podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
Headgum
Shows
The Headgum Podcast
The Headgum Podcast is Over - And Other Good News!
What was once The Headgum Podcast is now called "That's Funny." A new weekly comedy podcast hosted by Geoffrey James and featuring all your favorite guests from The Headgum Podcast's entire run. Head to https://www.patreon.com/ja to subscribe!---For the inaugural episode, Geoff gathers Jake, Amir, and returning superstar Marika, to discuss Headgum's trip to San Francisco, new names for Greenland, and "cuisine as art." Plus, they reprise the game Haggis Baggis and put Jake in the That's Funny Hot Seat!---» FOLLOW Geoff on Instagram: https://w...
2026-02-27
1h 00
Podcast But Outside
220: Outside Headgum w/ Amir Blumenfeld, Nicole Byer, and Kristen Schaal!
220: Very special episode time! The Headgum podcast network is turning double digits and to celebrate, cofounder Amir Blumenfeld joins us on the street to interview Headgum cohosts and some random strangers walking by. Guests include Nicole Byer, Kristen Schaal, two high school friends turned lovers, and a WeHo actor with an enviable amount of confidence. Plus a heated stand-off with a food delivery robot! Recorded on 07/24/25 in front of Headgum on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2025-08-06
1h 10
Factually! with Adam Conover
Trump and Elon Don't Know Who They're Firing - with Max Stier
Elon Musk and Donald Trump are actively trying to burn down the federal government. Federal workers are being fired en masse, with no regard for their roles or the devastating impact their removal will have on everyday Americans. As the country’s largest employer, the federal government’s gutting won’t just affect those losing their jobs—it will ripple outward, impacting millions of families and, ultimately, all Americans. Today, Adam is joined by Max Stier, CEO and president of the Partnership for Public Service, to break down who has been affected, the extent of the damage, and what it would...
2025-03-12
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
"Resistance" Isn't Enough for Trump 2.0 with Dr. Dana Fisher
Last time we faced a Trump administration, people flooded the streets in protest. But this time feels different. Even as we watch our government being systematically dismantled, the response seems muted. Are we just exhausted? Or is something else at play? And more importantly—does protest still work, or is there a more effective way to protect our future from a newly entrenched autocracy? This week, Adam speaks with friend of the show Dr. Dana Fisher about what we actually need to be doing. Find Dana’s book at http://www.factuallypod.com/books and find Dana here:ht...
2025-03-05
1h 07
Factually! with Adam Conover
The AI Hoax is Destroying America with Ed Zitron
The tech oligarchs who once pulled the strings from behind the scenes are now running the show right out in the open. Professional idiot Elon Musk is taking a sledgehammer to the federal government, and Silicon Valley’s sleaziest slimeballs are warming themselves in Trump’s fetid lap. Obviously, this is a disaster. To break down just how bad it is—and what it means for the future of our already struggling country—Adam sits down with friend of the show Ed Zitron, journalist and sharp-tongued tech critic behind betteroffline.com and wheresyoured.atSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATRE...
2025-02-26
1h 37
Factually! with Adam Conover
Your Legal Weed is Full of Poison with Paige St. John
Just because weed is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Despite its growing legalization across the country, a lack of regulation has led to alarming levels of pesticides and chemicals in cannabis products—posing serious health risks. This week, Adam talks with Los Angeles Times investigative reporter Paige St. John about her recent findings on contaminated products being sold in fully legal dispensaries and what it means for consumers.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factua...
2025-02-19
1h 06
Factually! with Adam Conover
RFK Jr is Going to Kill Many Children - with Dr. Adam Ratner
Vaccines save lives—period. So why have so many people grown skeptical of one of the most scientifically proven medical advancements in human history? And how did vocal anti-vaxxer, conspiracy theorist, and all-around slurry-brained mush man Robert F. Kennedy Jr. end up on track to be nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services in Donald Trump’s cabinet? This week, Adam sits down with Dr. Adam Ratner, head of pediatric infectious diseases at NYU and author of Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children’s Health, to unpack how we got to this a...
2025-02-12
1h 21
Factually! with Adam Conover
Proof that Health Insurers Screw You Deliberately with T. Christian Miller and Patrick Rucker
Health insurance companies aren’t in the business of keeping people healthy—they’re in the business of making money. And that means they’ll go to extreme lengths to deny valid healthcare claims, sometimes with devastating, even fatal, consequences for the people they insure. We all know the system is broken, but journalists T. Christian Miller and Patrick Rucker have uncovered just how deep the rot goes in their exposé Not Medically Necessary. This week, Adam sits down with Miller and Rucker to discuss their shocking findings and whether there’s any hope of escaping the nightmare of for-profit...
2025-02-05
1h 12
Factually! with Adam Conover
Trump’s Attacks on Trans Rights with Chase Strangio
In recent years, despite trans people making up a relatively small percentage of the population, there has been an outsized and deeply harmful wave of anti-trans backlash. Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign was fueled in large part by anti-trans rhetoric, and he wasted no time acting on his hateful promises in his first days back in office. This week, Adam speaks with Chase Strangio, Co-Director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project and the first trans man to argue before the Supreme Court, to discuss the relentless assault on trans rights in America—and how these attacks ultimately impact everyone.S...
2025-01-29
1h 21
Factually! with Adam Conover
American Self-Reliance is a Toxic Myth with Adam Chandler
The phrase "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" actually started as a joke—because, let’s face it, it’s physically impossible. So how did this absurd notion become one of the most unshakable ideas in American culture? The truth is, the ideals of self-reliance and hustle have always been more myth than reality. This week, Adam sits down with Adam Chandler, author of 99% Perspiration, to explore how the myth of hard work and hustle culture has been weaponized to keep the rich richer, while the rest of us are left struggling in a system rigged against us. Find Adam's...
2025-01-22
1h 09
Factually! with Adam Conover
Climate Scientist Debunks L.A. Wildfire Myths with Dr. Daniel Swain
Southern California has been utterly decimated by wildfires, with the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Altadena being virtually leveled to the ground. In this special episode, released outside of our usual schedule, Adam sits down with UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain to unpack what really happened—both in terms of the environmental factors and the disaster response, and to dispel the misinformation swirling around these devastating fires.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:»...
