Offline with Jon Favreau
Offline with Jon Favreau
Is the internet slowly breaking our brains, and if so, what can we do about it?
Offline with Jon Favreau is a place where you can take a break from doom-scrolling and tune in to smarter, lighter conversations about the impact of technology and the internet on our collective culture.
Intimate interviews between Pod Save America host Jon Favreau and notable guests like Stephen Colbert, Hasan Piker, Chimamanda Adichie, ContraPoints, Margaret Atwood, and Rachel Maddow spark curiosity and introspection around the various ways our extremely online existence shapes everything from the ways we live, work, and interact with one another. Together we’ll figure out how to live happier, healthier lives, both on and offline.
New episodes drop every Saturday, wherever you get your podcasts and on the Offline YouTube channel.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Offline with Jon Favreau, Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and Lovett or Leave It, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
Offline with Jon Favreau is a place where you can take a break from doom-scrolling and tune in to smarter, lighter conversations about the impact of technology and the internet on our collective culture.
Intimate interviews between Pod Save America host Jon Favreau and notable guests like Stephen Colbert, Hasan Piker, Chimamanda Adichie, ContraPoints, Margaret Atwood, and Rachel Maddow spark curiosity and introspection around the various ways our extremely online existence shapes everything from the ways we live, work, and interact with one another. Together we’ll figure out how to live happier, healthier lives, both on and offline.
New episodes drop every Saturday, wherever you get your podcasts and on the Offline YouTube channel.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Offline with Jon Favreau, Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and Lovett or Leave It, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 31, 2026 • 1h 6min
220: Adam Friedland Just Wants to Understand
Adam Friedland, comedian and host of The Adam Friedland Show, reflects on his journey from shock comedy to long‑form interviews. He discusses developing an interviewing style, researching guests, pressing politicians with unexpected questions, reactions to ICE raids and Minneapolis, and how societies normalize cruelty.
32 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 1h 1min
219: The Fight to Liberate Minnesota (and America)
Lydia Polgreen, New York Times opinion columnist and former foreign correspondent, returned to Minnesota to report on federal immigration enforcement. She describes a wartime atmosphere in neighborhoods. She compares local tactics to conflict zones. She outlines organized, disciplined nonviolent resistance and the economic and political pressures shaping the struggle.
48 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 6min
218: The Enshittification of the Internet (with Cory Doctorow)
In this discussion with Cory Doctorow, a journalist and author passionate about digital rights, listeners dive into his concept of 'enshittification.' He explains how tech giants like Facebook and Amazon attract users, then exploit them for profit. Doctorow assesses policies that led to reduced competition and harmful practices, including the monopolistic behaviors on social platforms. He emphasizes the urgent need for better regulation to protect users and discusses the future of AI in maintaining a fair digital landscape.
30 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 50min
217: ICE Killings and the Death of Shared Reality
Jay Caspian Kang, a writer and journalist for The New Yorker, dives into the complex landscape of media and misinformation. He discusses the ICE shooting in Minnesota, revealing how algorithmic silos distort public perception. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they examine a young YouTuber who captured right-leaning audiences' attention with cinematic fraud claims. Kang also critiques the challenges of achieving a shared reality in an era of sensationalism, emphasizing the urgent need for credible journalism amid the chaos.
40 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
216: What Comes After Trump?
George Packer, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful work on American politics, explores the complexities of contemporary democracy. He discusses 21st-century authoritarianism and how many people remain unaware of its creep due to institutional distance. The conversation dives into how economics influence political messages and critiques social media's role in polarizing discourse. Packer raises concerns about AI fostering social fragmentation and debates the future of democracy in the face of rising national conservatism.
48 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 59min
215: The Movement to Protect Kids from Big Tech
Julie Scelfo, a former New York Times reporter and founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, dives into how AI and social media affect children's mental health. She shares her journey into activism, highlighting the normalization of harmful content kids face online. Julie discusses the crucial role of parents in advocating for change and compares her organization to Mothers Against Drunk Driving in its mission. With legislative wins on the horizon, she emphasizes the need for regulation and a balanced approach to technology in childhood.
37 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 55min
214: A Techno-Optimist’s Case for AI
Noah Smith, a techno-optimist economist and author of the Noahpinion Substack, dives deep into the promise of AI and its societal impacts. He compares fears surrounding AI to historical tech disruptions, discussing job displacement scenarios and the need for policies to support workers. The conversation touches on AI’s potential to transform education through personalized tutors and its role in moderating social media. They also explore the nuances of liberal nationalism and its importance for progressives in today’s polarized landscape.
20 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
213: Max Returns! AI Bubbles, Info Silos, and 67
Max Fisher, an insightful journalist focused on geopolitics and tech, dives into the repercussions of the AI bubble and the surprising resilience of Meta amid regulatory scrutiny. He discusses the societal impacts of AI and questions whether a financial correction might be less damaging than unregulated growth. The conversation tackles the influence of tech oligarchs and how information silos shape perceptions. Fisher also shares thoughts on popular memes, conspiracy theories, and practical tips for cutting phone screen time, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.
27 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
212: Zohran Mamdani’s Offline Campaign
In this engaging discussion, Maya Handa, an experienced political organizer, and Andrew Epstein, a creative director, join forces to unravel the successful campaign strategies behind Zohran Mamdani's bid for office. They dive into how they combined powerful online content with grassroots mobilization to engage voters in new ways. Hear about their innovative video strategies, the importance of listening to communities, and how they fostered in-person connections that energized supporters. Their insights on authenticity and scalability could reshape future campaigns!
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 11min
211: James Talarico Wants to Fight with Love
James Talarico, a Texas state representative and seminary student running for the U.S. Senate, discusses the intersection of faith and progressive politics. He explores the idea of a politics rooted in love and the importance of genuine connections in overcoming polarization. Talarico addresses challenges such as Christian nationalism and the need for Democrats to take responsibility for rising extremism. With insights on grassroots organizing and personal responsibility, he emphasizes that public service must stem from a place of compassion and inclusivity.
