On the Media

Former tech reporter Sam Harnett discusses how journalists fuel the AI hype, Julia Angwin debunks fantastical AI claims, and Paris Marx reveals how AI leaders manipulate the press to influence regulators and investors.

Economics reporter Jeanna Smialek discusses the 'vibecession' perception versus reality. Economist Gordon Hanson analyzes Biden's tariffs on China. Media hype around AI is debunked, revealing deceptive practices by AI companies and the need for increased scrutiny and regulation.

Explore the divisive topic of immigration with differing viewpoints between Republicans and Democrats. Learn about right-wing media's focus on the perilous Darien Gap in Panama, showcasing thousands of migrants crossing monthly. Discover Michael Yahn's involvement in documenting immigration challenges and the biased narratives portrayed by right-wing influencers in the region.

Host Leon Neyfakh from Fiasco discusses the tumultuous 2000 election between Bush and Gore, focusing on recounts, 'chads,' military ballots, and the intense Brooks Brothers riot. The podcast unravels the chaotic aftermath, including legal maneuvers, protester intimidation, and the Supreme Court's ultimate decision that led to Bush's victory.

President Biden announced new tariffs on imports from China, impacting batteries, steel, and semiconductors. Electric vehicle tariffs will rise from 25% to 100%. Economist Gordon Hanson explains the shift in tariff policies and implications for the American economy. The podcast explores the impact of China's growth, trade wars, and Biden's strategies. It also delves into the challenges and benefits of Biden's plans for green energy and semiconductor manufacturing.

Journalism professor Danielle K. Brown discusses how media coverage of pro-Palestinian campus protests distracts from students' demands. The conversation continues with debunking theories about Bill Gates' funding of activism and reporters' tendencies to draw parallels with past protests, obscuring the uniqueness of current events.

Renowned writer Paul Auster discusses Stephen Crane's impact on literature, exploring his works, rebel nature, and genre blending. The podcast reflects on unemployment during the Great Depression, contrasts journalism with fiction writing styles, and delves into mortality's influence on literature.

Guests Carlos Lozada, Vinson Cunningham, and Curtis Sittenfeld discuss mining political memoirs for truths about politicians, imagining private lives of former presidents, and exploring political figures through fiction. They cover insights from memoirs, complexities of portraying Obama in fiction, and challenges of crafting intimate scenes in novels based on public figures.

Chinese science fiction has become a major export, with 'The Three Body Problem' adaptation on Netflix attracting millions of viewers. The genre's rise was fueled by a 2008 book, surpassing all literary exports from China. Professor Jing Tsu discusses the genre as a soft power tool and its complex relationship with the Chinese government. The podcast delves into the evolution of Chinese science fiction from Western influences to its fusion with Chinese storytelling and socialist ideology, culminating in the success of 'The Three Body Problem'.

Dahlia Lithwick discusses how pundits approach Trump's legal challenges. Kelly McBride explores the push to 'defund NPR'. Alicia Montgomery delves into issues at NPR. The podcast highlights media coverage of Trump's legal battles and the controversy surrounding NPR's funding and editorial decisions.