On the Media

Former liberal darling turned MAGA leader J.D. Vance's rise from criticizing Trump to becoming a VP pick is dissected. The podcast also explores right-wing Christians who see Trump's survival as a divine anointing, delving into the New Right movement and Silicon Valley's ties to MAGA.

Jake Bittle, staff writer at Grist, discusses the invisibility of extreme heat and the lack of media coverage. They highlight the dangers of heatwaves and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The episode explores the perception of heat as a disaster and the need for preparedness in dealing with extreme heat events.

Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker immigration reporter, discusses Cold War roots of Central American migration to US. Brooke explores Congress' failure to reform immigration. Iyad el-Baghdadi discusses decolonization in Israel-Palestine conflict.

Mike Judge, creator of Beavis and Butthead, discusses the parody show 'In the Know' on Peacock, satirizing public radio. Topics include the rich ground for satire in public radio, the complexity comedy can bring, and insights on creating humorous NPR-style content.

Guest Joseph Thompson, a history professor, discusses the transformation of hillbilly music into country music with US military support. They explore the link between country music and patriotism, debunking jingoistic song myths. Jack Hamilton talks about how 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' became a Confederate anthem.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's controversial luxury gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow are discussed, highlighting his relationships with money and power. The podcast delves into Thomas's past acceptance of expensive gifts and the implications for his jurisprudence. Progressives are seeking hearings on Thomas, but his position on the court may remain unaffected. The episode also explores the evolution of business activities as speech and the correlation between money and politics.

Judd Legum, author of Popular Information, exposes a right-wing outlet spreading false narratives about President Biden. Mark Joseph Stern discusses factual errors in a Supreme Court decision on guns. Allison Orr Larsen highlights the impact of misleading amicus briefs on Supreme Court rulings and proposes reforms for a more transparent process.

Explore the intricate communication of sperm whales with a phonetic alphabet similar to human languages. Learn about the impact of understanding whale communication on conservation efforts. Hear the inspiring tale of a rescued sperm whale calf named Digit. Discover the power of effective communication in conservation movements and the social behavior of sperm whales.

Cory Doctorow discusses the decline of the internet, antitrust practices, and solutions for a better web. They explore privacy laws, interoperability, and the 'right-to-exit.' The episode also touches on industries immune to 'enshittification.'

Explore the tumultuous times at The Washington Post, from financial woes to leadership turmoil. Delve into allegations of unethical behavior, corporate espionage, and questionable journalistic practices. Uncover the uncertainties and challenges facing one of America's iconic newspapers.