On the Media

Explore the emotional fallout faced by Tasha Adams, the ex-wife of Oath Keepers founder Stuart Rhodes, after his conviction for seditious conspiracy. She reflects on her tumultuous marriage and the broader societal impacts of his actions. Delve into the origins of extremist groups and their recruitment during societal shifts. Hear personal stories of individuals grappling with healing and justice in the wake of political turmoil, revealing complex dynamics in both personal relationships and community conflicts.

In this conversation, Vittoria Elliott of WIRED shares her insights on how tech moguls like Elon Musk are reshaping federal agencies, revealing exclusive scoops on his controversial government maneuvers. Ryan J. Reilly discusses the Justice Department’s turbulent landscape post-January 6. Representative Don Beyer and Ezra Levin examine the Democrats' struggle for effective strategies in a hostile political climate, emphasizing the need for stronger communication and activism. Together, they dissect the intricate dance of power, ethics, and the future of governance.

Bojan Pancevski, the Chief European political correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, delves into Elon Musk’s growing influence on European politics. They explore Musk's controversial admiration for far-right leaders like Italy’s Giorgia Meloni while discussing his active engagement with Germany’s AFD party. The conversation highlights the media's backlash and historical sensitivities surrounding Musk's political maneuvers. Pancevski also sheds light on the rise of a new political influencer in Germany, reshaping the far-right landscape.

Dahlia Lithwick, a senior editor at Slate and host of Amicus, discusses the legal complexities of Donald Trump's executive orders and their clash with existing laws. Ed Zitron, host of Better Offline, dives into how the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot, threatens to deflate America’s AI bubble. They analyze the overhyping of AI by tech moguls and the gap between public expectations versus actual capabilities of generative AI. The duo calls attention to the industry’s unsustainable trends and the possible ramifications of a bubble burst in tech.

Ed Zitron, host of the Better Offline podcast and writer of the insightful newsletter "Where's Your Ed At?", dives into the competitive AI landscape with Brooke Gladstone. They discuss how China's DeepSeek R model has emerged as a formidable player, produced at a fraction of the cost and time of U.S. counterparts. Zitron critiques OpenAI's financial struggles despite high revenues and highlights the industry's obsession with trends like the metaverse, questioning the sustainability of current tech models and the risks posed by monopolistic practices.

Oliver Darcy, a former CNN media reporter and author of the newsletter Status, discusses how major media outlets are adjusting their coverage of Trump's chaotic return to the Oval Office. He highlights the decline in aggressive journalism and the chilling effects on press freedom. Chris Lehmann, D.C. Bureau Chief for The Nation, draws parallels between Trump and his idol, President McKinley, exploring their shared economic policies and the populist rhetoric that masks elite interests. Together, they dissect how history informs our understanding of today's political landscape.

Elyse Graham, historian and professor at Stony Brook University, discusses her book 'Book and Dagger', revealing the surprising role of scholars and librarians as spies during World War II. She highlights their integral contributions to wartime narratives, likening information battles to physical fights. The conversation dives into the OSS's unconventional recruitment, the essential role of cartographers, and how ‘whispering’ propaganda shaped perceptions. Graham underscores storytelling's power in both history and politics, making for a captivating exploration of espionage.

In this discussion, legal expert David Cole dives into the Supreme Court's ruling on TikTok, debating free speech versus national security. He raises concerns about media implications and user migrations to alternative platforms. Meanwhile, author Rebecca Solnit reflects on the L.A. wildfires, revealing how disasters shape community responses and challenge misinformation. Their insights explore the intersection of technology, culture, and collective memory in the face of societal challenges.

The podcast dives into the tumultuous relationship between the White House and the press, especially through the lens of the Trump administration. It explores the evolution of media access, highlighting the vital role women played in pushing for transparency. Historical contrasts between different presidents reveal changing strategies in media engagement. The show also discusses the origins of the White House briefing room and raises questions about potential future shifts in access for media outlets friendly to Trump.

Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation and critic of public broadcasting funding, dives into the ongoing threats to NPR and PBS. He discusses historical struggles and political tensions surrounding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The conversation highlights the essential role of public radio in times of crisis, showcasing how these stations keep local governments accountable and provide lifesaving information. Gonzalez also addresses the complex debate over CPB funding, considering public support despite claims of bias.