Empathy and kindness can be noble concepts in themselves, but as terms are thrown around enough to have become buzzwords, and in the process lose some of their meaning and purpose. Audiomakers Sandhya Dirks and Julia Furlan, and academic and podcaster Hannah McGregor, discuss the value and pitfalls of appealing to the emotions. Content note: there are mentions of parental death, cancer in adults and babies, and suicide. There are also a few category B swears. Find out more about this episode and get extra information about the topics therein at theallusionist.org/sentiment, where there's also a transcript. The Allusionist's online home is theallusionist.org. Stay in touch at twitter.com/allusionistshow, facebook.com/allusionistshow and instagram.com/allusionistshow. The Allusionist is produced by me, Helen Zaltzman. The music is by Martin Austwick. Hear Martin’s own songs via palebirdmusic.com.Support the show: http://patreon.com/allusionistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah McGregor, co-host of Material Girls and author of Clever Girl: Jurassic Park, dives into the captivating world of blockbusters. She discusses the nostalgia surrounding iconic films like Jurassic Park and explores how the industry has shifted from star power to intellectual property dominance. The conversation reveals the challenges facing modern cinema amidst a decline in movie attendance and highlights the balance between CGI and practical effects in engaging audiences. From Barbie to Twisters, McGregor sheds light on the evolution and future of blockbuster films.