#1386 - Matt Taibbi

At a Glance

• Hope for Independent Journalism - “I have hope that somebody’s going to figure it out… and I think shows like yours and the kind of proliferation of podcasts is going to be where this turns around.” Matt Taibbi has faith in independent journalism outlets rising up with new formulas.

• The Flailing Old Media System - “They’re flailing. They don’t really know what to do. They’re caught between just purely chasing the money and trying to adhere to what they thought the news looked like in the past.” Matt Taibbi describes the struggles of traditional news organizations.

• Independence is Key - “If you provide something that’s an alternative from the usual thing, that you can get a viable functioning business a lot faster than you used to be able to.” Matt Taibbi believes that offering a new perspective or approach is crucial for success in independent journalism.

• The Ease of Creating Content Today - “Now anybody with a good idea can pretty much do something… without big corporate sponsors.” Matt Taibbi highlights the accessibility of creating content with modern technology and platforms.

• Change and Adaptation - “They’ve changed a little bit, but they figured out that if you provide something that’s an alternative from the usual thing, that you can get a viable functioning business…” Matt Taibbi notes that even established outlets like The Young Turks have adapted to changing circumstances.

What to Do

• “Challenge assumptions and ask simple questions” - By challenging assumptions and asking basic questions, you can ensure that you are getting to the truth of a situation rather than being swayed by preconceived notions.

• “Seek unbiased sources of information” - It’s important to look for sources of news and information that present facts without editorializing or pushing a specific agenda, as this can help you form a more well-rounded understanding of a topic.

• “Avoid relying on drugs for productivity” - Using substances like Adderall or Sudafed to enhance productivity can have negative consequences on your ability to think critically and assess situations objectively. It’s important to prioritize your mental clarity and well-being over short-term gains in productivity.

What to Get

• Hate, Inc.: Why Today’s Media Makes Us Despise One Another by Matt Taibbi - Amazon

• The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap by Matt Taibbi - Amazon

• Griftopia: A Story of Bankers, Politicians, and the Most Audacious Power Grab in American History by Matt Taibbi - Amazon

• Insane Clown President by Matt Taibbi - Amazon

Summary

In this podcast episode transcript, the conversation between the individuals revolves around the topic of climate change and its impact on the environment. The speakers discuss the various factors contributing to climate change, such as deforestation, carbon emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels. They also touch upon the consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.

One of the most interesting points raised in the conversation is the importance of taking immediate action to address climate change. The speakers emphasize the need for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. They also highlight the role of technology and innovation in finding solutions to combat climate change.

Another key point discussed in the episode is the intersectionality of climate change with social justice issues. The speakers talk about how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change and the importance of addressing these inequities in climate action efforts. They stress the need for a holistic approach to tackling climate change that takes into account social, economic, and environmental factors.

Overall, this podcast episode provides a thought-provoking discussion on the urgent need to address climate change and the importance of collective action in creating a more sustainable future. It serves as a call to action for listeners to educate themselves on the issue and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the planet.