We keep hearing about the so-called "metaverse" but what exactly is it? Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 317 explains it. Frequent guest, Professor Paul Levinson, tells us how the metaverse evolved and the ways we can benefit from the "immersive internet." This episode is audio only. It was recorded in Bob's podcasting class at Caldwell University.

We know that America is divided and people live in their own news and opinion "echo chambers." A new opinion platform called koyn has been launched as an outlet for expressing opposing points views in a civil environment. Co-creator Pranjit Kalita is my guest on Hot Media episode 316 to discuss how koyn works.

In Hot Media episode 315, host Bob Mann and guest Len Klatt (TV producer and comedy historian) disagree about the new Aaron Sorkin film "Being the Ricardos." The movie looks behind the scenes at the lives of Lucy and Desi as they create the classic sitcom and make history. Bob loves it. Len loves Lucy but not this film. Bob & Len also talk about the latest episode of digital sitcom "Here to There." Len is a co-creator.

January 6, 2021 was a crucial date in U.S. history. This year's anniversary of the Capitol riot was, in itself, a critical date. On episode 314 of Hot Media, host Bob Mann and guest Rem Rieder discuss the coverage of the anniversary. Bob and Rem also talk about the challenges facing the news media in 2022.

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 313 features frequent guest Dan Cassino. A new book, written by Dan and Yasemin Besen-Cassino, is the topic of the show. Gender Threat examines how men, who feel threatened by changes in society, turn to compensatory behaviors such as buying guns and supporting Donald Trump to assert their masculinity.

The news media is the watchdog for American democracy. Hot Media episode 312 looks at highlights of the work done by journalists this past year. Host Bob Mann and guest Paul Levinson discuss the dangers of disinformation on social media and the contributions made by professional journalists in 2021.

Bob Mann completes his brief history of television on "Hot Media" episode #311. In this monologue, Bob talks about sitcoms, magazine shows and sports.

Bob Mann talks about the history of television talk shows on this episode of Hot Media. Episode 310 is the first of a series covering the history of the medium.

Hot Media with Bob Mann episode 309 is about media and sports. Bob's guest is Malcolm Moran, former sportswriter for the New York Times and currently the Director of the Sports Capital Journalism Program at IUPUI. Malcolm and Bob discuss the influence that athletes have on society. The conversation focuses on Aaron Rodgers' controversial COVID vaccine statements. Moran and Mann also talk about the potential conflicts faced by NBC in its coverage of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.

Hot Media with Bob Mann is produced in New Jersey. That state just had a shocking election for Governor. Incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy almost lost to Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Votes are still being counted. Ciattarelli says the media are acting irresponsibly by calling the race for Murphy. He is not yet conceding. Is this a wake up call for Democrats around the nation or just local politics? Bob talks about this election with Government and Politics Professor Dan Cassino in HM episode 308.