6 chapters across the catalog
A series of appearances by high-profile podcasters on each other's shows is analyzed as a potential psychological operation or "op." Ben Shapiro is criticized for his rants against Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes, while Dave Smith is described as a "willing idiot" in the media landscape. The segment highlights the shift in relevance from traditional conservative outlets to decentralized platforms where figures like Candace Owens are seeing record-breaking numbers.
Matt Lauer, Ronan Farrow and New York Times Takedown
A recent New York Times article by Ben Smith is discussed, which questions the journalistic rigor of Ronan Farrow's reporting. Matt Lauer published a Medium post deconstructing Farrow's allegations against him, claiming the reported encounters were consensual. The hosts view this as a "douchebag fight" within the media elite.
Tucker Carlson, Liberal Groupthink and Guest Booking
Tucker Carlson criticizes Washington Post reporter David Weigel for refusing to appear on his show, opting instead to watch a movie. Carlson argues that modern liberals fear a "diversity of views" and rely on name-calling like "fascism" to avoid legitimate debate. The segment also notes Carlson's habit of "lip smacking" on air, which has become a point of focus for audio-sensitive listeners.
BuzzFeed Editor Ben Smith, Journalistic Ethics Debate
BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith defended the decision to publish the unverified Steele dossier, arguing that in the internet age, reporters should not act as gatekeepers. This sparked a debate with NBC's Chuck Todd regarding the ethics of publishing rumor and innuendo without verification or redaction.
Andrea Mitchell and Ben Smith Discuss 2008 Birther Roots
In a 2015 clip, MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell and Politico's Ben Smith discuss how the birther movement originated with passionate Hillary Clinton supporters in 2008. Smith explains that as Clinton was losing the primary, her supporters grasped at theories regarding Obama's eligibility, including claims he was born in Kenya.
BuzzFeed, Digital Media Hiring Practices and Journalism
BuzzFeed's emergence as a significant digital media entity is examined following its high-profile presence at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Co-founded by Jonah Peretti and led by Ben Smith, the publication is scrutinized for its unconventional hiring requirements, which include a "native grasp" of social web trends and a "no haters" policy. The discussion highlights the perceived lack of journalistic integrity in BuzzFeed's job postings and its focus on shareable, non-traditional content.
