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The Cult of Manifestation
Host Amanda's new book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality is out TODAY!!! Get your copy wherever you buy books (including audiobooks). The book is about magical overthinking in the Information Age—how our deep-rooted cognitive biases are clashing with contemporary culture to create a new era of delulu. Themes covered in the book include celebrity worship, nostalgia, and today's topic of discussion... the cult of manifestation. This special episode features an exclusive excerpt from Amanda's new audiobook! It's a portion from the chapter titled “I Swear I Manifested This: A Note on Proportionality Bias,” which explores how radical conspiracy theories and New Age ideas of manifestation are actually both motivated by the same psychological quirk, all the while telling the story of a cult-followed online manifestation guru 👽 Turns out, we all have a pinch of conspiracy theorist in us. Tune in to find out how🤞 Get the audiobook here! Purchase the book in hardback. Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THE AGE OF MAGICAL OVERTHINKING by Amanda Montell, read by the author. Copyright © 2024 by Amanda Montell. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Catch Amanda on tour! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
I’m Right You’re Wrong Is Back! ft. Jamie Loftus, Kendahl Landreth + more
Listen on Spotify Podcasts, Listen on Apple Podcasts, Listen wherever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of K-Pop
We have NEVER had such a hard time finding a guest brave enough to appear on the show than we did for the week's episode on the flashy, fanatical, downright culty (sorry!!!) world of K-Pop. Thank goddess that Lai Frances, music reporter and expert in the "cult" at hand, was down to come have both a chuckle and a legitimately analytical discush about the pros and cons of this "cult-followed" music genre, which is of course so much more than that... it's a lifestyle, an identity, a bazillion-dollar cash cow, a life-consuming cult? Listen to us chat about the intense training K-Pop idols go through, their hardcore "sasaeng fans," and more to find out... K-Pop sounds like a cult, but is it really?? To order a copy of Amanda's new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, click here :) For book BTS, news about her forthcoming Magical Overthinkers podcast, and more, consider subscribing to her newsletter! Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod @amanda_montell Thanks to our sponsors! SKIMS Bras are now available at SKIMS.com. Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Visit betterhelp.com/cult to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of Bravoholics
This week, Amanda and Reese are being initiated into the high-drama, low-stakes universe of the Bravoholics. Joined by Steve, certified Bravoholic and owner of @facesbybravo, we’re breaking down the sacred texts (from Real Housewives reunions to Vanderpump Rules scandals), the high priests (Andy Cohen), and the ritualistic weekly watch parties that lead only the most devoted viewers to the mecca of BravoCon. Whether you’re a casual Summer House viewer or have a housewives franchise for every night of the week, we’re sure you’d agree Bravo has had the girls, gays, and theys in a CHOKEHOLD since 2003, and we’re here to get to the bottom of it. Are we in a parasocial relationship with a network? Is "who gon' check me, boo?" a mantra for the modern age? Grab your skinny margarita and join the congregation as we ask: when does a fandom become a faith? Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube!Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles. Thank you to our sponsors! Earn points on rent and around your neighborhood, wherever you call home, by going to https://joinbilt.com/culty Use code SLAC to get started at https://AdamandEve.com right now! London! Come see Sounds Like A Cult LIVE!! November 24th at Bush Hall. Get tickets before they're gone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of The Kardashians
The Kardashians: a harmlessly entertaining reality TV family or a dynastic conformist controlling cabal of K-named cult leaders? In this ~intense~ episode, Isa and Amanda chat with comedian and New Yorker writer Meg Indurti to unpack the cult-like influence of America’s most (in)famous family. Major Devil’s Avocado energy this week! Grab your Liquid I.V. in bulk nationwide at Costco or you can get 15% off when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code cult at checkout. Get Honey for FREE at JoinHoney.com/CULT Our listeners get 10% off their first month by visiting our sponsor BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/cult Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of Mormon Therapists
What happens when a church treats teenage hormones like a moral emergency… and then appoints its own therapists to fix it? This week, Amanda and Reese are joined by John Dehlin (@johndehlin) of the Mormon Stories podcast (@mormstories) to unpack the deeply culty world of Mormon Therapy, where normal human behavior gets pathologized and sexual shame is framed as “treatment.” Join us as we unpack how Mormon teachings around sex, purity, and control have led to widespread sexual dysfunction, guilt, and fear and how “therapists” trained to protect doctrine (not patients) can do real psychological harm. From compulsory confessions to the pipeline that produces figures like Jodi Hildebrandt, this episode traces how moral panic masquerades as mental health care. Also, fair warning: if you take a shot every time John says the word masturbate, you will absolutely need to lie down afterward. Subscribe to Sounds Like A Cult on Youtube! Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod, @amanda_montell, @reesaronii, @chelseaxcharles. Thank you to our sponsors! Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/CULT= Order online or download the free 1-800 Contacts app today at Https://1800contacts.com To save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain Head to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
Friendship Breakups: Right or Wrong?