2025-01-19
1h 19
Factually! with Adam Conover
How to Beat Climate Change with Aru Shiney-Ajay
As the effects of climate change ravage our world, we have no choice but to fight back. While it may feel like a hopeless endeavor, the truth is that we have the power to make a difference through collective action. This week, Adam sits down with Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, to discuss how we can drive meaningful change toward a greener future, particularly in light of the upcoming U.S. political administration.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/
2025-01-15
1h 10
Factually! with Adam Conover
We Have a Warped View of Crime with Jeff Asher
So much of today’s political policy is shaped by the public perception of crime—but what if that perception isn’t accurate to begin with? Donald Trump essentially won the election by spinning tall tales of record-level violent crime, and instead of pushing back, the Democrats mostly went along with it. But are things really as bad as they seem? And would we even know if they were? This week, Adam sits down with Jeff Asher, a leading expert on crime data and co-founder of the analytics firm AH Datalytics, to break it all down. They discuss the realit...
2025-01-08
1h 18
Factually! with Adam Conover
Could Cratering Birthrates Mean Impending Disaster? with Dr. Alice Evans
Global fertility rates are dropping, and while this might initially seem like a solution to overpopulation concerns, it also signals major challenges ahead. A generational imbalance could spell disaster for social security, elder care, and the workforce needed to combat climate change. This week, Adam sits down with Dr. Alice Evans to explore the causes behind declining birthrates, the consequences they could bring, and how society's failure to break harmful gender role expectations for men impacts everyone. SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net...
2025-01-01
1h 19
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Unions Beat Amazon with Stephen Maing and Brett Story
Amazon workers are on strike! It’s no shock that employees are pushing back against the invasive, abusive, and grueling practices of one of the world’s largest corporations. What is surprising, though, is that they managed to form a union at all. Stephen Maing and Brett Story’s astonishing new documentary Union tells the inspiring story of how workers fought against all odds to claim victory over the corporate giant. This week, Adam talks with Stephen and Brett about the uphill battles these workers faced against Amazon—and the challenges they now face trying to find a distributor in Holly...
2024-12-25
1h 10
Factually! with Adam Conover
California Is Struggling, But Not How You Think with Senator Scott Wiener
California has the fifth-largest economy in the world, the biggest population of any U.S. state, and it's just gosh darn beautiful. So why do Trump and his allies insist on portraying it as a dystopian nightmare? While it’s tempting to dismiss their rhetoric as partisan fearmongering, the truth is California faces serious, long-standing challenges. This week, Adam sits down with California State Senator Scott Wiener—one of the state’s most influential and effective lawmakers—to dive into its ongoing struggles with homelessness, housing, transit, and more.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adam...
2024-12-18
40 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Did Democrats Lose So Hard with Congressman Ro Khanna
What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party? For the past eight years, it seemed like the party’s entire identity revolved around defeating Donald Trump. Now, Trump is returning to office with more power than ever, following a catastrophic 2024 election for the Democrats. This defeat has raised serious questions about the party’s strategy, messaging, and even its core identity. This week, Adam sits down with Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA 17th District) to unpack what went wrong in this election cycle, what it means for the party's future, and how this pivotal moment can be a turn...
2024-12-11
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
The State of the War on Palestine with Rashid Khalidi
The war in Gaza has been going on for over a year, killing 44,000 Gazans and leaving countless others injured or displaced. With no ceasefire on the horizon, the question remains: where do things go from here? This week, Adam is joined by Palestinian-American historian Rashid Khalidi, author of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017, to examine the ongoing devastation in Gaza and what possibilities, if any, exist for a path forward. Find Rashid's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSE...
2024-12-04
1h 17
Factually! with Adam Conover
A Third Party That Actually Works with Maurice Mitchell
The left lost hard this election, and it warrants a deep examination of what the ideals of the Democratic party even stands for. Are voters on the left represented by their party anymore, or is it time to consider alternative means to enacting progressive change? This week, Adam speaks with Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party, about how activists on the left can build power and effect change. SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and...
2024-11-27
1h 49
Factually! with Adam Conover
Criminal Gangs Run the Sheriff's Department with Jessica Pishko
When it comes to police reform, one of the most glaring and urgent issues is the unchecked power of sheriff departments. Once elected, sheriffs face almost no oversight and are nearly impossible to remove from office. This lack of accountability has led to widespread corruption, with some departments acting as though they’re above the law. Even more disturbing is the existence of actual police gangs, like those found within the LA County Sheriff’s Department, operating with impunity under this broken system. This week, Adam sits down with lawyer and journalist Jessica Pishko, author of The Highest Law in t...
2024-11-20
1h 07
Factually! with Adam Conover
Inside Elon's Twitter Takeover with Ryan Mac and Kate Conger
Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter was an unmitigated catastrophe on multiple fronts, but it’s hard to ignore how it ultimately became a powerful tool in helping Donald Trump get elected. Was this Musk's plan all along back in 2022, or just another example of his infantile, buffoonish behavior with no real consequences? In this episode, recorded before the election, Adam sits down with New York Times technology reporters Kate Conger and Ryan Mac, authors of Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter, to explore Musk's disastrous acquisition and its unexpected role in shaping American politics. Find Ryan and Kate...
2024-11-13
1h 27
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Trump Will Transform America Forever with Jamelle Bouie
This week’s election was a decisive win for Donald Trump. While it was once reasonable to view this racist, sexist, plutocratic, transphobic, criminal as an outlier in American politics, it’s time to face the reality that he is American politics. In this special episode, Adam sits down with journalist Jamelle Bouie to discuss the sweeping changes a second Trump presidency will likely bring to the American political system—and how those changes will shape the rest of our lives.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https...
2024-11-08
1h 21
Factually! with Adam Conover
How the Wealthy Hack the World with Atossa Araxia Abrahamian
We all know the ultra-wealthy look for ways to dodge paying taxes, but when you have enough money, this game goes global. From Swiss bank accounts to international business consultants, there’s an entire network dedicated to helping the rich hide their money and avoid paying their fair share. This week, Adam sits down with journalist and author Atossa Araxia Abrahamian to discuss her book, The Hidden Globe: How Wealth Hacks the World, and uncover the shady tricks the wealthy are using on a global scale. Find Atossa's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PA...
2024-11-06
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
If the Economy is Good, Why Do We Feel So Bad? with Kyla Scanlon
On paper, the economy is doing great—the stock market is strong, unemployment is low, and inflation has dropped significantly. So why does it still feel like everything is awful? Economic commentator Kyla Scanlon coined the term "vibecession" to describe this very disconnect. This week, Adam sits down with Kyla to talk about the vibecession, why the basics of economics can be so hard for most people to understand, and her new book, In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work. Find Kyla's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ad...
