Hit Pause with Star Price

Star Price
  • 4.8 (5)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

We're living in a time of sweeping change and constant chaos. HIT PAUSE with STAR PRICE is a podcast exploring the head-spinning cultural shifts happening every-single-day. From the fall of the world order to the rise of AI, from the insanity of our politics to the revolution of independent media (and what about Starbucks shrinking its cup size?) — we offer a look into what it all means, with a few laughs along the way. Host Star Price is a documentary filmmaker with 30 years of experience interviewing people who matter. New episodes every Thursday!

  1. 3d ago

    The Senate fight for Maine

    Graham Platner is out. Troy Jackson is in. And suddenly the Maine Senate race is a very different fight. Can Jackson take the energy of the movement that grew around Platner and turn it into a winning coalition against Republican Senator Susan Collins? Joining us is Maine Monitor political journalist Josh Keefe, who explains what changed when Jackson became the Democratic nominee — from the appeal of his working-class roots to the challenge of winning over independents and Republicans. We also hear from six Maine voters who supported Platner about whether they're ready to get behind Jackson. We look at Collins' record, her vote for Brett Kavanaugh, her relationship with Donald Trump, and the challenge Democrats face in a state where ticket-splitting has helped Collins win in the past. This is the first of three big episodes taking us inside three critical Senate races in three very different states. First up: Maine. Next: Texas. Then Michigan. Subscribe to Hit Pause for more reporting and conversations that make sense of the chaos. On YouTube: https://youtu.be/nNlm6gScIh8 On Substack: https://starprice.substack.com/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Can Democrats Finally Win Maine? 01:23 What Happens After Graham Platner? 03:31 Can Jackson Build a New Movement? 05:15 Can Troy Jackson Replace Platner's Charisma? 08:21 The Advantage of Being From Northern Maine 09:23 Can Jackson Win Republicans? 11:34 Susan Collins' Biggest Vulnerabilities 15:46 How Much Power Does Collins Really Have? 18:08 Can Jackson Unify Democrats? 20:05 Is the Race Really This Close? 21:12 What Should Jackson Do Next? 23:17 What's Next for Graham Platner? 23:59 What Does Collins Want to Do With Her Power?

  2. Jul 30

    What's With All The Conspiracy Theories?

    Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and writer David Cross joins Hit Pause to explore why more people are embracing conspiracy thinking, what the internet has done to our sense of reality, and why it's becoming harder than ever to agree on what's true.From the Dead Internet Theory and Project Blue Beam to Bigfoot and aliens, we explore why conspiracy theories spread so easily, and why so many people believe them.For more than 30 years, David Cross has found the absurd in American culture. In this episode, he brings that same curiosity and skepticism to one of today's most important conversations.If you enjoy thoughtful interviews about politics, media, psychology, technology, and culture, subscribe for new conversations every Thursday.Go to the show website for every episode, short, and article:https://hitpausepod.comAnd follow us on Substack: https://starprice.substack.com

  3. Jul 23

    Is This The Future We Want?

    Technology is changing our lives faster than ever. But the bigger question isn't what our machines can do—it's what kind of future we're creating. Roboticist and bestselling author Daniel H. Wilson joins me for a conversation about creativity, surveillance, robotics, human connection, and how we can remain human in an increasingly technological world. Want more? The Extended Cut—with 31 extra minutes of this conversation—is available to watch or listen on my Substack: https://starprice.substack.com — Hit Pause is a long-form interview show exploring the big cultural shifts shaping our lives. Subscribe for new conversations every Thursday.

  4. Jul 16

    Why Does America Feel So Different?

    Historian and Political Junkies author Claire Potter joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping American politics, media, and public life. We explore why authenticity has replaced polish in politics, how cable news and social media changed the way we consume information, why trust in institutions has eroded, and what might come next after the Trump era. We step back to examine the bigger cultural shifts that have transformed the country—and what history can teach us about where we're headed. In this episode: • Why America feels so different today • Authenticity vs. truth in modern politics • How media changed politics • Why people trust institutions less • What happens after Trump? • Is there a path back to a healthier political culture? If you enjoy thoughtful, long-form conversations about understanding the big changes in our world, please subscribe to Hit Pause.

  5. Jul 9

    Is AI Moving Too Fast?

    Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than almost any technology in history. Every week brings more powerful models, new breakthroughs, and bigger promises. But are we moving too fast?Holly Elmore thinks the answer is yes. As the founder and executive director of PauseAI US, Holly has become one of the country's leading advocates for slowing the development of advanced AI until stronger safety measures are in place. Her organization organizes protests, lobbies lawmakers, and argues that the race to build ever more powerful AI systems has outpaced our ability to control them.In this episode of Hit Pause, we discuss:• Why she believes AI poses an existential risk• Whether a global pause is realistic• The ethics of building increasingly powerful AI• Why she confronts the companies leading the AI race• Whether innovation and safety can coexist• What happens if we don't slow downDo we need to hit pause? Or is slowing AI impossible?Subscribe for more long-form conversations about the ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts shaping our future.And follow us on Substack at starprice.substack.com

  6. Jul 8

    UPDATE: Graham Platner - The New Scandal

    Maine Monitor journalist Josh Keefe rejoins Hit Pause to discuss the new accusations against Graham Platner. Can he possibly survive this latest controversy? And how does his collapsing campaign change the Democratic race for Senate against Republican Susan Collins? Watch the full episode at https://www. youtube.com/@hitpausepad, and visit starprice.substack.com for all the episodes, and Star Price's Field Notes.

  7. Jul 2

    Why We Love True Crime: Paul Holes Breaks Down 3 Brutal Murders

    In this episode of Hit Pause, legendary investigator Paul Holes joins me to explore the psychology behind our obsession with murder, serial killers, and unsolved mysteries. Paul shares what decades of studying violent crime have taught him about human nature. We also discuss: the Missy Bevers murder, the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, and the enduring mystery of Marilyn Monroe's death. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about the issues shaping our lives, subscribe for new episodes every week. Visit HitPausePod.com for every episode, plus links to my Substack, where you'll find my Field Notes.

  8. Jun 26

    What Happened to Real Life?

    For years, technology promised to make life easier. So why do so many of us feel more disconnected than ever? Bestselling author David Sax (The Future is Analog) joins Hit Pause to explore why people are rediscovering the value of real-world experiences. From bookstores and vinyl records to neighborhood restaurants, travel, and face-to-face conversation.We talk about why the future may actually be more analog than digital, how our relationship with technology has changed, and what anyone can do to bring more joy, meaning, and connection back into everyday life.If you've ever felt burned out by screens, social media, or constant connectivity, this conversation offers a hopeful perspective on what comes next.In this episode:• Why people are returning to analog experiences• The hidden costs of living online• How community and tactile experiences improve our lives• Can technology and real life coexist?• Practical ways to reconnect with what mattersSubscribe to Hit Pause for weekly conversations that make sense of a rapidly changing world. We're also on Substack (starprice.substack.com), Apple and Spotify. Links in bio.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We're living in a time of sweeping change and constant chaos. HIT PAUSE with STAR PRICE is a podcast exploring the head-spinning cultural shifts happening every-single-day. From the fall of the world order to the rise of AI, from the insanity of our politics to the revolution of independent media (and what about Starbucks shrinking its cup size?) — we offer a look into what it all means, with a few laughs along the way. Host Star Price is a documentary filmmaker with 30 years of experience interviewing people who matter. New episodes every Thursday!

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