Fog of Truth

Bart Weiss

A podcast about documentaries

  1. 3d ago ·  Video

    Steal This Story Please

    In this episode of the Fog of Truth, Bart John and Justina delve into the complexities of disinformation, the role of media in society, and the necessity of critical thinking in navigating the digital landscape. They emphasize the importance of being informed and discerning consumers of information. But mostly is it about Amy Goodman and the great film that Carl Deal and  Tia Leesin made about her. In a world where mainstream media often prioritizes corporate interests over the truth, Amy Goodman stands out as a beacon of integrity and relentless pursuit of justice in journalism. The recent film "Steal This Story Please" explores her remarkable journey and the impact of her work with Democracy Now!, an independent news source that provides the public with uncensored information.  This blog post unpacks the key insights from the film and highlights why Goodman's contributions are vital to understanding contemporary media. ## About Amy Goodman Amy Goodman is the founder and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a groundbreaking independent news program that operates without corporate sponsorship. For years, she has dedicated her career to covering stories often overlooked by mainstream media. Her fearless reporting, especially in war zones and during protests, showcases her commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. ## The Relentless Pursuit of Truth One of the film's most striking themes is Goodman's unwavering dedication to her craft. From chasing down officials at climate summits to covering war zones, Goodman's tenacity is emblematic of her commitment to journalistic integrity. - **Why It Matters:** In an era where news is frequently sanitized, Goodman's approach provides a refreshing reminder of the essential role of journalists in democracy. - **Example from the Film:** The opening scene highlights her determination as she relentlessly pursues a government official for comments, showcasing her physical and mental stamina in the field. - **Common Mistake:** Many journalists may shy away from confrontation or challenging the status quo, but Goodman exemplifies the importance of persistence in reporting. ## The Importance of Independent Media Goodman's work with Democracy Now! emphasizes the necessity of independent journalism in today's media landscape. - **The Conventional Thinking: ** Many believe that mainstream media provides a comprehensive view of current events, but this is often far from reality. - **What the Film Reveals:** The film contrasts the coverage of major networks during pivotal events, like the 2008 Republican Convention, with Goodman's on-the-ground reporting of protests and grassroots movements. - **Why This Matters:** Independent media sources like Democracy Now! challenge the narratives presented by corporate news outlets, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard.

    28 min

  2. Apr 8 ·  Video

    Shuffle

    Benjamin Florey on 'Shuffle': Recovery, Fraud in Treatment, and Building Impact Beyond the Film The Fog of Truth returns with an interview with filmmaker Benjamin Florey about his documentary Shuffle, described as a powerful film on drug abuse and institutions that harm people through fraud in addiction treatment. Florey explains why he framed the film with his own sobriety story, citing authenticity, his relationship to participants, and work-in-progress feedback from the Austin Film Society. He discusses the emotional toll of years of editing largely alone, the support of his wife, grants and screenings, and help from an investigative journalist consultant and editors Jackie Sein and Robin Schwartz. Florey outlines resisting salacious rabbit holes, using darkly humorous, repetitive editing to reflect the absurdity and cycle of relapse, and staying in touch with participants like Corey, Nicole, and Daniel's mom. He describes growing advocacy responsibilities, screenings with Thomas McClellan at Brown, calls for reforming fee-for-service insurance toward outcomes, and plans for a university tour, virtual screenings, and eventual streaming release via stoptheshuffle.com and Instagram. 00:00 Welcome Back Intro 00:33 Film Shuffle Overview 01:34 Why I'm In The Film 04:39 Editing Through The Pain 10:11 Keeping The Story Focused 16:28 Dark Humor Editing Style 19:03 Where Are They Now 20:59 Becoming The Spokesperson 26:19 Fixing Insurance Incentives 29:20 No Talking Heads Approach 34:19 If The Film Had A Foreword 36:51 How To Watch And Support 01:34 Sobriety Framing Choice 04:39 Editing Emotional Toll 10:11 Staying On Narrative Track 16:32 Dark Humor Cut Style 19:03 Where Are They Now 20:59 Becoming The Spokesperson 26:19 Policy Fixes And Obamacare 29:20 Why No Talking Heads 34:19 Forward For The Film 36:51 Where To Watch Next 39:14 Final Thanks And Wrap

    41 min

  3. Jan 8

    Natchez

    Suzannah Herbert and Darcy McKinnon discusses their feature film Natchez. The story begins with a wedding invitation that sparks an exploration of how historic locations are utilized for modern purposes, leading to a road trip through the South and research into the antebellum era. Initial filming faced setbacks when access was denied by the board of a plantation, prompting a pivot to Natchez, Mississippi. The film focuses on Rev, an engaging character met during a tour, and the complex, often painful history of the South. The documentary, characterized by a visually striking style, aims to entertain while provoking thought on history, culture, and racism. It is set for theatrical release and a later broadcast on PBS.

