Best Talks With Calista Podcasts (2025)

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DOCUMENTARY - What’s Pulling Young Men to the Right? 34:28

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4h ago34:28

34:28

Gen Z’s political gender gap is widening. Young women are trending left, while young men drift right—and it’s not just politics. In this episode, we explore the cultural, social, and economic pressures shaping young men’s identities, from the “manosphere” to societal expectations around masculinity and the pressure to be the breadwinner. We examine…

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71. Do Facts Really Change Minds? – Nick Stagnaro 32:32

6d ago32:32

32:32

The Shift from Certainty to Nuance We’ve all heard the saying: facts don’t change minds. But new research challenges that idea. In this episode, David talks with social scientist Nick Stagnaro about what happens when people dive deep into the facts on divisive issues like gun control. The findings? Knowledge can soften extreme positions—shifting pe…

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70. Is There Still Hope for the Internet? - Kristin Hansen 42:08

20d ago42:08

42:08

The Hidden Power of Social Norms Social media often gets blamed for fueling outrage and deepening political divides. But what if the very tools that spread division could be used to bridge it? In this episode, we talk with Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project, about Normsy.ai—a groundbreaking initiative using human-plus-AI too…

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BONUS - Teaching Civics in the Age of Outrage - June Klees 38:07

27d ago38:07

38:07

What Happens When Students Talk Across Generations? We sit down with with Dr. June Klees, a historian and educator at Bay College, about the Waging Dialogue initiative — a unique civics program designed to help students develop the confidence and skills to engage in dialogue across generational and ideological divides. Students are paired with olde…

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69. America’s Connection Opportunity - Kate Carney and Calista Small 34:19

1M ago34:19

34:19

The Connection Opportunity Report: Hope, Barriers, and the Path Forward How can we truly connect across political, racial, religious, and class divides? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer dives into the Connection Opportunity report from More in Common with guests Kate Carney and Calista Small. Discover: ✅ Why most Americans…

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68. Is Our Democracy Failing Because We’re Not Thinking Enough? - James Fishkin 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

Is democracy failing because citizens aren’t truly thinking through the issues? In this episode, we hear from Prof. James Fishkin, Stanford scholar and creator of Deliberative Polling, a groundbreaking method used around the world to reveal what people would think if they had the chance to deliberate in depth. Fishkin explains why deliberation is a…

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Outrage on the Mic – Part 3: Rage Sells, But We Don’t Have to Buy It 12:46

2M ago12:46

12:46

War, political chaos, economic fears, AI disruption—the world feels like it’s on fire. And the media? It never stops pouring fuel on the flames. In this final chapter of the Outrage on the Mic series, we explore how outrage has become the currency of media—from the fiery sermons of Father Coughlin to the viral rants of today’s podcasters and politi…

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Outrage on the Mic, Part 2: Outrage Has Always Been With Us 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

In Part 2 of our special series Outrage on the Mic, we go back in time to explore how public outrage has shaped societies long before the digital age. David Beckemeyer is joined by Outrageous History! host Ernest Granson, who brings his journalist’s eye to scandals, uprisings, and media-fueled conflicts from the French Revolution to the Spanish-Ame…

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Outrage on the Mic – Part 1: Laughing Through the Outrage 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

Outrage Overload x Outrage Factory This week, we kick off our special July series, Outrage on the Mic, with a fun and irreverent crossover featuring the hosts of Outrage Factory—Dale Deruiter and Geoff Gauthier. We explore the absurdity of online outrage, how humor can both defuse and amplify it, and what it means to build a show around the week’s …

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67. AI vs. Ancient Hatreds: Can Tech Ease the Israeli-Palestinian Divide? – Adam Boaz Becker 36:51

3M ago36:51

36:51

Why is it so hard to have civil conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? And can we break through the outrage culture, media tribalism, and polarization that dominate today’s discourse? In this episode, we talk with Adam Boaz Becker, founder of Headon.AI, an AI platform designed to foster political dialogue and bridge divides. Adam sha…

