Offline with Jon Favreau

Dive into the quirky world of Balkan breakfasts and RFK’s unexpected TikTok moments. Unravel the bizarre tales from Tucker Carlson’s woodland escapades and explore the eerie depths of sleep paralysis. Join a lively discussion on the complexities of modern dining habits and the absurdity of online fame, peppered with humorous takes on influencers and social media culture. It's a wild ride through the strange and hilarious aspects of our digital lives!

Waleed Shahid, a progressive strategist known for his work with Bernie Sanders and AOC, joins the conversation to dissect the impact of social movements on the Democratic Party. He argues that the blame for their electoral struggles is misplaced, while examining how misinformation skewed voter perceptions of Kamala Harris’s policies. The discussion delves into the complexities of digital discourse, the role of wealthy influencers in politics, and the need for a more unified progressive voice amidst evolving political landscapes.

Jeremiah Johnson, co-director of the Center for New Liberalism and author of "Infinite Scroll," joins the conversation to tackle the media landscape's impact on Democrats. He emphasizes the need for the party to broaden its appeal and prioritizes creating content over consuming it for better mental well-being. The discussion dives into the role of influencers in youth culture and how modern figures might engage younger voters differently than traditional media personalities. It also critiques election conspiracy theories and examines potential tech policy implications under a second Trump administration.

Recent election results spark a deep dive into how Trump expanded his coalition, despite his online strategies. The hosts share personal experiences from knocking on doors in swing states and tackle the complex dynamics of misinformation and foreign interference. They ponder the future of democracy in a fractured information environment. Additionally, they speculate on the quirky possibility of Trump publicly humiliating Elon Musk, adding a humorous twist to serious political discussions.

The 2024 election is almost upon us, and if you’re not anxious…please give us some of whatever you’re taking. Barton Gellman, Senior Advisor at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins Offline to talk about how election officials are safeguarding your vote. This spring, Gellman co-lead a series of table top exercises involving current and former politicians, military officers, and analysts. Together, they played out worst-case scenarios under a second Trump presidency to better understand the true threat he poses to democracy—and brainstorm how conscientious objectors, state governments, and even protesting priests could slow him down. But first! Max and Jon talk about whether newspapers should endorse presidents, Jeff Bezos’s cringey letter, and the many ways they’re quelling their own election anxiety. 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.

Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, the comedic force behind The Good Liars, share their experiences from the front lines of Trump rallies. They delve into the humor they uncover in Trump's messaging while navigating the implications of Twitter's new block button policy. The duo discusses the rise of alternative platforms like Bluesky and ponder the threat of AI-generated content on podcasting. Their unique insights blend satire with pointed observations on political engagement, making for a captivating conversation.

The podcast dives into the chaos following Hurricane Helene, spotlighting the misinformation affecting recovery efforts. It reveals leaked TikTok documents that expose the app's awareness of its harmful impact. Elon Musk's political moves are critiqued, especially his support for Trump's campaign. In a twist, the discussion touches on the unusual alliance between politics and the adult entertainment industry, exploring how unconventional ads are shaping political narratives. Finally, a lighthearted look at robot bartenders adds humor to the serious topics.

Hasan Piker, Gen Z’s favorite left-wing political commentator and Twitch streamer, sheds light on the bro-first election strategy employed by Trump's campaign. He delves into the challenges of the right-wing’s media dominance and how it influences young men’s political views. The conversation shifts to Kamala Harris's campaign, critiquing the Democratic Party's approach to vital issues like immigration and healthcare. Hasan also shares his secrets for avoiding burnout while streaming 50 hours a week, blending activism with mental well-being.

Jane Coaston, host of Crooked's What A Day, and David Kirkpatrick, a New Yorker correspondent, dive into the latest tech mishaps. They discuss Silicon Valley's struggles with smart glasses and the alarming implications of genetic data sharing through services like 23andMe. The conversation takes a thrilling turn as Kirkpatrick reveals how left-wing vigilantes are infiltrating far-right groups, confronting the complexities of tackling extremism while navigating the chaotic world of online scams and misinformation.

Kate Conger, a New York Times tech reporter and coauthor of a book on Elon Musk's impact on Twitter, joins Ryan Mac, her writing partner, to dissect Musk's chaotic takeover of the platform. They reveal behind-the-scenes insights on Twitter's decline under Musk's management. The conversation also delves into Trump's shift to Truth Social, raising questions about his evolving influence, and discusses Chappell Roan’s unique position on political endorsements and the role of celebrities in today’s complex political landscape.