Outrage Overload: Recent Episodes
David Beckemeyer
Outrage Overload is a show about about our unhealthy relationship with outrage messaging. In each episode we explore a different aspect of the outrage industry
When a public movement erupts, media attention almost immediately centers on the spectacle—the street confrontations, the viral headlines, and the rapid-fire political commentary. But once the news cycle moves on, we rarely stop to analyze how the information ecosystem shaped what we saw, or what actually happens to that momentum after the cameras leave.
In this special episode of Outrage Overload, we sit down with Mila Atmos, host of the Future Hindsight podcast. Together, we revisit the 2011 Occupy Wall Street movement—operating right on the precipice of algorithm-driven social media—to explore how movement-building, media coverage, and police reactions shaped public trust, and what today’s exhausted majority can learn about driving real, long-term civic action.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
In February 2025, we explored how an expanding executive branch was stretching traditional boundaries. In this follow-up episode, we turn our attention to the primary institutional battleground of 2026: The Department of Justice (DOJ).
The long-standing post-Watergate norm that the DOJ should operate independently from presidential control has been explicitly rejected by the current administration. Asserting total constitutional authority over all executive branch agencies under Article II, the administration argues that an independent DOJ is a constitutional myth.
To break down the structural reality behind the headlines—including the rapid dismissal of indictments against political allies, the targeting of opponents, and mass civil service purges—we sit down with historian Alex Lovit, host of The Context (a sister podcast in The Democracy Group network). Together, we place the crisis of 2026 into historical perspective, tracing the design flaws and structural vulnerabilities of the DOJ from its founding in 1870 to the present day.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Are we really trapped in a permanent political doom loop, or is the two-party duopoly actually more vulnerable than it looks?
We often look at heavily gerrymandered, "safe" districts and hyper-partisan outrage and assume nothing can change until we get massive, far-off structural reform. But what if the major parties have aggressively optimized the system for a zero-sum, two-player game—and that very optimization has left them completely exposed to independent challenges?
This week, David sits down with political campaign consultant Nathan Smolensky to break down the raw, data-driven mechanics of the independent landscape. Looking past the national presidential spectacle, Nathan explains why local and state races are a completely different playground for independent success, how candidates can flip the "spoiler effect" narrative on its head, and how scalable new campaign technologies are dismantling the traditional fundraising barrier to entry.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Today we have a special bonus episode for the Outrage Overload community. We are sharing the premiere episode of a brand-new, six-part documentary series from our sister show in The Democracy Group network, Future Hindsight.
The series is called Occupy! An Unfinished Uprising.
About This Special Episode: In 2008, a Wall Street crash gutted millions of lives. It took until 2011 for the Left to answer—a call to protest went out, thousands came, and they tried to build an anti-capitalist village in Zuccotti Park. Told through the raw, unfiltered voices of the activists who camped there for almost two months, this series gets inside a movement that grew fast, felt transcendent and chaotic at once, and then violently flamed out.
Want to hear the rest of the series? Occupy! An Unfinished Uprising is a six-part weekly series. To hear Episode 2 and follow the rest of the journey, subscribe to Future Hindsight on your favorite podcast app or visit FutureHindsight.com.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, national pride has hit a 25-year record low. The milestone itself has fractured into institutional tugs-of-war, with the official, non-partisan congressional commission America250 running parallel to Freedom 250, a heavily branded, politically aligned initiative launched out of the Trump White House. When even a milestone national birthday is split by competing political branding, it is easy to see why so many Americans feel exhausted, cynical, and ready to tune out.
But opting out cedes the very narrative we need to reclaim.
In this special episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer steps back from the constant cycles of toxic polarization and media manipulation to explore the enduring power of America's foundational ideals: liberty, equality, and self-government.
Through a series of thoughtful conversations with historians, political scientists, advocates, and students, we explore whether this anniversary is a celebration of a finished, perfect nation, or an invitation to sit with the uncomfortable friction of an ongoing democratic experiment.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
In this episode, we sit down with Aemula co-founder Don Templeman to break down the hidden architecture of media manipulation, audience capture, and algorithmic polarization. Drawing from his background in finance, Don explains why fighting human nature doesn't work—and how we can build open-source systems where gaming the algorithm actually results in a healthier, less polarized information landscape.
Whether you're a reader exhausted by ad-driven rage-bait or a writer looking to see if your ideas can genuinely bridge deep ideological divides, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to shift media from emotional reaction to analytical reflection.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Why does our modern political landscape feel so intensely divided, and why does it seem like the media environment is constantly dialed up to eleven?
In this special crossover episode, David sits down with Michael Baranowski, host of The Politics Guys and fellow member of The Democracy Group podcast network. Moving past the usual surface-level punditry, they pull back the curtain on the "outrage industry" to diagnose the systemic, cognitive, and commercial forces driving us apart.
David and Michael skip the usual warm-ups and dive straight into the structural incentives that prioritize clicks over nuance, the profound psychological misperceptions we hold about the "other side," and—most importantly—the role we play as consumers in feeding this ecosystem.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
The U.S. House of Representatives used to pass roughly 900 bills per session in the 1950s. Today, that number has plummeted to just 50 or 60. Our legislative branch isn’t just slow—it is structurally paralyzed.
In this episode, we look past the cultural shouting match to expose the structural design flaws fueling our polarization. From sweetheart gerrymandering that leaves 80% of congressional districts completely non-competitive, to the financial incentives driving both major parties to abandon the center, we look at the reality of the "exhausted majority."
To discuss a radical attempt to fill this vacuum, we sit down with political scientist Paul Chapman. He is the founder of the CenterCratic Party, a brand-new third-party movement trying to do something entirely unique: build a political tribe out of the 45% of Americans who now identify as politically homeless.
We push into the hard mechanics of his strategy, the realities of voter tribalism, and the party’s nine guiding principles of governance.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
We tend to think of a nation’s strength in concrete terms—the size of its military, the reach of its laws, or the stability of its economy. But this special audio documentary episode of Outrage Overload pulls back the curtain on the illusion of government permanence to reveal a terrifyingly fragile truth: what if the true foundation of state power is entirely invisible? We explore a provocative perspective on what actually holds a society together, challenging the idea that brute force or legal systems are enough to keep the peace when something deeper begins to rot.
The episode dives into the unsettling moments when the official version of reality completely fractures. We look at how major, shocking events can be instantly dismissed by millions as total fiction, forcing us to ask why we can no longer agree on basic facts. Renowned scholar Dr. Sheila Jasanoff joins the conversation to turn our understanding of truth upside down, revealing a hidden prerequisite for consensus that modern society seems to have lost. It raises an urgent question: if evidence can no longer convince us, what can?
We also take you to the frontlines of non-compliance, tracing the friction of the Bundy standoffs and the world of libertarian resistance with Dan Behrman. These stories expose a radical reality about where power truly resides, suggesting that authority does not flow from top-down government institutions, but from a much closer, more familiar source. When that localized compliance disappears, the levers of control may be far emptier than they appear.
Our current institutions were designed for a world that no longer exists, and they are now buckling under modern pressures they were never built to sustain. This documentary explores whether we are living through the quiet expiration of the social contract, building to a haunting conclusion about what happens to a state when its core legitimacy is gone.
Featured in This Episode:
• Dr. Sheila Jasanoff – Pforzheimer Professor at Harvard Kennedy School and a pioneer in Science and Technology Studies who explores the intersection of technology, law, and modern democracy.
• Dan Behrman – Libertarian author and advocate dedicated to promoting the philosophy that "Taxation Is Theft" through his books and political platforms.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Why is it so easy to dismiss "the other side" as irrational or heartless? According to researcher Lura Forcum, the answer lies in a cognitive process called mentalization—and more importantly, what happens when our brains decide to turn it off.
In this episode, we explore the science of how we perceive the minds of others. We dive into the "mentalization gap," a psychological phenomenon that allows us to empathize deeply with our own group while subtly "dehumanizing" everyone else.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
In this episode, we dive deep into the historical and psychological drivers of political polarization with Dr. Allison Ralph, head of Cohesion Strategy.
Allison shares how ancient metaphors, like the "body politic," are still being used today to justify othering and the dangerous trend of social purification. We move beyond the idea of "mushy middle" dialogue to discuss productive conflict—the essential, often difficult work of building pluralistic solutions and strategic coalitions even when we fundamentally disagree.
If you’ve ever felt that bridging divides feels like a "kumbaya" fantasy, this conversation is for you. We explore why action-based bridging and collective action are the most powerful tools we have for increasing community trust and protecting our democracy.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Corey Nathan joins the show to deconstruct the "Rage Merchant" business model and explore how we can strengthen our civic muscle in an era of hyper-polarization. Corey is the host of Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other and a partner in The Democracy Group podcast network.
In this conversation, we move past the surface-level bickering of the news cycle to examine why our brains are often more attracted to the dopamine hit of outrage than the slow work of nuance. We discuss the "Exhausted Majority"—the vast segment of the population that feels alienated by extreme rhetoric—and offer tactical ways to navigate difficult conversations by focusing on curiosity rather than conflict.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
In this episode, we step back from the headlines to conduct a psychological case study on how we form and protect our worldviews. We’re joined by Sidney Pines, whose journey away from the mainstream consensus offers a window into the information ecosystems that define our modern era.
Rather than debating specific claims, we use the "Three Cs" framework—Comprehension, Control, and Community—to analyze the universal human needs that draw individuals toward alternative media systems. We explore how a "cognitive vacuum" created by sensationalist media can lead to a search for certainty, often filled by grand narratives that trade messy realities for clear, singular explanations.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
The New Counterculture of Conversation
In a world where political labels have become shields and social media is a minefield of "rhetorical grenades," Monica Guzman argues that the most radical act you can perform is to stay curious. As the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, Monica has seen firsthand how fear has become the "archvillain" of American discourse.
In this episode, we dismantle the failing left-right paradigm and explore why bridge-building isn't about being "nice" or "middle-of-the-road"—it’s about having the courage to withstand intense disagreement without losing your convictions.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
We are joined by Dr. Caleb Scharf, NASA Senior Scientist for Astrobiology, to explore the profound implications of the Fermi Paradox. Why, in a galaxy of hundreds of billions of stars, do we find only silence? We move beyond the "geek wonderland" of physics and biology to examine the "Overview Effect"—the shift in perspective that occurs when we realize just how fragile our shared existence truly is.
If humanity is the first species to face the conundrum of its own survival, we have a unique moral responsibility to look past the outrage of the day and safeguard the future of life on Earth.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
In an age where algorithms are designed to confirm your existing beliefs, finding a shared sense of reality has become nearly impossible. Host David Beckemeyer welcomes Kristin Jackson, co-founder of the Freespoke search engine alternative, to discuss a platform built to help users break out of the echo chamber. Jackson shares that up to 80% of the population has given up on news because they "couldn't figure out what the truth was".
This vital conversation explores the vision behind Freespoke and its mission to deliver unbiased news and help you find the full story.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
After seven years working in traditional, formal "bridge-building" spaces, K Scarry realized that the people who most needed to connect were the ones least likely to attend a scheduled "dialogue event." Her solution? Move the conversation to where people already go naturally.
In this episode, K Scarry joins David to discuss her journey from civic engagement professional to neighborhood bar owner. We explore how "Third Spaces" serve as essential training grounds for civic grace, the "musculature" of empathy, and the challenge of maintaining your values while staying open to those you disagree with.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Is the "move to the center" vs. "lean left" debate a false choice?
Following recent election cycles, the dominant advice for Democrats has been to moderate their cultural messaging and pivot to the middle—a strategy championed by the October 2025 Deciding to Win report. Conversely, many argue the party should double down on a bold, progressive populist agenda to mobilize the base.
