The Study Hall Podcast

David Klion, contributing editor at Jewish Currents and columnist at The Nation, maps Bari Weiss’s rise from liberal institutions to leading CBS News. He discusses her political shift, the role of Free Press and funders in amplifying anti‑woke ideas, the 60 Minutes controversy, management failures at CBS, and what her tenure might mean for the future of legacy media.

Elena Sheppard’s writing has appeared in The Cut, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and other outlets. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Elena discussed her memoir “The Eternal Forest: A Memoir of the Cuban Diaspora”, which traces her family’s history in Cuba. Elena shared insight into the memoir-writing process and how she explored her family’s story. In addition, Elena talked about the dynamic of writing a memoir about the diaspora.   More info about “The Eternal Forest” : https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-eternal-forest-a-memoir-of-the-cuban-diaspora-elena-sheppard/2167dd906e224c52?ean=9781250287687&next=t   More info about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz    Music by KT The Terrible

Nicolas Niarchos is a reporter with work published in The Nation, The New Yorker, and The New York Times. His new book The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth traces the origins of the metals fueling decarbonization. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Niarchos discusses his rigorous research and reporting into the green energy metal supply chain in Congo, Indonesia, and the Western Sahara. Niarchos shares his on-the-ground reporting on the exploitation taking place in Congolese mines. He also offers tips for journalists who want to report in conflict regions.  For more information on The Elements on Power: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/blue-power-cobalt-china-and-the-scramble-to-dominate-the-new-energy-revolution-nicolas-niarchos/7585254   For more information on Study Hall: studyhall.xyz   Music by KT The Terrible

Tarpley Hitt is an editor at The Drift. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Hitt discusses her new book Barbieland: The Unauthorized History. The book chronicles the checkered journey of Barbie from a knockoff idea to a global icon. Hitt chats about her rigorous research process and what can be learned from Mattel’s highly litigious history.  More info about Barbieland: https://bookshop.org/p/books/barbieland-the-unauthorized-history-tarpley-hitt/3f285eff4283aec8?ean=9781668031827&next=t More info about studyhall.xyz Music by KT The Terrible   

Caroline Palmer was the editor of Vogue.com and Director of Editorial, Video, and Social Media at Amazon Fashion. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Palmer discusses her novel Workhorse, which chronicles the heyday of fashion media in the early 2000s. The novel centers around an ambitious editorial assistant who lands a dream job at a prestigious fashion magazine. Workhorse explores the glamor of that era and takes an honest look at the dynamics of privilege, talent, and success. Palmer chats about the lost art of print media, fashion media’s shaky transition to online, and the life of a workhorse.    More info about Workhorse: https://bookshop.org/p/books/workhorse-a-novel-caroline-palmer/0a4e36139fe538db   More info about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz    Music by KT The Terrible   

Sofia Quaglia is an award-winning science journalist whose work has been published in The National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, New Scientist, and other outlets. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Sofia chats about how she started reporting on biodiversity and the nuances of translating complex scientific concepts for a mass audience.  More info about the class Sofia is teaching with Study Hall on January 16th 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET: https://courses.outvoice.com/products/courses/howtobreakintosciencejournalism (Study Hall subscribers check last newsletter for discount code)   More info about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz    Music by KT The Terrible

Marianne Dhenin is an award-winning journalist whose work has been published in Truthout, Yes! Magazine, The New Republic, and Teen Vogue. In this conversation with host Daniel Spielberger, Marianne chats about their Noema Mag report on the history of air conditioning in the Gulf States. Marianne discusses how they use their journalism to illuminate the class implications of climate change issues.   Read the article here: https://www.noemamag.com/the-gulf-world-that-air-conditioning-wrought/   Subscribe to their newsletter: https://newsletter.mariannedhenin.com/   More info about Study Hall: studyhall.xyz   Music by KT The Terrible

Max Tani, media editor at Semafor and co-host of Mixed Signals, delves into the changing landscape of journalism. He explores how legacy media can adapt by harnessing AI and creator-driven models. Discussion touches on the erosion of public trust, the allure of independent media, and the implications of the Netflix-Warner Bros. takeover. Tani argues for the power shift to individual journalists while raising concerns about ethical risks in the creator space, offering career advice on maintaining authenticity in an evolving industry.

Brian Reed, the insightful host of KCRW’s 'Question Everything' and former co-creator of S-Town, dives into the contentious issues surrounding Section 230. He debates how this law grants too much protection to big tech platforms, allowing harmful disinformation to spread unchecked. Reed shares his experiences from the Iowa State Fair, discussing civic engagement and public distrust in journalism. He also highlights the ethical implications of algorithm-driven content and advocates for reforms that hold platforms accountable for their roles in spreading falsehoods.

Katherine Reynolds Lewis, an award-winning journalist and founder of the Institute for Independent Journalists, dives into the world of freelance finances. She discusses negotiating fair rates and spotting contract red flags. Lewis emphasizes the importance of establishing anchor clients for income stability and balancing pay with portfolio and passion. Practical tips include tracking expenses, preparing for taxes, and preventing late payments. Katherine also highlights the realities of creator income and offers insights on treating freelancing as a business.