Behind the Bastards It Could Happen Here Weekly 196
Aug 23, 2025
Bridget Todd, a DC resident and host of 'There Are No Girls on the Internet', delves into the federalization of D.C.'s police force, exploring its implications for local governance. Historian Michael Phillips and investigative reporter Stephen Monticelli discuss the troubling legacy of company towns in the U.S., linking them to modern capitalist ventures like those of Elon Musk. They reveal how these towns have historically eroded democracy and workers' rights, raising questions about the future of corporate influence on communities.
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Episode notes
Algorithms Monetize Loneliness
- Social media algorithms and AI models create reinforcement loops that increase time online while diminishing real-world social skills.
- Hosts argue this engineered engagement worsens loneliness despite fostering the illusion of connectedness.
Build Human Alternatives To AI
- Resist AI-driven isolation by building real local networks and being present for others in your community.
- Robert Evans recommends creating supportive human spaces so people choose people over AI companions.
Objectivity Masks Structural Biases
- 'Objectivity' in journalism morphed into performative neutrality that often masks structural biases and business incentives.
- Hosts argue for declaring conflicts and pursuing moral clarity over false balance.
