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
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 24min
How “Fight Club” Created a Generation of Sh*tposters
Film critic Emily St. James and Erin Ryan from Crooked Media delve into the cultural legacy of 'Fight Club'. They discuss how the film has misrepresented masculinity and fueled online discontent, highlighting its impact on disillusioned Gen Xers. The conversation also touches on the complexity of female characters and critiques capitalism, all while dissecting the film's psychological themes through a modern lens. With humor and insight, they unpack how 'Fight Club' mirrors today’s generational frustrations and the pitfalls of digital culture.
18 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 56min
Robert Putnam on Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and Making America Social Again
Robert Putnam, a renowned political scientist and author, dives into the critical state of social capital in America. He highlights how our isolation, from 'bowling alone' to 'scrolling alone,' deteriorates community ties essential for democracy. Putnam reveals insights from his new documentary "Join or Die," underscoring why real-life connections matter more than digital ones. The discussion navigates the effects of the internet on civic engagement and the importance of rekindling face-to-face interactions to combat polarization among youth.
Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 11min
“Tár” with Jon Favreau and Amanda Hess
Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the New York Times, and Jon Favreau, an Offline critic at large, dive into the complexities of the film 'Tár'. They explore its take on cancel culture, highlighting the blurred lines between identity and moral accountability in today's digital age. The duo discusses whether there's sympathy for canceled celebrities and the nuances of artistic merit versus ethical responsibilities. With humor and insight, they examine Lydia Tár's character dynamics and the cultural reflections around authority and isolation.
20 snips
Sep 8, 2024 • 54min
Trump Tours the Manosphere, Russia Funds MAGA Influencers, and Hawk Tuah Girl Cashes In
In a riveting dive into modern media, the discussion reveals how Donald Trump is harnessing the podcast platform to capture young male voters. It unpacks shocking allegations of Russian funding behind popular right-wing influencers, highlighting the intersection of politics and social media. The dynamics of viral fame come to light with the phenomenon of a woman whose bold remarks propelled her to internet stardom. The conversation also touches upon the shifting landscape of sports gambling and its ties to online culture, raising questions about authenticity and influence.
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
How "Zola" Explains Social Media Brain
A’Ziah King, known for her viral Twitter thread that inspired the film 'Zola,' joins Erin Ryan, a cultural commentator on social media, and Josie Duffy Rice, a social issues expert. They dive into the chaotic road trip saga and its commentary on sex trafficking, examining the absurdity and humor interwoven in the story. The conversation highlights the impact of social media on storytelling, the complexity of youth friendships, and the fine line between reality and online personas, all while dissecting the film's cinematic craft.
Sep 1, 2024 • 59min
Obama's Offline Speech, Zuck Fears Trump, and the Crank Political Divide
Max and Jon dissect Obama's speech addressing social media's role in politics. They delve into the bizarre antics of right-wing attempts to stir controversy and the absurdity of misinformation swirling around celebrity endorsements. The conversation touches on Zuckerberg's uneasy position between politics and tech, shedding light on the rise of anti-establishment sentiments fueled by social media. Additionally, they emphasize the necessity of critical thinking amid rampant misinformation and the importance of meaningful political engagement.
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 16min
How “The Truman Show” Explains Life in 2024
Jon Lovett, a sharp political commentator, and Erin Ryan, a witty writer and comedian, explore how 'The Truman Show' eerily predicts today’s world of constant surveillance. They discuss voyeurism in modern culture and the ethical dilemmas of digital lives. Lovett shares his unease about the Hunger Games premiere, while they reflect on authenticity versus deception in relationships. The conversation highlights the impact of tech giants on storytelling and challenges faced in navigating curated identities in the age of social media.
8 snips
Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
How Peter Thiel Became the Right’s Tech-Authoritarian Kingmaker
Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter and author of 'The Contrarian', dives into Peter Thiel's surprising evolution from Silicon Valley oddball to a major political influencer. He discusses Thiel's mentorship of J.D. Vance and his impact on the GOP's hard-right shift post-2020. Chafkin also critiques Thiel's controversial views on democracy and online privacy, revealing how his ideologies resonate with a new generation of tech leaders. The conversation paints a vivid picture of how Thiel is reshaping conservative politics and its implications for the future.
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 4min
“WarGames” with Jon Lovett and Ben Rhodes
Jon Lovett, a witty commentator on 80s computing, teams up with Ben Rhodes, a former White House advisor, to dive into the classic film 'WarGames.' They explore how this 1983 movie predicted today's internet and AI concerns. Lovett reflects on the charm of 80s tech, while Rhodes compares nuclear codes and foreign policy adventures during his time with Obama. Their conversation humorously dissects the absurdity of nuclear war strategies, drawing parallels between gaming, technology, and our current realities.
10 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 57min
Trump and Elon’s Trainwreck Interview & J.D. Vance’s Real Tech Agenda
Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, hosts a chaotic conversation with former President Donald Trump, exploring the absurdity of their Twitter stream antics. Erin Ryan joins to dissect Musk's questionable leadership and J.D. Vance's ties to Silicon Valley elites. Vance, known for 'Hillbilly Elegy,' faces scrutiny for his investments in Rumble, a platform for right-wing voices, highlighting his tech agenda that seems to favor personal profit over public good. The discussion raises critical questions about wealth's influence on politics.