In this episode, we challenge this entire left-versus-center framework with Frank A. Spring, Chief of Research at Altum Insight and Managing Partner at Undaunted Ventures.
Through deep qualitative research, Frank discovered that voters are "politically heterodox"—they don't fit into the neat ideological boxes we’ve built for them. We explore why the real crisis isn't "ideological excess," but "narrative confusion." Voters might know the party is "for diversity," but they often don't know what a Democratic vision of governance actually feels like for their daily lives.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
We talk about polarization in terms of media, algorithms, and politics. But what if we’ve simply forgotten how to sit down with people who aren’t like us?
In this episode, David sits down with Tim Jones, founder of Longer Tables, a real-world initiative that brings strangers together over shared meals to rebuild social trust and human connection.
Tim argues that humans are “slow-cooked.” Trust, belonging, and meaningful relationships don’t scale at the speed of technology—and that mismatch may be driving much of our social division.
This conversation explores what happens when you remove job titles, politics, and performance from the table—and what it might take to design connection in a polarized world.
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https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Episode Description
How does political identity shape what we believe—and whether we accept democracy itself? In this episode, David speaks with political scientist Timothy Redmond, author of Political Tribalism in America: How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy—and How to Fix It.
Redmond reveals how modern politics has reversed the democratic ideal: instead of forming views and then choosing a party, many people adopt a party identity first and align their beliefs accordingly. This fuels motivated reasoning, selective information consumption, and perceptual biases that make people on opposite sides experience the same events in radically different ways.
The conversation explores "losers' consent"—the principle that democracy depends on losing sides accepting electoral outcomes and winners governing with restraint. Redmond draws on an ancient Greek myth from the Oresteia to show how societies break cycles of retaliation through shared rules and third-party judgment, offering a powerful metaphor for modern political conflict.
Why do so many people believe the media is biased against them? Redmond discusses the hostile media effect, showing that people across the political spectrum perceive neutral coverage as slanted—suggesting that perceived bias often comes from our expectations, not the reporting itself.
Throughout, Redmond offers practical tools for clearer thinking: recognizing cognitive biases, evaluating political arguments, distinguishing fact from opinion, and resisting outrage-driven media. A calm, research-based conversation about polarization, democracy, and how to think more clearly in an age of tribal politics.
Guest
Timothy Redmond – Political scientist and author of Political Tribalism in America: How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy—and How to Fix It
Excerpts from The Oresteia (2014), originally broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
- Source: Drama on 3: Aeschylus’s Oresteia.
- Adaptations by: Simon Scardifield (Agamemnon), Ed Hime (The Libation Bearers), and Rebecca Lenkiewicz (The Furies).
- Direction: Sasha Yevtushenko and Marc Beeby.
- Used under Fair Use for the purposes of illustration
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
What begins as a documentary about racial justice in Omaha becomes something far more personal.
Filmmaker Nick Beaulieu joins Outrage Overload to discuss My Omaha, a film that follows his effort to document activism in his hometown while navigating a deeply strained relationship with his terminally ill father, a staunch pro-Trump conservative.
Rather than trying to change minds, My Omaha explores what it takes to stay in relationship across political, racial, and generational divides. In this conversation, Nick reflects on trust, identity, social media, and how lessons from racial justice organizing shaped the way he tried to understand his father before it was too late.
This episode is about family, polarization, and what happens when the story you’re telling changes you in the process.
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Why are so many people exhausted, cynical, or disengaged from politics — even as the stakes keep rising?
In this episode of Outrage Overload, David Beckemeyer is joined by journalist and author Cameron Cowan to explore the deeper forces driving generational inequality, institutional distrust, and political disengagement in the United States.
Cameron is the author of America’s Lost Generation, which examines how economic change, labor markets, and policy decisions have reshaped opportunity for younger Americans who did what they were told and still found themselves falling behind.
Rather than focusing on daily outrage or partisan blame, this conversation looks at how lived experience — not ideology alone — fuels cynicism, burnout, and withdrawal from civic life. David and Cameron discuss what happens when institutions stop feeling accountable, how concentrated power shapes public trust, and why disengagement may be as dangerous as polarization itself.
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Resisting Nazism
Resistance is often imagined as dramatic and heroic. History tells a different story.
In this episode of Outrage Overload, we speak with historian and educator Dr. Luke Berryman, author of Resisting Nazism: True stories of resistance to the world’s most dangerous ideology from 1920 to the present.
Rather than focusing on famous figures or extraordinary acts, this conversation explores resistance as it was actually lived: through nonconformity, refusal, and small decisions made under extraordinary pressure. Dr. Berryman examines Nazism not just as a historical regime, but as an ideology with recurring patterns—some of which remain visible today.
The episode also asks a harder question: why do so many people wait for heroes? And what happens when resistance feels too risky, too rare, or like someone else’s responsibility?
This is a historically grounded, non-alarmist conversation about how dangerous ideologies take hold—and how ordinary people have resisted them, often quietly, and without recognition.
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Veteran journalist Stephen Maher joins us to explore how the collapse of local news, the rise of algorithm-driven platforms, and shifting newsroom cultures are reshaping democracy. Drawing on decades covering Canadian politics, Maher explains why communities lose more than information when local papers disappear—and how this dynamic parallels what’s happening in the United States.
We dig into polarization, media trust, the “algorithmic public square,” and what might help rebuild a shared civic reality.
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
COVID may be behind us, but many of the frustrations, myths, and political divides it created are still quietly shaping our social and civic landscape. This bonus episode revisits a conversation originally recorded for Outrage Science Bites—now brought to the main feed because its insights remain deeply relevant.
We take a calm, evidence-based look at what actually happened during the U.S. pandemic response, drawing on findings from The Lessons from the COVID War, one of the most comprehensive investigations into COVID policy and outcomes.
This episode isn’t about relitigating COVID. It’s about lowering the temperature, softening hardened narratives, and bringing clarity to a moment shaped by outrage and confusion.
About this replay:
Originally produced for Outrage Science Bites during the NaPodPoMo challenge. Repurposed here because the themes remain essential to understanding polarization today.
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
While outrage and division dominate the headlines, quiet collaborators in Congress are actually getting things done — you just never hear about them.
In this episode, David Beckemeyer talks with Brad Porteus, founder of Bridge Grades, a data-driven “report card for Congress” that measures who’s building bridges — and who’s tearing them down.
Together, they explore how citizens can shift the incentives in Washington by rewarding collaboration over confrontation.
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Support the show
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https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
When AI Starts Shaping What We Believe
We often blame social media algorithms for toxic polarization — for the outrage, the misinformation, the “us versus them” dynamic pulling society apart. But what if the real problem goes deeper than the algorithm?
In this episode, University of Amsterdam researcher Petter Törnberg explains why social media is broken by design — and why simply “fixing the feed” won’t solve outrage or polarization.
And now, a new technology is arriving that could reshape politics and public opinion even more profoundly than the platforms that came before:
AI systems that can influence our beliefs without us noticing.
This conversation will change the way you think about the future of media, power, and what autonomy means in a world where technology shapes how we see reality.
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Most Americans are tired of the outrage — and hungry for something better. So how do we unite America when everything feels so divided?
In this episode, we talk with Adam Mizel, co-founder and CEO of US United, a movement focused on ending toxic polarization through everyday actions anyone can take. After traveling the country in a purple pickup truck, Adam found that people from all backgrounds want the same things: respect, listening, and real connection.
We explore political depolarization solutions, the media outrage problem, and simple ways to build unity in communities — starting within five miles of where you live. If you’ve ever wondered how to heal a divided America without giving up your values, this episode offers stories, strategies, and hope.
We also talk about National Unity Day USA — now officially recognized on the National Day Calendar — and how each of us can join a growing movement for positive change.
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Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, is part of The Democr...
Why We Disagree About What MattersWe often assume political polarization is about beliefs or party loyalty—but what if it’s about which issues we think are worth caring about?
In this episode, behavioral scientists Adrienne Kafka (Duke University) and Troy Campbell (On Your Feet, formerly Disney Imagineering and Netflix) unpack their research on issue salience polarization—how our sense of an issue’s importance changes depending on the solutions attached to it.
They explain how “solution aversion” and “solution attraction” make people minimize or exaggerate problems based on their preferred policies, and why partisans often agree on an issue’s seriousness until political solutions enter the picture.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Digital Overwhelm: Talking Across Generations
In a world that never stops pinging, how do we stay human—and stay connected across generations?
Host David Beckemeyer talks with communication scholar Craig Mattson, author of Digital Overwhelm, about what happens when Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all try to navigate the same flood of digital noise.
From “data vs story” to “sender vs listener,” this conversation explores why we’re all drowning in information, why younger workers seem more pragmatic than passionate, and how switching our modes of communication can build real understanding.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why People Stop Trusting Science
Why do so many people reject science—even when the facts are clear?
We are joined by Hillary Shulman, a communication scholar at Ohio State University, to learn about science populism—the growing belief that science is an elite enterprise disconnected from everyday life.
They explore how distrust of experts, polarization and science, and skepticism and belief shape public understanding. Shulman explains why facts alone don’t persuade, how both liberals and conservatives can fall into science populism, and what it takes to rebuild trust in scientific institutions.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
When the Center Becomes the Rebel
Once, being radical meant picking a side—Rush Limbaugh on the right, Keith Olbermann on the left. But today, that kind of partisanship isn’t radical anymore—it’s predictable.
In this episode, we explore a surprising idea: maybe the true radicals now are the independent thinkers—the bridge-builders—who refuse to be boxed into red or blue.
Our guest, Lura Forcum, President of The Independent Center, shares how her organization is empowering independent voters, holding politicians accountable, and helping the politically homeless find a voice.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
We take a closer look at the online world known as the manosphere—a loose network of communities including incels, Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), men’s rights activists (MRAs), and pick-up artists (PUAs).
These groups may look different on the surface, but they share a common core: resentment toward feminism, nostalgia for traditional masculinity, and a belief that men are the new victims of modern society. With guidance from researcher Havana Mohr-Ramirez, we unpack how these subcultures operate, where they overlap, and why they’ve become such powerful forces in shaping how young men see themselves and their place in the world.
Drawing on insights from Laura Bates, author of Men Who Hate Women, and sociologist Ellis Cashmore, the episode examines whether the manosphere is an organized movement or something more elusive that still influences real attitudes, politics, and violence.
This documentary episode goes beyond headlines and outrage to ask deeper questions about identity, belonging, and what happens when online spaces built around grievance start reshaping the world outside the screen.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Talking Isn’t Enough to Bridge Divides
What happens when people in deeply divided communities set aside differences to work on real problems together? In this episode, we hear from participants in Southern Oregon and from Urban Rural Action’s Senior Director of Programs about how building trust and taking action can bridge divides, create belonging, and spark lasting change.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
What If Inclusion, Not Normalization, Was the Goal?
Too often, conversations about autism happen without autistic voices at the table. In this episode, we talk with Ari Ne’eman, Assistant Professor at Harvard and co-founder of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, about the real divides in autism advocacy and what a better path forward could look like.
Ari brings both lived experience and policy expertise, with service under multiple U.S. administrations, to examine how public policy shapes autism services, support, and the future of neurodiversity.
This conversation challenges common assumptions and points toward values-driven autism advocacy—centered on communication, inclusion, and real quality of life.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Owning Your Online Identity Matters More Than Ever
Is it possible to fix social media? In this episode, I’m joined by Yevgeny Simkin, Co-Founder of Sez.us, a new social media platform built to encourage civility and healthier online spaces.
