This Is Critical

We discuss online romantic fraud with journalist Max Benwell, whose identity was stolen by a catfish. Why do we call it catfishing in the first place? Plus comedy from Kate James.

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It's the emotion we most try to avoid, but what if shunning sadness keeps us from being happy? Journalist Helen Russell explains, with a reflection from Mike Albo.

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She's been a romance writer, a marketing rep for metal bands, a conservative Member of Parliament, and a broadcaster of bombshell Trump-Russia stories, some true and many un. This week, a rare interview with one of Twitter's most intriguing gadflies. Just don’t call her a provocateur.

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In his newest novel, Dave Eggers conjures every techno-oligarch's dream: a Google/Amazon chimera that optimizes and commodifies all aspects of life. He explains why that should terrify us, how he came to step back from tech (except for jetpacks), and why everyone can — and should — unplug. Plus, a new social media venture from comedian Kate James.

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Katie Hill was one of the Democratic women who flipped the House of Representatives in 2018. But she resigned less than a year into her first term after a sex scandal based on what she calls cyber exploitation. We go behind the salacious headlines to find out why she stepped down when so many male politicians have weathered much rougher storms.

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Montel Williams is a figure of nostalgia for people who were fond of his long-running daytime talk show. He’s also a pop-culture punchline. But when you hear his story, you'll understand what we’ve all been missing about Montel.

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Don't panic! We will be back with a new episode next Thursday.

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For a few hours on Monday, the relentless stream of conspiracy memes, thirst traps, and LuLaRoe pitches went silent. Facebook went unconscious. Meanwhile, a whistleblower prepared to testify in front of the Senate about what exactly Facebook knows about the problems it causes. Virginia Heffernan talks to journalist Steven Levy about what's going on and media scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan about what's next.

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We all know that theater loves social justice — or is that just a show? As curtains rise again, we just might have our answer. Virginia Heffernan talks to award-winning playwright Paul Rudnick about Broadway’s political evolution, and how hard it is to adapt comedies like The Devil Wears Prada for a new decade, plus a pitch from comedian Kate James.

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The NFL is cracking down on it. Donald Trump can’t stop doing it. And it’s the whole reason for the first rule of social media: “Never read the comments.” Trash talk is uncivil, unsportsmanlike, and not for the faint of heart. But what if you could learn to use it to your benefit? Virginia Heffernan talks to former pro basketball player Dre Baldwin to find out how to trash talk on the court and in life — with some tips and tricks from comedian Mike Albo.

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