Taylor Lorenz’s Power User

Brace Belden, co-host of the TrueAnon podcast and expert on the Jeffrey Epstein saga, dives into the chaos surrounding the recent release of Epstein-related emails. He discusses the impact of these revelations on MAGA influencers and the political landscape, especially relating to Trump. Topics include the intertwining of Trump’s behavior with Epstein’s network, the division among influencers, and how this scandal may reshape narratives within the MAGA movement. Brace also touches on Epstein's evolving ties across party lines and the international implications of the newly uncovered information.

Dive into the shocking intersection of college football and government surveillance. Uncover how the Department of Homeland Security deployed a monitoring system at games, feeding data into facial recognition tech. Learn about historical examples of mass surveillance at major events and the chilling impact on public expression. With alarming insights into privacy violations and biometric normalization, discover calls for action against these invasive practices. The future of fan engagement may hinge on keeping surveillance at bay!

Kat Tenbarge, an online culture journalist and author of Spitfire News, joins to discuss Sydney Sweeney's tumultuous rise as a cultural symbol. They explore how Sweeney's career skyrocketed from roles in 'Euphoria' to facing backlash over controversial moments, including her political branding and a polarizing GQ interview. Their conversation shifts to the impact of online misogyny, the role of tech billionaires in escalating her controversies, and the implications of her recent box office flop. Can Sweeney navigate these challenges for a successful future?

Tommy Marcus, known as Quentin Quarantino, is a humanitarian fundraiser who became famous for his activism during the pandemic. In this conversation, he shares his harrowing experience of being detained by the IDF while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. He discusses his transformation from a pro-Israel stance to recognizing the atrocities occurring in the region. Tommy describes the cruel conditions he faced in an Israeli super prison and how it reshaped his beliefs about power and justice, alongside his ongoing mission to amplify Palestinian voices.

Chris Dalla Riva, a music journalist and data analyst, dives into the evolution of pop music and its cultural reflections. He reveals surprising trends, such as the dominance of teenage tragedy songs in the late 1950s. Discussing shifts from professional songwriters to artist-driven compositions, he highlights how technology and media reshaped music consumption. Dalla Riva also discusses TikTok's influence on anonymity in pop stardom and the potential future of AI in music production, alongside a quirky fact about a hit song penned by a U.S. vice president.

Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard law professor and campaign finance reform advocate, discusses his mission to challenge super PACs. He explains the legal origins of super PACs rooted in Citizens United and SpeechNow rulings. Lessig argues that limiting contributions could restore democratic representation and highlights a successful initiative in Maine to ban super PACs. He shares insights on the anticipated legal battles and the support from wealthy allies seeking to reduce their influence, navigating a complex web of legal constraints.

Kat Tenbarge, author of Spitfire News, joins to dissect Taylor Swift's cultural dominance and recent controversies. They delve into whether Taylor has peaked, discussing her political caution and the reception of her latest album. Critiques highlight a perceived commercialism in the album's rollout and a decline in lyrical quality. The duo explores themes of authenticity, trad-wife imagery, and Swift's controversial associations with conservative figures, questioning her marketing strategies and future directions in her career.

Kat Tenbarge, a journalist specializing in gender-based harassment, joins to dissect the assault on Twitch streamer Emiru at TwitchCon. They discuss the failure of venue security and why more guards don’t necessarily make women safer. The conversation highlights how platform culture fosters misogyny and the consequences of weaponizing incidents for political agendas. Tenbarge emphasizes the need for real changes in Twitch's approach to harassment and accountability, shedding light on the complexities surrounding safety for women creators online.

In a lively chat at Twitchcon, Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, discusses the platform's ambitious mission to create belonging through live streaming. He addresses Twitch's unique community-centric focus amidst increasing competition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety for creators while protecting free expression. Clancy also explores the future of live streaming, predicting it will become a standard content format, and highlights the potential of rising female streamers and live shopping opportunities, all while navigating the effects of AI on authenticity.

Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein breaks down NSPM-7, a national security directive that equates various political beliefs with terrorism. He highlights how the directive targets a wide array of views, potentially criminalizing dissent and threatening free speech. Ken explains the chilling effect on nonprofits and the risk of pre-crime strategies that surveil speech. The conversation also touches on the internal confusion among federal agencies and the growing emphasis on monitoring protests and dissenting voices in America.