2024-10-30
1h 24
Factually! with Adam Conover
Our Politicians Are Too F*%#ing Old with Jake Grumbach
Why are so many of our politicians so old? While age can bring wisdom and experience, it can also result in leaders who are out of touch with their constituents or simply no longer effective at their job. This problem has a name: the gerontocracy. This week, Adam sits down with UC Berkeley associate professor Jake Grumbach to discuss why American politicians seem to really start their careers when they reach retirement age, and explore the other issues with our democracy that stem from the same problem. Find Jake's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW...
2024-10-23
1h 16
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Video Game Industry is in Crisis with Jason Schreier
The video game industry is raking in more money than ever, but it's also in complete crisis. In the past couple of years, we've seen countless development studios shuttered and tens of thousands of workers laid off, all while the cost of making and buying games keeps skyrocketing. How did one of the world's most successful industries end up in such a state of instability? This week, Adam sits down with Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg reporter covering the video game industry and author of Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, to break it all down...
2024-10-16
1h 34
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Twitter Menswear Guy Speaks with Derek Guy
Fashion is one of the most overlooked ways we express ourselves. What we wear tells stories about our time, place, class, gender, and so much more. So, it’s a real shame that fashion—especially men’s fashion—often gets brushed off as frivolous or dismissed (wrongfully) as “too feminine.” This week, Adam chats with menswear writer and Twitter icon Derek Guy about the fascinating history of men’s fashion and where we stand in today’s style landscape.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net...
2024-10-09
1h 19
Factually! with Adam Conover
Two Computer Scientists Debunk A.I. Hype with Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor
The AI hype train has officially left the station, and it's speeding so fast it might just derail. This isn't because of what AI can actually do, it's all because of how it's marketed. This week, Adam sits with Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor, computer scientists at Princeton and co-authors of "AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference." Together, they break down everything from tech that's labeled as "AI" but really isn’t, to surprising cases where so-called "AI" is actually just low-paid human labor in disguise. Find Arvi...
2024-10-02
1h 11
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why You’re Not Safe from Hackers with Rachel Tobac
Last year alone, 880,000 people fell victim to cybercrime, losing a staggering $12.5 billion. While cybercrime might seem like an unstoppable epidemic, much of it is actually preventable. The problem isn't that computers or software are too weak—it's that people are too easily fooled. This week, Adam talks with Rachel Tobac, an ethical hacker and CEO of SocialProof Security, to debunk common myths about hacking and share simple steps people can take to minimize their risk of becoming targets.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.ne...
2024-09-25
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
Who Caused the Housing Crisis with Jerusalem Demsas
America is in the middle of a massive housing crisis, with a shortage of 4 to 7 million homes compared to the demand. The solution seems simple—just build more homes—but getting there is a lot trickier than it sounds. This week, Adam sits down with journalist Jerusalem Demsas, author of On the Housing Crisis: Land, Development, Democracy, to break down the real reasons behind the housing shortage and explore what we can actually do to get more people into homes. Find Jerusalem's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patr...
2024-09-18
1h 23
Factually! with Adam Conover
Are Progressives Finally Making Progress with Osita Nwanevu
The DNC highlighted just how much the Democratic Party is in a state of transition. With Harris picking Walz as her running mate and their shared focus on the middle class, combined with the convention putting AOC front and center as a rising star, it seems like the party could finally be shifting further to the left. But at the same time, key progressive issues like a ceasefire in Gaza or addressing climate change were noticeably absent. This week, Adam sits down with Osita Nwanevu, columnist for The Guardian and contributing editor for The New Republic, to discuss what...
2024-09-11
1h 11
Factually! with Adam Conover
The U.S. Politicians Selling Out to Foreign Dictators Factually with Casey Michel
Politicians are meant to serve the people, but let’s be real—sometimes they just end up serving whoever’s got the deepest pockets, even if those pockets are overseas. Believe it or not, foreign powers have been messing with our political system for years through entirely legal means: good old-fashioned lobbying. This week, Adam sits with Casey Michel, author of Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World, to dive into how our politicians are getting sold off to the highest bidder—and what that means for all of us. Find Casey's book at factuall...
2024-09-04
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
How 4Chan Took Over the Republican Party with Elle Reeve
Here's a harsh truth: the internet is real life. The toxic mix of misogyny, racism, and anti-democratic sentiment that has been festering online for years has now blatantly spilled over into the rhetoric of Republican politics. But how did the online right-wing become so extreme and unhinged? To explore this question, Adam sits down with journalist Elle Reeve, author of Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics. Together, they discuss how incels, mass shooters, and white nationalists found fertile ground to grow on the internet, and...
2024-08-28
1h 19
Factually! with Adam Conover
We're Not So Special, Animals Can Talk Too with Dr. Arik Kershenbaum
We humans often like to think we're superior to animals, and that our ability to speak makes us extra special. While it's true that language is unique to humans, we're definitely not the only ones communicating. In fact, many animals have complex ways of talking to each other that we're only just starting to understand. This week, Adam is joined by Dr. Arik Kershenbaum, author of Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication, to explore how animals communicate and what that reveals about our place in the natural world. Find Arik's book at factuallypod.com/books
2024-08-21
1h 06
Factually! with Adam Conover
Are We About To Discover Life On Mars? with Nathalie Cabrol
NASA's Perseverance rover recently discovered a rock on Mars that could be the key to finding evidence of life beyond Earth. Coupled with the recently discovery that hundreds of millions of other planets exist in the "habitable zone" of their stars, it’s becoming increasingly likely that we’re not alone in the universe. While finding extraterrestrial life would be one of the most groundbreaking scientific achievements ever, the ongoing search is already shedding light on our own origins and place in the cosmos. This week, Adam sits with Nathalie Cabrol, director of the Carl Sagan Center at SETI and...
2024-08-14
1h 16
Factually! with Adam Conover
How We Created an Age of Fire with Stephen Pyne
Our species didn't just stumble upon fire during our evolution; we evolved because of our unique relationship with it. From cooking food to burning fossil fuels to climate change, the entire history of humanity is intertwined with fire. This week's guest is Stephen Pyne, a world-renowned fire historian and author of The Pyrocene: How We Created an Age of Fire, and What Happens Next. Adam and Stephen discuss the changes in our relationship with fire and how repairing that relationship will be integral to the survival of our species. Find Stephen's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT...
2024-08-07
48 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
This Election is Historically F***ed Up with Rick Perlstein
The 2024 election cycle has been positively ludicrous. Between Biden's disastrous debate performance, the attempted assassination of Trump, every single thing about JD Vance, and Biden dropping out of the race, it seems like history is happening too fast to even keep track of. This week, Adam sits down with Rick Perlstein, political historian and author of Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-1980, to unpack one of the most charged moments in American political history. Find Rick's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https...
