Power User with Taylor Lorenz

Miranda Green, an investigative journalist specializing in media misinformation, exposes the alarming rise of fake newspapers funded by the oil and gas industry. She discusses their deceptive strategies, which mimic legitimate outlets to manipulate public opinion, especially regarding clean energy. Green highlights how these publications can sway jury decisions and distort political narratives. Delving into corporate influence over journalism, she uncovers the challenges in maintaining journalistic integrity amidst rampant misinformation, emphasizing the real dangers posed to democracy.

Drew Harwell, a former Washington Post colleague, unpacks the radical social media strategies of the Trump White House. He discusses how the administration transformed its digital team into a rapid-response influencer operation, contrasting it with the more traditional approaches of the past. The conversation dives into the challenges facing the Democratic Party online and the intense rivalries within the MAGA influencer community. Harwell also compares Trump’s provocative tactics with Obama's more measured celebrity engagement style, highlighting the evolution of political communication in the digital age.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Bernstein, a cultural analyst and host of "A Bit Fruity," dives into the viral morning routine of Ashton Hall and its implications on modern masculinity. They explore the evolution of male wellness culture, critiquing the absurd standards set by influencers and the rise of hyper-masculinity. Bernstein emphasizes the disconnect between aesthetics and true well-being, calling for a reassessment of societal expectations. Together, they unpack the complex dynamics of masculinity, highlighting the necessity for community and authenticity.

Miles Klee, a journalist focused on Tesla and Elon Musk's influence on politics, discusses the recent troubles plaguing Tesla. With stock prices tumbling and protests erupting, Klee examines how Musk's political entanglements could be detrimental to the company's future. He delves into the backlash against Tesla's labor practices, rising competition from affordable alternatives, and concerns over its controversial self-driving technology. Ultimately, the conversation reveals how Musk's ambitious ventures are now facing significant public scrutiny.

Mike Masnick, founder of TechDirt and a leading voice on free speech and internet policy, joins to discuss Brendan Carr's alarming influence as an FCC chair. They dive into how Carr's intimidation tactics affect journalists and media outlets, reshaping America's free speech landscape. Masnick highlights the hypocrisy of Carr's 'free speech warrior' narrative while threatening dissent through government power. The conversation navigates the complex relationship between social media censorship, regulation, and the critical need to safeguard expression in a polarized environment.

David Enrich, a seasoned journalist at the New York Times and author of "Murder the Truth," dives into the threats facing America's free press. He discusses the landmark Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan and its implications for media freedom. Enrich highlights a coordinated right-wing campaign to undermine this legal protection, sharing insights on wealthy individuals' influence on press freedom and the struggles independent journalists face today. This conversation raises critical questions about the future of dissenting voices in democracy.

Join Ophie Dokie, a content creator known for coining 'misogyny slop,' as she uncovers the dark side of online content targeting women. She highlights how a sprawling ecosystem of creators fuels smear campaigns and funnels women into far-right narratives. From body language analysis to the sensationalism of celebrity culture, Dokie reveals the algorithmic forces at play and urges listeners to scrutinize their media consumption. This timely discussion sheds light on the toxic intersection of misogyny and misinformation.

Colette Shade, author of the bestselling book *Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything*, dives into the transformative tech landscape of the 2000s. She reflects on the dot-com bubble and the whirlwind of early social media, illustrating how those chaotic days shaped today's hyper-surveilled, algorithm-driven world. Colette discusses the optimism surrounding early tech, the aesthetic influence of colorful gadgets like the iMac, and the cultural shifts that followed the 2008 financial crisis, emphasizing the need for accountability in the industry.

Julia Black, a reporter at The Information, dives into the intriguing world of pronatalism among Silicon Valley's elite. She unpacks why billionaires like Elon Musk are obsessed with boosting birth rates, linking it to right-wing ideologies and eugenics. The conversation raises ethical questions about reproductive technologies and their impact on women's autonomy. Black highlights how this movement threatens to reshape societal norms around parenthood, raising alarms about reproductive rights and the future of women's empowerment.

In this conversation, journalist Liz Pelly, author of "Mood Machine," explores how Spotify has transformed the music industry. Liz reveals the unsettling truth about 'ghost artists' and the pressures real musicians face in an algorithm-driven world. They discuss how playlist culture has altered listening habits and the authenticity of music. The talk also delves into artist compensation and the rise of AI-generated content, raising vital questions about the future of creativity and the sustainability of artists' careers.