We talk about why we need real alternatives to Facebook and Twitter, who controls online conversations today, and how owning your online identity could change the way communities connect. Yevgeny explains why escaping social media giants might be the first step toward better ways to connect online and how community-driven platforms can reshape our digital future.
If you’ve ever wondered whether social media could be less toxic and more human, this conversation offers both hope and a roadmap.
Listen now to explore how Sez.us is rethinking what social media can be.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Gen Z’s political gender gap is widening. Young women are trending left, while young men drift right—and it’s not just politics. In this episode, we explore the cultural, social, and economic pressures shaping young men’s identities, from the “manosphere” to societal expectations around masculinity and the pressure to be the breadwinner.
We examine the consequences for democracy, social cohesion, and the future of civic engagement—and consider how society can create better spaces for young men to belong, participate, and thrive.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why young men are drawn to exclusionary spaces online
- How societal pressures around masculinity and economic roles influence political choices
- The role of both the left and right in widening the gender gap
- Why this divide matters for democracy and social stability
- Paths toward healthier engagement and belonging
Guests:
- Rev. Angela Denker, award-winning author and journalist
- Mark Sutton, gender expert and author of How Democrats Can Win Back Men
- Eric Kaufmann, Professor of Politics and author of The Third Awokening
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
The Shift from Certainty to Nuance
We’ve all heard the saying: facts don’t change minds. But new research challenges that idea.
In this episode, David talks with social scientist Nick Stagnaro about what happens when people dive deep into the facts on divisive issues like gun control. The findings? Knowledge can soften extreme positions—shifting people toward a more nuanced middle ground.
But here’s the catch: while attitudes toward policies change, feelings toward people on the “other side” often don’t. That puzzle drives Nick’s research into belief change, polarization, and how credibility, trust, and even AI-driven debates might help bridge divides.
Listen in to explore how facts can move us—and where they fall short.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
The Hidden Power of Social Norms
Social media often gets blamed for fueling outrage and deepening political divides. But what if the very tools that spread division could be used to bridge it?
In this episode, we talk with Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of Civic Health Project, about Normsy.ai—a groundbreaking initiative using human-plus-AI tools to foster civility and connection online.
Kristin shares her personal journey into bridge-building, why social norms matter just as much as rules, and how we can all play a part in reshaping the online world for the better.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
What Happens When Students Talk Across Generations?We sit down with with Dr. June Klees, a historian and educator at Bay College, about the Waging Dialogue initiative — a unique civics program designed to help students develop the confidence and skills to engage in dialogue across generational and ideological divides. Students are paired with older conversation partners in what’s called an “intergenerational dyad,” encouraging sustained, intentional conversations that challenge assumptions, stretch comfort zones, and build common ground.
You’ll also hear directly from students reflecting on their personal experiences, growth, and takeaways from the program.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
The Connection Opportunity Report: Hope, Barriers, and the Path Forward
How can we truly connect across political, racial, religious, and class divides? In this episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer dives into the Connection Opportunity report from More in Common with guests Kate Carney and Calista Small.
Discover:
✅ Why most Americans still want connection—even across differences
✅ The biggest barriers keeping us apart
✅ How working together locally can overcome political tensions
✅ Digital tools and organizations fostering healthy dialogue
✅ Practical steps anyone can take to help build a culture of connection
Kate and Calista share surprising insights from one of the most comprehensive studies on social cohesion and offer hope and actionable ideas for bridging divides in our communities.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Is democracy failing because citizens aren’t truly thinking through the issues?
In this episode, we hear from Prof. James Fishkin, Stanford scholar and creator of Deliberative Polling, a groundbreaking method used around the world to reveal what people would think if they had the chance to deliberate in depth.
Fishkin explains why deliberation is about more than civil conversation. It’s about helping ordinary people make better decisions on complex policy questions. Discover how projects like America in One Room prove citizens can engage thoughtfully, bridge divides, and shape smarter policies.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
War, political chaos, economic fears, AI disruption—the world feels like it’s on fire. And the media? It never stops pouring fuel on the flames.
In this final chapter of the Outrage on the Mic series, we explore how outrage has become the currency of media—from the fiery sermons of Father Coughlin to the viral rants of today’s podcasters and political pundits.
Why does outrage work so well? Can creators build something different in a world addicted to anger and fear? And what does it look like to choose nuance over noise—even when it costs you clicks?
Hear from voices who are resisting the outrage machine and learn why rage sells…but we don’t have to buy it.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In Part 2 of our special series Outrage on the Mic, we go back in time to explore how public outrage has shaped societies long before the digital age. David Beckemeyer is joined by Outrageous History! host Ernest Granson, who brings his journalist’s eye to scandals, uprisings, and media-fueled conflicts from the French Revolution to the Spanish-American War.
Whether you're a history nerd, media critic, or just trying to make sense of today’s outrage culture, this episode is for you.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload x Outrage Factory
This week, we kick off our special July series, Outrage on the Mic, with a fun and irreverent crossover featuring the hosts of Outrage Factory—Dale Deruiter and Geoff Gauthier.
We explore the absurdity of online outrage, how humor can both defuse and amplify it, and what it means to build a show around the week’s most ridiculous controversies.
This is Part 1 of our Outrage on the Mic series, where we partner with fellow podcasters to explore how different voices and formats tackle outrage culture.
➡️ Part 2 drops July 9 with Outrageous History
➡️ Part 3 lands July 16 with a special reflection on “rage-as-a-growth-strategy” in media
🎙️ Guests:
Dale Deruiter & Geoff Gauthier – Outrage Factory podcast
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why is it so hard to have civil conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? And can we break through the outrage culture, media tribalism, and polarization that dominate today’s discourse?
In this episode, we talk with Adam Boaz Becker, founder of Headon.AI, an AI platform designed to foster political dialogue and bridge divides. Adam shares what he's learned from years of street interviews in Israel and the West Bank, the challenges of creating conversations in conflict zones, and how social media and traditional media often make things worse.
We also explore how AI might help us talk across divides, and why simply seeking common ground might not be the solution—sometimes, peaceful coexistence is powerful enough.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Exploring Democratic Erosion and the Rise of Authoritarian Tactics
Is the U.S. Sliding Toward Competitive Authoritarianism? Political scientist Lucan Way joins us to discuss signs of democratic erosion, competitive authoritarianism, and the weaponization of institutions. Drawing from his co-authored New York Times essay, “How Will We Know When We Have Lost Our Democracy?”, Way explains how democratic backsliding may already be underway—and why recognizing it matters now more than ever.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why are we so divided — and what can we really do about it? In this episode, Rich Harwood, founder of The Harwood Institute and author of The New Civic Path, returns to the show to share how communities across America are rebuilding trust and taking action — without waiting on Washington.
We talk about how to bring people together, restore belief in each other, and start healing our divided country from the ground up.
If you're tired of outrage, political fighting, and feeling stuck, this episode offers a new path forward.
Topics include:
- Why national politics won’t fix what’s broken
- How local action rebuilds trust and connection
- What it means to “turn outward”
- How to start making a difference in your own community
- The power of small steps to spark big change
📘 Learn more about Rich’s new book:
https://theharwoodinstitute.org/newcivicpath
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Wellness Content Fuels ConspiraciesWhat starts as a search for natural living or homegrown veggies can slowly become something else entirely.
In this episode, we follow the personal story of Kavisha Pillay, a digital ethics expert who unexpectedly found herself pulled into the “tradwife” aesthetic while simply exploring homesteading and wellness content online. We explore how seemingly wholesome spaces—like DIY cleaning tutorials and sourdough baking videos—can become subtle entry points into conspiratorial thinking, anti-feminism, and radical ideologies.
Helping us unpack the cultural context is Catherine Rottenberg, professor of sociology and author of The Rise of Neoliberal Feminism, who explains why traditional gender roles are resurging online—and why they’re more complicated than they appear.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How a Doctor’s Long COVID Journey Exposed Systemic FailuresMillions are still living with long COVID, yet many patients are dismissed, misunderstood, or left without answers. In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan shares her personal journey—from treating critical patients as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist to becoming a long COVID patient herself.
This conversation isn’t just about COVID—it's about how we listen, how we heal, and what needs to change.
Guest:
Dr. Zeest Khan, physician, long COVID advocate, and host of Long COVID MD podcast.
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How AmeriCorps Cuts Threaten Our Civic Future
Tens of thousands of AmeriCorps service positions are being eliminated. In this episode, we explore how cuts to national service programs are affecting communities, civic engagement, and the future of democracy in America.
Maureen Eccleston, Chief Impact Officer at Service Year Alliance and longtime AmeriCorps alum, joins David Beckemeyer to break down what these cuts mean, who’s being impacted, and why service years matter now more than ever.
We talk about the civic impact of AmeriCorps, how national service bridges political divides, and why protecting service opportunities is critical to lowering the temperature and rebuilding trust in our country.
Links & Resources:
- Service Year Alliance: https://serviceyearalliance.org
- Voices for National Service: https://voicesforservice.org
- Donate to the Emergency Fund: https://statecommissions.org
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why 500 Organizations Joined Forces to Bridge America’s Deepest DividesWe sit down with Karissa Raskin, the new CEO of Listen First Project, a national organization leading a coalition of over 500 groups working to reduce toxic polarization and build stronger communities through connection and dialogue. Karissa shares her personal journey into the bridge-building space, what it’s like to lead a movement that spans ideological divides, and how listening—not debating—can be the first step toward healing our democracy. We explore how fear, certainty, and outrage shape our politics, why it’s so hard to talk across differences, and what each of us can do to make things better—starting with our own communities. Whether you're tired of the division or just wondering where to begin, this conversation is packed with insights, honesty, and hope.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Exploring Media Consolidation, Distrust, and the Future of NewsWhy are major newspapers stepping back from endorsing presidential candidates? What does that say about the Fourth Estate—and its ability to hold power accountable?
In this episode of Outrage Overload, David Beckemeyer is joined by journalist and educator Michael Deas, former editor at The Chicago Tribune, to explore the challenges facing journalism today. From media consolidation and self-censorship to the erosion of public trust and the rise of alternative media, we take a deep dive into the state of journalism—and what’s at stake for democracy.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Perceptions of Harm Drive Moral Outrage and Political Conflict
In episode 61, we explored Outraged! with Kurt Gray, discussing the harm-based model of morality and how our perceptions of harm and victimization fuel moral outrage. But there’s so much more to uncover.
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the research behind these ideas with moral psychology researcher Sam Pratt. We examine the paper Morality in Our Mind and Across Cultures and Politics, unpacking how different moral perspectives shape political polarization, why people moralize certain issues differently, and the tension between moral relativism vs. universalism.
We also discuss how victimhood and morality interact—why some people strongly identify as victims in political and social conflicts, and how this influences the broader psychology of morality.
If you’ve ever wondered why people see the same events through completely different moral lenses, this episode is for you.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
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Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Systems Like Community Notes on Twitter/X Aim to Break the Cycle of MisinformationAre social media algorithms fueling misinformation and deepening echo chambers—or can they help bridge divides? In this episode, we talk with Paul Resnick, a pioneer in recommender systems and digital trust, about how platforms curate content, the truth behind filter bubbles, and whether fact-checking tools like Community Notes on Twitter (X) can cut through the noise. Can algorithms be redesigned to reduce outrage instead of amplifying it? Tune in to find out!
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Resistance Matters: Lessons from Postcards to HitlerHow does authoritarianism take hold? What warning signs do we often miss? In this episode, we speak with Bruce Neuburger, author of Postcards to Hitler: A German Jew’s Defiance in a Time of Terror, about the rise of political extremism—then and now. Neuburger shares his grandfather’s incredible story of resistance under Nazi rule and explores the modern parallels we can’t afford to ignore.
