#2191 - Russell Crowe

At a Glance

• Discussion on America - “It is the beacon of freedom for everybody in the world.” Insightful conversation on the importance of America’s role in the world.

• Passion for Acting - “I’m 60 years old and I still dig it.” Russell Crowe’s deep passion for acting and music.

• Visit to the Vatican - “I can’t explain. I just feel your father so close to me.” Emotional moment with his mother at the Vatican.

• Coincidental Music - “They just happen to be playing the song played at my father’s funeral.” A powerful moment of coincidence and connection with his father.

What to Do

• “Focus on using your imagination and personal energy to change things around you.” - This advice emphasizes the power of visualization and positive thinking in creating change and overcoming challenges.

• “Recognize that people are going to throw rocks if you’re in the public eye, and don’t let negativity affect you.” - This advice highlights the importance of resilience and not letting criticism or negativity deter you from your goals.

• “Post and ghost - post your thoughts on social media and then don’t engage with negative comments or opinions.” - This advice promotes setting boundaries and protecting your mental well-being from online negativity.

• “Be authentic in your acting, truly inhabit the character’s emotions and experiences to resonate with the audience.” - This advice stresses the importance of authenticity and emotional depth in acting to create a genuine connection with the audience.

What to Get

• Tobacco industry History Books - Tobacco: A Cultural History of How an Exotic Plant Seduced Civilization by Iain Gately - Amazon - To research the impact of corporations on public health and safety

• The Insider (Movie) - To gain insight into corporate corruption and whistleblowing in human society

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation revolves around various topics such as the impact of social media, the role of America as a beacon of freedom, and the rise of opinion-based news coverage. The guests discuss the prevalence of misinformation and the rewiring of morality due to constant exposure to biased information. They also touch upon the history of Fox News and how it became a polarizing force in the media landscape. The conversation delves into the issue of bots on social media platforms, with estimates suggesting that a significant portion of Twitter users may be automated accounts.

Moreover, the guests reflect on the evolving nature of online interactions, from engaging with memes and funny content to facing the harsh realities of negative online discourse. They highlight the potential for online platforms to facilitate meaningful exchanges and provide nuanced perspectives if users navigate away from polarizing arguments. Despite the challenges posed by online scams and fraudulent activities, there is optimism about the future of online communication and the potential for greater understanding among individuals.

The guests also share personal anecdotes, such as encounters with renowned actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and reflections on the impact of social media on their lives. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a critical perspective and avoiding forming opinions based solely on mass media narratives. Overall, the episode explores the complexities of online communication, the power of social media to shape perceptions, and the potential for positive change through genuine human interactions.