Mixed Signals from Semafor Media
Semafor Podcasts
Every Friday media reporter Max Tani and Semafor Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith pull back the curtain on the most important stories about media, revealing why you see and hear what you see and hear.Mixed Signals from Semafor Media is supported by Think with Google.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 19, 2024 • 55min
Trump, the Man's Man at the RNC, AKA the Happiest Place on Earth
Semafor reporter Kadia Goba discusses Trump's appeal to Black men, particularly iconic athletes of the 80s. The podcast explores the RNC's focus on appealing to American men via UFC, Hulk Hogan, and the manosphere. Other topics include reactions to the attempted assassination of Trump and the undercurrent of masculinity in media and politics.
Jul 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
Is Sex Political? And Will Biden — and Kamala — Survive the Vibe Shift?
Guest Lindsay Peoples from The Cut discusses vibe shifts, gender roles, and Kamala Harris. Topics include traditional values, polyamory, and media portrayal of women. The podcast explores political environments, lifestyle trends, and marketing strategies. Analysis of Biden's communication skills and evolving societal attitudes towards women's choices.
Jul 2, 2024 • 47min
Did The Media Cover Up Biden’s Condition? And 13.5 Other Conspiracy Theories
Exploring media's failure to address Biden's condition, debunking conspiracy theories, analyzing media influence on calls for Biden to step aside, and discussing potential political figures' media strategies.
Jun 28, 2024 • 57min
When Biden Lost It & Nate Silver's Bet
Political statistician Nate Silver discusses his election predictions, Biden's age, and why his model gives Trump a 66% chance of winning. The hosts dissect the disastrous debate and global elections, challenging the notion of bad TV.
Jun 21, 2024 • 38min
TikTok Ban, Journalists Have Ethics?!, and the Gods of Cannes
Exploring TikTok ban conspiracies, journalistic ethics fallout, and Cannes Lions Festival insights. Discussion on TikTok's future, CEO controversies, and media distortions in fashion trends.
Jun 14, 2024 • 54min
Hunter Biden Conspiracies, Coverage of Gaza and Sudan & Got Raw Milk?
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, discusses media overlooking Sudan crisis vs. Gaza. Raw milk trend shift and Trump's jet scrutiny are highlighted. The impact of Hunter Biden's laptop controversy on the election is explored, along with media biases and misinformation challenges.
Jun 7, 2024 • 44min
Brits vs Biden, Linklater on Sexless Cinema & the Song of Summer
Famed director Richard Linklater discusses the decline of sex in cinema, influenced by Marvel and #MeToo. The hosts dissect media bias towards President Biden and explore news organizations' shifting strategies post-Trump era. They also touch on a faith-based Trump ballad and improving Amtrak through LinkedIn messaging.
7 snips
May 31, 2024 • 44min
Media Circus of the Century, BuzzFeed Buzz & Sleeping with Your Phone
New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman discusses the media circus around Trump's trial. Vivek Ramaswamy talks about his stake in BuzzFeed. Max Tani defends using phones at bedtime. Media blindspots, politics, and current affairs are key topics.
May 23, 2024 • 2min
Introducing: Mixed Signals from Semafor Media
The truth about modern media — from inside the machine. Every Friday starting May 31, journalists Ben Smith and Nayeema Raza pull back the curtain on the week’s key stories, revealing how money, access, culture and politics shape everything you read, watch, and hear.Sign up for the Sunday night blockbuster newsletter from Semafor Media: https://www.semafor.com/newsletters/media Or drop us a line if you’ve got thoughts on the show, or a tip for a story: mixedsignals@semafor.comRead more from Ben on Semafor: https://www.semafor.com/author/ben-smithFind Nayeema on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nayeemarazaMixed Signals from Semafor Media is presented by Think with Google