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BONUS - Are We Witnessing a Democracy in Crisis? - Lucan Way 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

Exploring Democratic Erosion and the Rise of Authoritarian Tactics Is the U.S. Sliding Toward Competitive Authoritarianism? Political scientist Lucan Way joins us to discuss signs of democratic erosion, competitive authoritarianism, and the weaponization of institutions. Drawing from his co-authored New York Times essay, “How Will We Know When We H…

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66. What It Really Takes to Fix the Division in America – Rich Harwood 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Why are we so divided — and what can we really do about it? In this episode, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute and author of The New Civic Path, returns to the show to share how communities across America are rebuilding trust and taking action — without waiting on Washington. We talk about how to bring people together, restore belief i…

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DOCUMENTARY - How ‘Natural Living’ Becomes Extremism: Inside the Crunchy-to-Radical Pipeline 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

How Wellness Content Fuels Conspiracies What starts as a search for natural living or homegrown veggies can slowly become something else entirely. In this episode, we follow the personal story of Kavisha Pillay, a digital ethics expert who unexpectedly found herself pulled into the “tradwife” aesthetic while simply exploring homesteading and wellne…

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65. Grief, Fatigue, and the Aftermath of COVID - Zeest Khan 37:09

4M ago37:09

37:09

How a Doctor’s Long COVID Journey Exposed Systemic Failures Millions are still living with long COVID, yet many patients are dismissed, misunderstood, or left without answers. In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan shares her personal journey—from treating critical patients as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist to becoming a long COVID patient herself. Thi…

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BONUS - Crisis in National Service Undermines Civic Engagement – Maureen Eccleston 30:49

4M ago30:49

30:49

How AmeriCorps Cuts Threaten Our Civic Future Tens of thousands of AmeriCorps service positions are being eliminated. In this episode, we explore how cuts to national service programs are affecting communities, civic engagement, and the future of democracy in America. Maureen Eccleston, Chief Impact Officer at Service Year Alliance and longtime Ame…

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64. Our Democracy Is Fraying—Here’s How We Start Repairing It - Karissa Raskin 38:07

4M ago38:07

38:07

Why 500 Organizations Joined Forces to Bridge America’s Deepest Divides We sit down with Karissa Raskin, the new CEO of Listen First Project, a national organization leading a coalition of over 500 groups working to reduce toxic polarization and build stronger communities through connection and dialogue. Karissa shares her personal journey into the…

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BONUS - Crisis in Journalism with Michael Deas 37:27

4M ago37:27

37:27

Exploring Media Consolidation, Distrust, and the Future of News Why are major newspapers stepping back from endorsing presidential candidates? What does that say about the Fourth Estate—and its ability to hold power accountable? In this episode of Outrage Overload, David Beckemeyer is joined by journalist and educator Michael Deas, former editor at…

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63. Moral Psychology and the Harm-Based Roots of Political Polarization - Sam Pratt 29:23

4M ago29:23

29:23

How Perceptions of Harm Drive Moral Outrage and Political Conflict In episode 61, we explored Outraged! with Kurt Gray, discussing the harm-based model of morality and how our perceptions of harm and victimization fuel moral outrage. But there’s so much more to uncover. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the research behind these ideas wit…

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62. Reducing Online Outrage: What Role Can Community-Driven Algorithms Play - Paul Resnick 35:13

5M ago35:13

35:13

How Systems Like Community Notes on Twitter/X Aim to Break the Cycle of Misinformation Are social media algorithms fueling misinformation and deepening echo chambers—or can they help bridge divides? In this episode, we talk with Paul Resnick, a pioneer in recommender systems and digital trust, about how platforms curate content, the truth behind fi…

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BONUS - How Authoritarianism Creeps In: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler - Bruce Neuburger 34:51

