Stephen Wittek, a post-doctoral researcher at McGill University, explores how Elizabethan theatre shaped today’s news culture. He connects the cross-pollination between theatre and journalism, revealing how plays fostered public dialogue across social classes. Anne Svetkovic, a Professor at UT Austin, discusses the emotional dynamics in public discourse, emphasizing the role of feelings in democratic narratives. The conversation dives into the historical roots of fake news, satire's impact on society, and the enduring power of humor and theatre in political discussions.