger Stone in spreading misinformation, and the impact of conspiracy theories on the current election.

A discussion about how MrBeast's media empire, with over 300 million YouTube subscribers, is based in Greenville, NC. They talk about his business ventures, impact on the local economy, and the influence of a big-time influencer in a small town.

Democratic strategist James Carville talks about expanding the Democratic majority in 2024. Greg Walters discusses Trump's lawyer choice. Drew Harwell talks about Elon Musk throttling mainstream media outlets.