Get Tickets to Isa Medina's Live Comedy Show in NYC August 24th! Click Here! Follow Isa on Instagram to keep up with her upcoming comedy shows! Subscribe to Isa's new podcast I'm Right You're Wrong on Spotify or Apple! If you want to support Isa's new podcast subscribe above, listen or watch the full episodes at the I'm Right You're Wrong Podcast Page! <3 Ep 6: Friendship Breakups: Right or Wrong? Have you ever had a Friendship Breakup? Absolutely no worries if not! Sounds like you're perfect and that's awesome <3 This week your gorgeous hosts, Lydia Keating and Isa Medina, get into whether Friendship Breakups are right OR wrong. They debate both extremes, tell personal stories and chat about how post-college life affects friendship. They talk about bisexual friendships....aka love affairs and of course, they talk about boundaries. xx love you so much! Subscribe to Isa's new podcast I'm Right You're Wrong on Spotify or Apple! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ethicalgirlies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of Reborn Dolls
BOO! ‘tis the spookiest time of the year, dear culties, and this year we’ve whipped out our cauldrons to cook you an up episode on one of the scariest topics we could think of… complex emotions?! That is only half a joke, because this week Reese is equally embarrassed and excited to bring Amanda into the weird and wacky world of reborn dolls with the help of Corrine Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga from Two Girls One Ghost. The "Reborners" community serves a wide range of acolytes, from grieving parents seeking therapeutic tools to fantasy lovers looking to adopt the most finely crafted infant abominable snowmen money can buy (no judgement!). This week, we’re sitting down to investigate exactly why people make, buy, and most cultily, wholeheartedly OBSESS over these fantastical silicone babies. No matter if you’ve been a loyal Britton Rose follower for years, or have never heard the words "reborn doll" in your life, this mystical Halloween-flavored episode of Sounds Like A Cult is full of tricks and treats just for you ;) Follow us on IG @soundslikeacultpod @reesaronii @chelseaxcharles @amanda_montell Subscribe to the new season of Sounds Like A Cult on YouTube! To order Amanda's new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, click here. To subscribe to Amanda's new Magical Overthinkers podcast, click here :) Thank you to our sponsors! Head to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch, go to https://www.squarespace.com/CULT to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to joinbilt.com/CULT. Go to stopscooping.com/SLAC and enter promocode SLAC to save an EXTRA $50 on any Litter-Robot bundle. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code CULT at checkout Further reading: Effect of Doll Therapy in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Systematic Review Inside the hyper-realistic world of baby doll collecting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Cult of Theatre Kids
POV: You work at Denny's. It's 12 AM. You want to go home. And from outside you hear it... your worst nightmare: 40 pairs of hungry footsteps and an acapella intro to Grease's Summer Nights. In this episode, with the help of stage actor and Tik Tok sensation Tyler Joseph Ellis, Isa and Amanda dig into Theatre Kid (yes, spelled “re”) culture—the rituals and superstitions, the cliques and power structures—to see just how far a teenager will go to live out their High School Musical dream. For a limited time, new users can get $10 in free Bitcoin when you sign up today at Coinbase.com/CULT Listeners can get 65% off their first month of medication management and care counseling at cerebral.com/Cult. Helix is offering up to 200 dollars off all mattress orders AND two free pillows for our listeners at HelixSleep.com/cult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicespdst.fm -
I built and Android RSS & Podcast Reader because I got tire of algorithms deciding what I should read
Hi everyone,
Over the last few years I've become increasingly frustrated with algorithm-driven feeds. Most apps decide what should appear first, what gets promoted, and what content is "recommended" to me.
