Steven Asarch

Steven Asarch, an investigative digital culture journalist at Rolling Stone, joins to dissect Mr. Beast's vast influence. They explore how his philanthropic stunts blur the line between generosity and manipulation. Fans show cult-like devotion, eagerly participating in intense challenges for a chance at 'life-changing' rewards. Discussions include the empire’s growth, workplace culture, and controversies surrounding his fundraising campaigns. Asarch raises ethical questions about the spectacle of charity in the creator economy and the power dynamics within his team.

Join internet culture reporters Kat Tenbarge and Steven Asarch as they dive into the controversy surrounding MrBeast’s new theme park, Beast Land, revealing it as a mere marketing ploy. They discuss the shallow aesthetics, MrBeast's idolization of tech moguls, and the troubling age-verification measures being implemented on platforms like Roblox. Kat shares a quirky ASMR story about transforming a fan into a puppet, while they explore the growing impact of digital surveillance on user safety. This light-hearted yet insightful conversation tackles the intersection of entertainment and ethics.