🔹 How authoritarian regimes normalize oppression
🔹 The role of propaganda in shaping public perception
🔹 Lessons from Nazi Germany and today’s political landscape
🔹 What individuals can do to push back against creeping authoritarianism
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Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why is outrage so powerful? And why does it feel so addictive? In this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray joins us to discuss his new book, Outraged!, which offers a groundbreaking look at the psychology of moral fury, social media outrage, and political division. If The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt set the stage for understanding moral differences, Outraged! is the next step—revealing how outrage operates as a social force in the digital age.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
A Ritual for Intentional Living
In this special bonus episode of Outrage Overload, I share a personal ritual that keeps me grounded and mindful of the ripples we create in our daily lives. Originally recorded for What’s Your Ripple?, this conversation explores the power of small, intentional actions and how they shape the world around us.
I sit down with JJ Holley, a retired Air Force Major and founder of Ripple Retreat, an alcohol-free event space dedicated to fostering connection and giving back to the community. Together, we discuss the importance of self-reflection, values, and the impact of stillness in a chaotic world.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we’re spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in tech, and helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the industry.
Leo shares how his passion for technology and workforce development led to the creation of Dev Mission. We’ll hear inspiring success stories of young people who, despite limited resources, are now thriving in STEM careers, thanks to hands-on training, mentorship, and access to tech apprenticeships.
If you’re passionate about closing opportunity gaps, equity in tech, and helping the next generation succeed, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how you can support Dev Mission—whether through mentorship, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why do younger generations feel so disconnected from the world their parents grew up in? Are millennials just complaining, or is there something deeper at play?
In this special OK Boomer episode of Outrage Overload, host David Beckemeyer sits down with Valerie Beck, a holistic health practitioner and founder of Intrepid Wellness, to explore the complex dynamics between boomers and millennials. From shifting expectations to the weight of generational trauma, Valerie shares insights from her research and coaching experience, shedding light on what younger generations wish older ones understood—and vice versa.
Are boomers and millennials speaking different languages, or can we find common ground? Tune in as we explore the tensions, challenge assumptions, and uncover what it takes to bridge the gap.
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Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Media Shapes RealityJames Shanahan, a leading expert on cultivation theory, joins David Beckemeyer to explore how television, news, and social media influence public perception, fear, and political polarization. They discuss the Mean World Syndrome, the rise of outrage media, and how algorithms amplify division. Tune in to learn how media effects shape our world—and what we can do about it.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Is the U.S. presidency becoming too powerful?
Imagine a president ignoring court rulings, dismantling government agencies, and bypassing oversight. It’s not just a hypothetical—it’s happening now. In this episode, we explore the rise of executive overreach and its implications for democracy.
🔹 Guests:
- Professor Kevin Smith – Political scientist specializing in governance and federal agencies.
- James Goodwin – Legal expert in constitutional law and public policy.
🔍 Topics Covered:
✔️ The shift of power toward the executive branch
✔️ Why bureaucracy exists—and why efficiency isn’t always the goal
✔️ The role of Congress and why it’s failing to hold the presidency accountable
✔️ How courts are becoming the last line of defense—and what happens when they’re ignored
✔️ Lessons from countries where democracy has eroded
✔️ What citizens can do to push back against unchecked executive power
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Correcting Misperceptions Can Heal Political DividesEver wonder why political conversations feel more heated than ever? It might not be about the issues themselves but how we perceive the other side. In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explore the "perception gap"—the distorted views we hold about political opponents—and how correcting these misperceptions can reduce toxic polarization.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Biology Challenges the Male-Female Binary
In this documentary-style episode, Outrage Overload dives into the intricate and often misunderstood world of sex development, using the controversy surrounding female boxers at the Paris Olympics as a case study. We unpack the science, ethics, and personal stories behind Differences in Sex Development (DSDs), challenging the oversimplified narratives that dominate today’s polarizing debates.
Join us as we explore:
- Why the biology of sex development is more complex than the XX/XY binary.
- How the Paris Olympics highlighted the tension between fairness, inclusion, and misinformation.
- The real-life impact of DSD diagnoses on individuals and families.
- A thoughtful discussion on the challenges of sports eligibility
Featuring expert insights from Dr. Richard Auchus, a leading endocrinologist, and Amethysta Herrick, a transgender woman and advocate, this episode is a deep dive into science, empathy, and the lessons we can learn about navigating difficult conversations.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Physical Experiences Still Matter in a Digital World
Vinyl records are outselling CDs. Instant-print cameras are finding their way back into people’s hands. Even paper notebooks remain a must-have for many. But why are we seeing this resurgence of analog technologies in an overwhelmingly digital world? In this episode, David Sax, award-winning journalist and author of The Revenge of Analog and The Future is Analog, joins us to uncover why these physical experiences hold such enduring appeal.
We look into the deeper reasons behind this analog revival, exploring how tactile experiences fulfill human needs in ways that digital options simply cannot. From the joys of flipping through vinyl at a record store to the social aspects of analog photography, this conversation will challenge your perspective on the digital-versus-physical debate.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
We're joined by Jason Paul, an attorney, political strategist, and candidate for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Jason brings his wealth of experience and bold ideas to the table, offering insights on the challenges facing the Democratic Party and his vision for revitalizing its structure and operations.
Whether you’re a political enthusiast or someone eager to understand the dynamics of party leadership, this episode offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective.
Highlights Include:
- Jason's critique of political journalism and its impact on public discourse.
- Bold strategies for Democratic Party fundraising and voter engagement.
- Advice for listeners on staying informed and finding meaningful ways to engage with politics.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Silicon Valley Elites Decide the Future Without Us
Silicon Valley’s technological breakthroughs promise to change the world, but at what cost? In this episode, we sit down with philosopher and technology critic Dr. Émile P. Torres to examine the hidden price of innovation. From AI’s environmental footprint to the ethical failures in its development, we explore how a small, unelected group of tech elites wields enormous influence over our collective future.
Dr. Torres unpacks the hype around artificial intelligence, the anti-democratic nature of Silicon Valley’s decision-making, and the dangerous allure of techno-utopian fantasies. We also discuss the troubling parallels between AI and social media as amplifiers of disinformation and harm.
This is a thought-provoking dive into the real-world consequences of innovation and a call to rethink how we approach technology’s role in society.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Do I Know You? A Journey Through Neurodiversity and Inner Lives
Journalist and author Sadie Dingfelder takes us on a journey through the hidden diversity of human perception. Diagnosed with aphantasia (the inability to create mental images) and face blindness, Sadie has learned firsthand how drastically inner worlds can differ from person to person. These differences impact how we connect with others, process emotions, and navigate relationships.
As we explore Sadie’s personal experiences and her book, Do I Know You?, we uncover how assumptions about shared realities often drive misunderstanding and frustration. In a time when social media algorithms amplify outrage and political bias, acknowledging neurodiversity helps us better understand those who think, feel, and see the world differently.
We also discuss the broader implications of these differences, from the ways extreme media narratives distort the news to the role empathy plays in diffusing political anger and polarization. Sadie offers a unique perspective on reducing conflict and fostering meaningful connections in a world where voters and individuals often feel divided by unseen barriers.
Join us for a fascinating conversation about perception, connection, and what it means to embrace the remarkable range of human experience. Listen now and discover how curiosity about others’ inner worlds can help counteract frustration, outrage, and division.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Survive the Age of Misinformation
We are joined by Dr. David Helfand, an esteemed professor of astronomy at Columbia University and author of A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age.
Dr. Helfand shares practical tools to help listeners sharpen their critical thinking skills, question the narratives they encounter, and distinguish between fact and fiction in today’s hyperconnected world.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Koyoti Small Business Podcast
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Guest host Ross "Yergz" Yerger flips the script and puts David and Lisa Beckemeyer—the voices behind the podcast—on the other side of the mic! 🎧
Listeners have asked to know more about the people behind the show, so here’s a fun, candid role-reversal episode just for you. Whether you’re driving on Christmas Day, unwinding after the festivities, or simply catching up later, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and lighthearted moments.
We’ll be back next episode with more expert interviews and insightful conversations to help lower the temperature and move beyond the outrage.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Building Together Is the Key to Healing Divided Communities
How 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, Rich sheds light on how deeply entrenched political differences and distorted news narratives have created fear and anxiety among voters, driving them apart.
Rich’s Turning Outward philosophy offers a fresh perspective on fostering collaboration and shared responsibility, providing practical tools to combat political bias, move beyond angry polarization, and address the fight-or-flight response so many experience in public discourse. Through real-world examples, he shares how communities can tackle issues like mental health, misinformation, and social isolation to create meaningful, lasting change.
This inspiring conversation challenges the idea that differences are intractable and offers hope for building stronger connections. Discover how focusing on shared solutions and local action can help us reclaim agency, bridge divides, and reduce the culture of outrage. Listen now for actionable insights and stories of transformation!
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 confined to easily recognizable groups like the KKK but has permeated everyday society. The Brownings emphasize that hate can be found in unexpected places and that individuals from diverse backgrounds can be drawn into extremist ideologies.
They highlight the role of personal experiences, such as trauma or a search for belonging, in fueling radicalization.
The discussion also touches upon the challenges of addressing hate, including the role of social media, political rhetoric, and media narratives in perpetuating division.
The Brownings argue that while the problem is complex, the solution is simple: promoting dialogue, understanding, and kindness.
They emphasize the importance of individual actions and community engagement in countering hate and fostering a more inclusive society.
If you're concerned about the rise of hate and extremism, or if you're simply interested in learning more about this complex issue, this episode is a must-listen.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Social Media Hostility Impacts Democracy
Together 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 algorithms in amplifying political bias, the emotional toll of online hostility, and how anger and cynicism influence voter behavior and perceptions of democracy. From the distortion of news to the mental health challenges tied to social media use, this conversation sheds light on how the digital age is transforming our understanding of political differences, often escalating conflicts rather than bridging divides.
Join us as we explore strategies to counteract the divisive effects of media outrage and promote healthier, more productive engagement in a world increasingly shaped by social media hype and political extremes. This episode offers practical insights for anyone navigating today’s turbulent political and digital landscape.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 fragmented media ecosystem. Together, they examine the psychological effects of an endless stream of outrage-filled headlines and the risks of a blurred line between news and entertainment.
Selepak highlights the urgency of maintaining quality journalism and stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges facing today’s media landscape. Tune in for insights into what’s driving today’s media mistrust and how we can counteract its polarizing effects.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 cultural divides—this episode goes beyond headlines and sound bites to explore the messages behind the votes. Why were some major concerns like democracy and rule of law met with mixed reactions? And what does the shifting support among working-class and minority groups signal for the future of our political landscape?
Whether you’re hopeful, frustrated, or just curious about this election's impact, this episode offers a nuanced look at where we’re headed. Perfect for anyone looking to cut through the noise and understand what’s truly at stake. Listen now for a deep dive into the most important takeaways of the 2024 election.
🎙️ Featuring guests: Dr. Sean Evans, Dr. Kevin Smith, and Dr. Andrew Van Horn
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Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Neuroscience Can Help Us Fight Burnout in an Age of Outrage and Division
A compelling conversation with Dr. Gary Simonds, a neurosurgeon and burnout expert, to unpack the emotional toll of our outrage-saturated media environment. We explore how the relentless cycle of negative news, social media hype, and political bias can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even outrage fatigue. Dr. Simonds provides a unique perspective on how these stressors impact our mental health, drawing connections between personal struggles and the larger societal effects of engagement algorithms and media distortion.
