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
26 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
18 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 15min
Trump Bans Woke AI, TikTok Cancels Sydney Sweeney, and How MAGA Became Multiracial
Daniel Martinez HoSang, a Yale professor and author, discusses the surprising shift of non-white voters towards Trump, revealing discontent with the Democratic Party's coalition. He analyzes the factors driving this realignment and how Trump's messaging resonates with these communities. The conversation also touches on Trump's executive orders against 'woke AI,' the backlash against Sydney Sweeney related to white nationalism, and the broader implications of celebrity controversies in shaping political discourse. The dynamic interplay of identity and political engagement among young conservatives is also explored.
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.
