Podcast Is Broken Brittlestar, Steve Boots, Lisa B

In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa B discuss various topics including a video of Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition, coming out of a trailer covered in graffiti, and the potential impact of these events on conservative voters. The conversation also touches on the role of politicians' PR teams, the need for politicians to connect with the middle ground, and the importance of appearing competent and knowledgeable. The conversation explores the recent ban on cell phones in Ontario schools and the broader issues surrounding technology use in education. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of the ban, including the distraction and mental health effects of phones, as well as the need for students to learn responsible technology use. They also touch on the lack of acknowledgment and support for students who have experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.


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Brittlestar, Lisa B, and Steve Boots discuss the recent budget and the controversy surrounding the increase in capital gains tax. They highlight the misconceptions and outrage from some individuals who believe it will affect them, even though it primarily targets the wealthy. They also touch on the benefits of living in Canada, such as healthcare, and how corporations should recognize and appreciate these advantages. The hosts question the loyalty of those who threaten to leave the country due to a small tax increase and emphasize the importance of paying for the benefits of Canadian society. The conversation explores the idea of wealth inequality and the need for taxing the rich. It discusses the concept of trickle-down economics and how it doesn't work in practice. The conversation also touches on the role of philanthropy and the limitations of relying on the generosity of the wealthy. It highlights the importance of taxation and the responsibility of the wealthy to contribute to society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the government's PR strategy and the need to reinvigorate the public service. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of investing in public services and valuing frontline workers. They highlight the need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services to gain public trust. The hosts also share their experiences with COVID-19 and the challenges of accessing necessary treatments. The episode ends with their signature improvised theme song.


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In this episode, Brittlestar, Lisa B, Steve Boots, and guest, Fae Johnstone, discuss the current state of trans rights and trans issues in Canada. They explore the reasons behind the recent pushback against trans rights, including the use of trans issues as a distraction from other pressing issues. The conversation also touches on the role of social conservative factions within conservative parties and the tactics they use to roll back progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The hosts and guest emphasize the importance of engaging in dialogue, presenting facts, and focusing on the portion of the population that is open to conversation and education. The conversation explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the trans experience. It emphasizes the importance of acceptance, support, and understanding for trans individuals. The speakers discuss the need for parents to trust their children's decisions and the importance of providing access to gender-affirming care. They also address the politicization of trans issues and the objectification of trans bodies. The conversation concludes with a message of hope and the importance of fighting for a more inclusive and equal society. The conversation explores the obsession with trans women and the lack of backlash against trans men. It highlights the idiocy of focusing on trivial issues like bathroom usage and the need for more inclusive spaces. The discussion also touches on the importance of educating and informing people who may be uninformed or hesitant about transgender issues. The guests emphasize the need for dialogue, shared values, and holding politicians accountable for their ideas. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted improvised theme song.


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In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, and Lisa discuss various topics, including the Swan Parade in Stratford, Ontario, and Alex Jones endorsing Pierre Poilievre. They also touch on the alignment of ideologies and the complexities of political alliances. The conversation explores the polarization in politics and the lack of nuance in public discourse. It discusses the controversy surrounding Pierre Poilievre and his association with Alex Jones, as well as the response from the conservative party. The conversation also touches on the need for critical thinking and the danger of falling for conspiracy theories. The hosts express concerns about the upcoming election and the lack of substantive policy discussions. They also discuss the government's investment in AI and the debate between public and private infrastructure. The conversation explores the potential impact of AI on various aspects of society, including job displacement, music generation, and education. The hosts discuss the need for regulation and education around AI, as well as the limitations and challenges of AI technology. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a personal touch in artistic endeavors and the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI. The hosts conclude with an improvised musical theme.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca

