Offline with Jon Favreau
Crooked Media
Is the internet slowly breaking our brains, and if so, what can we do about it?
Offline with Jon Favreau is a place where you can take a break from doom-scrolling and tune in to deeper conversations about the impact of technology and the internet on our politics and culture.
Intimate interviews between Pod Save America host Jon Favreau and notable guests like Stephen Colbert, Hasan Piker, Chimamanda Adichie, ContraPoints, Margaret Atwood, and Rachel Maddow shed light on how our extremely online existence shapes the ways we live, work, and interact with one another. Together we’ll take on the most existential questions facing Americans right now, to figure out how to live happier, healthier lives, both on and offline.
New episodes drop every Saturday, wherever you get your podcasts and on the Offline YouTube channel.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
May 30, 2024 • 1h 15min
How "The Matrix" Created Modern Silicon Valley
Guests Jamelle Bouie and Erin Ryan discuss how 'The Matrix' shaped modern online culture, inspired tech bros, trans allegory, red pill concept, nightmare fan theory, societal interpretations, critique of internet personas, allegorical nature for social media, reimagining the movie for today, living in a simulation, iconic screensaver, reflections on cultural and economic conditions, exploring AI reactions and philosophical concepts.
4 snips
May 26, 2024 • 1h 10min
ScarJo v. AI, the Digital Guillotine, and Why We Play Make Believe with Misinformation
Professor Neil Van Leeuwen discusses the difference between thinking and believing, groupish thought, and the similarities between religious creeds and political ideologies. They also delve into Scarlett Johansson's AI controversy, the impact of misinformation in the digital era, and the emotional responses triggered when symbolic beliefs are challenged.
May 23, 2024 • 1h 5min
Why "Her" Reveals How We Really Feel About AI (with Ezra Klein)
Writer and journalist Ezra Klein discusses the implications of AI on relationships inspired by the movie 'Her'. They debate emotional stakes in AI, AI's impact on relationships, and the resemblance of GPT-4o to Scarlett Johansson's voice.
May 19, 2024 • 44min
AI’s Flirty Upgrade, Facebook’s Zombie Internet, and Why We May Be Doing Mental Health Wrong
AI's flirty upgrade with Chat GPT, Facebook's zombie internet, and the potential negative impact of mental health curricula in schools are discussed. The AI chatbot evokes Scarlett Johansson, while Facebook struggles with spam problems. The podcast also delves into the unintended consequences of algorithms on social media and the influence of therapy on teen mental health.
May 16, 2024 • 1h 6min
How “You’ve Got Mail” Explains '90s Internet Culture
Crooked Executive Producer Kendra James and Jon Lovett discuss 'You've Got Mail' and its portrayal of '90s internet culture, including the shift from traditional mail to email, the impact of the internet on personal lives, and the dual identities maintained online. They also explore the nostalgia of AOL, online dating stigma, and the economy of the era.
May 12, 2024 • 52min
TikTok vs Biden, Kendrick vs Drake, AI vs Loneliness
Exploring AI friendships, benefits of smartphone bans in schools, and the rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Plus, a new East vs. West rivalry takes shape for Vote Save America's campaign.
May 9, 2024 • 54min
How Bo Burnham’s “Inside” Inspired Offline
Comedian Jamie Loftus joins the hosts to dissect Bo Burnham's 'Inside', questioning performative virtue signaling, sharing personal experiences with the audience, and exploring societal norms across generations. The discussion touches on the impact of social media, authenticity in content creation, and the evolving landscape of art reflecting modern society.
15 snips
May 5, 2024 • 52min
How Cognitive Bias Explains Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, and Internet Malaise
Author Amanda Montell discusses cognitive biases and their impact on internet behavior. Topics include the halo effect on celebrity worship, confirmation bias in politics, declinism and nostalgia, social media's influence on mental health, and zero-sum bias in political conflicts.
May 2, 2024 • 1h 4min
How “The Social Network” Explains Silicon Valley
Halle Kiefer, host of 'Ruined' podcast, discusses the accuracy of 'The Social Network' movie in depicting Silicon Valley. They analyze the portrayal of tech founders, college experiences, and relatable moments in the film. The conversation touches on bad behavior excused by genius, dating Mark Zuckerberg, and real-life parallels of the social media landscape.
6 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 47min
The Biden Campaign’s Plan to Beat Trump Online
Former White House Digital Strategy Director and Biden's Deputy Campaign Manager, Rob Flaherty, discusses Biden's online strategy, navigating the changing media landscape, leveraging TikTok, integrating ads with grassroots engagement, and promoting unity and inclusivity in political campaigns.
