Episode 156 - Fox News Brain

Roqayah is off this week, so Kumars is joined by Madeline Peltz, a research coordinator at Media Matters for America where she covers the rise of the far right in conservative media and has emerged as the world’s foremost expert on Tucker Carlson.  Madeline famously combed through the Fox News host’s weekly guest appearances from 2006 to 2011 on the talk radio program of C-list shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge, exposing a history of openly bigoted statements that put Carlson’s lingering prestige in media circles and the confusion surrounding his descent into fascism in their proper context. After catching listeners up on the history and mission of Media Matters, Madeline and Kumars dive deep into the utility of boycotting Fox News, the weirdest Fox commercials, how the network’s ideological project has evolved in the Trump era, and what makes “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” of all its offerings, uniquely dangerous.  You can follow Madeline Peltz on Twitter @peltzmadeline and keep up with her work on the Media Matters website.  If you want to support the show and receive access to tons of bonus content, subscribe on our Patreon for as little as $5 a month. Also, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. We can't do this show without your support!!!