logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2021
1h 3m

Amusing Ourselves to Death

ANDREW HEATON
About this episode

Neil Postman postulated that society avoided the totalitarian nightmares of George Orwell, only to embrace the frivolous idiocy of Aldous Huxley. His book "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business" questions the effects of television and infotainment on politics and culture. Andrew Young and Justin Robert Young join to discuss.

New history podcast: Losers, Pretenders & Scoundrels https://link.chtbl.com/SvbVq0zp

Nita Fashions: https://www.nitafashions.com/

Up next
Sep 10
How Do Other Countries do Healthcare?
Healthcare in America is more expensive than anywhere else in the world—but what are other countries actually doing differently? Physician and Slice of Life MD author Sally Primus joins me to tour healthcare systems from Germany and Britain to Japan, Australia, and Estonia. We lo ... Show More
1h 11m
Sep 4
Guys with Swords Control the French Language
Donald Trump has renamed Lake Ontario "Lake America" for federal purposes—but can a president actually rename a place, or only change what the government calls it? Andrew Heaton traces the strange history of who gets to control language, from ancient river names that survived Rom ... Show More
49m 10s
Aug 28
I Read the DSA's Platform. They're Socialists.
The DSA recently released a policy platform establishing the goals of their political movement. In this episode we got through the main planks of that document, namely the bits about "socialism" and "democratic." We likewise go through a few articles and interviews of prominent D ... Show More
59m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
Amusing Ourselves to Death - Book Summary
"Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business" 👉 For more insights, check out the full book here 📖 Transcript and written book summary available here for free 🗒️ Author: Neil Postman Category: Society & Culture 
23m 10s
Dec 2024
Appetite for Distraction: 1. Postman’s Prophecy?
Matthew Syed asks what it means to be distracted in a media world vying for our attention.In this first episode, he seeks answers in the work of the media theorist and educator Neil Postman. Forty years ago Postman wrote 'Amusing Ourselves To Death: Public Discourse in the Age of ... Show More
15m 7s
Apr 2023
Decency To Pretend
This week our brilliant idiots, Charlamagne and Andrew share their thoughts on Trump getting arrested and if it is fair or not that he did not take a mug shot picture. Later on in the episode they go down memory lane and give a warning to all mothers, aunties and even grandmas ab ... Show More
2h 2m
Apr 2020
#670 | Trevor Noah Hates Freedom-Loving Americans | Ted Cruz Guests | Louder With Crowder
What has been your opinion of late night during the COVID-19 pandemic? Kimmel, Colbert, Meyers ... have you found any of it to be fun? Is there even a joke or a bit that stands out? The gang talks about dying with dignity, Kenyan coronavirus care packages, Brian Stelter "not bein ... Show More
1h 40m
Jan 2025
TweakerKnockers
In this episode of the Brilliant Idiots podcast, Charlamagne and Andrew Schultz reflect on their New Year experiences, including travel adventures, celebrity encounters, and humorous discussions about dining and cultural observations. They delve into the Skip Bayless controversy, ... Show More
2h 7m
Nov 2022
The Comfort Of Conspiracies
This week the brilliant idiots first start off the episode giving Andrew birthday wishes as it just passed, which began a discussion about birthday insecurities. Next, they speak on Jake Paul ridiculous statements on beating Canelo, Diddy being positively brilliant dressing up ... Show More
1h 14m
Oct 2024
Professions, Photoshop, and Provocative Prints
William dives into your questions about what an etiquette expert actually does, while Jordan shares his feelings about the photoshopped image used for the book. The pair also mull over a listener’s dilemma about an unfortunate butter imprint that looks a little too... suggestive. ... Show More
20m 44s
Feb 2024
Curls, Call-outs and Capital
William and Jordan reflect on some BIG news, discuss the correct way to eat a Pot Noodle and hear a saucy revelation about witches.If you want to get involved you can email us, and for more Sexted fun sign up to our free VIG&Diva newsletter. You can follow us and DM on Instagram ... Show More
20m 31s
Jul 2024
Tongue Twisters
Distracted Dudes Look Dumb Doing Daunting Dictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 
54m 48s