I wanted something simpler:
Just the news sources, blogs, websites and podcasts that I choose
So I started to build my own Android app called Reader
Some of the things it supports:
RSS feeds and podcast in one app
Discover news sources and podcasts
Add RSS feeds manually
Import feeds with OPML
Keyword filtering
Full article reading inside the app
Background podcast playback
Light & dark themes
No algorithmic recommendations
The goal isnt to maximize engagement, the goal is tho give users full control over what they read and listen to.
I'm currently a solo developer and the app only has a small user base, so id really appreciate feedback from RSS users, podcast listeners and anyone interested in a less algorithm-driven experience
What features would you consider essential in an RSS reader today?
Check it out:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esaldanadev.reader
Thanks a lot!
submitted by /u/esaldanadev
[link] [comments] -
I wrote a long-ish reply on Reddit about coding with AI. Not all AI is slop. Vibe coders should be honest with themselves and others.
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I just learned that it’s possible to join this WordPress blog to the Fediverse, by simply activating the ActivityPub plugin that is already installed… So let’s see if this works!
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Grand Jury Witness: Reflecting Pool Was Already Damaged Before Arrested Man Touched It
Donald Trump swore he could turn the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool into something he could use to bask in his own reflected glory. Instead, it turned out to be everything we expect from Trump: braggadocio followed by abject failure. Trump hired some guys he used to do some stuff to his personal pool(s) back in […] -
Behind the Blog: Silent Retreat
This week, we discuss going into the woods, a "he admit it" moment, and a tofu sandwich. -
Why Qatar Stopped Gaza Talks & On Board Blinken’s Last Flight to G7 in Italy
In this week's episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini travels with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Rome, where foreign ministers gathered for the final Group of Seven (G7) meeting of the Biden administration. She and resident spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove, the former Chief of Britain's MI6, sit down with Qatari Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Majed al-Ansari. They discuss Qatar's role as a mediator in the Middle Eastern conflict and their stance on foreign defense for Ukraine. The conversation also covers the political future of Afghanistan and the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Ex-MI6 Chief on Israel Intel Failure & Climate Predictions
What happens in a world where mankind has failed to implement the urgent changes needed to tackle climate change, and temperatures rise above the pre-industrial average? What will our world look like? One Decision asks Gaia Vince, author of the book "Nomad Century," in which she envisions worst-case scenarios of a world with dangerous rising temperatures. Sir Richard Dearlove discusses Henry Kissinger's foreign policy legacy and the New York Times report claiming the Israeli military obtained a document called "Jericho Wall," which detailed the blueprints of the October 7th attack and was initially dismissed as aspirational by Israeli officials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Ambassador John Bolton: We May Not Get Gaza Ceasefire
Former White House national security adviser Ambassador John Bolton sits down with One Decision's Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and the current status of the elusive cease-fire deal. Ambassador Bolton also discusses the recent Ukrainian incursion and notes that it represents a significant win for the country. The former Trump national security adviser also looks at how efforts may be mounted to challenge the U.S. election results should Harris come up on top. Plus, the group shares the worst meal that they have ever been served on a diplomatic trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
$100 Million a Day: Putin’s Iran War Windfall
Russia may be issuing verbal condemnations from the sidelines of the conflict in Iran, but behind the scenes, it’s leveraging its relationship with Iran to give the US a “taste of its own medicine.” Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Times Radio political editor Kate McCann sit down with Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, to discuss Russia’s calculated role in the escalating war in Iran. Gabuev explains why the US being preoccupied in fighting another Middle Eastern conflict is a “gift” to Putin, including how temporary sanctions relief and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz boosts Russian oil revenues. Together, they also analyze the impact of the war on Ukraine’s security and energy infrastructure, as well as how continued economic strain and repression in Russia may limit its involvement in the conflict. In this episode: 01:35 – Why the Iran War helps Russia 04:17 – Oil shock and Russian windfall 16:48 – The Iran-Russia alliance 23:11 – Limits of Kremlin support 28:24 – Iran War knock-on effects for Ukraine 32:58 – Ukraine’s Gulf alliance strategy 38:05 – Russian public mood and repression 42:47 – One Decision: What’s Trump’s next move? 44:00 – Sir Richard and Kate discussion Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Why Is Trump Feuding With India?
