Offline with Jon Favreau
Crooked Media
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 Thursday, 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 Thursday, 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
30 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 13min
Trump’s Epstein Nightmare, Jubilee’s Fascist Debate, and the Movie Twitter Wrote
Ari Aster, director of the dark comedy film "Eddington," explores how the pandemic and political polarization have shaped his creative vision. Brandy Zadrozny, an MSNBC reporter, discusses the fallout from the Epstein case and its implications for MAGA politics. They dive into a controversial public debate featuring a self-identified fascist, and examine the role of AI in shaping youth perceptions. Together, they highlight the challenges of handling extreme political views and the importance of empathy in storytelling during these chaotic times.
24 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Raising Boys in the Era of Incels, MAGA, and the Manosphere
Ruth Whippman, author of 'BoyMom', sheds light on the challenges of raising boys in today's turbulent landscape. She discusses how societal pressures leave many boys confused about emotional expression, caught between traditional masculinity and modern ideals. Whippman delves into the allure of extremist ideologies among youth, exploring the impact of online cultures. She emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional intelligence and authentic connections to combat feelings of isolation and encourage healthier masculinity.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 18min
Peter Thiel's Antichrist, JD Vance's Split with the Pope, and Ross Douthat's Scientific Case for Believing in God
Ross Douthat, a New York Times Opinion columnist and author of Believe, dives into the intriguing connections between faith and contemporary issues. He argues why believing in God remains a rational choice, especially amidst rising secular sentiments during divisive times. The conversation touches on how skepticism toward established religion can coexist with a search for moral grounding. Douthat also critiques recent controversial statements from figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance, reflecting on the evolving political landscape's impact on Catholic teachings.
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 21min
Hugs From Your Late Mom, Interdimensional Chats, and College Cheating: The AI Future Is Here
Jonathan Zittrain, a Harvard computer science professor and co-founder of the Berkman Klein Center, joins to illuminate the multifaceted dangers of AI. He discusses how models like ChatGPT spread misinformation and why we should hesitate to treat them as companions. Zittrain explores the emotional impact of AI interactions, detailing ethical dilemmas in its development. He also raises concerns about recreating lost loved ones, balancing comfort with risks to genuine human connections, and emphasizes the pressing need for responsible AI governance.
30 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Truth About Young Men's Shift Towards Trump
John Della Volpe, the Director of Polling at Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics, discusses the surprising shift of young men toward Trump, emphasizing their feelings of distrust in government. He highlights how economic anxieties and social isolation, exacerbated by the pandemic, contribute to this trend. Della Volpe shares findings from his research project, which reveals that personal values and media influences play a significant role in their political alignment. He stresses the need for more authentic dialogue to reconnect this demographic with progressive ideals.
10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Succession’s Creator Takes on the Tech Billionaires
Jesse Armstrong, the Emmy Award-winning creator of HBO's 'Succession,' shares insights on his new film 'Mountainhead,' which humorously critiques Silicon Valley billionaires. He discusses the challenges of satirizing figures who are already parodies of themselves and contrasts their anti-social behaviors with their grand promises about technology. Max Fisher re-joins the conversation to reflect on the fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, exploring how their rivalry mirrors larger political dynamics. Together, they navigate the complexities of wealth, power, and digital disconnect.
24 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Momfluencers, Baby Gadgets, and the Perils of Parenting in The Digital Age
Amanda Hess, a longtime New York Times internet culture critic and author of 'Second Life', dives into the complexities of parenting in a tech-saturated world. She questions the need for surveillance tools and fancy gadgets in managing children’s lives. Tackling the influence of momfluencers, she discusses how technology can redefine childhood experiences. Hess offers insights on the emotional toll of raising kids in a digital age and advocates for prioritizing community over online advice in parenting.
9 snips
May 29, 2025 • 1h 17min
AI News Anchors, Dems $20 Million Plan to Study Men, and Max Bids Farewell to Offline
The hosts dive into the alarming rise of AI-generated news anchors, raising fears of misinformation in the digital age. They also reflect on the Democratic Party's controversial $20 million plan to win over young men, questioning its effectiveness and disconnect from actual voter issues. Amidst these discussions, they share emotional farewells, insights about technology's impact on social interactions, and the need for mindfulness and authentic connections in a smartphone-obsessed world.
9 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
Elon's Offline Challenge, Grok’s White Genocide Glitch, and Silicon Valley's New Religion
Matteo Wong, an Atlantic staff writer focused on AI, joins to dissect why Silicon Valley exalts AI over politics and the economy. He compares the tech elite's optimism about AI to their past enthusiasm for social media. The discussion reveals concerns about job displacement as AI matures. They also tackle misinformation, spotlighting Elon Musk's controversies and the alarming biases in AI chatbots like Grok. With a blend of humor and insight, they examine the social ramifications and ethical dilemmas surrounding these technologies.
55 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 23min
Jon Gets Hacked, Woke Offline Pope, and How Jia Tolentino’s Brain Finally Broke
Jia Tolentino, author of Trick Mirror and New Yorker staff writer, joins to discuss the disorienting effects of AI and online distrust on reality. She shares insights on parenting in the digital age and the inspiration behind her candid essay, "My Brain Finally Broke." Jon hilariously recounts his social media hacking nightmare, while they explore the implications of AI's use of copyrighted materials and the new pontiff's stance against technology, advocating for human dignity amidst rapid advancements.