2024-07-31
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Bankruptcy Shields Capitalists from Consequences with Melissa Jacoby
Bankruptcy can mean totally different things depending on your wealth. For the rich, it’s a shield; for the poor, it’s a punishment. Despite this debilitating divide, in a country where we need to take on debt for homes, transportation, and medical care, we still rely on the bankruptcy system to keep the economy from collapsing. This week, Adam sits with Melissa Jacoby, a law professor at UNC Chapel Hill and author of Unjust Debts: How Our Bankruptcy System Makes America More Unequal. Together they discuss how a system designed as an economic safeguard has turned into a majo...
2024-07-24
1h 11
Factually! with Adam Conover
The "Food Barons" Jacking Up Your Grocery Bill with Austin Frerick
Whether you're at the grocery store or a restaurant, food is becoming obscenely expensive. It's easy to point to inflation as the sole culprit, but that's only a narrow view of a much bigger picture. For years, the food industry has been falling to monopolists who have been edging out independent farmers. Food quality has gone down, prices have gone up, and it has been a shocking disaster for the environment. This week, Adam speaks with Austin Frerick, an expert on agriculture and antitrust policy, a fellow at Yale, and author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of...
2024-07-17
1h 07
Factually! with Adam Conover
WTF did the Supreme Court Just Do with Leah Litman and Kate Shaw of Strict Scrutiny
The latest round of Supreme Court decisions will radically reshape America as we know it. From overturning the Chevron decision and stripping federal agencies of their ability to do their jobs, to giving presidents broad immunity for actions that would otherwise be considered criminal, it can be hard to fully grasp the impact of these rulings, both immediately and in the future. This week, Adam speaks with Leah Litman and Kate Shaw, law professors and hosts of the podcast "Strict Scrutiny," to make sense of how the Supreme Court has sold out our future and what, if anything, can...
2024-07-10
46 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
The A.I. Bubble is Bursting with Ed Zitron
Big tech is betting tens of billions of dollars on AI being the next big thing, but what if it isn't? ChatGPT burns obscene amounts of cash daily with little return, Google's AI dispenses useless and sometimes dangerous advice, and a recent study showed that tech companies will soon run out of new training data to improve their AI models. If AI is really so costly, unreliable, and limited, what happens to the industry that has bet so big on it? This week, Adam talks with journalist and influential tech critic Ed Zitron of wheresyoured.at to discuss the...
2024-07-03
1h 15
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Contrapoints Reinvented Philosophy for YouTube with Natalie Wynn
Since 2016, Natalie Wynn has been making wildly popular video essays on YouTube under the name ContraPoints. Her videos, which cover everything from politics, to gender, to society's obsession with the apocalypse, gracefully distill academia-level research into insightful and highly digestible packages. Despite winning a Peabody award and holding a master’s degree in philosophy, Natalie proudly calls herself a YouTuber. Is this a new form of media? One that eschews the conventional structure of academia to bring university level discourse to anyone with an internet connection. This week, Adam chats with Natalie Wynn about gender, conspiracies, and the evolving ro...
2024-06-26
1h 22
Factually! with Adam Conover
Your Brain is Hardwired to Love Games with Kelly Clancy
Games often get a bad rap as mere distractions, the frivolous filler between so-called "important things." But research into the connection between people and games reveals that they’re not just beneficial—they're essential. This week, Adam is joined by bioscientist and neurophysicist Kelly Clancy, author of Playing with Reality: How Games Have Shaped Our World, to explore the pivotal role games play in our development, history, and even in the natural world beyond humans. Find Kelly's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR...
2024-06-19
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
Your Houseplants Can Think with Zoë Schlanger
Our understanding of intelligence is always growing, but recent research has thrown a fascinating curveball: we're discovering that plants are intelligent too. Though they might not look like creatures we typically describe as intelligent, plants can store information, solve problems, and develop complex social networks. This week, Adam sits with Zoë Shlanger, author of The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth, to explore this galaxy-brain concept of plant intelligence and what it means for how we see all life and our place in the world. Find Zoë's bo...
2024-06-12
1h 05
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Human Cost of Banning Abortion with Shefali Luthra
Abortion is not just a political story; it's a personal one. In the two years since Roe was struck down by the Supreme Court in the Dobbs decision, a host of challenges has arisen for women, trans, and non-binary people seeking basic control over their own bodies. This week, Adam speaks with Shefali Luthra, author of Undue Burden: Life and Death Decisions in Post-Roe America, about the harrowing realities of the current state of abortion healthcare in America. Find Shefali's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover...
2024-06-05
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Capitalism Murdered Journalism with Margot Susca
We’ve been discussing the slow death of journalism for a long time, but what if it didn’t just “die”? This week, Adam speaks with Margot Susca, a professor at American University and author of Hedged: How Private Investment Funds Helped Destroy American Newspapers and Undermine Democracy, about how private equity firms have dismantled journalism and betrayed America. Find Margot's book at at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Appl...
2024-05-29
58 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Billionaires Should Be Banned with Ingrid Robeyns
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FACTUALLY and get on your way to being your best self.We're happy to have conversations about eliminating poverty, but why are we so reluctant to talk about eradicating extreme wealth? Poverty is commonly regarded as an indication of a struggling society, and a tiny number of people controlling a disproportionately large amount of wealth should be seen similarly. Political philosopher Ingrid Robeyns, author of Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth, joins Adam to explore how imposing limits...
2024-05-22
1h 07
Factually! with Adam Conover
Can Unions Make a Comeback? with Hamilton Nolan
The labor movement is in a state of flux. Support for unions is the highest it's been in decades, including the explict support of the Biden administration, yet actual union membership has plummeted to a historical low. With only 10% of the workforce unionized, is the labor movement missing its best chance to organize more workers? This week Adam sits with Hamilton Nolan, labor journalist and author of The Hammer: Power, Inequality, and the Struggle for the Soul of Labor, to reconcile the popular support of unions with the grim reality of declining membership. They discuss what led to the...
2024-05-15
1h 13
Factually! with Adam Conover
Myths about Homeless People with Dr. Margot Kushel
Homelessness has reached a record high, with over 650,000 people experiencing it in the USA today. Despite this staggering number, many remain unaware of the true underlying causes of this crisis. Myths surrounding issues like drug use and immigration often serve as convenient scapegoats, deflecting attention from meaningful efforts to address the problem. This not only represents a moral failure towards those experiencing homelessness but also towards the communities affected by it. This week, Adam shares an illuminating conversation with Dr. Margot Kushel, Director of the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative and a leading authority on the causes and solutions...