Through a blend of real-world experience and practical advice, Dr. Simonds outlines strategies such as self-compassion, gratitude, and focusing on what we can control to combat feelings of nihilism and anger. He highlights how these tools have been instrumental in helping his surgical team navigate high-pressure situations and shows how we can apply them to reclaim balance in our daily lives. Whether you're feeling drained by political fights, social media extremes, or the distortion of news, this episode offers actionable insights to build resilience, reduce outrage, and foster a sense of optimism in a polarized world. Don't miss this thoughtful discussion about finding clarity and strength in the midst of overwhelming negativity.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Tech Bros Like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel want to Shape Our Future
In 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 Peter Thiel, who argue that governments are outdated and inefficient. They’re betting on digital systems to replace traditional institutions, but is this vision realistic—or reckless?
- Hidden Risks and Global Power Plays: We’ll explore how these techno-libertarian goals may align with international destabilization efforts, raising the stakes and the risks on a global scale.
- The Road Ahead: What happens if these ideas gain traction? Hear about possible outcomes that could reshape society, and why it’s crucial for all of us to look beyond the hype.
Why Tune In?
This episode encourages listeners to think critically about a techno-libertarian future and the impacts it could have on democracy, equity, and social stability. Don't miss this deep and eye-opening conversation—because the future it envisions just might be closer than you think.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Embracing Complexity and Nuance is Critical for Personal Growth and Informed Decision-Making
We 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 burning out—like setting time limits, diving deeper into topics that matter, and seeking out diverse viewpoints. She also discusses the surprising benefits of engaging in meaningful dialogue with people you disagree with, and how this can lead to stronger, more well-rounded perspectives.
If you're looking for ways to navigate today’s media landscape with more mindfulness and less outrage, this episode is for you!
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 her science-based strategies for fostering healthier political dialogue, building connections, and persuading without imposing beliefs. They also dive into the concept of the "Angry Uncle" and how to navigate those tough, emotionally charged conversations. Whether you're progressive, conservative, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights on creating productive, respectful conversations in a divided world. Tune in to explore how we can all lower the temperature in political discussions and communicate more effectively across divides.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why We Need Courage, Not Hope, to Face Climate Change
In 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 the immense challenge of overcoming inertia and inspiring meaningful action. Throughout our conversation, we unravel the complexities of this global issue, examining how it affects us all. Dr. Gottlieb passionately advocates for both individual responsibility and collective action, emphasizing that while the scale of the problem may feel overwhelming, hope can be found in the power of unity. This episode is a call to courage, urging us to find strength in small, everyday actions and to join forces with others committed to preserving our planet. Together, we can make a difference in the fight for a sustainable future.
Text me your feedback and leave your contact info if you'd like a reply (this is a one-way text). Thanks, David
Support the show
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog or email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 democracy.
Key topics include:
- The role of satire in breaking through political negativity
- How humor can bridge political divides
- The importance of local engagement in democracy
- Why Election Day should be a national holiday
- Bernstein’s vision for turning Election Day into a celebration of civic freedoms
Tune in to explore how a little laughter could be the key to increasing voter engagement and fostering a more connected society.
Guest: Jonathan Bernstein, author and satirist
Host: David Beckemeyer, creator of Outrage Overload Podcast
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Twitter Impacts Our Well-being
In 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 media research. We discuss how specific Twitter behaviors and motivations influence users' well-being, polarization, and sense of belonging. The episode also offers practical takeaways for listeners, encouraging mindful Twitter use and highlighting the potential benefits of active engagement over passive scrolling.
Finally, Victoria shares her future research directions, hinting at exciting possibilities for understanding the evolving relationship between social media and society. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Twitter's impact on our lives and learn how to navigate the platform more responsibly.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How AI Can Help Address Toxic Polarization
In 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 social media is exacerbating political polarization. But we believe technology can also be used to actually reduce polarization." – Developmental Politics Project
Throughout the conversation, we explore:
- The cultural and psychological forces driving political polarization
- Why traditional centrism may no longer be an effective solution
- How DepolarizingGPT is crafted to help us engage more constructively in political discourse
- The evolution of cultural consciousness and AI's role in facilitating a post-postmodern worldview
McIntosh also shares his vision for a future where AI not only helps us overcome political divisions but fosters a more integrated and harmonious society.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of technology, politics, and culture, leaving us with a sense of optimism about the role AI can play in healing our polarized world.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion!
Guest: Steve McIntosh, author of Developmental Politics
Topics Covered: AI, political polarization, cultural consciousness, depolarizing technology
Mentioned Project: DepolarizingGPT
Host: David Beckemeyer
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Combat the Misinformation Crisis
In 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 thinking. This conversation isn’t just an exploration of how we got here—it's a call to action to support public goods like libraries and journalism that are crucial for an informed society.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Platforms Like OtherWeb and 1440 Are Changing News Consumption
In 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 informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Alex and Drew share their insights on creating tools that empower individuals to filter and personalize their news experience, ultimately fostering more informed and meaningful discussions. They emphasize the importance of critically evaluating the information we consume and the role of human judgment in crafting accurate and compelling narratives. Whether you're looking to refine your news habits or simply want to understand the complexities of modern media, this episode offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice.
Tune in to learn how you can make more informed decisions, avoid common media pitfalls, and engage in conversations that bridge divides rather than deepen them.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 role of local journalism, and the challenges faced by political reporters. Gutsche emphasizes the importance of moving from awareness to action in addressing political and social issues.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 execution.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 contribute to lowering the temperature in our heated political landscape. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of our societal conflicts and practical ways to foster a more united community.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why We Need Conservative Perspectives to Combat Polarization
In 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.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Build Mental Immunity Against Misinformation and Conspiracies
In 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 the emotional rollercoaster of social media and separating emotional triggers from facts. Melanie shares inspiring success stories from her platform. This episode is your roadmap to becoming a more informed and critical thinker, both online and off.
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How do you think toxic polarization is fueling political violence in our society today?
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 constant outrage on our ability to connect and navigate even the most heated conversations.
Is there a way forward, even when tensions are high? Tune in for new tools and strategies to foster connection and create positive change, even in these challenging times.
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How do you think toxic polarization is fueling political violence in our society today?
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Our Brains Are Wired for Political Division
We 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 nature of ideological inferences and uncovers the reasons behind individuals' tendencies to assign political labels based on behavior. The episode highlights the need to challenge overestimations of differences and create space for diverse views to counter the echo chamber effect.
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How do you think toxic polarization is fueling political violence in our society today?
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why Crossing Party Lines is Essential for a Healthy Democracy
In 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 managing emotional triggers, the role of critical thinking, and the impact of biases. Listeners will learn practical tips for engaging in meaningful political discussions and fostering a more informed and curious approach to politics.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
The Trolls Among Us: Understanding and Mitigating Online Toxicity
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
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 YOU! Share your own housing story and ideas for change:
- #OkayBoomerHousing on social media
- Leave a comment on our website https://outrageoverload.net/
- Email us at outrageoverload@gmail.com
Feeling passionate about a different issue? We're looking for young adult guests with unique perspectives! Apply to be a guest on the show through our website.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Okay Boomer on the Outrage Overload podcast!
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Certainty Fuels Outrage and Division
In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we delight in a thought-provoking conversation with Ilana Redstone, a leading expert on the psychology of certainty. Redstone introduces the concept of the "certainty trap" and explores how absolute certainty can hinder intellectual growth and impede healthy democratic discourse. The discussion delves into the importance of questioning assumptions, embracing ambiguity, and recognizing the complexities of moral and ethical issues. Redstone highlights the connection between certainty and outrage, emphasizing the need to challenge our own thinking and understand the perspectives of those with differing opinions. The episode offers valuable insights into the role of certainty in shaping our beliefs and its implications for democracy and civil discourse.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Negativity Bias Fuels Toxic Politics
In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explore the concept of negativity bias and its role in toxic polarization. We are joined by Travis Monteleone, a private equity investor and depolarization advocate. Monteleone argues that negativity bias is a major factor contributing to toxic polarization because it causes individuals to overemphasize negative information and stereotypes about other people and political issues. The discussion delves into the root causes of polarization, the impact of social media algorithms, and practical strategies to resist negativity bias and bridge the political divide.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Combat Youth Radicalization Using Learning Psychology
In this episode, we explore the rise of youth radicalization and the potential for online platforms to play a role in the radicalization process with Jack Wippell, an expert in extremism and radicalization. Jack shares insights into the factors that make individuals susceptible to radical ideologies and the impact of social and emotional learning (SEL) in preventing young people from falling prey to dangerous online influences. We discuss the prevalence of radicalization, the characteristics of those who hold extreme beliefs, and the challenges of navigating the online world. Jack highlights the importance of SEL in developing critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy to help young people navigate the complexities of the modern world.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
I sit down with Lawrence Eppard to explore the complex landscape of media trust in America. How do we grapple with the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and news literacy in an increasingly polarized media landscape?
From dissecting the roots of media distrust to exploring strategies for staying informed without succumbing to outrage overload, this conversation offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of modern media consumption. Tune in as we seek to uncover pathways toward fostering greater trust and understanding in an era of unprecedented media scrutiny.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this special documentary-style episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we look at the world of electoral politics and the challenges of close elections. Drawing inspiration from the movie "Swing Vote" and real-life insights from history, political science, and contemporary discourse, we explore the trend of close elections and the implications of razor-thin margins. We discuss the importance of understanding how democracy works, the role of swing voters, and the impact of affective political polarization. The episode also examines the dangers of undemocratic takeovers and the need for compromise and cooperation in a divided society.
I hope you enjoy this first of a kind episode on the Outrage Overload podcast. We hope to do more of these documentary-style episodes in the future and we really appreciate your feedback.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Rise Above Nasty Politics
In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, host David Beckmeyer interviews Thomas Zeitzoff, a professor specializing in political violence and political psychology. The episode explores the concept of "nasty politics" and its impact on political discourse and democracy. Zeitzoff discusses the different forms of negativity in politics, from insults and conspiracy theories to threats of violence and actual violence. He explains that while voters may claim to dislike nasty politics, it often grabs their attention and can even signal toughness.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Discover how seemingly neutral topics can become politicized in this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast. Host David Beckemeyer is joined by researcher Dino Carpentras to explore the dynamics of polarization and dialogue. They discuss how even simple topics like circles and pencils can become battlegrounds for political ideologies, and the implications this has for our society. Learn how polarization can occur in new topics and how neutral attitudes can become polarized. Gain insights into the challenges of reducing uncertainty and lowering the temperature in today's supercharged world.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Broken Trust is Poisoning American DemocracyIn this episode, host David Beckmeyer interviews Andreas Schedler about his research on political polarization in the United States. Schedler challenges the traditional understanding of polarization as a simple left-right divide and argues that the breakdown of trust is a fundamental factor driving hostility between political factions. He explains that people increasingly believe the other side is willing to break the rules of democracy to win, leading to a dangerous lack of trust. Schedler discusses the importance of recognizing these perceptions and engaging in dialogue to bridge the divide. He also highlights the need for critical thinking and self-reflection to overcome polarization.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why We Resist Facts & How to Fight Back!
