Topic: Styling

The hosts discuss Trump's unique practice of allowing the press to film entire cabinet meetings, likening it to a corporate "Monday morning management meeting." They argue that journalists find these sessions boring and fail to report on the actual data presented, such as crime statistics and job growth, focusing instead on controversial soundbites.

The hosts notice a shift in NPR's terminology, where reporters have begun using the term "Gazans" instead of "Palestinians." They suggest this reflects a change in the official style guide, similar to the adoption of terms like "pregnant people." The discussion explores the potential political reasons for swapping these identifiers in news coverage of the conflict.

The hosts recall historical legal cases where Bing Crosby successfully sued copycats for imitating his distinctive crooning voice. They joke about whether Joe Rogan could sue other podcasters like Lex Fridman or Theo Von for mimicking his interview style and guest selection.

Critics analyzed Bret Baier's performance during his interview with Kamala Harris, with some suggesting he allowed her to dominate the conversation while others, including TikTok commentators, accused him of constant interruption. The discussion posits that mainstream media figures often exercise caution to maintain future access, resulting in ineffective questioning. Alternative views from Greg Gutfeld and various social media analysts highlight the polarized reception of the broadcast.

The hosts review the listener-submitted artwork for episode 1364, awarding the win to "Correct a Record." They discuss the show's style guide for artists, emphasizing the need for host names and the avoidance of episode numbers in the art itself. Listeners are encouraged to use Podcasting 2.0 compatible apps to view chapter-specific artwork.

JD Vance utilized a lawyerly debating style to critique the Biden-Harris administration's record on inflation, noting that a slowing rate of increase does not lower the already high cost of groceries. Observers compared Vance's rhetorical techniques and stammers to those of Senator Ted Cruz, noting both men share elite Ivy League debating backgrounds. Vance argued that the current administration has turned young Americans into a "generation of renters."

The White House has officially adopted the term "newcomers" to describe illegal immigrants in recent fact sheets regarding border operations. Similarly, Colorado Public Radio and other outlets have updated their style guides to replace the word "migrant" with "newcomer" or "new immigrant" to humanize those arriving from the border.

Jen Psaki's performance as a television host is compared unfavorably to Rachel Maddow. While Maddow is credited with a specific "snide" delivery that appeals to her audience, Psaki is described as monotone and lacking humor. The writing for Psaki's show is suspected to be from the same team that writes for Maddow, though Psaki is criticized for failing to deliver the lines effectively.

Dylan Mulvaney's portrayal of Audrey Hepburn in a Breakfast at Tiffany's style video is criticized as sacrilegious to the actress's legacy. The discussion also covers Pfizer paying celebrities like John Legend and Pink for vaccine promotion. Harry Styles' fashion choices are contrasted with Mulvaney's White House visit and public persona.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasizes his "swagger" as a key component of his governing style, contrasting himself with his predecessor Bill de Blasio. Media reports explore whether this confidence resonates with voters or comes across as arrogance. Adams insists that the city needs leadership with swagger to move past the pandemic, even as he faces challenges regarding school closures and crime.

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.

MSNBC reported on the transformation of the congressional hearing room into a high-end television set for the January 6th proceedings. The committee hired James Goldston, known for producing documentaries like "My Life with Michael Jackson," to ensure the hearings appealed to viewers of mainstream entertainment. The goal was to present a compelling narrative about threats to democracy starting from the 2020 election.

The Associated Press updates its style guide, advising editors and reporters to avoid emphasizing daily COVID-19 case counts. The shift comes as home testing and the Omicron variant make official statistics unreliable, marking a significant change in how the media barometers the pandemic.

A technical distinction is made between the writing styles of streaming shows like Ted Lasso and traditional network programs on CBS. Network shows require a specific narrative arc that builds toward commercial breaks to ensure viewer retention. The hosts express frustration that networks promote streaming content on their own award shows rather than their own proprietary material.

The efficacy of Colorado's strict gun laws is questioned following the Boulder shooting, as the suspect legally purchased his firearm despite a prior criminal record. There is a critique of the term "assault-style weapon," arguing that it focuses on aesthetic features like heat shields and plastic stocks rather than mechanical function. The discussion highlights the political backlash in Colorado, where two state senators were previously recalled for supporting gun control measures.

The Associated Press and New York Times have reportedly updated their style guides to replace "climate change" with "climate crisis." This shift is described as a deliberate attempt by action groups to influence public perception through language. The discussion references Eric Hoffer's "The True Believer" to explain the psychological motivations behind such mass movements.

Kamala Harris's campaign stops in Michigan and Arizona are scrutinized for her rhetorical style and energy levels. In Tucson, Harris is accused of "code-switching" her accent when addressing Mayor Regina Romero. The commentary suggests her public appearances, including a recent 60 Minutes interview, have been poorly received due to her frequent laughter and shifting persona.

The hosts analyze the performances of Mike Pence and Kamala Harris in their recent debate, noting Pence's "genteel" and steady radio-host delivery style. While Pence is praised for his steadiness, he is criticized for missing opportunities to deliver "zingers" and for frequently overrunning his allotted time. Harris is noted for avoiding her signature "cackle" but is accused of using non-sequiturs, specifically a historical reference to Abraham Lincoln.

The BBC's interview style with Mark Carney highlighted a shift in media language, where reporters now prompt subjects to use more alarmist terms like "climate emergency" instead of "climate change." This linguistic shift is seen as a coordinated effort to increase public anxiety and force political action on environmental regulations.

Dinesh D'Souza faced criticism on Twitter for comparing Greta Thunberg's appearance to a girl in a historical Nazi propaganda poster. The comparison highlights how Thunberg's specific styling, including her pigtails, creates a distinct youthful image. When photographed with her hair loose, her appearance changes significantly, suggesting a deliberate branding effort by her handlers.