In this week’s episode One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove sit down with former Los Angeles Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Garcetti reflects on his tenure in New Delhi—what he calls America’s “most complex and consequential” diplomatic post—and how the U.S.–India relationship has evolved through conflict, trade wars, and global realignments. From navigating the Trump administration’s tariffs and sanctions to confronting a “murder-for-hire” plot that tested Washington’s trust in New Delhi, Garcetti explains how the two largest democracies can still find common purpose. Plus, Garcetti, who serves as an Ambassador for Global Climate Diplomacy at C40 Cities, argues why the future of global climate action may depend less on nations—and more on cities. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Taiwan Decides…For the Last Time?
This weekend, Taiwan will hold the only free and fair elections in the Chinese-speaking world. Whoever wins will lead in a pivotal time—and their term will cover the period during which President Xi Jinping has promised China will annex what it considers a breakaway territory, even by force, if necessary. Could this be Taiwan’s last election? The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party led by Vice President Lai Ching Te is pro-independence, and is being challenged by the China-friendly opposition Kuomintang Party led by Ho Yu-Ih. There’s also a wildcard in the form of Ko Wen-Je, who says both parties are too pro or too anti-Beijing. One Decision—your Global Election Headquarters for 2024—sits down with correspondents in Taipei and Washington, DC to explore potential scenarios coming out of the Taiwanese polls and whether the United States can handle a third potential war, as it already struggles to support allies embroiled in major conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Pentagon correspondents also discuss the fallout over the secret hospitalization of America's Defense Chief Lloyd Austin and why top Defense Department officials and even the White House were kept in the dark about his condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
At NATO Summit: Senior US Senator on Peace Prospects for Iran, Ukraine
In this bonus episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove are on the ground in The Hague, Netherlands where they're reporting from the NATO Summit. Kate and Sir Richard sit down with U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a leading member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to discuss the latest from the summit including talks among NATO members for increased defense budgets, President Trump's unique social media presence and how it shapes his foreign policy, and his role in the Israel-Iran ceasefire. Later, Kate and Sir Richard catch up to explore the regional ramifications of the Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East and compare notes on what to expect from Israel. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Top US Foreign Relations Senator on Trump's New Playbook with Ukraine, EU
In this episode of One Decision, host Christina Ruffini sits down with United States Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat and ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee. Shaheen recently visited Kyiv, Ukraine, and shared her experience speaking with Ukrainian citizens in the small town of Bucha. She also reacted to the prospective mineral rights deal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed to with the United States, whether she thinks America is perceived as a reliable ally, the importance of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in mitigating adversary efforts by China, Iran, and Russia, and working with new cabinet secretaries under the Trump administration. The episode also features a preview discussion between French journalist Margot Haddad and former European Commissioner Thierry Breton in English. The full-length French conversation will be published next week and will explore the European Union’s relationship with President Donald Trump, the EU’s efforts in AI investments, tech titan Elon Musk, and much more. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Trump's ICE at the Winter Olympics: Security, Surveillance & World Cup Controversy | Former MI6 Chief Explains
From deploying anti-missile frigates on the Thames, to sending ICE agents to Milan, hosting the Olympics is a high-stakes security operation. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Kate McCann break down the 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup controversies on this week’s episode of One Decision: In Brief. Sir Richard explains the security precautions that countries undertake as both hosts and participants in Olympic games, citing past examples from the games in London, Russia and Germany. Kate addresses the controversies that have already cropped up around the US hosting this year’s FIFA World Cup, from spectator screenings to the potential for overstayed visas. They also discuss whether President Trump has overplayed his hand with ICE as an enforcement agency, and if the United States can handle the international scrutiny with regards to policing and violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
“The IRGC Got Their Man”: Former UK Defense Minister and Ex-MI6 Chief on Mojtaba Khamenei’s Ascent
Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed to succeed his father as Supreme Leader of Iran. What now? Former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace, who spent eight years as Chairman of the British–Iran Parliamentary Group, views this as a doubling down on defiance. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and international journalist Rosanna Lockwood break down the rationale behind why the IRGC is vested in maintaining the status quo, the growing rift between the United States’s strategy and Gulf States Allies, and whether or not the United States and Israel have a viable endgame.Plus: Already at $100 per barrel, how high will the price of oil climb? What impact will the conflict in Iran have on European security and economies? Are Russia and China giving Iran an intelligence edge? In this episode: 01:10 Succession in Tehran 02:56 The IRGC as a Business Cartel 04:10 The Gulf States’ Perspective 06:55 UAE Business Backlash 10:26 Insurance and War Risk Shock 14:10 Shahi Drones and Escalation Risks 17:51 EU and UK Economic Hit 19:33 UK Politics and Social Tensions 21:38 One Decision to Watch Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief), Sir Ben Wallace (former UK Defence Secretary) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood (International Journalist) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
What to Expect as Putin Cements His Grip as Russia’s New Czar
This week, Vladimir Putin hailed a landslide win for a fifth term in an election with no real opposition, whose result was never in question. In a victory speech extending his iron grip on power, Putin warned that World War III between Russia and the West is not out of the question. Guest host and foreign affairs journalist Indira Lakshmanan and One Decision’s resident spymaster, former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove speak with Sir Laurie Bristow, who served two tours in Putin’s Russia as Britain’s ambassador to Moscow and as deputy chief of mission, about what to expect in the next six years from the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin. Bristow says that relations between Russia and NATO are at their most fragile point since the Cold War. Indira also spoke with Putin expert Dr. Angela Stent for her readout of the election results. Stent, a former U.S. national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia says the reelection of Donald Trump could be a victory for Putin, and warned of Russia’s attempts to meddle in the U.S. election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Are the US & China headed towards conflict?
For our third installment on China at a crossroads, we look at where President Xi Jinping is positioning China in the world order and what his politics means for Chinese expansionism, influence, and aggression in the wider region. Is he likely to make a move on Taiwan? Will the contested areas in the seas around China be a new arena for hostilities? Will the US and China eventually be forced to go head-to-head, or is there too much financial incentive to cooperate? Brig. Gen. David Stilwell was the American Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and an Air Force veteran of 35 years. A fluent Chinese and Korean speaker, he also served as Defense Attache at the US Embassy in Beijing and has been a close watcher of Chinese politics ever since. He sits down with One Decision for a look at China's place in the world at the beginning of Xi's third term, with our Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, providing exclusive analysis on what he thinks the world should do in response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Ex-MI6 Head on Trump-Putin Call
What is it like to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow? Will President Trump's phone call with President Vladimir Putin help end the war? And why is AI now the hottest tool in cybersecurity? In this week’s episode, Christina Ruffini catches up with co-host and former head of Britain’s MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, to unpack the global implications of President Donald Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week. Sir Richard shares exclusive insight into his meetings in Moscow and what Ukrainians are telling him about ending the war. He also reveals what he believes is Putin’s true vulnerability. Later in the episode, Sir Richard sits down with Anne Neuberger, former Deputy National Security for Cyber and Emerging Technology under the Biden administration. They explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in defense systems and why China is the leading cybersecurity adversary. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
In Brief: Why Trump Is Targeting Venezuela
In this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, break down the latest developments in Latin America, including the Pentagon’s recent deployment of an aircraft carrier off the coast of Venezuela. The hosts discuss President Donald Trump’s intentions and the role Secretary of State Marco Rubio is playing behind the scenes. Plus, they examine the aftermath of Argentina’s midterm elections, where President Javier Milei’s coalition secured the majority votes and what that means for Trump’s promise to bailout the Argentine economy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
In Brief: What's Going On Inside Putin's Inner Circle?