In this episode, we explore the concept of knowledge resistance with Dr. Åsa Wikforss. We discuss the complex factors that contribute to knowledge resistance, including confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. The conversation highlights the importance of trust in reliable sources of knowledge and the need for a well-functioning information landscape. Dr. Wikforss emphasizes the social dimension of knowledge and the role of institutions in fostering trust and promoting critical thinking. They also touch on the challenges posed by the current information environment and the potential solutions, including deliberative polling and citizen assemblies.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why we need to abandon the Left-Right political spectrum paradigm
In this episode of Outrage Overload, we explorer the concept of left versus right thinking with guest Hiram Lewis. They discuss the flaws in the left versus right paradigm and how it hinders productive political discourse. Lewis argues that these labels do not represent consistent philosophies but rather a broken paradigm based on social conformity. He suggests that focusing on individual issues and abandoning the political spectrum would lead to more rational and civil political discussions.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Braver Angels is Lowering the Temperature in Political Conversations
In this episode, David interviews Luke Nathan Phillips, the Publius Fellow for Public Discourse at Braver Angels. They discuss the mission of Braver Angels and how the organization is working to bridge the political and cultural divide in America. Luke shares the origins of Braver Angels and how it has grown into a national organization dedicated to helping Americans find value in each other without necessarily agreeing on political issues. They explore the importance of depolarization work and how it can foster understanding and trust among individuals with diverse political beliefs. Luke also highlights the role of emotions and social practices in depolarization work, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and respectful engagement.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Success Stories: Why You Need the Dignity Index in Your Toolbox
Tami Pyfer, Chief of Staff and Project Director for UNITE, returns to discuss the progress of the Dignity Index, a scale that rates speech for dignity or contempt. The goal is to encourage healthy debate and problem-solving by treating others with dignity. The index is being used to score political speech, with the hope of holding us accountable for our language. The focus is on finding higher ground and creative solutions.
Listen in to uncover success stories, equip yourself with actionable strategies you can implement in your own conversations, online interactions, and civic engagement, and understand how you can contribute to building a more civil and productive political landscape.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Why even those who value democracy might contribute to its decline
Americans across the political spectrum express concerns about the health of democracy. In this episode of the Outrage Overload Podcast, host David Beckmeyer delves into the paradox of democratic erosion with researcher Alia Braley. They discuss the perception that political opponents are ready to subvert democratic norms and how this perception fuels democratic backsliding. The episode explores the potential for reversing negative trends by bridging the perception gap and promoting costly signals of good faith. Discover how understanding political psychology can contribute to lowering the temperature and strengthening democracy.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How a Fun Game Reduces Political Polarization
Discover how a fun online game called GuesSync! is reducing political polarization and fostering empathy across party lines. In this episode, host David Beckmeyer interviews Ashwin Rajadesingan, the creator of GuesSync!, about the surprising results of the game and its potential to lower the temperature in our politically divided society. Find out how the game corrects misperceptions and encourages civil discourse, and learn about the future of this innovative approach to bridging the political divide. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on Outrage Overload.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Real-Life Communities Are Tackling Tough Topics in EducationIn this episode, we meet Ken Futernick, the host of the podcast "Courageous Conversations About Our Schools." We discuss the importance of dialogue over debate in addressing the culture wars and divisive issues in education. Ken shares his concerns about claims of indoctrination in schools and the banning of books. He emphasizes the need for healthy conflict and listening to different perspectives to find common ground. The conversation explores the role of trust, relationships, and empathy in fostering understanding and depolarization. Through examples and personal experiences, Ken and David highlight the complexity of issues like book banning, immigration, and abortion, and how drilling down to specific policies can reveal more agreement than initially perceived.
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Show Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Is This Podcast Part of the Problem or the Solution?
In this thought-provoking episode, host David Beckemeyer takes a deep dive into the Outrage Overload podcast, offering a self-reflective analysis of our approach to navigating the intricate landscape of American democracy. The episode serves as a meta-analysis, scrutinizing our treatment of topics such as polarization, potential pitfalls of false equivalences, potential limitations of civil dialogue, and threats to democracy arising from a radicalizing right.
The meta-analysis encourages the audience to critically assess the podcast's handling of complex topics and participate in conversations that go beyond simplistic narratives.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to be the adult in the room, no matter your age.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Kevin Smith, a political science professor, about the challenges of political division and the erosion of democratic norms. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of gracefully accepting defeat in a democracy and the responsibility of individuals to promote civility and critical thinking. He discusses the role of media consumption, education, and individual agency in combating polarization and rebuilding a healthier democracy. The conversation highlights the need for good dialogue, compromise, and the recognition of shared values in order to navigate the challenges of a polarized climate.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Selling Fury: How Television Turned Outrage into a Commodity
In this episode, we heard from Professor Robert Thompson about the history of television and its impact on our society. They discuss the evolution of news media, from the golden age of TV to the rise of trash TV and reality shows. They also explore the current state of news commentary and the role it plays in fueling outrage and division. Professor Thompson provides insights into the incentives that drive media companies and the challenges of finding common ground in a fragmented media landscape.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How distorted memories of the Civil Rights Movement fuel today's divisions
In this bonus episode for MLK Day, host David Beckmeyer interviews Hajar Yazdiha, an assistant professor of sociology and author of "The Struggle for the People's King." They discuss the hidden narratives and complexities of the civil rights movement, the misperceptions surrounding Martin Luther King Jr., and how the memory of the movement has been distorted to fuel outrage and political agendas. They also explore the role of race in American society, the importance of critical and spiritual education, and the need for a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Outrage Addiction Hijacked Our ConversationsPeter Coleman discusses the current state of political polarization in America and offers practical strategies for bridging divides and fostering understanding. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the "exhausted middle majority," the majority of Americans who are tired of the vitriol and division in politics. Coleman explains that the perception gap, where each side believes the other is more extreme than they actually are, contributes to the polarization. He suggests intentionally complicating our understanding of complex issues and seeking out diverse perspectives to combat oversimplification. Coleman also introduces "The Challenge," a four-week program designed to help individuals and communities engage in civil discourse and find common ground.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How social media gives us what captures our attention rather than what we actually want
In this episode we talk to Dr. Steven Rathje, building on research from prior episodes, we look at how out-group animosity drives engagement on social media.
Dr. Steven Rathje discussing research that found that social media creates incentives for out-group animosity, which can be a factor in increasing polarization. It is also harmful for mental health and society.
In this episode, we talk about the increasing problem of transparency of social media platforms and how independent researchers are being shut out. This makes it impossible for researchers to examine the impacts of these platforms on society.
In this episode you will learn about negative affect language, moral language, negativity bias, social identity theory, and much more.
This is a remix of episodes 8 and 9.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we hear from Matt Levendusky, a professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, about political polarization and bridge building. Levendusky discusses the challenges of political polarization and the toll it takes on our mental and emotional health. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on our shared values and identities to build bridges and find common ground. Levendusky also addresses the role of media in exacerbating polarization and offers strategies for reducing polarization and engaging in respectful dialogue with people who have different views.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this one-year anniversary episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we reflect on the past year of diving deep into the outrage machine and searching for ways to lower the temperature. We’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Peter Ditto, our very first guest, as we reexamine the ongoing challenges of political polarization and the erosion of trust in democracy.
One year ago, Professor Ditto warned us about the deepening divide in American politics, the erosion of trust in our institutions, and the potential for even more conflict. Now, he’s back to assess the damage and perhaps offer some much-needed hope.
So, strap in, folks, and get ready for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of our democracy.
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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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Late-Night Comedy, Far-Right Talk Shows, and Why You Might Be Wrong
In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, host David Beckmeyer interviews Dannagal G. Young, a communication expert who studies how the media influences our political beliefs. They discuss the similarities between late night comedy shows and far right talk shows, the impact of these shows on viewers, and the shared characteristics of their audiences. They also explore the demand side of wrongness and how our need for comprehension, control, and community can influence our beliefs. Young offers insights into how we can be more intentional about our online presence and embrace intellectual humility to combat misinformation.
Key Takeaways:
- Late night comedy shows and far right talk shows have a similar impact on viewers, influencing their understanding of political events and reinforcing their beliefs.
- Audiences of both late night comedy shows and far right talk shows are confident in their political beliefs, passionate about politics, and have strong social and cultural ideologies.
- The demand for misinformation is driven by our need for comprehension, control, and community.
- Intellectual humility is a key factor in combating misinformation, as it allows us to be open to the possibility that we may be wrong and encourages critical thinking.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How to Overcome Challenges in Challenging the Status QuoDr. Lawrence Eppard discusses the challenges of ideological conformity in academia and the impact it has on research and knowledge dissemination. He shares personal experiences of facing backlash and reputational harm for challenging orthodoxies in his field. Dr. Eppard emphasizes the need for intellectual diversity and transparency in academia to ensure the quality and objectivity of research.
Key Takeaways:
- Intellectual diversity in academia is crucial for the advancement of knowledge and the prevention of bias.
- Challenging orthodoxies in academia can lead to reputational harm and backlash from colleagues and students.
- The current system of peer review and publication in academia may contribute to a lack of transparency and bias.
- Efforts are being made to improve transparency and accountability in academia, such as making data publicly available and pre-registering studies.
- Intellectual diversity and diverse gatekeepers in academic journals can help ensure a more balanced and rigorous review process.
About The Guest: Dr. Lawrence Eppard is a professor and researcher who specializes in social science. He has recently co-authored a book titled "The Poisoning of the American Mind," which explores the challenges of ideological conformity in academia and the importance of intellectual diversity.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage 26 – The Science of Changing Minds
David McRaney discusses the concept of changing minds and the challenges of political polarization.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding why we want to change someone else's mind and explores the motivations behind our own beliefs. McRaney explains that changing minds requires more than just presenting facts and information. It involves engaging in meaningful conversations, exploring different perspectives, and understanding the underlying motivations and biases that shape our beliefs. He also discusses the cascade effect and how it can be used to scale up the process of changing minds.
Key Takeaways:
- Changing minds requires understanding our own motivations and biases.
- Presenting facts and information alone is not enough to change someone's mind.
- Engaging in meaningful conversations and exploring different perspectives is essential for changing minds.
- The cascade effect can be used to scale up the process of changing minds.
About The Guest:
David McRaney is a science journalist, author, podcaster, and lecturer. He is the host of the podcast "You Are Not So Smart" and the author of the book "How Minds Change." McRaney is known for his work in psychology, neuroscience, and social sciences.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Crowdsourcing Identified Effective Strategies to Reduce Political PolarizationJan Voelkel discusses the Strengthening Democracy Challenge, a joint project between academics and practitioners aimed at reducing anti-democratic attitudes, support for political violence, and partisan animosity among Americans. The challenge involved testing 25 different interventions to determine their effectiveness in shifting people's attitudes. The results showed that many of the interventions were successful in reducing partisan animosity, with strategies such as highlighting sympathetic exemplars and emphasizing a common identity as Americans proving to be particularly effective. The challenge has received positive feedback from both researchers and practitioners, and there is optimism about the potential for these interventions to have a real-world impact.
Key Takeaways:
- The Strengthening Democracy Challenge tested 25 interventions to reduce anti-democratic attitudes, support for political violence, and partisan animosity.
- Strategies such as highlighting sympathetic exemplars and emphasizing a common identity as Americans were effective in reducing partisan animosity.
- The challenge has received positive feedback and there is optimism about the potential for these interventions to have a real-world impact.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
The podcast has been running for over six months and has covered a range of topics related to political sectarianism and the outrage industry. The host and creator, David Beckemeyer, discusses with co-director and co-editor, Austin Chen, key episodes, including interviews with experts like Peter Ditto, Jeffrey Berry, and Stephen Rathje. They explore the role of moral superiority in political divide, the influence of social media on outrage, and the incentive structure that drives the outrage industry. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives and engaging in productive conversations. They also encourage listeners to focus on local issues and take care of their own well-being.
