Veteran journalist John Harwood explores how modern media reached its current breaking point. He reflects on the shift from legacy newsrooms to independent platforms and the pressures created by political influence, corporate ownership, and the race for audience attention. Together we look at why trust in journalism has declined and what it would take to rebuild it. Harwood also shares personal experiences from inside major news organizations and what gives him hope for the future of credible reporting.

This episode of Signal Fire explores how social media has reshaped the way people discover, trust, and share news. Jon and Lisa sit down with journalist and News Not Noise founder Jessica Yellin to discuss the rise of evidence based creators and the challenges they face in an online environment built for speed and outrage. Together they unpack the role of algorithms, the erosion of trust, and the growing difficulty for audiences to separate fact from manipulation. Jessica also shares her thoughts on transparency, how creators can build credibility, and what a healthier information ecosystem might look like in the years ahead.

The second episode of Signal Fire examines how algorithmic feeds are reshaping identity, belonging, and belief. Jon Zieger and Lisa Senecal speak with Cynthia Miller-Idriss about the growth of online misogyny, the isolation of young men, and the systems that accelerate radicalization. The conversation traces the influence of cultural signals, influencer content, and gaming spaces on emerging worldviews. It also explores practical public health and digital literacy strategies that can strengthen resilience in families and communities.

In the premiere of Signal Fire, hosts Jon Zieger and Lisa Senecal explore how a fragmented information ecosystem has eroded shared reality. They examine the rise of the attention economy, the power of creator-driven media, and the emotional vulnerabilities exploited by digital platforms. The discussion highlights growing distrust, polarization, and apathy, especially among younger audiences. The episode sets the stage for a series focused on practical solutions and conversations with leading experts.

What happens when a free society loses its grip on shared truth? The old system is breaking. Legacy media is struggling. Social platforms are the main source of news for millions—but they're designed for engagement, not accuracy. On Signal Fire, hosts Jon Zieger, who helped lead some of America’s most successful technology companies,  and Lisa Senecal, a media strategist, narrative expert, and pro-democracy platform founding editor, explore how our information systems are breaking—and what can rebuild them. Each week brings honest talk with journalists, creators, and technologists working toward real solutions. Truth matters. Let’s find our way back.