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
19 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
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.
34 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 59min
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
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
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
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
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.
26 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Have the Democrats Decided to Win?
Simon Bazelon, a Democratic public opinion researcher and author of 'Deciding to Win,' shares insights from his extensive polling on the party's strategies. He discusses how Democrats shifted focus from economic issues to identity politics after 2016, potentially alienating median voters. Bazelon highlights the misleading nature of some issue polls and emphasizes the preference for targeted economic policies over universal ones. He also warns that Democrats must regain voter trust and balance excitement for their base with electability to succeed in future elections.
97 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Is AI Too Big to Fail or Too Dangerous to Succeed?
Stephen Witt, an investigative journalist and author of The Thinking Machine, dives into the profound implications of AI in this conversation. He shares alarming insights on AI's potential to lie and deceive, comparing its evolution to a dangerous race for superintelligence. Witt discusses the troubling impact of AI on mental health, societal interaction, and the economic landscape, all while maintaining a surprising sense of optimism for future scientific breakthroughs. Get ready for a thought-provoking look at the challenges and hopes surrounding AI!
28 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
Democrats Need to Care About Getting Attention
Chris Hayes, MSNBC host and author of The Siren’s Call, dives into the pitfalls of Democratic strategies in an attention-driven world. He argues that campaigns focus too much on fundraising and risk aversion, stifling visibility. Hayes contrasts paid and earned media, highlighting the decline of traditional ads. He praises innovative communicators like Zohran Mamdani for cutting through the noise without controversy. The discussion touches on how candidates need charisma and frequent media presence to engage voters, especially leading up to 2028.
9 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
Introducing: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner
Anam Raman Petit, a former immigration court judge, shares her harrowing experiences of courtroom chaos and the chilling impacts of recent policies on immigrants. She discusses the intense emotional toll of her firing and the growing backlog in immigration courts. Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor, highlights the politicization of the Justice Department and reflects on public indifference to injustices faced by noncitizens. Together, they provide a gripping examination of the erosion of due process and the future of the rule of law in America.