About The Guest:The guest for this episode is Austin Chen, the co-director and co-editor of the podcast. Austin brings a unique perspective to the show and shares his insights on the topics discussed.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Recognizing Fear and Pain Can Heal Our Divided Society
In this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, host David Beckemeyer interviews psychotherapist and author Phyllis Levitt. We discuss her new book, “America in Therapy” in which she describes the anger and division in American society, the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives, and the need for mental health education and awareness. Leavitt emphasizes the role of therapy in promoting healthy relationships and explores how these principles can be applied on a larger scale to heal the divides in our country.
Key Takeaways:
- Psychotherapy is nonpartisan and can provide a bridge between opposing views.
- Deep listening and inquiry are essential for understanding and connecting with others.
- Repairing human relationships is harder than waging war, but it is necessary for healing and reconciliation.
- Mental health education is crucial for promoting empathy, understanding, and healthy relationships.
- The United States needs to embrace a sense of sovereign unity, balancing individuality with a commitment to the welfare of the whole.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
What Baker's Ideas on Media Can Teach Us About DemocracySanjay Jolly discusses the work of C. Edwin Baker, a leading scholar of constitutional law, communications law, and free speech. Baker argued that the First Amendment should protect the public's right to receive information from diverse sources. Jolly explains how media decisions are made, how technology fuels outrage, and the importance of understanding the forces that shape the narratives that impact us.
Key Takeaways:
- The First Amendment is about individual dignity and ensuring a robust and open public discourse.
- Local journalism functions as a public good and requires public investment to fill gaps left by the commercial media system.
- Public media alternatives are necessary to provide resources and infrastructure for communities to produce and distribute media that represents themselves.
- Social cohesion and trust are difficult to achieve in a deeply unequal society.
- Unequal societies stoke social anger and resentment, which can be directed by well-organized groups.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How Chronic Conditions Drive Desperation: The High Cost of Naturopathic Care
Britt Hermes, a former naturopathic doctor, and Dr. Michael Lentz, a board-certified physician, discuss the intersection of naturopathy and evidence-based medicine in this episode. They explore the challenges faced by patients with chronic conditions that traditional medical systems struggle to treat. Britt shares her experience as a naturopath and her decision to leave the profession due to concerns about the lack of scientific evidence and potential harm to patients. Dr. Lentz discusses his approach to treating complex conditions like fibromyalgia and the importance of addressing social determinants of health.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Episode 22 – How the Dignity Index Offers Hope for More Productive Political Discourse
Tami Pyfer discusses the Dignity Index, a scale that measures the level of contempt or dignity in public speech. She explains that the index is a problem-solving tool that helps individuals recognize and address contemptuous language. Tami emphasizes the importance of treating others with dignity and engaging in healthy, dignified conversations to bridge the political divide. She shares insights from a pilot project in Utah, where the index was used to evaluate political speech and promote more respectful dialogue. Tami also highlights the need for a new patriotism that values diversity of thought and opinion while maintaining dignity in political discourse.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dignity Index measures the level of contempt or dignity in public speech on a scale of one to eight.
- Contemptuous language shuts down speech, while dignity opens up channels for dialogue and problem-solving.
- The index is a tool for individuals to reflect on their own speech and strive for more dignified conversations.
- The exhausted majority, those tired of divisive politics, can play a role in promoting dignity and respectful dialogue.
- The goal is to put dignity on the ballot in 2024, encouraging candidates to use dignified language and incentivizing dignity in political campaigns.
Quotes:
- "We believe that you can't solve a problem if you can't name it and define it and measure it." - Tami Pyfer
- "We can't solve problems, political problems, by hating each other. And we can't solve them if we have contempt for each other." - Tami Pyfer
- "Contempt shuts down speech. The dignity index doesn't shut down speech. We want to open up speech." - Tami Pyfer
- "We want diversity of thought and action and speech. We want to bring in diverse voices and perspectives to better problem solve." - Tami Pyfer
- "We want to put dignity on the ballot in 2024 and raise national awareness of the language of contempt and the language of dignity." - Tami Pyfer
About The Guest(s):
Tami Pyfer is a pioneer in promoting respectful and productive political discourse. She has been at the forefront of the Unite movement, a national nonprofit organization that aims to ease divisions and toxic political divides in the country. Tami is the co-founder of the Dignity Index, a scale that measures the level of contempt or dignity in public speech. She is dedicated to fostering healthy and dignified conversations to bridge the political divide.
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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
How QAnon Impacts Lives: Exploring The Conspiracy's Reach into Homes.
Courtney Heard discusses her personal experience with QAnon and how it led her to start the Q-Dropped Podcast. She highlights the emotional toll that QAnon can have on relationships and emphasizes the importance of understanding the human side of the phenomenon. Courtney also explores the role of conspiracy theories in today's society and the challenges of trying to change someone's mind when they are deeply entrenched in their beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
- QAnon is a baseless conspiracy theory that alleges a global cabal of elites involved in child trafficking and other heinous acts.
- Many people are drawn to QAnon because they believe they are helping children, but the conspiracy theory is filled with misinformation and fabricated claims.
- QAnon has a significant impact on relationships, causing emotional strain and often leading to disconnection.
- Trying to change someone's mind who is involved in QAnon can be exhausting and often ineffective, as they are emotionally attached to their beliefs.
- QAnon attracts a diverse range of individuals, including those with higher education and professional backgrounds.
Quotes:
- "It's more than just a difference of opinion. It's actually harming people." - Courtney Heard
- "It's a mental health issue. This is a bunch of people who are unhappy and they're finding something that fills this void." - Courtney Heard
- "It's very, very, very exhausting to just have a normal conversation with these people." - Courtney Heard
- "Nothing's gonna change until they want to change, until they take the effort and ultimately are helpless." - Courtney Heard
About The Guest:
Courtney Heard is the host of the Q-Dropped Podcast, a weekly podcast that shares stories of relationships negatively affected by QAnon. She is also a writer and has a background in business
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
BONUS - Why a Free Press Matters: Yevgeny Simkin's Mission with Samizdat Online
David sits down with Yevgeny Simkin, the visionary founder of Samizdat Online, an anti-censorship platform reshaping the dynamics of information flow in autocratic regimes. Join us as we explore the dire need for uncensored news and the role of technology in breaking down barriers. Yevgeny delves into the importance of a free press, the challenges of battling propaganda, and the mission that drives him to empower individuals across the globe. If you're passionate about truth, technology, and the fight against censorship, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:
- The critical role of a free press in maintaining a free society.
- How Samizdat Online is tackling the issue of censorship head-on, providing access to uncensored news.
- The technology behind Samizdat Online and its impact on information dissemination.
- Insights into the challenges faced when battling autocratic propaganda.
- The potential for reshaping perspectives and fostering transparency through accessible information.
Episode Highlights:
- The parallels between Samizdat Online and historical self-publication mechanisms.
- Yevgeny's perspective on the role of social media giants in the censorship landscape.
- The connection between technology, accountability, and freedom of information.
- Yevgeny's vision for a world where information is accessible to all, regardless of political boundaries.
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Episode 20 – How to Break Free from Social Media’s Outrage Cycle – Yevgeny Simkin
Yevgeny Simkin discusses the damaging effects of social media and the need for structural changes in the media landscape. He argues that while social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be harmful, there are other social media platforms like Stack Overflow and LinkedIn that are beneficial because they incentivize positive behavior and focus on reputation. Simkin suggests that social media platforms can be modified to encourage civil discourse and kindness by changing their incentive structures. He also emphasizes the importance of finding alternative monetization schemes for news media that do not rely on clickbait and sensationalism. Simkin believes that the media's focus on outrage and division is misleading and that people are not as divided as they seem. He calls for more compassionate and tolerant conversations to bridge the minor differences that are blown out of proportion. Simkin also discusses the need for a unifying external threat to bring people together and the importance of hope and kindness in society.
About The Guest:
Yevgeny Simkin is a journalist, technologist, and media expert. He has written extensively about the detrimental effects of sensationalism, clickbait, and divisive content in modern media. Simkin is also the founder of Samizdat Online, an anti-censorship platform that defies autocratic regimes and gives voice to the silenced.
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage 19 – What do scams and outrage porn have in common? – Christopher Chabris
In this episode, David interviews Chris Chabris about his book "Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What to Do About It." They discuss the cognitive habits that make us susceptible to scams and outrage, and how to avoid falling for misinformation and manipulation. They explore the concept of focus and what's missing, the limitations of memory, the power of precision and repetition, and the truth bias that influences our beliefs. Chris emphasizes the importance of seeking diverse perspectives, questioning information, and being aware of our cognitive limitations.
Key Takeaways:
- Our focus and attention can make us susceptible to scams and manipulation.
- Memory is fallible and doesn't work like a video camera or hard drive.
- Precision and repetition can make false information seem more believable.
- Worst-case predictions and illusory truth can stoke fear and outrage.
- Truth bias leads us to automatically tag information as true, making us vulnerable to misinformation.
Quotes:
- "The failure to notice people in gorilla suits is a natural byproduct of our ability to focus our attention." - Dan Simons
- "Looking isn't the same as seeing; we have to focus attention to become aware of something." - Dan Simons
- "Manipulating focus and relying on people not to ask what's missing is a prime tool of those trying to get us outraged." - Chris Chabris
- "Precision and repetition increase our belief in information, even if it's false." - Chris Chabris
- "Our tendency is to tag incoming information as true, making it easier to believe false claims." - Chris Chabris
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Sorry Guys, We Stormed the Capitol – Ben Hamilton
Ben Hamilton is the author of "Sorry Guys, We Stormed the Capitol: Eyewitness Accounts of January 6th." He is the founder of the Chasing History Project, which aims to document controversial events and provide firsthand accounts. Hamilton has a background in history and has conducted extensive interviews with individuals who witnessed the events of January 6th.
Summary: Ben Hamilton discusses his book and the events of January 6th, providing firsthand accounts from individuals who were present. He highlights the difference between a regular Trump event and the atmosphere on that day, noting that the crowd seemed to lose interest in Trump's speech and became focused on the certification of the presidential election. Hamilton emphasizes that the crowd was not an organized insurrection but rather a random group of people with a shared belief that they could stop the certification. He also discusses the shifting narratives and emotions throughout the day, from a sense of victory to defensiveness and blame-shifting.
Key Takeaways:
- The crowd at the Capitol on January 6th was not an organized insurrection but a random group of people with a shared belief that they could stop the certification of the presidential election.
- Trump's speech did not have the same impact on the crowd as previous events, and many attendees left before the march to the Capitol began.
- The lack of leadership and organization within the crowd contributed to the chaotic nature of the events.
- The police response was varied, with some officers appearing sympathetic to the crowd and others attempting to maintain order.
- The narrative among the crowd shifted throughout the day, from a sense of victory to defensiveness and blame-shifting.
Quotes:
- "We need to push our way into the Capitol building and relieve everybody of command." - Interviewee
- "I think a lot of the police were like, 'Okay, sure. We're friends now.' Because that was a way to have some level of control over the people who just trespassed in the fricking Capitol building while Congress was in session." - Ben Hamilton
- "This is our f**king moment. This day on January 6th, 2021, at 2:10 PM, will be remembered in history as the day we had the second American Revolution." - Interviewee
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Dave Troy discusses the importance of addressing the underlying cultural factors that perpetuate disinformation and polarization in society. He emphasizes the need to go beyond surface-level analysis and focus on building social connections and trust between people of different backgrounds. Dave suggests that the current political climate in the United States is unsustainable and calls for a reinvention of culture to support a functional democracy. He also highlights the destructive power of disinformation and the challenges of combating it. Dave concludes by urging individuals to humanize their adversaries and engage in meaningful in-person interactions to bridge the divide.
