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
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 19min
Offline’s Anti-Anxiety Election Special
The 2024 election is almost upon us, and if you’re not anxious…please give us some of whatever you’re taking. Barton Gellman, Senior Advisor at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins Offline to talk about how election officials are safeguarding your vote. This spring, Gellman co-lead a series of table top exercises involving current and former politicians, military officers, and analysts. Together, they played out worst-case scenarios under a second Trump presidency to better understand the true threat he poses to democracy—and brainstorm how conscientious objectors, state governments, and even protesting priests could slow him down. But first! Max and Jon talk about whether newspapers should endorse presidents, Jeff Bezos’s cringey letter, and the many ways they’re quelling their own election anxiety. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
10 snips
Oct 27, 2024 • 51min
Elon Kills the Block Button, AI Comes for Podcasts, and The Good Liar's Guide to Talking to Trump Voters
Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler, the comedic force behind The Good Liars, share their experiences from the front lines of Trump rallies. They delve into the humor they uncover in Trump's messaging while navigating the implications of Twitter's new block button policy. The duo discusses the rise of alternative platforms like Bluesky and ponder the threat of AI-generated content on podcasting. Their unique insights blend satire with pointed observations on political engagement, making for a captivating conversation.
11 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 3min
Biden’s Weather Machine, Leaked TikTok Docs, Elon’s MAGA Ground Game, and Big Porn to the Rescue?
The podcast dives into the chaos following Hurricane Helene, spotlighting the misinformation affecting recovery efforts. It reveals leaked TikTok documents that expose the app's awareness of its harmful impact. Elon Musk's political moves are critiqued, especially his support for Trump's campaign. In a twist, the discussion touches on the unusual alliance between politics and the adult entertainment industry, exploring how unconventional ads are shaping political narratives. Finally, a lighthearted look at robot bartenders adds humor to the serious topics.
35 snips
Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 22min
Hasan Piker on the Bro Vote, Kamala Harris, and the 2024 Election
Hasan Piker, Gen Z’s favorite left-wing political commentator and Twitch streamer, sheds light on the bro-first election strategy employed by Trump's campaign. He delves into the challenges of the right-wing’s media dominance and how it influences young men’s political views. The conversation shifts to Kamala Harris's campaign, critiquing the Democratic Party's approach to vital issues like immigration and healthcare. Hasan also shares his secrets for avoiding burnout while streaming 50 hours a week, blending activism with mental well-being.
Oct 6, 2024 • 1h 14min
Silicon Valley’s Newest Bad Idea, Vigilantes Infiltrate the Far Right, and Should We Buy Infowars?
Jane Coaston, host of Crooked's What A Day, and David Kirkpatrick, a New Yorker correspondent, dive into the latest tech mishaps. They discuss Silicon Valley's struggles with smart glasses and the alarming implications of genetic data sharing through services like 23andMe. The conversation takes a thrilling turn as Kirkpatrick reveals how left-wing vigilantes are infiltrating far-right groups, confronting the complexities of tackling extremism while navigating the chaotic world of online scams and misinformation.
Sep 29, 2024 • 1h
Trump Truths vs. Trump Tweets, Chappell Roan's Non-Endorsement, and Behind the Scenes at Elon's Twitter
Kate Conger, a New York Times tech reporter and coauthor of a book on Elon Musk's impact on Twitter, joins Ryan Mac, her writing partner, to dissect Musk's chaotic takeover of the platform. They reveal behind-the-scenes insights on Twitter's decline under Musk's management. The conversation also delves into Trump's shift to Truth Social, raising questions about his evolving influence, and discusses Chappell Roan’s unique position on political endorsements and the role of celebrities in today’s complex political landscape.
Sep 26, 2024 • 56min
Why "Blade Runner" Still Defines How We See Tech
Critics Emily St. James and Halle Kiefer dive into the iconic film 'Blade Runner' and its profound impact on sci-fi and technology. They ponder whether an AI could be deemed too alluring to erase, discuss corporate greed and dystopia as mirrored in today's tech landscape, and question the evolution of originality in modern films. The pair reflect on humanity's struggle within a commodified society and explore the film’s cultural legacy, all while having a bit of fun with trivia and character dynamics.
12 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 14min
GOP's "Black Nazi" Porn Posting, Instagram's New Rules, and Tristan Harris's Guide to Humane Technology
Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and former Google design ethicist, discusses the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. He reveals why tech execs limit their own children's app usage and critiques the attention economy. The conversation touches on Instagram's new safety measures for teens and whether they genuinely address child protection. They also examine the spread of misinformation in Springfield, Ohio, and its consequences, stressing the need for humane tech design amidst the rapid evolution of AI.
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 24min
How “Fight Club” Created a Generation of Sh*tposters
Film critic Emily St. James and Erin Ryan from Crooked Media delve into the cultural legacy of 'Fight Club'. They discuss how the film has misrepresented masculinity and fueled online discontent, highlighting its impact on disillusioned Gen Xers. The conversation also touches on the complexity of female characters and critiques capitalism, all while dissecting the film's psychological themes through a modern lens. With humor and insight, they unpack how 'Fight Club' mirrors today’s generational frustrations and the pitfalls of digital culture.
18 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 56min
Robert Putnam on Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and Making America Social Again
Robert Putnam, a renowned political scientist and author, dives into the critical state of social capital in America. He highlights how our isolation, from 'bowling alone' to 'scrolling alone,' deteriorates community ties essential for democracy. Putnam reveals insights from his new documentary "Join or Die," underscoring why real-life connections matter more than digital ones. The discussion navigates the effects of the internet on civic engagement and the importance of rekindling face-to-face interactions to combat polarization among youth.
