10 chapters across the catalog
A brief discussion touches on the career of tech journalist Kara Swisher and her specific interviewing habits, such as insulting guests before allowing them to speak. The hosts jokingly claim credit for influencing the styles of various media personalities, including Swisher and Becky Worley, during their early days in broadcasting.
Kristi Noem, Abortion Question Handling, Political Strategy
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is criticized for her performance in a television interview regarding a 10-year-old rape victim seeking an abortion. The hosts analyze her inability to pivot away from badgering questions, comparing her performance unfavorably to other political communicators.
Greta Thunberg Train Photo, First Class Travel Controversy
A viral photo of Greta Thunberg sitting on the floor of a German train sparked a dispute with Deutsche Bahn. The railway company clarified that Thunberg and her entourage actually traveled in first class for part of the journey. The incident is discussed as a potential "cancellation" moment for the young activist.
David Hogg Media Coaching and Crisis Actor Allegations
Footage of Parkland survivor David Hogg being coached during a media interview sparked widespread "crisis actor" allegations online. While the term originated from emergency drills like those seen during the Boston Marathon bombing, the coaching seen in the clip is described as standard television production practice for "packaged" news segments. Hogg, an aspiring journalist and son of a former FBI agent, has become a central figure in the gun control debate.
Social Media Echo Chambers and Political Hostility
Adam Curry shares hostile comments from former MTV colleagues on Facebook regarding a recent train accident involving Republican congressmen. The comments, which suggested the accident was a "sign from God" or expressed regret that more Republicans didn't die, are used to illustrate the "protective bubble" of the entertainment industry.
A segment of an interview with a gymnast survivor was analyzed for its effectiveness as a media soundbite. The speaker used a redundant but powerful phrasing—"Not a single one of them reported. Not one."—which the hosts identified as a classic technique for ensuring a clip is picked up by news editors. This led to a brief discussion on media training and the mechanics of modern news clipping.
A reflection on the media industry describes the "milieu" of television production and the specific training required for on-air personalities. The discussion includes a history of TV Guide, which was once the largest subscription magazine in the U.S. before electronic programming guides existed, and how broadcasters had exclusive deals for schedule listings.
Internews Network Operations, USAID and Global Media Training
The Internews Network reported $56 million in revenue in 2011, dedicated to training citizen journalists and advocating for open internet policies globally. The hosts argue that this organization serves as a "techno expert" program for the State Department to influence foreign media landscapes. Significant funds were specifically allocated for media assistance in Russia and newly independent states to counter local leadership.
A clip of Michelle Obama being interviewed by Gayle King is analyzed for signs of heavy scripting. The hosts point out a specific phrasing error where she appears to misplace a line about being an "angry black woman." They argue this suggests the First Lady memorizes and recites prepared talking points rather than speaking authentically.
Debate Winner Analysis and Media Training
Barack Obama is judged to have won the debate by a narrow margin due to his superior media training, specifically his habit of looking directly into the camera. McCain is criticized for nervous habits like clearing his throat and failing to use assertive "When I'm President" phrasing.