2024-05-08
1h 14
Factually! with Adam Conover
Technology Won’t Stop the Climate Apocalypse with Dr. Dana Fisher
The climate crisis is unfolding very day, with many inevitable consequences looming in the near future. While we may hope for clean energy or fossil fuel alternatives to save the day, climate change is more than just a technological issue—it's fundamentally a social problem. When tend to view climate change only from an ecological or technological perspective, but we require a sociological view to understand how we can collectively solve it. This week, Adam discusses these complexities with Dr. Dana Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity and author of Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Cl...
2024-05-01
1h 26
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Isn’t the Left Winning? with Bhaskar Sunkara
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FACTUALLY and get on your way to being your best self.The term "socialism" has gained prominence in today's political discourse, yet it hasn't fully entered the political mainstream apart from moments like the Occupy Wall Street movement or Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. Unlike the fervent following of MAGA, there's no socialist movement of comparable size and far-right politicians outnumber their left-leaning counterparts a hundred to one. Why is this the case, and does socialism actually have a shot at shaping future policy...
2024-04-24
1h 16
Factually! with Adam Conover
How White People Benefit from Racism with Tracie McMillan
This episode is sponsored by Surfshark.When we talk about racism in America, we tend to focus on the harm inflicted upon people of color, while rarely focusing on the ways that white people indirectly benefit from a racist culture. Author Tracie McMillan explores this concept of The White Bonus in her latest book, exploring the tangible financial benefits associated with being white in America. In this episode, Adam speaks with Tracie about white Americans reckoning with their privilege, the interconnectedness of racial and class conflicts, and how racism serves as the foundation of the widening class...
2024-04-17
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
Should Prison Be Reformed, or Abolished? with Tommie Shelby
The American prison system is in shambles. Rehabilitation efforts fall short, recidivism rates soar, and the numbers show that our incarceration system fails to actually make us any safer. While the notion of abolishing prisons might sound radical, entertaining its principles could help cast light on the shortcomings of our current system and steer us toward a more just society. This week, Adam sits down with Tommie Shelby, a philosopher and professor of African-American studies at Harvard, who authored The Idea of Prison Abolition. Together, they discuss the historical of prison abolition, its feasibility, and its relationship with the...
2024-04-10
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
What Does Ozepmic Actually DO? with Dr. Dhruv Khullar
There's been a surge in discourse around medications such as Ozempic, prompting understandable skepticism—Is this another weight loss fad, or the beginning of something new? While it is primarily used to treat diabetes and promote weight loss, there's mounting evidence that shows drugs like Ozempic can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and potentially be instrumental in treating addiction. In this episode, Adam speaks with Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a physician and assistant professor of health policy and economics at Weill Cornell Medical College, exploring the efficacy, risks, and impact these drugs have on our relationship with we...
2024-04-03
54 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Climate Change Isn’t the End of the World with Dr. Hannah Ritchie
The climate crisis is undeniably real, but it won't be the end of the world. Tomorrow, the planet will still be here, whether it's better or worse, and we'll all have to live in it. While it's understandable to feel hopeless, surrendering isn't an environmentally responsible choice. In this episode, Adam talks with Dr. Hannah Ritchie, author of "Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet," about striving for a future that not only averts disaster but also fosters a healthier planet overall. Find Hannah's book at at factuallypod...
2024-03-27
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Everyone Hates the 2024 Election with David Weigel
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Widespread denial looms over the 2024 presidential election. Will Biden be replaced due to his age? Could a conviction halt Trump's ambitions? While enthusiasm is scarce for this exhausting rematch, it's going to happen whether we like it or not. Adam and Semafor political reporter David Weigel set aside concerns about old age and criminal trials to dissect the state of both campaigns, and what it will actually mean come November. SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https...
2024-03-22
1h 18
The Headgum Podcast
196: March Madness: Headgum Edition
Billy Bryk joins Amir, Marika, and Geoff to pit Headgum staffers against one another, single elimination style, in the first inaugural March Madness: Headgum Edition.Advertise on The Headgum Podcast via Gumball.fmRate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Apple PodcastsRate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on SpotifyJoin the Headgum DiscordSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2024-03-15
45 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Journalism is Collapsing with Matt Pearce
The profession of journalism is facing a crisis. Recent years have brought devastating layoffs to nearly every major news outlet, with local newspapers shuttering daily. As these institutions crumble, we're faced with a question: what does a world without journalism even look like? This week, Adam is joined by journalist Matt Pearce, who recently experienced large-scale layoffs at the LA Times. Together, they discuss the industry's apparent demise, the irreplaceable role of boots-on-the-ground reporting, and speculate on journalism's future.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www...
2024-03-13
1h 16
Factually! with Adam Conover
How the Algorithm Warps Our Culture with Kyle Chayka
The internet once felt novel and exciting, with new mysteries waiting to be discovered around every corner. These days there's a different mystery: who is actually deciding everything that you end up seeing? Journalist Kyle Chayka, author of Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, has studied how platform algorithms have been invisibly guiding culture, as well as how they're been failing us. In this episode, Adam and Kyle discuss what algorithms get wrong about what people want, how that warps our culture, and how creative people have started making content to serve the mathematical needs of platforms instead of actual...
2024-03-06
1h 10
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Big Tech is Ruining Our Lives with Brian Merchant
Express skepticism about technology and you might be labeled a "Luddite." However, the true story of the historical Luddites offers a fascinating perspective on the relationship between workers and technology. In this episode, Adam chats with tech journalist Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech, about the historical Luddites and their fight against wealthy elites replacing the working class with machines—a struggle made only more relevant by the state of the tech industry today. Find Brian's book at at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: ht...
2024-02-28
1h 00
Factually! with Adam Conover
How to Grow from Trauma with Dr. Edith Shiro
The conversation about trauma is everywhere, and it seems like our culture is finally grappling with the concept openly. But here's the thing: if we don't get what trauma really is, on a psychological or biological level, it can be hard move past it. In this episode, Adam sits down with Dr. Edith Shiro, the author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Posttraumatic Growth, to talk about what trauma truly means, the misconceptions around it, and the tools required to grow from it. Find Edith's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON...
2024-02-21
1h 01
Factually! with Adam Conover
Free Will Absolutely Does Exist with Dr. Kevin Mitchell
Is free will a scientific fact? Dr. Kevin Mitchell, neuroscientist and the author of Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will, certainly thinks so. While some, like recent guest Robert Sapolsky, argue that biology and physics can explain away free will, Kevin begs to differ. Join Adam and Kevin in this episode as they dive into how evolution paved the way for free will and unravel the common misconceptions surrounding the "I" that makes choices. Find Kevin's book at at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE...
