The Study Hall Podcast

Adam Popescu, a seasoned journalist with work featured in top-tier outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times, dives into the intriguing trade of Cordyceps fungi in Nepal. He shares valuable insights on pitching compelling narratives and the ethical responsibilities of journalists. Popescu also discusses his report on genetic advancements, including the implications of crafting a woolly mouse. His exploration highlights the intersections of culture, consumerism, and the complexities of ethical journalism in today's climate.

We were joined by Evette Dionne, the co-founder of The Flytrap and Executive Editor of Yes!. She chatted about the importance of feminist blogging, The Flytrap’s editorial philosophy, and Yes! Media’s approach to covering activism. Support Yes! : https://www.yesmagazine.org/?form=PowerOf30 Subscribe to The Flytrap: https://theflytrap.beehiiv.com/ Find out more about Study Hall: https://studyhall.xyz/ Music by KT The Terrible

Daniel chatted with Vittoria Elliott, a reporter at WIRED, about her recent coverage of DOGE, Elon Musk, and the Trump administration. She shared what she learned about reporting on Musk's attack on federal bureaucracy and how her background in startups informs her coverage.  Read Vittoria Elliott’s work: https://www.wired.com/author/vittoria-elliott/ Find out more about Study Hall: Studyhall.xyz.   Music by KT The Terrible   

Daniel chatted with Allegra Rosenberg, an editor and journalist who recently published a very in-depth feature for Atavist Magazine about an Antarctic love story between two British sailors in the early 1910s. Rosenberg shared her experience researching, writing, and editing this feature. Read Allegra’s feature here: https://magazine.atavist.com/from-antarctica-with-love-terra-nova-scott-south-pole-pennell-atkinson/ Check out more of her work: https://allegrarosenberg.com/ Her sources/bibliography: https://allegrarosenberg.com/polar/2025/02/28/pennell-and-atkinson-in-the-atavist-magazine/ Pennell's full diary uploaded: https://collection.canterburymuseum.com/objects/771153/diary-harry-pennell-1909-13 More info about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz. Music by KT The Terrible  

Daniel chatted with Anna Merlan, a senior reporter at Mother Jones. Merlan shared her experience covering the far-right media ecosystem, disinformation, and RFK JR.. She discussed why she believes Trump has used a “new state media” to spread his message. Follow Anna Merlan on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/annamerlan.bsky.social   Find our more about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz   Music by KT The Terrible

In a chat with host Daniel Spielberger, Katelyn Burns, a columnist at MSNBC and Xtra, discussed her coverage of President Trump’s anti-trans policies, how legacy media overlooks trans perspectives, and the expanding role of independent media. Burns is also the co-host of the podcast Cancel Me, Daddy and co-founder of The Flytrap.    Subscribe to her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/katelynburns/posts   Find out more about Study Hall: https://studyhall.xyz/   Music by KT the Terrible 

Daniel D’Addario, Variety’s chief correspondent, joined the podcast to discuss his new novel "The Talent." "The Talent" follows five competing actresses over the course of an awards season. D’Addario also discussed the evolution of awards season as a spectacle, what exactly means for a celebrity to do "media training," and entertainment journalism's place in the creator economy.  Find out more about "The Talent": https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Talent/Daniel-DAddario/9781668075470 Find out more about Study Hall: https://studyhall.xyz/ Music by KT the Terrible   

Daniel chats with journalists Alex Arriaga and kate harloe. Alex is an audience engagement editor at New York Focus, while kate is a freelance journalist who has written for Mother Jones,  Neiman Labs, and other outlets. The two discussed a community listening tour they spearheaded for New York Focus, an independent newsroom covering New York. The community listening tour surveyed New Yorkers on how they get information and local news. On this episode, Arriaga and harloe chat about information ecosystems, local news, and news deserts. Read the full report on New York’s local information ecosystems here: https://nysfocus.com/2024/12/11/what-new-yorkers-want-from-local-news    Subscribe to New York Focus’s newsletter: https://nysfocus.com/newsletter    Find out more about Study Hall: https://studyhall.xyz/   Music by KT the Terrible 

Daniel spoke to Dane Cardiel, the founder of Good Tape, a creative studio and magazine that covers the podcasting industry. Dane discussed the importance of building a community around your podcast/magazine. He also shared some insight into the benefits and drawbacks of podcasting for journalism. To learn more about Good Tape visit: https://goodtape.com/ To learn more about Study Hall visit: https://studyhall.xyz/ Music by KT the Terrible

Nathan J. Robinson, the founder and editor in chief of Current Affairs, shared his experience running a leftist publication during the Trump administration. He also discussed how leftists can engage with right wing media and the importance of rigorous, good faith debate.  Read Current Affairs here: https://www.currentaffairs.org/ Find out more about Study Hall: Studyhall.xyz.