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PODCAST

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media

David Beckemeyer

If you"re angry, frustrated, or scared about the state of politics and media and looking for thoughtful, balanced discussions, this podcast is for you. About 30 minutes every few weeks. It will change your life.Outrage Overload explores the extreme polarization and political bias dominating politics and media today. We dive into the anger and outrage that drive divisions between people, distort the news, and fuel political violence. Each episode features leading scientists, researchers, authors, and

science social sciences

All Episodes

34:32

54. Civic Renewal: Fighting Polarization with Local...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/12/18

Why Building Together Is the Key to Healing Divided CommunitiesHow can communities overcome disconnection, address anger, and rebuild trust in today’s polarized and often overwhelming world? In this episode of Outrage Overload, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, discusses the roots of civic disconnection and how media-driven outrage and social media algorithms fuel division. Drawing from his groundbreaking report, Civic Virus: Why Polarization is a Misdiagnosis,

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21:21

BONUS - The Hate Next Door: Unmasking the New Face of...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/12/11

How Understanding Can Combat Hate: Insights from “The Hate Next Door”In this episode of Outrage Overload, we delve into the unsettling reality of hate and extremism in America with Matt and Tawni Browning, authors of "The Hate Next Door: Undercover Within the New Face of White Supremacy."Matt, a former undercover detective, infiltrated white supremacist groups, offering a unique perspective on the evolving nature of hate and extremism.The conversation explores how hate is no longer

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31:08

53. The Impact of Political Attacks on Social Media -...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/12/04

How Social Media Hostility Impacts DemocracyTogether with our guest, Ariel Hasell, a leading expert in media, communication, and political psychology, we unpack how the outrage fueled by hostile political posts spreads across social media platforms, driving polarization and shaping public discourse based on findings of the research paper "When Social Media Attack: How Exposure to Political Attacks on Social Media Promotes Anger and Political Cynicism." We discuss the role of engagement

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26:52

52. Nobody wants to be an idiot - Andrew Selepak

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/11/20

Are We Finally Sick of the Media Outrage Machine?In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Selepak, media professor at the University of Florida, for an eye-opening conversation on the shifting landscape of media and its role in stoking public outrage. Selepak explains how the decline in trust toward traditional media stems from several factors, including the media’s shift toward engagement-driven content, the erosion of investigative journalism, the rise of filter bubbles, and an increasingly

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28:35

BONUS - Post-Election 2024 Special: What Are Voters...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/11/14

What Are Voters Really Saying?In this special post-election episode of Outrage Overload, we examine the surprising twists of the 2024 election. What were voters truly trying to tell us, and what drove their choices this year? Join us as we unpack the results with fresh insights from top experts, including political scientists and a computational anthropologist, who reveal what the electorate may really be saying about the direction of the country.From inflation to immigration, economic pain to

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36:44

51. You can't shift a negative mindset by just saying...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/11/06

How Neuroscience Can Help Us Fight Burnout in an Age of Outrage and DivisionIn this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Dr. Gary Simonds, an experienced neurosurgeon and expert on burnout, to explore how burnout impacts all of us in today's hyper-connected world. Dr. Simonds shares insights into the emotional toll of constant negative news and political divisiveness, explaining how burnout manifests as emotional exhaustion, lack of empathy, and nihilism.They dive

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21:20

BONUS - Tech Bro Apocalypse Dreams - David Troy

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/10/30

How Tech Bros Like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel want to Shape Our FutureIn this special episode, we're tackling the intriguing—and often troubling—world of "techno-libertarianism." We sit down with tech entrepreneur and researcher David Troy to unpack this movement’s bold vision of a future free from government control and centralized institutions, driven entirely by technology.What You'll Hear:Big Ideas and Bold Players: Discover the ideas of influential figures like Elon Musk and

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29:04

50. I got to the point where I just didn't even want...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/10/23

Why Embracing Complexity and Nuance is Critical for Personal Growth and Informed Decision-MakingWe sit down with Julie Rose, host of the Top of Mind podcast, to explore her journey from feeling overwhelmed by the negativity in the news to fostering thoughtful, nuanced conversations. Julie shares how she broke free from the media’s tendency to oversimplify and polarize issues, focusing instead on curiosity and complexity.Tune in to hear Julie’s practical strategies for staying informed without

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30:42

BONUS - You can't influence someone you are not...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/10/16

How to Have Better Political Conversations (Even with Your Most Difficult Relatives)In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Dr. Karin Tamerius, a political psychiatrist and founder of Smart Politics, a nonprofit that helps progressives communicate persuasively while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints. They discuss how political polarization affects both sides of the spectrum, with a focus on how it may impact progressives more deeply. Dr. Tamerius shares