2024-02-14
1h 19
Factually! with Adam Conover
Capitalism Has Mutated Into Something Worse with Yanis Varoufakis
Capitalism has changed. A century ago, capitalists amassed untold wealth by building and manufacturing goods, but today, our economy appears to be dominated by massive tech corporations that don't actually produce anything at all. Instead, these tech giants offer platforms—such as search engines, AI, or marketplaces—through which they extract profits from users. Adam speaks with Yanis Varoufakis, former finance minister of Greece, about his book Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, exploring how this new form of capitalism jeopardizes our livelihoods and what measures we can take to safeguard our future from big tech. Find Yanis's book at at fact...
2024-02-07
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
Free Will Does Not Exist with Robert Sapolsky
Does free will truly exist, or are we merely sophisticated meat machines running our biochemical programming with sentience as a byproduct? Stanford University neurologist Robert Sapolsky, having extensively studied the topic, asserts that not only is free will a myth but also that our insistence on its reality adversely affects the world we inhabit. In this episode, Adam speaks with Dr. Sapolsky about how choice is an illusion and the impact this has on our society, from workplace meritocracies to criminal justice reform. Find Dr. Sapolsky's book, Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will, at factuallypod.com/books
2024-01-31
1h 13
Factually! with Adam Conover
Comedy Censorship Used to be WORSE with Kliph Nesteroff
For as long as there's been comedy, there have been people lamenting that "you can't do comedy anymore". This sentiment feels more prevalent than ever, but is it actual censorship or a shift in our culture? Adam talks with Kliph Nesteroff, a historian of comedy and author of Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars, about the history of censorship in comedy, and how the idea of audiences being "too sensitive" is propaganda pushed by the very same people who censored comedians in years past. Find Kliph's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW O...
2024-01-24
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Decimation of Gaza and What Happens Next with Rashid Khalidi
Gaza has been decimated by atrocious violence. Since the war erupted in October, 1 in every 100 Palestinians has been killed, and nearly all of those who survive have been displaced. In order to imagine what could possibly happen next, we have to look back at a century of history leading up to this moment. This week, Adam is joined by Rashid Khalidi, a Palestinian-American historian of the Middle East and Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, to discuss what led to the escalating violence in Gaza and what could possibly happen next. Find Rashid's book at factuallypod.com...
2024-01-17
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
What the Hell Happened at OpenAI with Karen Hao
Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was ousted and then reinstated in a matter of days. No explanation has been made public, which is unsettling considering just how quickly OpenAI, ChatGPT, and DALL·E have become household names. What's actually happening behind closed doors at OpenAI? Adam is joined by tech journalist Karen Hao to discuss the history of this massively influential company, how they've struggled with the identity of being a non-profit, and how the future of AI is ultimately at the mercy of the capitalist forces that drive it.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.p...
2024-01-10
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Fentanyl is Suddenly Everywhere with Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta
While the rise of fentanyl may seem like it emerged out of nowhere, it has a long and complicated history dating back hundred years. The pharmaceutical industry, the illegal drug trade, and government response all have roles in the ongoing epidemic of overdoses. This week, Adam speaks with Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, an epidemiologist and street drug scientist at the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center, to explore why the opioid crisis is so frequently misunderstood and the multi-faceted approach required to mitigate the dangers of fentanyl.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover...
2024-01-03
1h 10
Factually! with Adam Conover
The REAL History of Gender with Dr. Kit Heyam
In recent years, the number of young people identifying as trans has doubled. However, a common misinterpretation arises, suggesting that this surge implies a new phenomenon of being trans or gender non-conforming. Modern Western culture has strongly insisted on the conventional belief that the gender binary is natural, fostering the false assumption that human culture and history have always revolved around this binary. In reality, humans worldwide have expressed gender concepts outside that binary as far back as the 8th century BC. This week, Adam engages in conversation with Dr. Kit Heyam, author of "Before We Were Trans: A...
2023-12-27
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Social Media Exploits Creators with Taylor Lorenz
Social media is just media now. It has irreversibly changed how we engage with our world, yet it is often disregarded as frivolous. The dismissal of social media can be dangerous, as it minimizes not just the benefits but the dangers of our current media landscape. This week Adam is joined by Taylor Lorenz, an internet expert and author of "Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet," to track the evolution of social media, from the birth of mommy bloggers to the current crisis of social platforms exploiting their audiences for free labor...
2023-12-20
1h 15
Factually! with Adam Conover
What Tech Gets Wrong About Disability with Ashley Shew
Over 34 million disabled Americans, but despite the commonality of having a disability, there's still a social tendency to want to "solve" disability out of view with technology. As useful as robotic limbs or exoskeletons for walking might seem on paper, they don't always consider the practicalities of living with a disability. In this episode, Adam speaks with Ashley Shew, author of "Against Technoableism," about how technology is best suited to make an impact for the disabled and when it's only used to hide disability to make the abled more comfortable.Today's episode is sponsored by NordVPN, try...
2023-12-13
1h 06
Factually! with Adam Conover
How the Wealthy Use “Charity” to Screw Everyone Else with Amy Schiller
When we donate to charity, we aim to have the most significant impact possible, yet it's easy to feel like our giving makes zero difference. The rise of effective altruism, a philosophical model designed to achieve the most substantial potential impact with giving, seemed poised to combat this, but does treating people like data help? Or does it exclude the dimensions of life and what actually makes us human? In this episode, Adam is joined by Amy Schiller, author of "The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong—And How to Fix It," to discuss these cultural shifts in ph...
2023-12-06
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Smart People Become Conspiracy Theorists with Naomi Klein
What is the appeal of conspiracy theories, and how is it that they entrap our friends, coworkers, or family members? Political polarization and the rise of social media have generated an unprecedented amount of seemingly absurd misinformation, yet many real people fall for it, and a seemingly endless supply of grifters are ready to exploit them. In this episode, Adam speaks with award-winning author Naomi Klein about what led us to this moment and what hope we have of extricating loved ones who've fallen prey to conspiracy. Find Naomi's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW...