    22 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    Fog of Truth: Ai Weiwei's Revolutionary Turandot

    In this episode of Fog of Truth, Bart, John, and guest Daphne Street, an opera aficionado, discuss the documentary about Ai Weiwei's modern adaptation of Puccini's last opera, 'Turandot.' They explore Weiwei's unique interpretation, which highlights feminism and political discourse, and the challenges faced during production, including COVID-19 disruptions and Weiwei's brief incarceration. The documentary offers detailed insights into the production's visual and symbolic layers, bridging the gap between traditional opera and modern audiences. Daphne highlights Weiwei's calm and solution-oriented approach amidst obstacles, showcasing his confidence and versatility as an artist. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest 00:37 Overview of the Documentary 01:24 Puccini's Last Opera: Turandot 03:28 I Weiwei's Unique Interpretation 04:52 The Visual Spectacle 10:21 The Impact of COVID-19 11:57 Art and Politics Intertwined 14:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections 18:42 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

    25 min

  5. 10/10/2025

    Commune

    Bart, John, and Justina Explor 'Commune': A Dive into the History and Ideals of Communal Living In this episode of 'Fog of Truth', the hosts delve into the movie 'Commune', a documentary made 20 years ago about a 40-year-old commune in Northern California. The film serves as a time capsule, exploring the lives of people who lived at Black Bear Ranch. The discussion explores the challenges and complexities of intentional communities, shares personal anecdotes from hosts who have lived in communes, and examines the impact of communal living on individuals' later lives. The episode also touches on the unique cultural and political context of the 60s and 70s, including how the commune's funding involved contributions from rock and roll musicians. The hosts discuss the relevance of the film in today's troubled times, the practicality of modern communes, and the documentary's anthropological significance. 00:00 Introduction to Fog of Truth 00:04 Overview of the Commune Documentary 01:29 Personal Connections to Commune Life 03:12 Challenges and Dynamics of Communal Living 04:16 Modern Reflections on Communal Living 06:35 Moral Dilemmas in the Commune 08:28 Archival Footage and Historical Context 09:49 Notable Stories and Personalities 13:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 18:06 Closing Remarks and Credits

    20 min

  6. 09/22/2025

    Torn

    The Fog of Truth Episode 101: Interview with Nim Shapira In the 101st episode of The Fog of Truth, Bart interviews filmmaker Nim Shapira about his new documentary, which chronicles the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the subsequent putting up and taking down of Photos of the hostages taken by Hamas,in New York City.    Shapira discusses the emotional significance behind the posters put up by communities as a form of action and grief, the experiences of various individuals affected by the conflict, and the importance of empathy and dialogue. The film, shot in winter 2023, focuses on the social fabric of New York City and explores themes such as freedom of speech, diverse perspectives, and the importance of difficult conversations. Additionally, Shapira highlights the involvement of Israeli artists and shares some of the challenges faced during production.    Introduction and Milestone Celebration  Interview with Nim Shapira Begins  Nim Shapira's Background and Initial Reactions  The Documentary's Themes and Focus Artists Behind the Posters  Challenges and Risks Faced Finding and Working with Documentary Subjects  Emotional Anchors and Personal Stories  Public Reactions and Social Impact  Screenings and Audience Reactions  Final Thoughts and How to Watch the Film

    25 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Alan Govenar, and the making of " Voices in a Noisy World: the Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas"

    Alan Govenar, talks about his work over the year, including his organization Documentary Arts. He then goes through the jounney about making this new film about Jasper Texas.

    31 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    Architecton interview with Viktor Kossakovsky

    An Interview with Kossakovsky about his new film Architection. The discussion goes back to the begining of cinema and how sound changed cinema language, and why archetects should use stone instead of concrete.

    18 min
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4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

A podcast about documentaries

Information

  • Creator
    Bart Weiss
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Fog of Truth