Part 1 of my conversation with guest Matt Phillion as we discuss the difficulties of avoiding cynicism.

Show notes:

• Check out Matt's new book Like a Comet: The Indestructibles Book 4

• It's hard not to be cynical these days

• Politics are infuriating in general

• Soccer hooligans can spread joy, too

• Getting cynicism drummed into you as a young reporter

• Kids, don't go into journalism

• NIMBY remains a strong force

• Matt made the mistake of going to back to newspapers a few years ago

• Facts, schmacts

• Saying something stupid won't tank your campaign anymore

• Tapping into frustrated and angry voters

• Blindly loyal political supporters

• Stupid can win

• People are tired of hearing from so-called experts

• Jay: Reality TV makes me cynical

• The Duggars had a show because they had 19 kids

• Some people find The Bachelor fascinating

• So many kids these days have the drive to become famous

• The abnormal lives of huge celebrities

• Tom Cruise can't relate to normal people

• To be continued

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The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.