2023-11-29
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
What Liberals Get Wrong about the Right with Corey Robin
It's easy to caricature those on the political far right as outlandish, cartoonish, and bizarre, and easier still to dismiss their agendas as irrational or uninformed. This, however, can be a tremendous mistake. Assessing political rivals requires not just learning the history of their influences and principles, but also remembering that they are real people. In this episode, Adam speaks with Corey Robin, Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, to learn the history of where the far right movement emerged from, and what we can learn from evaluating them honestly. Find Corey's books at factuallypod.com/books
2023-11-22
1h 04
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why You Don't Actually Want to Live on Mars with Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith
The prospect of human life on Mars, once a science fiction fantasy, now seems increasingly plausible. But does actually warrant being anything other than a fantasy? This week, Adam speaks with Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, authors of A City on Mars, to discuss the practicalities of becoming a space-faring species, the challenges that lie ahead, and whether it's even a good idea to begin with. Find Zach and Kelly's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/
2023-11-15
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
How to Fight Monopoly Power with FTC Chair Lina Khan
America has been sliding back toward levels of corporate control, consolidation, and inequality not seen since the Gilded Age. This resurgence in monopoly capitalism has sparked a corresponding movement in antitrust reform known as the New Brandeis movement. Lina Khan, appointed chair of the Federal Trade Commission by President Biden, has become the foremost voice of this movement and has engaged in high-profile battles to reshape how America deals with monopolies. In this captivating episode, Lina joins Adam to discuss the FTC's efforts to enhance the quality of life for Americans, from shielding our finances from corporate greed to...
2023-11-08
52 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
What’s Happening in Israel and Why with Nathan Thrall
The October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel's subsequent response have left the world in shock. To better understand the context behind this moment, Adam is joined by Nathan Thrall, a Jerusalem-based journalist, former Director of the Arab-Israeli Project at the International Crisis Group, and one of the leading experts on the conflict in Gaza. Nathan and Adam discuss the history of this conflict, and the dehumanizing impact of war on the everyday people caught up in it. Find Nathan's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover...
2023-11-01
1h 13
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Engineering Created Your World with Roma Agrawal
We tend to think of "technology" as screens and apps, but it really means everything from the plumbing in our homes to the nails that hold our walls together. The field of engineering literally builds the world around us, but the fascinating history behind these foundational elements is easy to overlook. In this episode, Roma Agrawal, structural engineer and author of Nuts and Bolts, joins Adam to discuss how engineering shapes not just our buildings, but the way we live our lives. Find Roma's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon...
2023-10-25
1h 02
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Roads Actually Divide Us with Ben Goldfarb
We often perceive roads as connectors, expanding our world and improving our quality of life. However, roads, from the smallest hiking trails to vast multilane highways, have profound and unseen effects on the fundamental ecology of our environment. They divide us in unforeseen ways, influencing everything from the survival of wildlife to the average human lifespan. In this episode, Adam is joined by Ben Goldfarb, a conservation journalist and the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet, to discuss responsible approaches for preserving our interconnected world. Find Ben's book at factuallypod.com/books
2023-10-18
53 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Inside the Crypto Crash with Zeke Faux
Remember crypto? Only a year ago, it seemed like the future of finance, but now it's a smoldering crater in the ground. Between large corporations and everyday people that got caught up in the grift, trillions of dollars vanished seemingly overnight. But what was it like in the heart of this surreal, million-dollar-monkey-jpeg storm? Zeke Faux, investigative reporter and author of Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall, joins Adam to deliver a captivating and hilarious account of the sharp ascent and rapid collapse of the world of cryptocurrency. Find Zeke's book at factuallypod.com/books
2023-10-11
1h 07
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Are Americans Afraid of Black History with Michael Harriot
American history has been whitewashed, with the accounts of millions of black Americans pushed to the margins, and their narratives stripped of agency and action. In this episode, Adam is joined by Michael Harriot, the author of Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America, to step out from behind the white lens through which our country typically views history. Together, they explore why confronting the unvarnished truth about this nation's past is a challenging but essential endeavor. Find Michael's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover...
2023-10-04
59 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why Free Parking Is Ruining Your City with Henry Grabar
Free and available parking is a cornerstone of American society, but is it also our undoing? The places where we stow our cars have more of an impact on the fundamental fabric of the urban landscape than the roads we drive on, affecting everything from how our cities are designed to how we socialize. Adam is joined by Henry Grabar, author of Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World, to discuss the seen and unseen ways that parking changes our lives. Find Henry's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com...
2023-09-27
56 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Why YOU Need a Union with Kim Kelly
While the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes have garnered significant public attention, those unions represent only a tiny fraction of the unionized workers in the country. Throughout the long history of labor in this country, it's not uncommon for important battles to be overlooked, especially when they are the struggles of women and people of color. Adam is joined by Kim Kelly, journalist and author of FIGHT LIKE HELL: The Untold History of American Labor, to look back at some of those struggles and the ongoing story of workers' rights in America. Find Kim's book at factuallypod.com/books
2023-09-20
1h 03
Factually! with Adam Conover
How These Strippers UNIONIZED Their Strip Club with Equity Strippers Noho
Every worker deserves a union — including strippers! Recently, strippers at the Star Garden in North Hollywood became the first strippers in decades to unionize. On this week’s Factually, Charlie and Lilith from Equity Strippers Noho join Adam to explain how they banded together to ensure their safety and fair wages, and how you can do the same in your workplace.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/u...
2023-09-13
1h 03
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Disgusting (and Delicious) Truth about Hot Dogs with Jamie Loftus
The history of the hot dog is the history of America. The humble hot dog bun holds not just a tube of delicious-yet-dubious meats, but a long lineage of entrepreneurial effort, regional expressions, and immigrant stories. Comedian and author Jamie Loftus has written the literal book on hot dogs, and joins Adam to discuss the myths, merits, and hard truths about America's favorite food. Find Jamie's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and...
2023-09-06
1h 12
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Secret History of Theme Parks with Defunctland
Theme park rides stand as one of the few forms of popular entertainment that can vanish with no way to experience them once again. So, how can such a cherished art form be preserved? Kevin Perjurer, the creative mind behind Defunctland, has made it his business to document the fleeting nature of theme parks, both the good and the bad. In this episode, Adam and Kevin discuss how theme parks shape the cultures that give rise to them, the extent to which our own history is molded and packaged for our entertainment, and the pivotal role YouTube historians play...
2023-08-30
1h 18
Factually! with Adam Conover
Hollywood's Toxic Underbelly with Maureen Ryan
The entertainment industry is frequently called out for posturing as politically enlightened and progressive, yet beneath this veneer lies a troubling history of toxic, racist, and emotionally abusive working environments. This conduct would be deemed unacceptable in other sectors, so why does Hollywood often turn a blind eye? More crucially, what measures can be taken to address it? In this episode, Adam is joined by author and journalist Maureen Ryan to discuss the cycle of abuse and accountability, and the best course for remedying the ugly underbelly of show business. Find Maureen's book at factuallypod.com/books...