5M ago34:51

34:51

Why Resistance Matters: Lessons from Postcards to Hitler How does authoritarianism take hold? What warning signs do we often miss? In this episode, we speak with Bruce Neuburger, author of Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in a Time of Terror, about the rise of political extremism—then and now. Neuburger shares his grandfather’s incredib…

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61. Outraged! The New Science of Moral Outrage - Kurt Gray 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

Why is outrage so powerful? And why does it feel so addictive? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray joins us to discuss his new book, Outraged!, which offers a groundbreaking look at the psychology of moral fury, social media outrage, and political division. If The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt set the stage for understanding moral differences, Outrag…

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BONUS - From Outrage to Reflection 11:27

6M ago11:27

11:27

A Ritual for Intentional Living In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, I share a personal ritual that keeps me grounded and mindful of the ripples we create in our daily lives. Originally recorded for What’s Your Ripple?, this conversation explores the power of small, intentional actions and how they shape the world around us. I sit dow…

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60. PODCASTHON: How One Group Is Bridging Tech Gaps in Underserved Communities - Leonardo Sosa 31:33

6M ago31:33

31:33

In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we’re spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in te…

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Okay Boomer - Mental Health - Valerie Beck 14:05

6M ago14:05

14:05

Why do younger generations feel so disconnected from the world their parents grew up in? Are millennials just complaining, or is there something deeper at play? In this special OK Boomer episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Valerie Beck, a holistic health practitioner and founder of Intrepid Wellness, to explore the com…

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59. Outrage, Fear, and Perception: Understanding Cultivation Theory - James Shanahan 33:43

6M ago33:43

33:43

How Media Shapes Reality James Shanahan, a leading expert on cultivation theory, joins David Beckemeyer to explore how television, news, and social media influence public perception, fear, and political polarization. They discuss the Mean World Syndrome, the rise of outrage media, and how algorithms amplify division. Tune in to learn how media effe…

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DOCUMENTARY - The Imperial Presidency? Executive Overreach and the Constitution 59:12

7M ago59:12

59:12

Is the U.S. presidency becoming too powerful? Imagine a president ignoring court rulings, dismantling government agencies, and bypassing oversight. It’s not just a hypothetical—it’s happening now. In this episode, we explore the rise of executive overreach and its implications for democracy. 🔹 Guests: Professor Kevin Smith – Political scientist spe…

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58. The Truth Behind Political Division: Are We Really That Different? - James Coan 26:45

7M ago26:45

26:45

How Correcting Misperceptions Can Heal Political Divides Ever wonder why political conversations feel more heated than ever? It might not be about the issues themselves but how we perceive the other side. In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explore the "perception gap"—the distorted views we hold about political opponents—and how correcting the…

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DOCUMENTARY - Beyond Male and Female: The Science—and Politics—of Sex Development 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

How Biology Challenges the Male-Female Binary In this documentary-style episode, Outrage Overload dives into the intricate and often misunderstood world of sex development, using the controversy surrounding female boxers at the Paris Olympics as a case study. We unpack the science, ethics, and personal stories behind Differences in Sex Development …

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57. The Digital Detox: How Vinyl and Old Tech Became Cool Again - David Sax 38:40

7M ago38:40

38:40

Why Physical Experiences Still Matter in a Digital World Vinyl records are outselling CDs. Instant-print cameras are finding their way back into people’s hands. Even paper notebooks remain a must-have for many. But why are we seeing this resurgence of analog technologies in an overwhelmingly digital world? In this episode, David Sax, award-winning …

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BONUS - Behind the Curtain: A Conversation with DNC Chair Candidate Jason Paul 37:07

8M ago37:07

37:07

We're joined by Jason Paul, an attorney, political strategist, and candidate for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jason brings his wealth of experience and bold ideas to the table, offering insights on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and his vision for revitalizing its structure and operations. Whether you’re a political…

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56. The Cost of Innovation: Who Pays for Silicon Valley’s Bold Experiments? - Émile P. Torres 47:02

