On the Media

Will Oremus, a tech reporter at The Washington Post, dives into Elon Musk's role in shaping modern media narratives and right-wing politics, highlighting his controversial feuds and influence on public perception. Becca Lewis discusses Silicon Valley's conservative transition and its impact on technology's role in governance. Elyse Graham reveals how scholars and librarians became unlikely spies during WWII, showcasing the power of narrative manipulation in conflict. Together, these insights unravel the complex interplay between tech and politics both historically and today.

Elaina Plott Calabro, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her in-depth profiles, discusses the controversial rise of Kash Patel. She traces his journey from attorney to a prominent figure in the Trump administration. Elaina delves into Patel's transformation and his intense disdain for the media, particularly fueled by his experiences at the Justice Department. The conversation also covers his self-image as both a hero and a victim, and how conspiracy theories, like Italy Gate, shaped his political rhetoric and motivations.

In this discussion, Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and author of "Erasing History," reveals how the current administration rewrites narratives to maintain control and implement authoritarian strategies. He emphasizes the dangers of manipulating historical truths. Meanwhile, Matthew D. Taylor, a scholar on Christian nationalism, examines the power struggles among three Christian factions vying for political influence, including Charismatics and traditional Catholics. Their insights illuminate the intertwining of faith and politics in today's landscape.

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.