Panic World

They unpack the killing of Alex Preddy by ICE and the chaotic reporting that followed. They explore how real-time video and social media reshape public outrage and state violence. Practical protest tactics and neighborhood defenses in Minneapolis get attention. They debate narrative control, phone confiscations, and why abolishing ICE is argued as a mainstream demand.

Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative from California known for tech policy and government accountability, leads a call to keep demanding Epstein-related records. He discusses political fallout, bipartisan maneuvers that pushed transparency, survivors’ needs, why files were delayed, and the cultural and media forces shaping the fight for accountability.

Ken Klippenstein, a journalist known for his investigative reporting on U.S. national security, dives into the myth of the 'Antifa super soldier.' He explains why Antifa is more of an ideology than a centralized group. The discussion covers the chilling effects of NSPM-7 on protests, media narratives creating unfounded fears, and the grassroots motivations behind anti-fascism. Ken also shares insights on the misinterpretation of decentralized activism by large agencies and practical safety advice for protesters.

After a tragic incident involving ICE, hosts engage in raw discussions about protests in Minneapolis. They witness first-hand the tension between law enforcement and the community, highlighting the resilience of local activists. The dangers of surveillance and extremist connections in ICE are uncovered. They explore chaotic protest dynamics, from media provocateurs to community solidarity in challenging conditions. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of grassroots organizing in the face of powerful federal machinery.

Chris Plante, co-founder of Polygon and host of the Post Games podcast, dives into the moral panic surrounding video games since their inception. He discusses how societal fears often overlook the positive impacts of gaming. The conversation touches on the parallels between games and historic media scares, as well as the outrageous claims of figures like Jack Thompson connecting games to real-world violence. They explore why blaming games simplifies complex societal issues and emphasize the need for research into gambling mechanics over panic-driven narratives.

Ryan and Grant dive into the quirky world of r/Kitchencels, a subreddit where cooking meets internet absurdity. They explore how this unique space reflects male loneliness and the therapeutic yet often depressing nature of cooking. There’s a lively discussion on the sincerity of posts versus performative loneliness, alongside insights on the evolution of online culture. They also touch on nostalgia for earlier internet eras and how Kitchencels stands apart from more toxic platforms like 4chan.

Journalist Katie Notopoulos, known for her sharp insights into internet culture, joins the crew to dish on 2026's most bizarre online moments. They hilariously dissect a Harry Potter cop mug and a viral post about consuming horse electrolytes. From outrageous fanfiction featuring political figures to quirky erotica involving the Savannah Bananas, the discussion spans the absurd. The group also critiques haunting AI-generated content, all while pondering the weirdness of internet culture and its disheartening shifts this year.

Join June Sternbach, a podcaster and commentator known for her sharp insights into internet culture, and Josh Boerman, an expert on online communities, as they delve into the dark and fascinating world of 'lolcows.' They discuss the troubling intersection of political extremism and online harassment, highlighting the Story of Chris Chan. The guests explore how trolling, doxing, and weaponization of personal narratives have shifted from mere entertainment to powerful political tools. They also caution about the future dangers posed by AI and the need for community support against such exploitation.

Join Garrett Graff, a seasoned journalist and author of several works on security, as he delves into the complexities of Russian interference in the 2016 election. He argues that this interference not only influenced media narratives but also shaped Trump's grievance-driven politics. Graff compares Russia's ongoing impact to Watergate, highlighting how tactics like social engineering and troll accounts stoked division. He explores the long shadow of these events, emphasizing the need for accountability and hope for a transformative political future.

Joining the discussion are Noah, Devin, and Grant from the No Such Thing podcast collective. They dive into wild middle school conspiracies, like the infamous rumor about Ciara and the jenkem panic, revealing how rumors spread without social media. Devin highlights the origins of the jenkem story, while Noah shares insights on the psychological reasons behind celebrity gossip. They also tackle the classic rumor about Marilyn Manson and debunk each myth, showcasing a fascinating look at how and why these stories captivated a generation.