#165 - Storytellers Not Truth Seekers: Factions, Gatekeepers, and the False Promise of Digital Unity

Weaving together current events, political polarization, and the power of storytelling over facts, this episode explores the fragility of democracy in the digital age. Todd examines insights from George Washington, Walter Lippmann, Jonathan Gottschall, and Nicholas Carr, questioning whether media literacy or ethical gatekeeping can overcome our tribal instincts. This episode offers a candid look at the roots of division and the possibly futile search for solutions in a hyper-connected world.

Major Segments with Time Cues

- 00:00:00] Introduction and podcast rebrand announcement
- [00:01:00] Jeffrey Epstein news and political implications
- [00:06:40] Challenges facing democracy and ideological threats
- [00:12:00] George Washington on factions and foreign interference
- [00:21:00] Jonathan Gottschall's storytelling theory and democracy
- [00:24:00] Nicholas Carr on digital media's divisive effects
- [00:39:00] Potential solutions: media literacy, gatekeeping, safeguards?
- [00:55:00] Podcast platform changes and rebranding plans

 

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