In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, discuss the BBC's latest crisis after President Donald Trump threatened the broadcaster with legal action over their January 6 documentary. The BBC's coverage of issues such as Israel's role in the war in Gaza, trans rights, climate change, and more have come under fire, forcing top executives to resign. Plus, the hosts examine Vladimir Putin's close aid, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov's recent withdrawal from the public and what that signals about Russia's leadership. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
BONUS: The views from the Eastern Flank
Better late than never? As Nato members scramble to organize support and aid for Ukraine, Nato command has pledged to beef up the Eastern Flank - the Alliance's frontier against Russia. With the potential addition of Sweden and Finland - which may yet be stymied by Turkey - Nato's border with Russia looks set to double. For the countries on the edge, of what's known as the 'Eastern Flank', Nato needs to do more than just send more troops and hardware. Our team at the Nato summit in Madrid spoke to a number of leaders, ministers and representatives from across these nations. These are their views. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Boris Johnson's First Ever Podcast Interview
Former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson sits down with One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove for his first ever podcast interview. Johnson discusses the state of the Ukraine war— his thoughts on Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's failed mutiny and details from his recent conversation with former President Donald Trump about supporting Ukraine in defeating Russia. He also talks about his post-Brexit frustrations, if he would change how he handled the pandemic, and what's the one decision he regrets during his time in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Bonus: Ex-Head of MI6: How Russian Spies Likely Got Caught in UK
After a major national security investigation into Moscow’s espionage efforts, Great Britain unmasked an alleged Russian spy ring. Three Bulgarian nationals suspected of working for Russian security services were charged with possessing numerous forged identification documents. On this week’s bonus episode, Julia Macfarlane asks her co-host and former MI6 Chief, Sir Richard Dearlove about how the alleged spies likely got caught and speculation the trio may have been sleeper agents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
UK Defense Minister on Ukraine After NATO Summit
In this week's episode, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, wrap up their on-the-ground reporting at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. Kate and Richard discuss President Donald Trump's closing press conference, his statements about an Israeli assessment that the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites were successful, and the intelligence methods that could support this. Later in the episode, Kate interviews UK Defence Secretary John Healey about his perspective on the summit and President Trump's significant role in the agenda. Plus, Sir Richard and Kate share their favorite moments over the last two days, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's viral moment referring to Donald Trump as "Daddy,” and how a renewed sentiment among European nations for greater defense spending shifted the American president’s attitude towards the alliance. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Bonus: Did Russia Stage the Drone Attack?
The United States and Ukraine have strongly denied any involvement in an alleged drone assassination attempt against Vladimir Putin this week. According to Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, two drones were reportedly downed by Russian air defences above the Kremlin, the fortress which is the heart of the government. One Decision’s Julia Macfarlane and Sir Richard Dearlove analyze the incident, the possibility it could be a false flag operation by Russia to escalate the war, and how Moscow could retaliate against Kyiv. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdrl.fm -
Google Earth’s New AI Lets Anyone Fabricate Completely Bullshit Satellite Images
"Tonight I typed just one sentence into Google Earth and put refugees near the Mexican border. Then I planted a nuclear plant in Iran. Then I put a fatal crash on a street in Amsterdam." -
The Shifting World of OSINT (with Craig Silverman)
Joseph speaks to Craig Silverman, one of the co-founders of Indicator. Indicator is a new, independent media company that Craig runs with Alexios Mantzarlis. For years Craig has covered the world of ad fraud and disinformation using all sorts of open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques. Definitely check out Indicator at Indicator.media. The site publishes its own investigations but also tips and tricks you can use yourself. Indicator’s site: https://indicator.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
Landing Big Scoops as an Indie Journalist (with Marisa Kabas)
Marisa Kabas is the founder of The Handbasket, an independent newsletter and website that has been breaking stories left and right about government workers, the media business, and Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Jason and Marisa share notes Marisa about doing journalism without a big newsroom, how the media business has changed over the last decade, and why sources often prefer to talk to journalists who don’t work for mainstream media. YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/e73spvZnc9s The Handbasket: https://www.thehandbasket.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Ticketmaster Hack
