Talk Cocktail

On the third anniversary of January 6th, myWhoWhatWhy podcast features Brian Stelter, former CNN host and author of Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy.

It’s clear that Fox News will likely play a key role in determining whether America remains a democracy, and Stelter provides a colonoscopy into Fox News’s influential role in shaping U.S. politics, especially post-2020 election. 

He examines the network’s complex relationship with truth, and why it’s been so successful in conning a huge group of low information voters. He shares unknown information about key figures like Tucker Carlson and Rupert Murdoch. 

The podcast also explains Sean Hannity’s clever avoidance of fallout and Carlson’s impact on the GOP and white nationalism. 

Stelter discusses the details of the billion-dollar defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems, revealing how Fox News perpetuated election falsehoods and its ongoing effect on the decay of American democracy. 

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On October 7th, a pivotal event in Israel echoed globally, deeply affecting the local Israeli community. This impact extended worldwide, influencing international politics and discourse, from the Red Sea to capitals like Moscow, Washington, and Beijing. In the U.S., notably in Los Angeles and San Francisco, streets filled with protests, mirroring societal divides. These events highlighted the interplay of geopolitics and history, shaping future narratives about Israel, Judaism, and anti-Semitism. In California, local issues mirrored these global dynamics, showcasing our world's interconnectedness. Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund since 2009, is a key figure in this narrative. A former CEO of the Jewish Community Federation in San Francisco and founder of what is now Bend the Arc, he's recognized as a major Jewish influencer. Author of 'Can We Talk About Israel: A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted' (2021), Sokatch is a notable author and commentator.

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Conor Friedersdorf, a California-based staff writer for The Atlantic, joins me on the California Sun podcast to discuss his recent article, “A Uniquely Terrible New DEI Policy.” In it, he dissects controversial new diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates at California’s community colleges, the largest higher education system in the U.S. These policies are not only sparking lawsuits but also raising questions about academic freedom and First Amendment rights. As Friedersdorf navigates this complex landscape, he sheds light on the historical context, the intentions behind the policies, and their broader societal implications.

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In a time when dubious media narratives about the economy often overshadow hard data, the latest episode of the WhoWhatWhy podcast features Noah Smith, the thought-provoking economist behind Noahpinion substack. Smith’s analysis of “vibes vs. data” sheds light on the interplay between public sentiment and tangible economic metrics in the US.

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In my latest California Sun podcast, John King, urban design critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, explores how San Francisco’s Ferry Building mirrors the city's evolution and broader urban American challenges in his new book Portal." More than a historic transportation hub, the Ferry Building's journey from glory to neglect and resurgence symbolizes San Francisco's shifting narrative. King delves into the interplay of preservation, development, and adaptation while addressing existential threats like climate change and seismic risks. He reveals how a single landmark can encapsulate a city's history, growth, and future uncertainties.

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My WhoWhatWhy conversation with legendary campaign strategist Stuart Stevens, whose new book THE CONSPIRACY TO END AMERICA looks deep into the GOP’s True Colors and its dying future.

My WhoWhatWhy.org conversation with legendary campaign strategist Stuart Stevens, whose new book THE CONSPIRACY TO END AMERICA looks deep into the GOP’s True Colors and its dying future.

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Jonathan Taplin, a film producer, scholar, and director emeritus of the Annenberg Innovation Lab, is a vocal critic of excessive techno-optimism. In his book, "The End of Reality: How Four Billionaires are Selling a Fantasy Future of the Metaverse, Mars, and Crypto," he argues that the California-centric billionaires Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Marc Andreessen are diverting public attention from critical issues. He criticizes the media's role in glorifying them and advocates for a cultural shift that emphasizes real solutions over escapist narratives.

My California Sun podcast with Jonathan Taplan:

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The middle class stands as the most successful demographic in world history. By the time we reach 2030, it's projected that the fifth billionth person will have joined its ranks. This journey, which began just over two centuries ago by people in pursuit of a better life, has sparked an unparalleled global transformation.

In today's landscape, where half of the global population finds themselves at or above the middle-class threshold, the work of my guest Homi Kharas shines a light on their journey from poverty to empowerment. 

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Robert M. Sapolsky, a Stanford neurobiologist and MacArthur “genius” fellow, challenges our deeply ingrained beliefs about free will. Building on his seminal 2017 work "Behave," which explored the dynamics of nature and nurture, Sapolsky's latest book, "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will," suggests that science, medicine, and philosophy may actually support determinism over free will. As societal discourse increasingly embraces a culture of victimhood, he questions the quintessentially Californian belief in personal agency.

My California Sun conversation with Robert Sapolsky: