Panic World

Journalist and political analyst Ricardo Avelar dives deep into the polarizing legacy of Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's internet-savvy president who blends club culture with authoritarianism. He examines how Bukele's embrace of Bitcoin and social media reshaped political engagement while fueling a dictatorship. Avelar highlights the dire consequences of Bukele's tactics against gang violence and protests, revealing a complex landscape of repression and public sentiment. He offers a candid look at the harsh realities of El Salvador's prison system and political climate.

Akilah Hughes, a writer, comedian, and the host of Rebel Spirit, dives deep into the complex relationship between Kanye West and American culture. She explores how Kanye's tumultuous journey often reflects societal issues, touching on fame, mental health, and the impact of technology on artistry. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into how public perception shapes artists and addresses the broader implications of celebrity voices in our media-saturated world. Can we both rise from our chaotic pasts? Hughes offers thought-provoking perspectives on hope amidst disillusionment.

Ryan and Grant dive into the world of AI therapy, sharing humorous experiences and insights from their interactions with ChatGPT. They discuss the ethical concerns of technology in mental health care, highlighting its pros and cons. Vulnerability in human therapy contrasts with AI’s insights, sparking debates about emotional connections. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges of relying on algorithms for emotional support, while cautioning against potential mental health risks. Join in for a blend of laughter and serious reflection on our evolving relationship with AI.

Charlie Warzel, a writer for The Atlantic and Substack's Galaxy Brain, joins for a thought-provoking chat about the evolving dynamics of Trump's support base. He discusses the unsettling state of American democracy and the cracks appearing in voter loyalty due to recent policies. The conversation touches on the financial investor mindset behind political support, the toxic influence of media figures, and the chaotic nature of modern political discourse. Along the way, they humorously reflect on societal issues and the absurdity of current narratives.

In the past decade, true crime has gone from a niche and somewhat disparaged genre to one of entertainment’s most prolific. What is it about true crime that’s made it become such a huge part of popular culture? Through the lens of the mysterious disappearance (and reappearance) of Hannah Kobayashi, journalist Jennifer Swann joins us to talk about how missing persons’ cases take on lives on their own online.Our guest Jennifer Swann is a journalist and producer. She has a newsletter, Self Storage, https://jennswann.substack.com/ and produces the investigative true crime podcast My Friend Daisy, which you can find anywhere you listen to podcasts.Listen to the extended conversation on Panic World's Patreon — and enjoy ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord — for just five bucks a month at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld.SponsorsWant to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude, hit them up here: ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠.Credits- Host: Ryan Broderick- Producer: Grant Irving- Engineer: Rebecca Seidel- Researcher: Adam Bumas- Business Manager: Josh FjelstadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we’re telling a story of human ingenuity. Except, in a dumb way. It’s one of the craziest things that has happened in a long time — which is really saying something — when some bro on 4chan ended up in a Taliban prison. Arturo Castro joins us to talk about a British guy named Miles Rutledge.Our guest Arturo Castro is an actor and currently hosts Greatest Escapes, a podcast where Arturo is joined by friends to learn the stories behind other "great escapes" like today's episode. Check out Greatest Escapes here or wherever you listen to them!Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for just five bucks a month at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld.SponsorsWant to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude, hit them up here: ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠.Credits- Host: Ryan Broderick- Producer: Grant Irving- Engineer: Rebecca Seidel- Researcher: Adam Bumas- Business Manager: Josh FjelstadSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Netflix show sparks discussions about the masculinity crisis, revealing how online influences shape youth today. Parents grapple with fears of radicalization and bullying, spotlighting figures like Andrew Tate. The conversation dives into the clash between UK and US regulations on social media for kids, emphasizing child safety. Cultural reflections on fashion and self-expression highlight boys' struggles with identity and mental health. Overall, the urgent need for media literacy and proactive parenting emerges as a key theme in navigating modern challenges.

Tianyu Fang, a Technology and Democracy Fellow at New America, dives deep into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China internet relations. He explores how Chinese innovations in technology, like Alipay and Douyin, challenge the perception of American dominance. The discussion highlights censorship practices in both countries and how memes serve as a form of resistance. Fang vividly contrasts the evolving digital landscapes, illustrating the cultural nuances that shape online experiences and public perception in both nations.

In a thought-provoking discussion, the hosts tackle a friend's father's descent into Holocaust denial, exploring the emotional toll on family dynamics. They delve into the unsettling relationship between misinformation and historical revisionism, especially among Boomers. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they share absurd beliefs held by family members, highlighting the universal struggle of confronting misinformation. They also propose new strategies for combating extremism, emphasizing the need for digital literacy and emotional understanding.

Join Kat Tenbarge, an insightful independent journalist and creator of Spitfire News, as she dissects the current landscape of the #MeToo movement. They explore Hollywood's response to the movement's rise and fall, focusing on the conflicting narratives surrounding the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. Kat emphasizes the role of social media in shaping public opinion and how crisis PR tactics can undermine social movements. The conversation reveals the complexities of navigating celebrity culture and its impact on genuine social change.