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26:37

49. What would an environmental saint look like? -...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/10/09

Why We Need Courage, Not Hope, to Face Climate ChangeIn this episode, I dive into new territory, exploring the environmental crisis with Dr. Roger Gottlieb, renowned author of The Sacrifice Zone. Dr. Gottlieb offers a striking perspective on the looming threat of environmental devastation, arguing that our greatest enemy is not just the crisis itself but the avoidance and denial surrounding it. He makes a compelling analogy between humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels and addiction, highlighting

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37:26

BONUS - We don't have for election day any particular...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/10/02

In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer interviews Jonathan Bernstein, a writer and satirist, about his new visual storytelling project that aims to increase voter turnout through political satire. Bernstein shares how humor can cut through the noise of outrage-driven media and foster civic participation by highlighting shared values and commonalities. He discusses the potential for humor to encourage self-reflection, reduce partisan divisions, and promote a healthier

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30:08

48. People were also getting a little boost in...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/09/25

How Twitter Impacts Our Well-beingIn this episode, we take a look at the complex world of Twitter's societal effects with Victoria Oldemburgo de Mello, a fourth-year PhD student at the University of Toronto. Victoria's research offers a fresh perspective, focusing on the psychological impacts of Twitter use rather than the platform's structural elements.Our conversation explores the nuances of Victoria's findings, emphasizing the challenges of establishing causality in social

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27:49

BONUS - Centrism is no longer viable - Steve McIntosh

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/09/18

How AI Can Help Address Toxic PolarizationIn this bonus episode of Outrage Overload, we dive into the intriguing potential of artificial intelligence to reduce political polarization in online spaces. Our guest, Steve McIntosh—developmental philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Developmental Politics Project—joins us to discuss his work on DepolarizingGPT, a custom AI chatbot designed to provide balanced perspectives on divisive political issues."The news is filled with reports of how

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25:23

47. People have already decided what is factual and...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/09/11

How to Combat the Misinformation CrisisIn this episode, we sit down with Samuel Spitali, author of How to Win the War on Truth, to unravel the complexities of misinformation and its impact on society. Samuel offers a deep dive into the history of media polarization, examining key moments like the removal of the Fairness Doctrine and the rise of partisan news outlets. We also explore the psychological factors that make conspiracy theories so enticing, even to those who pride themselves on critical

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25:10

BONUS - Rethinking Your News Diet: Two Approaches to...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/09/04

How Platforms Like OtherWeb and 1440 Are Changing News ConsumptionIn this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of news consumption with Alex Fink, CEO of OtherWeb, and Drew Steggerwald, co-founder of 1440 News. We explore how their platforms are reshaping the way we engage with information, focusing on curating a balanced and healthy media diet. They discuss the challenges of navigating sensationalist content and media fallacies, offering practical solutions to help news consumers stay

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34:08

46. The emotions are so high right now that really...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/08/28

After Trump: Understanding the Continuing Influence of Trumpism In Episode 46 we examine the enduring influence of Donald Trump on American politics and media. Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Trump continues to shape the political landscape. Special guest Robert Gutsche, a cultural studies scholar and journalist, joins the discussion to provide insights from his extensive research on political journalism and media coverage. The episode explores the persistence of Trumpism, the

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62:10

BONUS - Project 2025 and Agenda 47 - Sean Evans

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/08/21

In this episode, the conversation revolves around Project 2025, conservative policy proposals, and the potential implications on the administrative state. The discussion examines the nuances of Trump's agenda, the challenges of implementing certain policy changes, and the role of constitutional norms in safeguarding democracy. Dr. Evans offers a balanced perspective on the various aspects of Project 2025 and sheds light on the potential checks and balances that could influence its

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28:10

45. A Messy Synthesis of Rational Decision-Making and...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/08/14

How Understanding Intractable Conflicts Can Improve Our SocietyIn this powerful episode of the Outrage Overload Podcast, we dive deep into the roots of our societal conflicts and explore ways to bridge the seemingly intractable divides that are tearing us apart. Our guest, Dr. Guy Burgess, a pioneering figure in conflict resolution, shares his insights on how to foster constructive dialogue and build a more cohesive society.Tune in to hear Dr. Burgess's expert insights and find out how you can

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24:02

BONUS - We're Different. You're Not Going to Turn a...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/08/07

Why We Need Conservative Perspectives to Combat PolarizationIn this episode we address concerns about the podcast’s perceived political bias by featuring conservative researcher and author Michael Anderson. Anderson, known for his work on tribalism, offers a conservative perspective on issues like toxic polarization and the impact of social media on public discourse.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.Show Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow

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38:00

44. We tend to have the strongest emotions over...

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and... ·

2024/07/31

How to Build Mental Immunity Against Misinformation and ConspiraciesIn this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckmeyer joins forces with science educator Melanie Trecek-King to unpack the power of critical thinking in our everyday lives. They equip listeners with practical tools to become discerning information consumers. Learn how to evaluate evidence, identify your own biases, and build mental immunity against the constant barrage of misinformation. The episode also dives into navigating

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130 results

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