Long Shadow

Join vaccine advocate Renee DiResta, author of 'Invisible Rulers,' and New York Times reporter Shira Frankel, co-author of 'An Ugly Truth,' as they dive into the alarming impact of social media on public health and misinformation. They discuss the vaccine debate escalating online and how algorithms create echo chambers that amplify division. The conversation highlights the mechanisms of Facebook's early engagement strategies and the real-world consequences of misinformation, especially concerning the Rohingya community in Myanmar. This insightful dialogue examines our digital age's challenges and responsibilities.

David Woolman, a journalist and author known for covering the April 6 Youth Movement, teams up with Ahmed Mayer, a key leader of that movement, to discuss the revolutionary power of social media in Egypt. They emphasize Facebook's role in rallying young activists to overthrow a dictator, while also addressing the irony of the platform later contributing to societal division. Their insights paint a vivid picture of courage, struggle, and the complex reality of navigating democracy's dual nature through digital means.

Alex Horton, a national security reporter for The Washington Post and a former soldier, shares insights from his unique journey. He discusses the stark transformation of communication post-9/11 and how the internet sparked anti-war activism. Horton reflects on the intersection of technology and military life, highlighting his blog's authentic portrayal of soldiers. The conversation also examines grassroots political movements and the role of social media in mobilizing public support, revealing how these digital tools empower citizens in times of crisis.

The internet as we know it today is a harrowing landscape. But in its quirky infancy, the web changed everything about how we lived, shared, shopped, and communicated. Then a computer bug threatened to shut it all down forever.

Explore the internet's dramatic evolution from a source of empowerment to a breeding ground for division and misinformation. Reflect on how a platform that once united us has transformed into a space filled with cyberbullying and conspiracy theories. Discover the tangled history of online culture, from GIFs to hashtags, and ponder the pressing question: how did we end up here? Delve into the societal challenges posed by the digital age and its impact on democracy, science, and diversity.

Raised on active shooter and lockdown drills, Gen Z has endured an onslaught of violence — and emerged inspiring a wave of activism, a powerful gun safety movement, and hope.

Easy to handle and easy to conceal, handguns went boom in the 2000s, the same moment when many Americans — falsely and tragically — began to equate guns with safety.

After a devastating, now largely forgotten, mass-shooting prompted lawmakers to take aim at assault weapons in the 1990s, their ban backfired — and caused gun sales to explode.

Richard Feldman, a former NRA lobbyist from the 1980s, shares insider insights on the NRA's dramatic transformation into a political powerhouse. He discusses the chilling Bernard Goetz subway incident, sparking debates on urban vigilantism and self-defense. Feldman also reflects on how Harlan Carter's leadership redefined the NRA, emphasizing its aggressive advocacy for gun rights. Listeners will hear about the NRA's strategic mobilization tactics and the cultural tensions surrounding gun ownership in America during this pivotal era.

The podcast dives deep into Florida's youth activism for the state's bird, the Florida Scrub Jay, highlighting their legislative battles. It discusses the tug-of-war between environmental concerns and political lobbying, especially influenced by gun legislation. The infamous Tommy gun and its Prohibition-era legacy are examined alongside the evolution of gun laws, spotlighting the NRA's shifting role. Additionally, it tackles the complex dynamics of gun advocacy in light of recent legislative changes, revealing the ongoing struggle between individual rights and regulation.