Level Up: Unfiltered

Lauren Greene

Level Up: Unfiltered is a podcast where we strip away illusions and confront inherited beliefs—because no topic is off limits and no script is sacred. Together, we’ll break down myths, challenge authority, and empower ourselves to see the world clearly as we level up our lives—unfiltered and unafraid.

Episodes

  1. SEP 11

    Episode 3: The media matrix: who's programming whom?

    The most powerful weapon ever invented wasn't a bomb. It was a story. In this deep dive episode, Lauren exposes the hidden forces shaping what you think and believe. From Rupert Murdoch's media empire to algorithmic manipulation, discover how the information ecosystem controls public opinion—and how to reclaim your mental sovereignty.   This episode breaks down the mechanics of media ownership in Australia, reveals how social media algorithms hijack your nervous system, and provides practical strategies for protecting your peace while staying informed. Lauren shares personal insights on media consumption and mental health, plus actionable steps for becoming a more conscious consumer of information.   What You'll Learn How media ownership concentration in Australia compares globally (spoiler: we're ranked second-worst in the world)The real story behind the 2019 Australian federal election coverageWhy your brain treats "BREAKING NEWS" alerts like physical threatsThe hidden costs of constant connectivity on your mental healthPractical strategies for digital detox and mindful news consumptionHow to identify quality, independent journalism sourcesThe difference between information and manipulationKey Topics Covered Media Ownership & Control Rupert Murdoch's 60%+ dominance of Australian print mediaThe dismantling of cross-ownership laws in the 1980s-90sRegional media monopolies and their impact on democracyABC funding cuts totaling over $783 million since 2014The Digital Revolution How Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms replaced traditional gatekeepersThe 2021 Facebook news ban in Australia and its consequencesFilter bubbles and algorithmic manipulationThe rise of citizen journalism and its double-edged impactPsychological Manipulation How "breaking news" triggers fight-or-flight responsesThe neuroscience of outrage and engagementDopamine addiction and infinite scroll designCompassion fatigue and attention fragmentationPersonal Protection Strategies Digital hygiene practices for mental healthCreating media-free zones and news fastingMindful consumption techniquesBuilding emotional resilience against information overloadRecommended Australian News Sources Crikey (fearless political reporting)The Saturday Paper (weekly deep dives)IndigenousX (Indigenous perspectives)Michael West Media (corporate accountability)The Conversation (academic expertise)ABC & SBS News (public broadcasting)Essential Reading "The Men Who Killed the News" by Eric BeecherMental Health Resources If media consumption is affecting your wellbeing: Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636Headspace: headspace.org.auMindSpot: mindspot.org.auMusic Credits Music by Alex Audiorezout, zec53, Mykola Sosin, Ashot Danielyan, Valentin Iakovlev, Viacheslav Starostin, Jeremiah Alves and Doobie Sadeh from Pixabay. Connect & Support If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more episodes and join the conversation about media literacy and mental sovereignty. Remember: Your attention is your power. Your curiosity is rebellion. And the truth is never afraid of being questioned. Support the show

    28 min

About

Level Up: Unfiltered is a podcast where we strip away illusions and confront inherited beliefs—because no topic is off limits and no script is sacred. Together, we’ll break down myths, challenge authority, and empower ourselves to see the world clearly as we level up our lives—unfiltered and unafraid.