Offline with Jon Favreau

Lauren Greenfield, director of the FX docuseries “Social Studies,” shares insights from her year-long journey with LA teens navigating their online lives. They discuss shocking trends like the pressure for fame affecting mental health and body image. Greenfield also highlights the disconnect between social media satisfaction and reality. Meanwhile, the conversation dives into the implications of AI and surveillance, touching on Mark Zuckerberg’s quirky anecdotes and the absurdities of modern digital culture.

Silicon Valley's elite are wielding secret group chats to influence political narratives, particularly during the rise of Trumpism. The conversation dives into the paradox of Gen Z’s lifestyle subsidy driven by cheap AI, contrasting it with Millennials' experiences. There's a chilling discussion around the ethical implications of AI chatbots, including bizarre behavior linked to a John Cena persona. Finally, the complexities of tech giants like Amazon navigating political pressures reveal the tangled dance between corporations and governance.

Joining the conversation are Tommy Vitor, former White House staffer and co-host of Terminally Online, and Jon Lovett, comedian and writer. They dive into the heated exchange between Larry David and Bill Maher regarding political satire, discussing its impact on discourse. The hosts also explore the quirky 'never broke a bone theory' and its allure in modern belief systems. Bizarre conspiracy theories and the role of media in shaping narratives take center stage, all delivered with their signature humor and insights.

Google’s antitrust trial is all gas no breaks this week, with the Justice Department asking a federal judge to break up the $1.81 trillion dollar company. Jon and Max discuss all the possible outcomes, and why Google’s products have stagnated the more they’ve come to dominate the internet. Then, new research finds that people who deactivated Facebook or Instagram before the 2020 presidential election became significantly happier and less anxious. The guys break down the study's unsurprising results, then set their sights on dual right wing fever swamps: the online charge to overthrow the Supreme Court and the pronatalist movement championed by Elon Musk and an army of tradwives. Finally, what is Cluely, the undetectable AI designed to help you cheat, and is it really as harmless as spell check or calculators? Max and Jon round out the episode by answering listener questions—what historical event does Max wish he could’ve spied on via Signal chat? And when was the last time Jon touched grass?For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

In this discussion, Dr. Leor Zmigrod, a political psychologist and neuroscientist known for her work on extremist thought, shares insights from her book 'The Ideological Brain.' She explores the neurological connections behind political beliefs and why some are more prone to extremism. Jon Lovett, a comedian and AI correspondent, discusses the role of technology in shaping human interaction and therapy. The conversation also touches on Mark Zuckerberg's recent court testimony regarding Meta's antitrust issues, highlighting the complex ties between tech and politics.

Ryan Broderick, a writer and journalist known for his insights on internet culture and host of the Panic World podcast, joins to dissect the impact of tariffs on TikTok and the precarious state of digital masculinity. They debate whether Trump’s charm is waning among younger voters and analyze Elon Musk’s online persona amid growing scrutiny. Furthermore, they delve into revelations from a Facebook whistleblower’s testimony about ethical lapses in tech, raising alarms about user privacy and corporate accountability in a digital age.

In this engaging conversation, Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his sharp takes on tech and politics, joins to dissect J.D. Vance’s Twitter antics and Elon Musk’s controversial influence in politics. They question the morality of million-dollar donations affecting judicial races and the implications of tech leaders treating governance as a product. Warzel shares humorous insights into a mistaken group chat add involving the Houthi PC. They also explore the absurdity of AI memes in political discourse, stressing the need for humanity amid chaos.

Journalist Charles Duhigg, author of "Super Communicators," joins to discuss the power of effective communication in building stronger coalitions. He shares insights on connecting with those we disagree with and why shared values resonate more than ideas. The conversation touches on the evolution of dialogue through tech, security issues facing leaders, and the societal implications of communication breakdowns. Dive into the psychology behind meaningful interactions and learn how genuine dialogue fosters deeper connections.

A former Facebook director's tell-all memoir leads to intense corporate pushback, revealing dark secrets about the company’s actions in Myanmar and its ties with the Chinese Communist Party. The conversation dives into ethical dilemmas surrounding social media's impact on youth, including harmful advertising practices. They also touch on the troubling decline in reading skills among younger generations, debating the effects of technology on critical thinking, and the importance of informed citizenship in today’s media landscape.

Zach Mack, an award-winning podcast producer from NPR, dives into his unique experience of betting $10,000 with his dad over conspiracy theories. He reveals the personal impact of misinformation on family ties and shares lessons learned about empathy and persuasion. The conversation also touches on a whistleblower's shocking allegations against Facebook, highlighting corporate misconduct and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, they examine the viral culture of political memes, specifically around J.D. Vance, and discuss the ongoing battle between truth and narrative in today's digital landscape.