Summary
In this podcast episode, Brittlestar Steve Boots and Lisa B, along with special guest Naheed Nenshi, discuss the relationship between Alberta and the rest of Canada, particularly Ontario. They explore why there seems to be a chip on Alberta's shoulder and why people in Ontario view Alberta as a wasteland. Naheed Nenshi, the guest, explains that some of the tension is rooted in the historical perception of the West as a source of resources for central Canada. The conversation also touches on environmental policies, the energy market system in Alberta, and the mismanagement of the electricity market by the UCP government. The conversation between Naheed K Nenshi and Brittlestar explores the political landscape in Alberta and the role of empathy and compromise in politics. Nenshi discusses the question of whether the government's actions are driven by malice or incompetence, and he leans towards incompetence. He also criticizes the current government for being disinterested in governing and for making policies that harm vulnerable groups. Nenshi explains his decision to re-enter politics and his goal of bringing hope and unity to Alberta. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to rural communities and understanding their concerns. Nenshi also discusses the shift in political discourse towards anger and division, which he attributes to deliberate strategies by certain groups. In this final part of the conversation, Naheed K Nenshi discusses the demographics of political audiences and the changing voting patterns of older generations. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders and finding common ground within the party. Nenshi also addresses the need for clear communication and understanding when discussing healthcare and private investment. He acknowledges the challenges of building a coalition and winning over voters in Alberta, but remains optimistic about the future of the NDP.
Takeaways
There is a historical perception that the West, including Alberta, is seen as a source of resources for the enrichment of central Canada.
Tension between Alberta and the rest of Canada is fueled by divisive discourse from politicians and an inability to make deals for the benefit of all.
Environmental policies and the energy market system in Alberta contribute to the strained relationship between Alberta and the rest of Canada.
The mismanagement of the electricity market by the UCP government has led to skyrocketing electricity prices in Alberta. The current government in Alberta is seen as incompetent rather than malicious, although there may be instances of malice in certain policies.
Nenshi aims to bring hope and unity to Alberta and believes in the importance of reaching out to rural communities.
The political discourse has shifted towards anger and division, which Nenshi attributes to deliberate strategies by certain groups.
Nenshi emphasizes the need for empathy and compromise in politics and believes in the power of kindness and empathy to bring about positive change. The demographics of political audiences are changing, and it is important for parties to recognize and engage with diverse groups.
Older generations are no longer exclusively conservative, as voting patterns show an inversion where older individuals are becoming more liberal.
Engaging with stakeholders and finding common ground within the party is crucial for success.
Clear communication and understanding are necessary when discussing healthcare and private investment.
Building a coalition and winning over voters in Alberta can be challenging, but it is essential for the NDP's success.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.podcastisbroken.ca

Summary
In this episode, Brittlestar, Steve Boots, Lisa B and this week’s guest, journalist Rachel Gilmore discuss the state of journalism and the reasons behind its decline. They explore the impact of capitalism and extractive practices on journalism, as well as the shift towards profit-driven models. The role of advertising in funding journalism is examined, along with the challenges and potential solutions for sustainable funding. Despite the challenges, there is optimism for the future of journalism and the importance of preserving it as a public good. The conversation explores the value of good journalism and the challenges faced by news organizations in the current media landscape. It discusses the gap in the market for reliable news and the difficulty of finding trustworthy sources. The need for news organizations to adapt and meet audiences where they are is emphasized. The conversation also delves into the impact of confirmation bias, media literacy, and critical thinking on the consumption of news. The decline of journalism and the role of social media and algorithms are examined. The importance of building trust through personal connections and the need for diversity in newsrooms are highlighted. In this episode, the hosts and guest discuss the changing landscape of journalism and the potential benefits of the crashing and burning of mainstream media. They explore the failings of mainstream media in covering important issues and the need for a more diverse range of perspectives. The conversation also delves into the uncomfortable transition in media and the importance of nurturing the survival of democracy. The value of traditional media institutions and the pros and cons of their structures are examined. The hosts and guest offer suggestions for supporting journalism and taking action to help the industry.
Takeaways
The decline of journalism is influenced by capitalism and extractive practices.
Advertising plays a significant role in funding journalism, but it also poses challenges and potential conflicts of interest.
Alternative funding models, such as public funding or crowdfunding, could help insulate journalism from the influence of advertisers.
Preserving journalism as a public good is crucial for holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable. The value of good journalism lies in providing reliable and trustworthy information to the public.
There is a gap in the market for reliable news, as many news organizations prioritize profit over quality journalism.
Consumers should be critical of the news they consume and seek out diverse perspectives.
News organizations need to adapt and meet audiences where they are in order to provide information in a way that is accessible and engaging.
Media literacy and critical thinking are essential in navigating the current media landscape and avoiding confirmation bias.
The decline of journalism is influenced by factors such as social media, algorithms, and the prioritization of profit over quality reporting.
Building trust through personal connections and fostering diversity in newsrooms are crucial for the future of journalism. The crashing and burning of mainstream media can lead to a more diverse range of reporting perspectives.
Mainstream media institutions have failings in covering important issues and often prioritize profit over informing the public.
The transition in media is uncomfortable but requires active participation and vigilance to ensure the survival of democracy.
Supporting journalism involves subscribing to and promoting outlets that do good work, as well as putting public pressure on newsroom executives.
The value of traditional media institutions lies in their layers of accountability and access to resources, but there are also drawbacks to their structures.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 The Decline of Journalism
06:05 The Shift to Profit-driven Journalism
08:32 The Role of Advertising in Journalism
13:08 Alternative Funding Models