So, the Ticketmaster hack got a lot, lot worse. Jason breaks down why in the first half of the show. After the break, we talk more Ticketmaster, and how scalpers have teamed up with hackers to liberate "non-transferable" tickets. In the subscribers-only section, Joseph explains the latest with sales of netflow data to the U.S. government. Ticketmaster Confirms Hack in SEC Filing The Ticketmaster Hack Is Becoming a Logistical Nightmare for Fans and Brokers Scalpers Work With Hackers to Liberate Ticketmaster's ‘Non-Transferable’ Tickets U.S. Nuke Agency Buys Internet Backbone Data Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Websites An ICE Contractor is Monitoring
We start this week with Joseph's story about the 200+ sites an ICE contractor called ShadowDragon is monitoring. A lot of surprising ones on there. After the break, Emanuel explains why NASA, Yale, and Stanford scientists are considering leaving the U.S. for France. In the subscribers-only section, Emanuel breaks down the fascinating reason why Super Nintendos are getting faster as they age. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/LBUsFawJ6E0 The 200+ Sites an ICE Surveillance Contractor is Monitoring NASA, Yale, and Stanford Scientists Consider 'Scientific Exile,' French University Says Super Nintendo Hardware Is Running Faster as It Ages Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Disappearing DOGE Depositions
This week we start with Joseph’s series of articles about the DOGE depositions. He watched hours and hours of them, then a judge ordered them removed from YouTube. But, they’ve already been archived all over the web. After the break, Jason tells us about the AI data labelers who are fighting back. In the subscribers-only section, Jason breaks down what’s wrong with all the AI job loss research at the moment. 0:00 - Intro 0:51 - Google Street View's Unmappable City 3:40 - I Watched 6 Hours of DOGE Bro Testimony. Here's What They Had to Say For Themselves 13:24 - DOGE Deposition Videos Taken Down After Judge Order and Widespread Mockery 18:58 - The Removed DOGE Deposition Videos Have Already Been Backed Up Across the Internet 28:32 - 'AI Is African Intelligence': The Workers Who Train AI Are Fighting Back SUB'S STORY - AI Job Loss Research Ignores How AI Is Utterly Destroying the Internet YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/xtMniLj_yzQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
Cops Are Using AI Bots to Surveil People
We start this week with Emanuel and Jason's big story on Massive Blue, a company that is selling AI-powered undercover bots posing as protesters and children to the cops. After the break, Sam tells us about visiting the millennial saint. In the subscribers-only section, we talk business and the state of 404 Media. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/E98i9OFJbW4 Leaked: Palantir’s Plan to Help ICE Deport People ICE Plans Central Database of Health, Labor, Housing Agency Data to Find Targets This ‘College Protester’ Isn’t Real. It’s an AI-Powered Undercover Bot for Cops I Went to See ‘God’s Influencer,’ the Millennial Saint Carlo Acutis How 404 Media Is Navigating 'Economic Headwinds' Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
People Are Modding Meta Ray-Bans to Spy On You
We have something of a Meta Ray-Bans smart glasses bumper episode this week. We start with Joseph and Jason’s piece on a $60 mod that disables the privacy-protecting recording light in the smart glasses. After the break, Emanuel tells us how some people are abusing the glasses to film massage workers, and he explains the difference between a phone and a pair of smartglasses, if you need that spelled out for you. In the subscribers-only section, Jason tells us about the future of advertising: AI-generated ads personalized directly to you. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/tAmhRnHc16Q 1:00 - A $60 Mod to Meta’s Ray-Bans Disables Its Privacy-Protecting Recording Light 18:03 - Meta's Ray-Ban Glasses Users Film and Harass Massage Parlor Workers SUBSCRIBER'S STORY: The Future of Advertising Is AI Generated Ads That Are Directly Personalized to You Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The CrowdStrike Outage
Some weeks are just crazy. On Friday, Windows machines around the world went down due to a faulty update to CrowdStrike's security software. We discuss what happened, and why, and the impact. After the break, Sam tells us how she vaped the internet (yep). In the subscribers-only section, we describe some leaked Cellebrite documents we got, which show what phones Cellebrite can (and can't) unlock. To Fix CrowdStrike Blue Screen of Death Simply Reboot 15 Straight Times, Microsoft Says CrowdStrike ‘Deeply Sorry for the Inconvenience’ CrowdStrike Outage Impacted U.S. Government Agencies I Tried to Vape the Internet Subscribe at 404media.co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The OSINT Hunt for a Sex Trafficking Ringleader
We're dedicating a whole episode to Sam's new narrative piece on how a ragtag group of friends hunted down a wanted sex trafficking ringleader. First we give you all the context for why this person, Michael Pratt, eventually ended up on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Then Sam breaks down the hunt for Pratt, told through the eyes of the people who were there. In the subscribers-only section, Joseph explains how and why hackers are "Airbnb hopping." 'She Turned Ghost White:' How a Ragtag Group of Friends Tracked Down a Sex Trafficking Ringleader ‘Airbnb Hopping’: How Hunted Hackers Stay on the Run From Kidnappers Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
