Offline with Jon Favreau

Crooked Media
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38 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 15min

Are Men Okay?

Dr. Zach Seidler, a clinical psychologist and Director of Men's Health Research at Movember, sheds light on alarming trends in men's health. He reveals how digital algorithms are distorting notions of masculinity and influencing young men's behaviors negatively. Their conversation dives into the emotional struggles men face, the rise of male loneliness, and the impact of social media influencers. Zac also discusses how community and genuine connections are crucial for wellbeing, urging listeners to redefine masculinity and seek help.
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35 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 10min

Is America Still a Liberal Nation?

Cass Sunstein, a Harvard professor and author of On Liberalism, joins to explore the fate of small-l liberal values in today's political landscape. He discusses the dangers of illiberal ideologies, comparing contemporary figures like Trump and Vance to past leaders, and emphasizes the principles of freedom and pluralism. Sunstein warns about the impact of social media on polarization and examines the balance of power within the Supreme Court. He also highlights the need for liberals to maintain core principles while engaging in practical politics.
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Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 17min

Dramatize the Injustice

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Omar Wasow, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, dives into the dynamics of protests and their impact on public opinion. He explores the balance between expression and persuasion, revealing how civil rights protests in the 1960s reshaped political landscapes. Dr. Wasow shares insights on storytelling as a persuasive tool, the importance of nonviolent strategies, and how today's media environment mirrors the past. His analysis of protests' effectiveness highlights the need for organization in converting viral moments into sustainable change.
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28 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 2min

How Trump, Memes, and Algorithms Transformed The Way We Speak

Adam Aleksic, also known as Etymology Nerd, dives into the fascinating ways algorithms and memes shape our language and politics. He explores how viral incentives drive emotional, attention-grabbing political language and why Trump's syntax is tailored for the algorithmic age. Discussing trends and the engagement economy, Adam highlights the challenges of misinformation and incivility in today's discourse. He also advocates for TikTok literacy in schools to enhance understanding of algorithmic influence. Memes, he argues, serve as both cultural commentary and political statements.
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40 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 56min

Inside the MAGA Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Will Sommer, a journalist at The Bulwark and author of the newsletter False Flag, delves into the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination. He discusses Kirk's pivotal role in shaping the MAGA movement and the chaotic reactions from right-wing influencers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson scrambling for control of his legacy. The conversation also explores the intense backlash and conspiracy theories emerging post-tragedy, raising questions about extremism within the movement and the future of Turning Point USA.
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20 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 3min

Can The Left Reclaim America's Story?

Join John Ganz, the author of 'When the Clock Broke' and a columnist at The Nation, as he delves into the fascinating dynamics of right-wing populism. He argues that Democrats must reclaim the narrative of American nostalgia to counteract an autocratic shift. The discussion touches on how Trumpism originated in the 1990s and the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance. Ganz also critiques the current Democratic rhetoric and highlights the power of storytelling in reshaping political engagement and connecting with voters.
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21 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 60min

JD Vance and the Post-Liberal Right's War on America

Jerusalem Demsas, founder and editor in chief of 'The Argument', dives into the urgent challenges facing liberalism as the U.S. struggles against autocratic tendencies. She discusses innovative solutions for immigration and the economy while critiquing the ideologies of the post-liberal right, represented by figures like JD Vance. Demsas also shares insights from the National Conservatism Conference, examines the complexities of voter mobilization, and advocates for a robust public discourse on social media to counter divisive narratives.
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14 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 5min

Have Our Screens Made Us Too Distracted For Democracy?

Ben Rhodes, bestselling author and former Obama official, dives deep into the interplay between technology and democracy. He argues that America faces a crisis of attention due to social media's focus on short-term issues, hindering our ability to tackle long-term challenges like climate change. Rhodes discusses how authoritarian regimes exploit these distractions and emphasizes the importance of truth in a fragmented media landscape. With storytelling as a key tool, he highlights the need for relatable political communication that fosters unity and engagement.
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14 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 6min

AI's Threat to Gen Z's Jobs, the FartCoin Economy, and Why the Internet Wants to Check Your ID

Kyla Scanlon, an author and economic commentator, teams up with Kyle Chayka, a staff writer at The New Yorker, to dissect the economic landscape. They explore how AI is reshaping job prospects for Gen Z, delving into the quirks of the ‘FartCoin’ economy and the rising journey towards speculative investments. The conversation also touches on age verification laws, weighing youth safety against privacy, and the emotional attachments users form with evolving AI technologies, reflecting broader social media fatigue in today’s digital age.
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11 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 47min

QAnon Reacts to Epstein, Laura Loomer Gets Loomered, and Jon Gets Caught Up in the Syndey Sweeney Discourse

Will Sommer, a writer for The Bulwark who specializes in right-wing conspiracies, joins to delve into the chaotic intersections of conspiracy theories and the Epstein scandal. They discuss how MAGA loyalties shift amidst high-profile allegations, with a focus on figures like Laura Loomer and Candace Owens. The impact of online disinformation is a central theme, alongside reflections on the toxic viral news cycle and how it shapes societal perceptions. Sommer also highlights the absurdity of current political dynamics where conspiracy theorists hold significant power.

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