The rise of social media is the central subject of our second instalment with tech pioneer Marc Andreessen. Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook ask whether social media is the principal force behind an increase in populist politics. The ‘Americanisation’ of culture plus Marc’s theory on why software is the closest thing to real life magic also feature.
A Goal ... Show More
Sep 13
705. Queen Victoria’s Revenge: The Mad Emperor of Abyssinia (Part 1)
Who was Emperor Tewodros II, the colourful and controversial Emperor of Abyssinia? Why did he brutally imprison a number of British emissaries, and how did Queen Victoria respond? And, how would this spark one of the most ambitious expeditions undertaken by the British Empire…? J ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 9
704. Roman Civil War: Master of the Republic (Part 4)
Who was Gaius Marius’ son, and how did he set out to bring down his father’s rival, Sulla? Which two rising stars in Sulla’s faction, Crassus and Pompey, would go on to bring down the Republic, with Julius Caesar? And, how did a momentous battle in the East see Sulla elevated to ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 6
703. Roman Civil War: Marching on the Senate (Part 3)
What shocking, unprecedented act did Sulla commit with his legions after having his ambitions frustrated once more by his bitter rival, the tribune Marius? How did Marius escape capture and death? And, would Marius retaliate…? Join Tom and Dominic as they unfold the mounting riva ... Show More
1h 13m
Aug 2024
Origins of Political Campaigns: Publicity Stunts & Fake News
<p>How do our politicians use the media? Throughout the 2024 election we have seen a boom in the use of social media and cable news, so how far back does this go?</p><br><p>To find out, Don speaks first to crisis public relations expert and TikTok star, Molly McPherson, to hear a ... Show More
50m 58s
Jul 2020
4: The Social Network, Part 2
The second half of The Social Network has a lot of surprises, including lighting scarves on fire, the strange depiction of a Napster co-founder, and cannibal chickens. Plus a look at where Facebook went between the film and now - it's social media for your parents to post weird t ... Show More
53m 59s
Sep 2020
#218 — Welcome to the Cult Factory
In this episode of the podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Tristan Harris about the ways in which social media is fracturing society. They discuss the rise in teen depression and suicide, political polarization, conspiracy theories, information warfare, the decoupling of power and re ... Show More
47m 22s
Oct 2019
#172 — Among the Deplorables
<p>Sam Harris speaks with Andrew Marantz about his book "Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation." They discuss the effect of social media on politics, the distinction between publishers and platforms, the problem of guilt by ... Show More
51m 31s