Topic: Machiavellian

3 chapters across the catalog

Spam Horse
Episode 499 1:03:16 - 1:08:02

499: Spam Horse

Animal Hoarding Remix and Media Tropes

A comedic remix of a reality television show about animal hoarding is played, featuring a "cat lady" and her family. The hosts use the clip to demonstrate the use of "rim shots" in production to highlight absurd dialogue. This leads to a brief discussion on the rise of "Machiavellian women" in media and entertainment.

Obey the Giant Voice System!
Episode 498 1:02:27 - 1:08:51

498: Obey the Giant Voice System!

Julia Gillard, Australian Media Gender Politics

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's appearance on Today FM is analyzed through the lens of Australian media commentary. A debate between pundits highlights the divide over Gillard's popularity, with some claiming she is "Machiavellian" and others arguing she is unfairly targeted by "white males" in the press. The hosts compare Gillard's divisive nature to that of Hillary Clinton.

Aid & Comfort
Episode 494 2:29:16 - 2:32:04

494: Aid & Comfort

Conspiracy Theory, Psychological Projection Study

A study from the British Journal of Social Psychology suggests that people who believe in conspiracy theories are often projecting their own willingness to conspire onto others. The research claims that individuals with Machiavellian tendencies are more likely to endorse such theories. The hosts mock the study as an attempt to pathologize dissent.