Liz Flock, a reporter known for her investigation into the A Gay Girl in Damascus hoax, joins producer Dana Chivvis to discuss the strange world of online deception. M. Gessen, an author and journalist, sheds light on 'bully lies' in politics, while Ike Sriskandarajah humorously defends the case for lying in certain contexts. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes and the bizarre motivations behind unnecessary lies, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of truth in our increasingly digital lives.

M. Gessen, a New York Times Opinion writer who witnessed Russia’s drift into autocracy under Putin, discusses alarming parallels with the U.S. political landscape. They highlight outrageous proposals from Trump that reshape democratic boundaries and suggest how trivial conversations overshadow vital issues. Gessen explores voter discontent as a catalyst for supporting disruption of a neglected system and warns of the subtle shift toward authoritarianism driven by executive overreach. Insightful, chilling, and thought-provoking.

M. Gessen, an opinion columnist for The New York Times and author of "Surviving Autocracy," offers insightful advice on navigating authoritarian regimes. They discuss the fallacies surrounding voter behavior and the crucial lessons from Viktor Orbán's tactics that could be influential in future U.S. politics. The conversation also highlights the power of modern podcasters, including Joe Rogan, in shaping political opinions and the importance of community engagement in preserving democracy amidst rising disillusionment.

M. Gessen, an Opinion columnist, shares critical insights on the recent vice-presidential debate, expressing concerns about the normalization of Trump’s brand of politics. They argue that equating political opponents diminishes our understanding of democracy. The conversation touches on the dangers of misinformation in debates, challenges faced by journalists in accurately reporting dishonesty, and how misleading narratives can deepen political divides. Gessen's analysis provides a thought-provoking critique of contemporary political discourse.

M. Gessen, a Moscow-born journalist and New York Times opinion columnist, dives deep into the shifting tides of U.S. policy amid the Ukraine war. They discuss Trump's curious alignment with Putin, revealing how it reshapes support for Volodymyr Zelensky and impacts Europe. Gessen also examines Putin's imperial ambitions rooted in historical accords and the urgent need for a robust European defense strategy. The conversation highlights the perilous stakes of right-wing populism and the complex dynamics of contemporary geopolitics.