Replacing 404 Media with AI
Here's a fun one: Emanuel made his own ChatGPT-powered news site that ripped off our work and that of WIRED, The Verge, and others to show just how easy spinning up one of these AI click farms really is. After the break, we listen to some of the AI-generated music that has major record labels suing some startups. In the subscribers-only section, Sam tells us all about how a bunch of chatbots suddenly changed personality overnight. I Paid $365.63 to Replace 404 Media With AI Listen to the AI-Generated Ripoff Songs That Got Udio and Suno Sued ‘No Bot is Themselves Anymore:’ Character.ai Users Report Sudden Personality Changes to Chatbots Subscribe and gain access to bonus content at 404media.co. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
Inside a Small Town's Fight Against a $1.2 Billion AI Datacenter
We start with Matthew Gault’s dive into a battle between a small town and the construction of a massive datacenter for America’s nuclear weapon scientists. After the break, Joseph explains why people are 3D-printing whistles in Chicago. In the subscribers-only section, Jason zooms out and tells us what librarians are seeing with AI and tech, and how that is impacting their work and knowledge more broadly. YouTube version: https://youtu.be/rHk580uKwHw 6:03 - Our New FOIA Forum! 11/19, 1PM ET7:50 - A Small Town Is Fighting a $1.2 Billion AI Datacenter for America's Nuclear Weapon Scientists12:27 - 'A Black Hole of Energy Use': Meta's Massive AI Data Center Is Stressing Out a Louisiana Community21:09 - 'House of Dynamite' Is About the Zoom Call that Ends the World30:35 - The Latest Defense Against ICE: 3D-Printed Whistles SUBSCRIBER'S STORY: AI Is Supercharging the War on Libraries, Education, and Human Knowledge Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Arrest of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov
Emanuel and Jason break down the arrest of Telegram cofounder Pavel Durov, a slide deck showing "active listening" advertising based on microphone data, and a concerning new study that shows AI-generated CSAM is more common than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
How to Talk to Your Friend Experiencing 'AI Psychosis'
This week we start with Sam’s story discussing something that has come up a lot but no one has really answered: how do you speak to your friend or family member falling into AI psychosis? After the break, Joseph breaks down what happened when the FBI wanted data from ProtonMail. In the subscribers-only section, Emanuel tells us about the viral developers behind an app called Quittr, and how they exposed very sensitive data of hundreds of thousands of users. 1:21 - 'How to Talk to Someone Experiencing 'AI Psychosis' 27:33 - Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous ‘Stop Cop City’ Protester SUBSCRIBER'S STORY: Viral 'Quittr' Porn Addiction App Exposed the Masturbation Habits of Hundreds of Thousands of Users 'How to Talk to Someone Experiencing 'AI Psychosis' Proton Mail Helped FBI Unmask Anonymous ‘Stop Cop City’ Protester Viral 'Quittr' Porn Addiction App Exposed the Masturbation Habits of Hundreds of Thousands of Users YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/oRiJHLIYkkw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
404 Media Live: LA! [TEASER]
This is a recording of our live show in Los Angeles in July! In this show we spoke all about ICE's technology and our reporting on it. Facial recognition, Palantir, Flock, and more. And we take questions from the audience. Thank you to everyone who came and we hope you enjoy the discussion! Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm -
The Video Game Industry’s Existential Crisis (with Jason Schreier)
The video game industry has had a turbulent few years. The pandemic made people play more and caused a small boom, which then subsided, resulting in wave after wave of massive layoffs. Microsoft, one of the major console manufacturers, is shifting its strategy for Xbox as the company shifts its focus to AI. And now, Electronic Arts, once a load-bearing publisher for the industry with brands like The Sims and Madden, is going private via a leveraged buyout in a deal involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner. Video games are more popular than ever, but many of the biggest companies in the business seem like they are struggling to adapt and convert that popularity into stability and sustainability. To try and understand what the hell is going on, this week we have a conversation between Emanuel and Jason Schreier, who reports about video games for Bloomberg and one of the best journalists on this beat. Jason helps us unpack why Microsoft is now aiming for higher-than-average profit margins at Xbox and why the company is seemingly bowing out of the console business despite a massive acquisition spree. We also talk about what the EA deal tells us about other game publishers, and what all these problems tell us about changing player habits and the future of big budget video games. YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/6ydF7hD6cFI Subscribe at 404media.co for bonus content. Microsoft Pushes Xbox Division to Hit Higher Profit Margins EA's Deal to Go Private Could Be Good for Investors, Bad for Employees EA Buyout Highlights Gaming Struggles as Growth Slows The Video-Game Industry Has a Problem: There Are Too Many Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicespdst.fm