

Citations Needed
Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson
Citations Needed is a podcast about the intersection of media, PR, and power, hosted by Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2023 • 55min
Episode 192: How Military Jargon and Cliches Make Mass Death Seem Sterile (Part I)
This podcast explores how the media's use of military jargon and cliches obscures the true human costs of war. It discusses the sanitization of military aggression through euphemistic language and the need for clearer terms. The podcast also highlights the dehumanization of targeted populations and the unequal valuing of life in war. It examines how terms like 'boots on the ground' and 'precision airstrikes' downplay violence and create distance. It delves into the manipulation of language in reporting on Israel's actions towards Palestinians and the use of military jargon in political speeches to shape public perception of warfare.

10 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 1h 18min
Ep 191: How Media's Use of 'The Economy' Flattens Class Conflict
Media's use of 'the economy' flattens class conflict, overlooks the growing issues of homelessness and poverty. The ambiguity and control of 'the economy' by the powerful is discussed. Media's framing of strikes and exaggerated estimates on economic losses are highlighted. The flaws in official unemployment rates as a measure of economic recovery are discussed. The perception of strikes shaped by media framing and the challenges faced by workers in low-wage jobs are explored. Metal genre, freelance work, black lung crisis, and book research are also discussed. The flattening of class conflict through the notion of 'the economy' is examined.

Nov 1, 2023 • 44min
Live Show 10/30/23: 4 Arguments Against a Gaza Ceasefire and Why They're Bullshit
Debunking arguments against a Gaza ceasefire, speculating Israeli government's options including extreme mowing the grass or ethnic cleansing, analyzing power dynamics and double standards in Israel-Palestine conflict, questioning targeting precision and PR tactics in Gaza conflict, urging support for Palestine and advocacy for a ceasefire.

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
Live Show 10/16: Gaza Siege and the Liberal Handwringing Industrial Complex
The podcast discusses the liberal response to the Gaza air strikes, questioning their sincerity and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying. It analyzes the unequal treatment of Gaza in the media, genocidal rhetoric from Israeli leaders, and fears of ethnic cleansing. The episode also explores the US government's double game with Israel, lack of coverage of Israeli family members' perspectives, and expresses gratitude to the listeners.

Oct 11, 2023 • 27min
News Brief: US Media, Washington Rush Head First into 9/11 2.0
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the media's role in fueling US support for Israel in the recent violence between Palestine and Israel. They explore the asymmetrical condemnation of child killings and criticize major news outlets for their bias in coverage. The podcast highlights the need for realistic analysis, meaningful solutions, and a more thoughtful approach in media coverage of global events.

5 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 12min
Ep 190: Why Media Insists the US is "Forced" to Commit Human Rights Abuses
The podcast explores how the media presents the US as 'forced' to commit human rights abuses. It discusses historical examples, the selective application of human rights discourse, and the double standards in US foreign policy. The hosts also examine the US as the moral authority on incarceration, the responsibility in addressing human rights in an unequal world, and the need to preserve and expand human rights discourse. The podcast concludes with an analysis of US government policies on human rights and a message of gratitude to listeners.

32 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 21min
Ep 189: PragerU, the 'Product Of His Time' Defense and the White Guilt Amelioration Industrial Complex
Historian Kent Gardner discusses the 'product of his time' defense. The podcast explores the normalization and excusal of Christopher Columbus' actions. It criticizes the attempt to justify immoral actions based on historical context. The hosts examine the notion of judging historical figures based on the standards of their time and debate the preservation of Columbus Day and its role in celebrating Italian American heritage.

Sep 20, 2023 • 27min
News Brief: GOP, Corporate Media Attempt to Manufacture Conflict Between Autoworkers and Climate
Sydney Ghazarian, political commentator and expert on climate mandates and labor issues, joins the hosts to debunk the false narrative of tension between autoworkers and climate activists. They analyze auto industry CEOs' motives and actions, critique Senator Holly's tweets about the auto strike, and explore the connection between blue-collar workers and climate activism, emphasizing the importance of supporting workers in their fight for a just transition to a fossil-free economy.

30 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 22min
Episode 188: How Capital Repackages Substandard Products for the Poor as "Increasing Access"
The podcast explores how substandard products are repackaged as 'increasing access' for the poor. It discusses the impact of manufactured austerity on societal stratification and predatory inclusion. The concept of 'increasing access' is critiqued, highlighting the need for a broader understanding. False solutions in healthcare and housing are analyzed, along with media's role in propagating austerity. The podcast also examines the use of AI as a solution in the pharmaceutical industry.

6 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 38min
News Brief: Attack of the Salt of the Earth Republican Country Music Stars
Citations' resident Country Music correspondent Alexander Billet discusses controversial country hits, examining lyrics, themes, and their appeal to conservative circles. The podcast explores the power of authenticity in music industry, the concept of dog whistling in politics, and the role of pop culture in Republican politics. Additionally, they discuss finding left-wing messaging within the Democratic Party and the potential for a united working-class movement.