8M ago47:02

47:02

How Silicon Valley Elites Decide the Future Without Us Silicon Valley’s technological breakthroughs promise to change the world, but at what cost? In this episode, we sit down with philosopher and technology critic Dr. Émile P. Torres to examine the hidden price of innovation. From AI’s environmental footprint to the ethical failures in its develop…

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BONUS - Aphantasia, Face Blindness, and the Diversity of Inner Worlds - Sadie Dingfelder 29:40

8M ago29:40

29:40

Do I Know You? A Journey Through Neurodiversity and Inner Lives Journalist and author Sadie Dingfelder takes us on a journey through the hidden diversity of human perception. Diagnosed with aphantasia (the inability to create mental images) and face blindness, Sadie has learned firsthand how drastically inner worlds can differ from person to person…

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55. Surviving the Age of Misinformation - David Helfand 36:02

8M ago36:02

36:02

How to Survive the Age of Misinformation We are joined by Dr. David Helfand, an esteemed professor of astronomy at Columbia University and author of A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age. Dr. Helfand shares practical tools to help listeners sharpen their critical thinking skills, question the narratives they encounter, and distinguish between …

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BONUS - Special: Behind the Mic: The Highs, Lows, and Surprises of Running This Show 41:33

9M ago41:33

41:33

Guest host Ross "Yergz" Yerger flips the script and puts David and Lisa Beckemeyer—the voices behind the podcast—on the other side of the mic! 🎧 Listeners have asked to know more about the people behind the show, so here’s a fun, candid role-reversal episode just for you. Whether you’re driving on Christmas Day, unwinding after the festivities, or …

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54. How Local Communities Are Quietly Healing America’s Political Divide - Rich Harwood 34:41

9M ago34:41

34:41

Why Building Together Is the Key to Healing Divided Communities How can communities overcome disconnection, address anger, and rebuild trust in today’s polarized and often overwhelming world? In this episode of Outrage Overload, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, discusses the roots of civic disconnection and how …

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BONUS - The Hate Next Door: Unmasking the New Face of White Supremacy - Matt and Tawni Browning 21:30

9M ago21:30

21:30

How Understanding Can Combat Hate: Insights from “The Hate Next Door” In this episode of Outrage Overload, we delve into the unsettling reality of hate and extremism in America with Matt and Tawni Browning, authors of "The Hate Next Door: Undercover Within the New Face of White Supremacy." Matt, a former undercover detective, infiltrated white supr…

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53. The Impact of Political Attacks on Social Media - Ariel Hasell 31:17

9M ago31:17

31:17

How Social Media Hostility Impacts Democracy Together with our guest, Ariel Hasell, a leading expert in media, communication, and political psychology, we unpack how the outrage fueled by hostile political posts spreads across social media platforms, driving polarization and shaping public discourse based on findings of the research paper "When Soc…

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52. Nobody wants to be an idiot - Andrew Selepak 27:01

10M ago27:01

27:01

Are We Finally Sick of the Media Outrage Machine? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Selepak, media professor at the University of Florida, for an eye-opening conversation on the shifting landscape of media and its role in stoking public outrage. Selepak explains how the decline in trust toward traditional media stems from several factors, in…

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BONUS - Post-Election 2024 Special: What Are Voters Really Saying? 28:44

10M ago28:44

28:44

What Are Voters Really Saying? In this special post-election episode of Outrage Overload, we examine the surprising twists of the 2024 election. What were voters truly trying to tell us, and what drove their choices this year? Join us as we unpack the results with fresh insights from top experts, including political scientists and a computational a…

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51. The complex interplay between burnout, outrage, and societal challenges - Gary Simonds 36:53

10M ago36:53

36:53

How Neuroscience Can Help Us Fight Burnout in an Age of Outrage and Division A compelling conversation with Dr. Gary Simonds, a neurosurgeon and burnout expert, to unpack the emotional toll of our outrage-saturated media environment. We explore how the relentless cycle of negative news, social media hype, and political bias can lead to burnout, emo…

