Data journalist Walt Hickey explores how movies and TV shape societal values, influence public perceptions, and impact national anxieties. From the evolution of bank heists in pop culture to the influence of action movies on law enforcement's image, the podcast delves into the hidden tales of the film industry and tax reforms.

Walt Hickey, author of "You Are What You Watch: How Movies and TV Affect Everything," discusses the impact of entertainment on viewers' physical and mental states. Topics include blood coagulation during horror movies, Dalmatian adoptions after "101 Dalmatians," and the importance of celebrating our responses to what we watch.

Journalist Walt Hickey talks about why China hasn’t produced hit movies yet, how he got his own avatar in Madden NFL, the influence of media consumption, the evolution of villains in action movies, the globalization of Hollywood, and analyzing the influence of movies and culture.

Data journalist Walt Hickey discusses the influence of Jurassic Park on his career, exploring the portrayal of mathematicians in media. He shares his experiences in mathematics and journalism, including the challenges of collecting and analyzing cultural data. The chapter also delves into the process of mining information from movies and how countries expand soft power through pop culture. The podcast ends with a discussion about favorite movies and a recommendation for 'Millenium Actress'.

Walt Hickey, Deputy Editor for Data and Analysis at Insider News and author of 'You Are What You Watch,' teams up with Eugenia Lostri, a Fellow in Technology Policy and Law. They delve into how media shapes societal values and personal aspirations. Discussion highlights include the collaboration between Hollywood and institutions like the military and CIA, and how films influence public perception and policy. They also explore the cultural reflections of vampire myths and the role of media in shaping narratives around space exploration.