2023-08-23
1h 08
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Hidden Factors Controlling Your Health with Bapu Jena and Chris Worsham
While we commonly credit genetics, fitness, and access to healthcare for our well-being, a more complex reality exists – our lives are influenced by unseen elements that deeply impact our health. From birth months to local traffic patterns, these inconspicuous factors exert unforeseen effects. In this episode, Adam welcomes Dr. Bapu Jena and Dr. Chris Worsham, authors of "Random Acts of Medicine: The Hidden Forces That Sway Doctors, Impact Patients, and Shape Our Health," to decode how to recognize and understand these hidden forces shaping our well-being. Find Dr. Jena and Dr. Worsham's book at factuallypod.com/booksSU...
2023-08-16
1h 09
The Headgum Podcast
164: Headgum After Dark (w/ Melanie Bracewell!)
Special guest Melanie Bracewell (The Cheap Seats) joins Miles Bonsignore (Perfect Person podcast), Reilly Anspaugh (Review Revue podcast), and Geoff for a very special after-hours episode in the Headgum studio to discuss Gucci-related property theft, omakase dining experiences, and pick-up lines. Advertise on The Headgum Podcast via Gumball.fm Rate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts Rate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Spotify Join the Headgum DiscordSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...
2023-08-04
46 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Plot to End Voting Rights with Rick Hasen
We consider democracy a fundamental American value, but the reality is that we haven't been truly democratic for as long as our country has existed. Not only is the right to vote not constitutionally protected, but it also faces constant attacks from anti-democratic campaigns funded by billionaires, aiming to make voting more difficult. This week, Adam is joined by Rick Hasen, a UCLA professor of law, to uncover the genuine threats to elections and explore potential solutions. Find Rick's book at factually.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover
2023-08-02
1h 03
Factually! with Adam Conover
How Computers Took Over Our Lives with Laine Nooney
It's hard to imagine life without smartphones, but it wasn't so long ago that the idea of a home computer was a novelty. When was the exact moment that the "personal computer" became truly "personal," and how did computer ownership and literacy become inexorably tied to our lives? This week, Adam is joined by author and technology historian Laine Nooney to discuss how the Apple II revolutionized our fundamental relationship with technology. Find Laine's book at factually.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www...
2023-07-26
53 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Do Generations Exist? with Jean Twenge
Are Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers truly distinct groups or just convenient labels? With millions of individuals in each category, it's hard to imagine they all share common experiences. Together with renowned psychologist Jean Twenge, Adam unravels the conventional notions of generations, exploring when these labels can be helpful and when they might miss the mark. Find Jean's book at factually.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» A...
2023-07-19
1h 01
Factually! with Adam Conover
The ACTUAL Danger of A.I. with Gary Marcus
Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence is increasingly empowered to take control of various aspects of our lives. While some tech companies advocate for self-regulation regarding long-term risks, they conveniently overlook critical current concerns like the rampant spread of misinformation, biases in A.I. algorithms, and even A.I.-driven scams. In this episode, Adam is joined by cognitive scientist and esteemed A.I. expert Gary Marcus to enumerate the short and long-term risks posed by artificial intelligence. SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https...
2023-07-12
56 min
Factually! with Adam Conover
Could MDMA Be Medicine? with Rachel Nuwer
As implausible as it might sound, it's entirely possible that by this time next year, MDMA could be recognized as a medicine eligible for insurance coverage. In a captivating discussion, Adam engages with journalist and author Rachel Nuwer to explore the extraordinary trajectory of MDMA, from its accidental laboratory creation to becoming the quintessential party drug, enduring as the primary target in the War on Drugs, and now potentially heralding a groundbreaking advancement in the field of mental health. Pick up Rachel's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover
2023-07-05
1h 14
Factually! with Adam Conover
Saving Time Is For Suckers with Jenny Odell
Our conception of time is a construct, so why does it have so much power over us? Adam and author Jenny Odell delve into the history of "time" as we know it, and how the popular obsession with trying to make the most of every second is a losing battle. Pick up Jenny's book at factuallypod.com/books SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
2023-06-28
1h 27
Factually! with Adam Conover
The Real Cause of Poverty with Matthew Desmond
The United States is one of the wealthiest nations on the planet, so why is it that our poverty rates surpass those of so many other countries? In this episode, sociologist Matthew Desmond shares a hard truth with Adam: we are constantly reinforcing wealth inequality in invisible ways. The good news is that we're capable of divesting from the ways we may inadvertently contribute to the system. Pick up Matthew's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR...
2023-06-21
1h 12
The Headgum Podcast
Introducing: Headgum Happy Hour
Consider this your official invite to hang with us in the Headgum backyard: it's the Headgum Happy Hour, our new monthly stand-up comedy show! Hosted by the Headgummers you know and (we hope) love, Amir Blumenfeld, Geoffrey James, and Danny Sellers! In our inaugural episode, comedians Shelby Wolstein & EJ Marcus, Avital Ash, Liza Treyger, and Ian Karmel take us back to school for some stories to close out the summer. Along the way, the audience becomes an unwilling focus group for Geoff’s Shark Tank ideas. Grab tickets to the next Headgum Happy Hour taping on No...
2022-10-27
1h 05
The Headgum Podcast
91: Wheel of Amirsfortune
One of Headgum's newest hires Kayla joins Amir, Marika, and Geoff to discuss working at Headgum, fearing change, and Amir's misfortune! Check out the newest Headgum podcast, Confronting Demons with Megan Stalter! Subscribe to the new Keeping Records YouTube channel for new video episodes with Caleb Hearon & Shelby Wolstein every Friday! BUY THE HEADGUM PODCAST MERCH! Advertise on The Headgum Podcast via Gumball.fm Rate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts. Rate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Spotify. Join the Headgum Discord.See o...
2022-02-25
49 min
The Headgum Podcast
37: The Headgum Vaccine (w/ John George!)
John George (host of Big Boy Movies) joins Amir, Faris, and Geoff to create a brand new vaccine, and to play a celebrity round of Ship or Not.Subscribe to John George's podcast Big Boy Movies!Advertise on The Headgum Podcast via Gumball.fmRate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts.Join the Headgum Discord.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2021-02-12
38 min
The Headgum Podcast
1: This is The Headgum Podcast
Welcome to The Headgum Podcast, a weekly show where the Headgum staff wax idiotic on everything from pop culture to their boss' SSN. Pour yourself a drink and join Jake Hurwitz, Amir Blumenfeld, Geoffrey James and Reilly Anspaugh as they discuss Gotye, Geoff's overflowing trash, HG Live memories and more!Rate The Headgum Podcast 5-stars on Apple Podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2020-05-13
41 min