On the Media

Samantha Cole, co-founder of 404 Media and former editor at Motherboard, shares her insights on transforming online journalism. She discusses the birth of 404 Media, sparked by the rise of worker-owned outlets. Their commitment to independent and impactful stories sets them apart from mainstream media. Cole dives into pressing issues like digital security vulnerabilities and the ethical concerns around deepfakes. She also highlights the challenges of running a small media outlet in today's landscape, emphasizing the importance of subscriber support in ensuring journalistic integrity.

In this discussion, Daniel Drezner, a Tufts University professor specializing in global politics, critiques media coverage of Trump and the inconsistencies in accountability compared to other candidates. Dan Froomkin from PressWatchers.org highlights how fact-checking can sometimes create confusion in political narratives. Will Sommer from the Washington Post explores Kremlin influence on U.S. conservative media. Lastly, Dan Taberski dives into the mysterious connections between mass psychogenic illness and public perception, unraveling societal impacts.

The hosts dive into the rise of alternative funding models for public media, highlighting the shift to the membership model amidst financial challenges. They candidly discuss the ethical dilemmas of podcast advertising and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity. Personal connections in host-read ads are explored, emphasizing trust in the changing landscape of promotions. Their love for audio gear, including Tivoli radios and Sennheiser microphones, adds a personal touch as they engage with listener feedback and tease future discussions on election coverage.

Carlos Lozada, a New York Times Opinion columnist and co-host of a weekly podcast, dives into the depths of political memoirs to uncover the hidden truths of presidential candidates. He discusses how personal anecdotes and omissions in these narratives offer insights into their true selves. The conversation also explores the discomfort of fictional portrayals of real political figures, with authors like Curtis Sittenfeld analyzing the complexities behind public personas and the impact of identity in politics. Discover how fiction and memoirs intertwine in understanding leadership today.

A recent Apple podcast app update has caused a surprising drop in downloads, affecting creators with significant losses. The discussion highlights Apple's pivotal role in podcasting's rise, from the launch of iTunes to the iPhone. The episode also addresses the interplay between Apple's strategies and the podcast ecosystem, raising concerns about corporate dominance. Finally, it explores the evolution of podcasting, celebrating its diversity while grappling with the challenge of standardization. This mix of history and current challenges makes for an intriguing listen.

Anat Shenker-Osorio, a democratic strategist known for her work with PACs in battleground states, explores the evolving messaging of the Democratic Party. She highlights the appeal of terms like 'joy' and 'freedom' over 'democracy' in recent political discourse. Additionally, she discusses how mockery can diminish powerful opponents. The conversation also delves into the alarming rise of Christian nationalism, its historical roots, and its extensive influence on contemporary American politics, shedding light on how such ideologies challenge democratic values.

Rick Perlstein, a historian renowned for linking past and present political events, delves into the turbulence of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He discusses the intense protests against the Vietnam War and the impact they had on political landscapes. The conversation draws striking parallels between then and today, especially regarding youth activism. Perlstein highlights current protests focused on U.S. foreign policy and the calls for Palestinian liberation, showcasing the enduring spirit of activism that echoes through the decades.

Tricia Romano, an author known for chronicling the early days of alternative journalism, shares insights into The Village Voice's legacy. She discusses its role in shaping journalism and music criticism, including the pressure from Rupert Murdoch and the paper's decline due to Craigslist. The conversation shifts to the troubling rise of AI-generated content, with examples of online publications flooded with low-quality articles, raising concerns about journalism's future. Romano's reflections highlight a pivotal moment in media history.

Dan Taberski, the host and creator of the podcast series Hysterical, dives into the perplexing case of the Leroy High School incident, where a group of girls experienced unexplained medical symptoms. He discusses how media sensationalism can amplify such phenomena and draws parallels to historical events like the controversial Havana Syndrome. The conversation uncovers the complex interplay between belief, diagnosis, and societal stigma surrounding mass psychogenic illness, revealing intriguing insights into our cultural responses to health crises.

Tim Walz, the relatable Governor of Minnesota, discusses his "dad-coded" appeal, shedding light on how narratives shape political personas. Joining him is Charlie Warzel from The Atlantic, who explores the impact of memes and online content on public perception. The conversation also dives into Donald Trump’s engagement with Gen Z influencers like Adin Ross, highlighting the evolving role of social media in politics. Together, they discuss the fascinating intersection of modern journalism and digital influence, revealing new political strategies.