Doomscroll with Joshua Citarella

Tim Heidecker, a comedian, musician, and actor known for pioneering alt-comedy, dives into the impact of online irony on today's politics. He reflects on the shift from legacy TV to streaming and how media landscapes shape our culture. The conversation navigates the evolution of counterculture and the role of satire in political commentary, questioning the relationship between art and identity. Heidecker highlights the challenges artists face today amidst changing creative environments and the rise of digital platforms.

Aella, a writer and sex worker known for her blog Knowingless, shares her unique perspectives on modern relationships in a world increasingly influenced by AI. She discusses the intersection of trauma, societal narratives, and personal identity shaped by her strict upbringing. The conversation touches on the fascinating overlap of online politics and personal fetishes, critiques of neoliberalism, and the complexities of modern debate culture. Aella also reflects on the challenges and ethics surrounding relationships, technology, and evolving sexual dynamics.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author of "The End of History and the Last Man," discusses the shifting American political landscape. He analyzes the decline of liberalism and the rise of niche ideologies, especially post-Trump. The conversation touches on the importance of comprehensive social policies to combat inequality and critiques libertarian exit projects. Fukuyama also reflects on the evolution of identity politics, the impact of social media on political discourse, and contrasts modernization in China and Europe.

In this conversation, Hasan Piker, a live streamer and political commentator, dives into the alarming rightward shift of young men toward Trump and conservatism. He critiques media narratives and discusses the struggles faced by progressive voices in today's climate. The talk shifts to how memes influence political perceptions and skew realities. Hasan also examines socialism, immigration, and the nuances of China's economic system, while promoting grassroots movements and emphasizing the need for hope and active community participation among the disillusioned youth.

Catherine Liu, a UC Irvine professor and author of "Virtue Hoarders," explores the deep psychological impact of trauma and care in today's liberal discourse. She critiques the elitist moral panic surrounding identity and personal therapy as a response to social wrongs. The conversation reveals how infantilization in democracy stifles rational debate and promotes emotional overexpression. Liu also discusses wealth concentration's implications, the disconnect of the Professional Managerial Class, and the cultural significance of trauma within institutions.

Jen Pan, a former host of The Jacobin Show and author of "Selling Social Justice," dives into the intersection of the DEI industry and economic inequality. She critiques how corporate initiatives often undermine real worker struggles while fostering systemic change through social democratic programs. The conversation tackles the historical racial disparities linked to economic growth and evaluates the effects of banking regulations on wealth gaps. Pan also explores the evolving dynamics of identity politics, urging a reexamination of socialist principles for today's working-class narrative.

In this engaging discussion, music critic Anthony Fantano shares insights from his journey in the anti-war punk scene to his current role with The Needle Drop. He explores the declining role of on-the-ground music scenes in fostering political activism, contrasting it with today's online environment. Fantano delves into audience fragmentation in music commentary and critiques social media's role in political unrest. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity in art amidst corporate influence and the evolving dynamics of provocative artistry in a polarized society.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at New York University and author of notable works like Confronting Capitalism, dives into critical discussions. He critiques the left's current obsession with identity politics, arguing it weakens radical scholarship on capitalism. Chibber emphasizes the disconnect between leftist ideology and the realities of the working class. He advocates for integrating labor into environmental movements and revisiting the foundational principles of socialism for meaningful change.

My guest is Andrew Callaghan, a documentary filmmaker and the host of Channel 5. He is the director of This Place Rules (2022) and Dear Kelly (2025), an in-depth portrait of a man he met at a ‘White Lives Matter' rally. We discuss the breakdown of consensus reality and how deplatforming can often lead to greater political extremism. Andrew describes his early origins in the anarchist movement and his participation in a group called Seattle Solidarity. His work explores the decline of the American dream along with the rise of political radicalism online and IRL.You can get access to the full catalog for Doomscroll and more by becoming a paid supporter: joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe

Ezra Klein, a prominent opinion columnist for the New York Times and co-founder of Vox Media, dives into his vision for a sustainable future in this engaging discussion. He tackles the complexities of polarization in the attention economy and critiques the end of the neoliberal consensus. Klein emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to achieve environmental abundance and reflects on the impact of social media on political activism. He also navigates the fluid dynamics of political coalitions, particularly in the face of shifting ideologies.