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BONUS - Tech Bro Apocalypse Dreams - David Troy 21:29

11M ago21:29

21:29

How Tech Bros Like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel want to Shape Our Future In this special episode, we're tackling the intriguing—and often troubling—world of "techno-libertarianism." We sit down with tech entrepreneur and researcher David Troy to unpack this movement’s bold vision of a future free from government control and centralized institutions, d…

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50. I got to the point where I just didn't even want to consume the news anymore - Julie Rose 29:13

11M ago29:13

29:13

Why Embracing Complexity and Nuance is Critical for Personal Growth and Informed Decision-Making We sit down with Julie Rose, host of the Top of Mind podcast, to explore her journey from feeling overwhelmed by the negativity in the news to fostering thoughtful, nuanced conversations. Julie shares how she broke free from the media’s tendency to over…

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BONUS - How to Persuade People Who Disagree With You (Hint: It’s Not Facts) - Karin Tamerius 30:51

11M ago30:51

30:51

How to Have Better Political Conversations (Even with Your Most Difficult Relatives) In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Dr. Karin Tamerius, a political psychiatrist and founder of Smart Politics, a nonprofit that helps progressives communicate persuasively while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints. Th…

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49. What would an environmental saint look like? - Roger S. Gottlieb 26:46

11M ago26:46

26:46

Why We Need Courage, Not Hope, to Face Climate Change In this episode, I dive into new territory, exploring the environmental crisis with Dr. Roger Gottlieb, renowned author of The Sacrifice Zone. Dr. Gottlieb offers a striking perspective on the looming threat of environmental devastation, arguing that our greatest enemy is not just the crisis its…

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BONUS - We don't have for election day any particular culture - Jonathan Bernstein 37:35

11M ago37:35

37:35

Can Humor Save Election Day? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer interviews Jonathan Bernstein, a writer and satirist, about his new visual storytelling project that aims to increase voter turnout through political satire. Bernstein shares how humor can cut through the noise of outrage-driven media and foster civic participat…

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48. The complex psychological effects of Twitter use - Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello 30:17

12M ago30:17

30:17

How Twitter Impacts Our Well-being We explore the intricate relationship between Twitter and society with Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Toronto. Victoria's research sheds light on the psychological effects of Twitter use, exploring how the platform shapes well-being, mental health, and social connectio…

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BONUS - Centrism is no longer viable - Steve McIntosh 27:58

12M ago27:58

27:58

How AI Can Help Address Toxic Polarization In this bonus episode of Outrage Overload, we dive into the intriguing potential of artificial intelligence to reduce political polarization in online spaces. Our guest, Steve McIntosh—developmental philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Developmental Politics Project—joins us to discuss his work on De…

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47. People have already decided what is factual and correct - Samuel C. Spitale 25:32

1y ago25:32

25:32

How to Combat the Misinformation Crisis In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Spitali, author of How to Win the War on Truth, to unravel the complexities of misinformation and its impact on society. Samuel offers a deep dive into the history of media polarization, examining key moments like the removal of the Fairness Doctrine and the rise of pa…

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BONUS - Rethinking Your News Diet: Two Approaches to a Healthier Information Intake - Drew Steigerwald & Alex Fink 25:19

1y ago25:19

25:19

How Platforms Like OtherWeb and 1440 Are Changing News Consumption In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of news consumption with Alex Fink, CEO of OtherWeb, and Drew Steggerwald, co-founder of 1440 News. We explore how their platforms are reshaping the way we engage with information, focusing on curating a balanced and healthy media…

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46. The Enduring Grip of Trumpism on America - Robert Gutsche 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

After Trump: Understanding the Continuing Influence of Trumpism We explore the enduring influence of Donald Trump on American politics and media. Despite the controversies and outrage that defined his presidency, Trumpism continues to dominate voter sentiment, political discourse, and media narratives, often amplifying divisions and fueling heated …