Compact Podcast

Katherine Dee joins Geoff Schullenberger to discuss her latest Compact contribution 'Why You're Never Leaving Twitter.' They explore the hierarchy and allure of the blue check on Twitter, the dynamics between TikTok and Twitter, the desire for influence and recognition, how social media platforms imitate Chinese apps, and the changes in Twitter's reputation under Elon Musk's leadership.

Author Sohrab Ahmari discusses his new book 'Tyranny, Inc.' with guests Nina Power and Geoff Shullenberger. Topics range from power asymmetry in employment agreements to the political nature of Trump's prosecution. They also explore Russia's media strategy and delve into the significance of The Exorcist as a film about faith and declining quality of cinema.

Yet another Trump indictment, Miami is in decline and Pee-wee Herman passes. Sohrab Ahmari, Nina Power, and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.

Jon Askonas joins Geoff Schullenberger to discuss his latest Compact contribution "Why Conservatism Failed."

Twitter transitions to X, Barbie and Oppenheimer jumpstart a theater-going revolution, and DeSantis protestors thrive off of meme energy. Sohrab Ahmari, Nina Power, and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.

Chris Rufo joins Geoff Schullenberger to discuss his latest Compact contribution "What Conservatives See in Hungary."

The birth rate is declining in nearly all 50 states, America's blockade against China risks provoking war, and pollution is propelling the boom of gay frogs. Sohrab Ahmari, Nina Power, and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.

NATO welcomes Sweden as a member while Ukraine remains on the fringe and the DeSantis campaign continues to sputter out. The editors discuss the use of identity politics as a smoke screen for establishment figures on both the right and the left as they avoid class divisions and rising populist sentiments. Sohrab Ahmari and Nina Power join Geoff Shullenberger.

The Supreme Court pushes back on the "diversocracy" of Affirmative Action, and COMPACT editor Sohrab Ahmari breaks down his article pushing back against the "solution" of meritocracy. And as riots rage on in France, the editors ponder whether Houellebecq's Submission is more than a work of fiction. Sohrab Ahmari, Nina Power, and Geoff Shullenberger join Matthew Schmitz.

This is Compact's first-ever live podcast at Icarus Fest in Rutherford, NJ. Where does art thrive, what are the consequences of legibility, and can the arts be saved? Matthew Gasda, Valerie Stivers, Adam Lehrer, Emmalea Russo join Geoff Shullenberger.