Key Takeaways:
- Building social capital and fostering connections between people of different backgrounds is crucial for a functional democracy.
- Disinformation is not just about the information itself, but the effects it has on social division and radicalization.
- The current political climate in the United States is unsustainable and requires a reinvention of culture to support democracy.
- Disinformation is easier to spread than real journalism, making it essential to prioritize accurate information and critical thinking.
- In-person interactions and humanizing adversaries can help bridge the divide and promote understanding.
Quotes:
- "We have to decide what we care about as a country and where we're gonna take this." - Dave Troy
- "It's so much easier to destroy stuff and tear things apart than it is to create or repair things." - Dave Troy
- "Dehumanizing people is easier when you haven't spent time with them." - Dave Troy
About The Guest(s): Dave Troy is a serial entrepreneur turned investigative journalist. He is a visionary thinker who examines complex issues through a unique lens. Dave offers a big picture perspective, employing a systems and network approach to understanding the roots and consequences of disinformation, polarization, and other threats to democracy.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this episode, we are joined by esteemed guest Jon Marshall, a renowned historian, who provides invaluable insight into the historical significance of this indictment. Together, we examine the profound implications for our democracy and the delicate balance between national security and accountability.
However, the story takes an unexpected turn as the indictment becomes highly politicized. We explore the divisive debates and contrasting viewpoints that have emerged, with some perceiving it as a politically motivated attack while others emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law. Amidst the polarization, we encourage listeners to look beyond political lines and focus on the national security consequences of such actions.
Ultimately, this episode aims to foster thoughtful reflection and encourage open dialogue about the intersection of power, secrecy, and accountability. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of this landmark case, unraveling the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface and shining a light on the path forward.
Support the showShow Notes:
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HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Tobias Rose-Stockwell is our guest for this episode. His brand new book is
OUTRAGE MACHINE
How Tech Amplifies Discontent and Disrupts Democracy—And What We Can Do About It
Together, we’ll examine the historical context of societal stability and the shifts that have led us to this current climate of anger and polarization. We’ll explore the role of media, including social media platforms, in fueling outrage and examine the consequences it has on our mental health and social fabric.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of outrage, or if you’re simply curious about the impact it has on our society, this episode is for you.
Support the showShow 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: 925-552-7885
Got 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 episode
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
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Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
In this episode, we are joined by Professor Michael Serazio, a former journalist, who interviewed political consultants to uncover the nuanced methods that fuel the era of outrage politics. He helps us understand the hidden tactics employed by savvy political consultants.
In a world consumed by outrage and polarizing narratives, this thought-provoking conversation lifts the curtain on the strategies used by political consultants to shape public opinion.
Prepare to be captivated as we peel back the layers of authenticity, decode the power of branding, and expose the impact of manipulation on our political discourse.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
In this thought-provoking Street Outrage BONUS episode of the Outrage Overload Podcast, host David Beckemeyer leads a candid discussion with guests Stephanie and Luz from the Unfiltered Trio Podcast, exploring the challenges of engaging in difficult conversations, the impact of wokeism, and the rise of cancel culture in today's society. Together, they dive into the complexities of navigating sensitive topics, the importance of open dialogue, and the potential consequences of online outrage.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as David, Stephanie, and Luz tackle the complexities of difficult conversations, wokeism, and cancel culture, offering valuable insights for engaging in meaningful discussions while navigating the evolving social climate.
Support the showShow 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.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I sit down with Hesha Abrams, an acclaimed author, speaker, and mediator. Abrams has spent decades studying the art of conflict resolution and has developed practical tools for diffusing tension and promoting dialogue.
The divisiveness in America has also had a significant impact on our personal lives. Many people have reported feeling isolated and alone because they feel like they cannot talk to their friends and family about their political views. This isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Get ready to gain some valuable insights and learn how we can all play a part in fostering a more harmonious and understanding society.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Trust in media, misinformation, disinformation, news literacy, content moderation. How do we stay informed without becoming overwhelmed with outrage overload? These are all challenging problems.
In this episode, I sit down with Shippensburg University Professor Lawrence Eppard to find answers.
Eppard is also the Director of the Connors Forum for a Healthy Democracy and host of our sister show Utterly Moderate Podcast.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
The Conservative Political Action Conference, better known as CPAC, started in the 1970s to unify and enforce GOP ideology. It remained a fairly small affair for its first 25 years of existence. As conservative media grew in popularity, CPAC evolved into more of a live conservative entertainment experience. It is perhaps best known for hosting controversial figures and delivering controversial soundbites, and dare I say, outrage. And journalists eat it up, serving up the most outrageous moments to their mostly liberal audiences.
Join me as we unravel the untold stories and hidden complexities behind CPAC, as seen through the eyes of Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Alex Hinton. We’ll explore the power of open-minded conversations, the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, and the challenges of bridging political divides in today’s polarized society.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
There’s been a drum beat, suggesting that social media and information silos, echo chambers, are a driving force behind our divisiveness and polarization.
New research suggests this may be overstated.
It may have more to do with the very nature of how we come to know or believe things in the political realm.
In this episode, I sit down with researcher Ritsaart Reimann who looked at decades of research to propose some hypotheses for what’s going on as well as some ideas for improving the situation.
The insights will change how you think about politics and social media, political identities, and disinformation.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Some scientists have made the analogy that our left / right politics in the United States are like a toxic marriage. In this episode, we lean into that analogy with clinical sexologist and relationship coach, Tiffynee Terry-Thomas.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
In this BONUS episode, we speak with researcher (Max) Hui Bai of the Stanford Impact Labs. about his recent recent study looking into the effectiveness of ChatGPT AI at influencing humans’ political attitudes.
The researchers write:
“Due to the availability of LLMs, anyone can now “write” unlimited amounts of persuasive messages. It is now much easier to create misinformation campaigns targeting voters and legislators, threatening accurate perceptions of politicized events.
These can ultimately undermine “shared reality” in the US and beyond. Our results call for immediate attention to potential regulation of AI’s use in political activities.”
The research is titled “Artificial Intelligence Can Persuade Humans on Political Issues.”
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Part two of our two-part series with Dr. Alex Korb, a neuroscientist, researcher, professor, and best-selling author of “The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.”
In part one, focused on some of the brain systems involved in outrage porn and political polarization. In this episode, part two, we take a look at what we can do to be less stressed out and achieve better outcomes.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
On this episode of the Outrage Overload podcast, we’re going to learn what’s going on in our brain when we’re confronted with outrage porn and ways to better handle the resulting emotions with Dr. Alex Korb, a neuroscientist, researcher, professor, and best-selling author of “The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.”
We will cover this in two parts. First, in this episode, we’ll focus on some of the brain systems involved and resulting responses and in part two we will take a look at what we can do to be less stressed out and achieve better outcomes.
Support the showShow 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.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I speak with Kevin Bass, an M.D./Ph.D. student, who recently wrote an opinion piece for Newsweek titled It’s Time for the Scientific Community to Admit We Were Wrong About COVID and It Cost Lives that has stirred up quite a bit of controversy.
We discuss the issue of trust between the scientific community and the public, that the temperature needs to be lowered, and that perhaps the scientific community should be more open to criticism in order to rebuild trust. Listen and you decide.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
This is part-two of a two-part series with Dr. Steven Rathje discussing research that found that social media creates incentives for out-group animosity, which can be a factor in increasing polarization. It is also harmful for mental health and society.
In this episode, we also talk about the increasing problem of transparency of social media platforms and how independent researchers are being shut out. This makes it impossible for researchers to examine the impacts of these platforms on society.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
In this episode we talk to Dr. Steven Rathje, building on research from prior episodes, we look at how out-group animosity drives engagement on social media.
Part one of a two-part series.
In this episode you will learn about negative affect language, moral language, negativity bias, social identity theory, and much more.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I got a chance to sit down with professor Jeffrey M. Berry to catch up on what has changed (and what hasn’t changed) with the outrage industry since the publishing of his book “The Outrage Industry: Political Opinion Media and the New Incivility.”
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
This BONUS episode tells the story of a small-town mom who is robbed at the ATM and posts a heads-up to neighbors on the social media site Nextdoor only to be attacked with victim blaming and partisan politics.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Moral panics are not uncommon. Back in the 1980’s there was a moral panic over the game Dungeons and Dragons. Some parents believed D&D was the work of the devil, a gateway to joining a Satanic cult. It wasn’t “but this didn’t stop people from worrying about it,” says my guest on this episode, Dr. Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
I got a chance to speak to Dr. Gray about new research from he and his postdoc, Curtis Puryear, titled Virality Drives Moral Panics on Social Media (currently under peer review) showing a connection where social media virality causes moral panics, prompting expression of moral outrage.
You don’t want to miss this episode. Professor Gray has some terrific insights.
Episode 006
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
In this bonus episode, I geek out with an old friend, David Troy. We talk about Twitter and the Twitter-alternative, Mastodon, along with some geopolitics and other things.
This episode was record February 2, 2023 and is being released nearly unedited for timeliness.
Support the showShow 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.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I speak with Luke Berryman, the founder of The Ninth Candle, to discuss holocaust denial and bothsidesism.
I discovered Luke Berryman from an article in Education Week titled “How Holocaust Denial and Other Bogus Claims Are Poisoning Schools” with the sub-title “Don’t be fooled by bothsidesism.”
Episode 005
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I sit down with Sean Evans, Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Union University, to nerd-out on outrage and political science.
We talk about how the parties have changed over the past fifty years, third parties and ranked-choice voting, accountability of our elected officials, and, yes, even some optimism.
Episode 004
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
I’m almost certain that you’ve heard of ChatGPT by now. It’s a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) chat bot that is taking the internet by storm, as they say. It’s free to use during a test period. Within days of launching, it soared to over one million users and now has several million - I don’t know how many at this point.
People are posting all kinds of things produced by the bot, from answers to basic factual questions to entire schoolwork essays, and even poetry.
I couldn’t resist interviewing the bot.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Episode 003
In this episode, we speak with Russ Charvonia, author of the book The Civility Mosaic and President of the Worldwide Civility Council.
Civility is not just about being nice. It’s about mutual respect and more.
Civility is also not an end in itself but rather we need to look at it as a means through which we can have the discourse we need to have.
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If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
In this episode, we catch up with political scientist Sean Evans to discuss what role "outrage porn" and "angertainment" played in the 2022 midterms.
Support the showShow Notes:
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Episode 002.
In this episode we conclude our interview with Professor Peter H. Ditto, where we continue our discussion of political polarization and "outrage porn" including how we overestimate the extremism of the other side and their hatred of us and various other distortions that get in the way of productive dialogue, as well as things like the Big Sort and loyalty tests.
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Follow me, David Beckemeyer, on Twitter @mrblog. Follow the show on Twitter @OutrageOverload or Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Episode 001
In this episode we speak with Peter H. Ditto, Professor of psychological science at UC Irvine who is an expert on motivated reasoning, and especially motivated moral reasoning. He worked with a team of all-star scientists to look at a major social problem in our society: political polarization. In this episode, we explore this groundbreaking work.
Support the showShow 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.
If you would like to help the show, you can contribute here. Tell everyone you know about the show. That’s the best way to support it.
Many thanks to my production assistant, Austin Chen.
Are you on social media? Do you watch news on TV? Online? Do you get political campaign emails? Texts? Then you’ve seen it - OUTRAGE PORN, messaging designed to evoke outrage. I'm David Beckemeyer and this is Outrage Overload, a podcast about our unhealthy relationship with the outrage industry.