Time To Say Goodbye

Ryan Mac, a New York Times reporter and co-author of "Character Limits: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," shares his insights on Elon Musk's tumultuous takeover of Twitter. He discusses Musk's management style and the resulting impact on company culture and political discourse. The conversation delves into the societal implications of Musk's immense wealth and influence, especially regarding democracy. Mac also humorously addresses the controversial rebranding of Twitter to X, revealing how these changes affect public perception.

Karen Hao, a journalist for The Atlantic and an expert on AI's socio-political impacts, joins to discuss the revolutionary Chinese AI model DeepSeek. This model's launch has sparked significant market turmoil, including major losses for NVIDIA. They explore the astronomical $500 billion Project Stargate and the ensuing rivalries between tech giants like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas and public perceptions surrounding AI, alongside humorous insights on Tesla's Cybertruck culture.

The discussion dives into Biden's controversial pardons and the criticism surrounding them, exploring their effects on the Democratic Party's reputation. Trump's engaging yet sleepy speech is analyzed, alongside the eerie silence from the left. The impact of social media on political discourse is scrutinized, especially in light of prominent figures like Trump and Musk. Voter dissatisfaction is evident, sparking conversations about the potential for outsiders to shake up the political landscape. Historical reflections provide a humorous yet thoughtful endnote.

Maya Vinokour, an Assistant Professor of Russian Studies at NYU, dives into the curious intersection of wellness culture and right-wing politics. She unpacks the concept of 'lifestyle fascism' and how everyday health choices can lead to radical beliefs. The conversation navigates the evolution of wellness since the 1970s, poking fun at modern food trends, and critiques the anxiety surrounding health narratives in our tech-driven world. Plus, she highlights the psychological toll of the optimization craze and the nihilism creeping into youth political engagement.

Hello!Today we have a belated 1/6 anniversary special with repeat guest John Ganz, whose great book “When the Clock Broke” can be ordered here and whose essential substack can be read here. We discuss how the public will remember January 6th and whether it might already be fading from the collective memory. What do we make of it today after last November’s election? How do we think Trump will treat 1/6, whether the people in jail who are now pleading for pardons or the lasting imprint it may have placed on the public trust? We also talk about Trump’s “plans” to annex Greenland. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into the passionate debate surrounding H1B visa holders and the significance of merit in American society. The hosts engage in a humorous take on Vivek's questionable tweets, juxtaposing nostalgia with pressing social issues. They dissect the dreams of today’s youth, balancing ambitions in athletics with the harsh realities of educational inequities. Hear insights on the growing divide within conservative ideologies and the frustrations brewing in the Democratic Party, highlighting a collective longing for meaningful political change.

Claire Dunning, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and author of "Nonprofit Neighborhoods," dives into the evolution of the nonprofit sector in America. She discusses the shift away from neoliberalism and critiques the elitism within nonprofit leadership, which often disconnects them from the communities they serve. Dunning also explores how nonprofits influence politics and the funding dynamics that perpetuate inequality. With a focus on homelessness, she emphasizes the need for transparency and grassroots advocacy to better address societal issues.

Hello!Today we have on Max Kim, the Seoul correspondent for the LA Times and a repeat TTSG guest to provide a worthy service. If you are interested in what's happening in Korea but don't know a whole lot about Korea history, politics, or even who President Yoon might be outside of a few viral clips of him singing and his incredibly stupid recent coup attempt, Max is here to provide his analysis and his reportage on everything from what Yoon might been thinking, how he came into power, the Korean traditions of protest, and everything else you might want to know that we could fit into an hour and fifteen minutes.Please read Max's writing on this.a great piece from 2022 in the Baffler about YoonLA Times article from yesterday on "who is running South Korea right now?"A moving piece about the Gwangju Massacre This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe

David Hill, a freelance journalist and author of "The Vapors," dives deep into the world of online gambling. He discusses his roots in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the troubling tactics of big companies like Draftkings and FanDuel to profit off gamblers. The conversation highlights the industry's current state, perceived as a bubble, and addresses the hefty taxes and competition that hinder profitability. Hill also critiques the intrusive advertising saturating sports, raising ethical concerns about gambling's impact on society.

Nancy Fraser, the Henry and Louise Loeb Professor of Political and Social Science at the New School, dives into the intersections of neoliberalism and populism. She critiques the facade of progressive neoliberalism that prioritizes identity politics over economic equity. The conversation examines the evolution of the Democratic Party, highlighting the challenges faced by figures like Bernie Sanders. Fraser also analyzes populist narratives from Trump and Sanders, discussing their impact on political allegiances and the struggles within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2028 elections.