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PODCAST

Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media

David Beckemeyer

If politics and media leave you feeling angry, overwhelmed, or exhausted, Outrage Overload is for you.In about 30 minutes every few weeks, we explore how outrage spreads, how hyper-partisanship distorts perception, and how media and technology amplify emotional extremes.Through conversations with leading scientists, researchers, and authors, we unpack the psychology, incentives, and systems shaping today’s political climate — and offer practical tools to think clearly, stay grounded, and respond

science social sciences

All Episodes

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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40:50

BONUS - When “Listen to the Other Side” Isn’t Enough...

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

2024/07/24

When “Listen to the Other Side” Isn’t Enough (Emergency Panel)Feeling like "listen to the other side" just isn't cutting it anymore? You're not alone. In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, we address your frustration head-on with an "emergency panel" discussion.Communication experts Phyllis Leavitt and Lisa Swallow join us to explore why traditional methods of civil discourse might feel ineffective in today's climate. We'll explore the impact of

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27:50

43. Enemy at First Sight: Decoding the Neural...

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

2024/07/17

How Our Brains Are Wired for Political DivisionWe look into the phenomenon of ideological inferences with guest Carsten Sander. The discussion revolves around how individuals instinctively categorize others based on their behavior, hindering civil discourse and perpetuating polarization. Sander's research reveals the complexities of these inferences and offers insights into breaking free from snap judgments to foster understanding and compromise.Sander's study explores the spontaneous

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33:12

BONUS - OMG, those other people are not insane - Lisa...

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

2024/07/10

Why Crossing Party Lines is Essential for a Healthy DemocracyIn this bonus episode of Outrage Overload, we examine the challenges of political conversations and how to lower the temperature. Featuring Lisa Swallow, founder of Crossing Party Lines, the episode explores the importance of understanding and respectful dialogue across political divides. Lisa shares her journey of starting the nonprofit in 2016 and offers insights into the skills needed for productive conversations. The discussion covers

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21:30

42. Maybe we were not ready - Michalis Mamakos

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

2024/07/03

The Trolls Among Us: Understanding and Mitigating Online ToxicitySend us a Text Message.Support the Show.Show Notes:https://outrageoverload.net/ Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.HOTLINE: 925-552-7885Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the OO hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episodeIf you would lik...

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22:47

Okay Boomer - Housing - Cameron Lee Cowan and Jake...

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

2024/06/26

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Okay Boomer series! In this episode, we shift the mic to the younger generation for a conversation about a critical issue: housing.Skyrocketing rents and the seemingly impossible dream of homeownership are leaving many young adults feeling frustrated and hopeless. Our guests, Cameron Lee Cowan (writer) and Jake Didinsky (DJ/Producer with a political science background), offer their perspectives on the housing crisis.Join the Conversation!We want to hear from

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145 results

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