Factually! with Adam Conover

Join Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, journalists and co-hosts of the War on Cars podcast, as they delve into America's dangerous love affair with cars. They reveal the true costs and harms of car-centric infrastructure, how urban design perpetuates car dependency, and the societal normalization of traffic fatalities. They explore successful transformations in cities and advocate for walkable communities. With insights on public transit's potential, they challenge perceptions of class and stigma around car ownership and transit use.

Benny Feldman, a stand-up comedian known for his surreal one-liners, openly shares his journey navigating comedy with Tourette Syndrome. He discusses how his tics influence his comedic rhythm and performance. Benny also explores the importance of representation and normalizing Tourette's in entertainment. The conversation dives into how his experiences with psychedelics connect to his work and daily life. Plus, they analyze the structure of jokes and the ethics of comedy, making this an insightful look at humor through a unique lens.

Cory Doctorow, a renowned author and digital rights activist, dives deep into the concept he coined, 'enshittification.' He explains how tech giants systematically degrade our digital experiences for profit. From the stages of platform decay to the impact on real-world services like grocery pricing, Cory highlights the alarming trends of competition collapse and AI narratives that threaten jobs. He proposes radical solutions like legalizing jailbreaking and emphasizes the importance of user empowerment and grassroots organizing. It's a call to action against the status quo!

Julie Su, a civil rights and labor attorney, shares her insights on the attack on labor rights under Trump. She discusses the erosion of worker protections, the challenges faced by the NLRB and DOL, and the need for collective bargaining. Julie highlights recent successes bolstered by federal support and emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing. She addresses how to unite workers and the role of mature unions in advocating for labor. Listeners are encouraged to engage with their coworkers to spark important conversations around workplace rights.

Jason Koebler, a tech reporter and co-founder of 404 Media, dives into the world of A.I. slop, revealing its impact on content quality online. He discusses how human creators are overshadowed by algorithm-driven garbage, while emphasizing the importance of genuine journalism in this digital age. Koebler also explores the motivation behind the A.I. slop economy, including its influence on creators around the globe. The conversation shifts to government surveillance, addressing the privacy concerns tied to technology's rampant growth. Tune in for insights on combating algorithmic chaos!

Gianmarco Soresi, a stand-up comedian and writer from New York, discusses the evolving comedy landscape shaped by social media. He dives into the challenges of monetizing creativity online and the irreplaceable experience of live performances. The conversation touches on comedy's intersection with politics, the ethical responsibilities of comedians, and the nuances of crafting humor around sensitive themes. Gianmarco also shares insights on adapting to changing audience expectations while staying true to one’s comedic voice.

Explore the economic struggles plaguing everyday Americans as living costs soar, highlighting the growing discontent that could lead to systemic change. Discover the rise of LaBooBoo toys, symbolizing impulsive spending in tough times, much like the 'lipstick effect.' Delve into the hopelessness felt by many regarding their financial futures, and learn about the Lububu Index, a quirky metaphor showcasing how public sentiment reflects broader economic realities. It's a deep dive into the intertwining of consumer behavior and economic instability.

Omer Bartov, a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, brings his expertise to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He examines the complexities of labeling current events as genocide, drawing parallels to historical instances of ethnic cleansing. The conversation dives into the political narratives shaping Palestinian identity and the cultural erasure they face. Omer also highlights the moral responsibilities of Western nations and the nuanced relationship between Jewish identity and Israeli state actions, emphasizing the need for coexistence.

Casey Johnston, author of *A Physical Education* and creator of the *She’s a Beast* newsletter, dives into the empowerment of strength training over diet culture. She shares her transformative journey from skepticism to embracing weightlifting, challenging societal misconceptions, especially for women. Casey discusses redefining relationships with food, moving from restriction to enrichment, and emphasizes building muscle as a path to health. The conversation encourages a balanced, joyful approach to fitness, advocating for personal agency in health choices.

Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, writers of the new Naked Gun movie, dive into the current state of comedy in film. They discuss how audiences crave genuine laughter in theaters, contrasting it with the recent trend of less funny blockbusters. Their insights cover the balancing act between creative storytelling and corporate demands in filmmaking. They reflect on the impact of their sketch comedy roots, the unique comedic style of Naked Gun, and the exhilarating challenges of reviving laughter in today’s cinematic landscape.