Signal Fire

America’s public lands have long enjoyed bipartisan support, yet they are now facing unprecedented political pressure. In this episode 8 of Signal Fire, Jon & Lisa speak with journalist Chris Keyes, Executive Director, RE:PUBLIC Lands Media, about the policies, power dynamics, and economic forces reshaping how these lands are managed. We explore why decisions affecting places that belong to everyone are increasingly happening out of public view.

In this episode of Signal Fire, Jon and Lisa examine what happens when major news organizations pull back from stories that challenge power.  They discuss the growing role of self-censorship in media, how corporate and political pressure shape editorial decisions, and why silence can be just as consequential as misinformation. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of weakened local journalism and what it means for public accountability. Jon & Lisa also share their favorite news source and book recommendations of 2025.

In episode 6 of Signal Fire, our hosts step back from the news cycle to examine how they actually consume news and what that says about the state of modern media. They discuss the overwhelming volume of information, the blurred line between reporting and commentary, and how misinformation and speculation often crowd out fact-based journalism. Drawing on personal experience, they explore why many people are not disengaged, but instead overexposed to fragmented and distorted narratives. The conversation returns to a core question at the heart of the show: what it means to be an informed citizen in a democracy, and why that responsibility has become harder, not easier, to fulfill.

On episode 5 of Signal Fire we speak with independent journalist, Aaron Parnas, about the growing influence of corporate power, political pressure, and wealthy stakeholders on editorial decision-making inside major news organizations. We speak with Aaron about his process that led to him becoming a leading independent journalist and discuss how once-independent institutions have become more vulnerable to outside control. We will also explore what has been lost as journalism shifts away from fact-driven reporting.

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.