All The News That's Fit to Print
We live in a world where what is presented to us as news is often biased. What is presented as fact is often opinion. Behind those attempts to influence us are regular linguistic techniques that often impact the way we view the world without us even knowing it. Breaking News seeks to unmask these techniques and explain how they influence us so we all can become more educated consumers of the content we read every day. Join Ben Hunt, Matt Zeigler and Jack Forehand as they break down the major issues dominating the news and how it is being used to influence us.
Breaking News #27: When Common Knowledge Trumps Reality
In the latest episode of Breaking News, we are joined by Epsilon Theory Co-Founder Rusty Guinn. We cover the latest developments in the 2024 election and explore how narratives are shaping the political landscape. We delve into the transition from Biden to Harris and examine the strategic implications and how it’s pushing us into what we’re calling our first “vibe election.” We also tackle the Fed’s independence and the potential for rate cuts, regardless of who wins. In our Tweet of the Week, we examine how AI-generated images and rapid Narrative formation are changing political discourse, potentially disconnecting us from factual reality. We wrap up with a surprising deep dive into Chumbawamba, using their story to reflect on the importance of folk culture and being “more mid” in our increasingly polarized world.
Breaking News #26: The Biden Harris Swap
In this episode of Breaking News, we cover the recent developments in the Democratic party, with Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive nominee. We discuss how reality seems to be proclaimed rather than acknowledged, and how both parties seem more interested in conflict than actual policy solutions. We also touch on the SEC’s case against short-seller Andrew Left and the selective enforcement of rules in finance. We also debate the merits of giving green cards to foreign college graduates and how systems can be exploited by those with money. Finally, we explore the themes in Charlie XCX’s album “Brat,” relating it to the myth of Narcissus and broader questions of self-worth and community in our current cultural moment.
Breaking News #25: The Trump Assassination Attempt and Our Plunge Into the Great Ravine
In this episode if Breaking News, we discuss the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump and explore its implications within the context of “The Great Ravine” – our term for the current period of political strife and violence. We analyze how media, technology, and politics intersect to shape public narratives, often transforming sadness into anger directed at opponents. We examine the rationality behind this behavior in closed political systems and discuss the challenges of maintaining critical distance. We also discuss the event’s impact on the 2024 election and explore themes of nourishment and healing through an analysis of the TV show “The Bear.”
Breaking News #24: The Debate That Changed Everything | Joe Biden’s Common Knowledge Moment
In this episode of Breaking News we look at the impact of the presidential debate and the role it played in changing the common knowledge about President Biden’s fitness for office. We explore the concept of common knowledge and illustrate how public perception shifts when everyone knows that everyone else knows something. We discuss the implications for the 2024 election, the role of media in shaping these narratives, and the potential fallout within the Democratic Party. Intertwining serious political analysis with lighter anecdotes, including a story about the Beastie Boys’ early days, we emphasize the importance of community and shared understanding in navigating these turbulent times. Join us as we break down what’s making us tick with Clear Eyes and Full Hearts.
Breaking News #23: Biden’s Losing Narrative Strategy
In this episode of Breaking News, we examine the current state of the 2024 US presidential election and how it is playing out in the narrative world. We explore the recent Trump trial and its minimal impact on public opinion, as well as growing concerns about President Biden’s age and fitness for office. We then shift to reflections on our recent Epsilon Connect conference about being human in an age of AI, highlighting the importance of maintaining humanity and ethics in our use of technology. We also delve into the troubling state of higher education in America, particularly the exorbitant costs and increasing commercialization of college athletics.
Breaking News #22: Israel, Meme Stocks and the Rising Risks Across the Globe
Risks are rising on a variety of fronts across the world. And market players are positioning themselves to profit before they are realized. In this episode of Breaking News, we take a tour of some of the major issues we face in the current challenging environment. We discuss the peculiar announcement by Ireland, Norway, and Spain recognizing the Palestinian state, the potential for total war in the Middle East, Rick Rieder’s suggestion for interest rate cuts and the return of Roaring Kitty and the GameStop saga. We also cover President Biden’s questionable housing proposal, and the lessons we can learn from Conan O’Brien’s appearance on the YouTube show Hot Ones.
Breaking News #21: Donald Trump and the Story the Media Isn’t Telling
In this episode of Breaking News, we explore a range of topics, from the lack of media coverage surrounding the billions of dollars funneled to Donald Trump through his social media company, to the pervasiveness of gambling and speculation in our society. We discuss the embedded wage-price inflationary environment and its potential impact on our fragile, optimized systems. Additionally, we delve into the creative process behind Kelly Clarkson’s hit song “Since U Been Gone” and how it relates to the construction of pop stars, media stories, and political narratives.
Breaking News #20: Hot Ones and Phony Wars
In this episode of Breaking News, we examine the recent situation with NPR and how it relates to the concept of Fiat News. We also delve into the current state of tensions between Iran and Israel and why we may see a ‘phony war” in the coming months. Additionally, we examine the underwhelming sales of Tesla’s Cybertruck and the broader decline of the EV narrative. We also have a dumb question about expansion of NATO and a Cultish Corner on Conan O’Brien’s masterful appearance on the show “Hot Ones”.