Social Sleuth

Kenny

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SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED MONTHLY

Here at Social Sleuth, we investigate and create space for dialogue surrounding the hot topics of memes and the cultural impacts of the things we share on the internet. Seeking to find the blurry line where comedy and self-expression meet the concerns of misinformation, digital literacy, and censorship. kennyc402.substack.com

JAN 17

making meaning w/ Loren Gaudet

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I sit down with Dr. Loren Gaudet, an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria, to talk about rhetoric. I ask Loren about her expertise and research in the rhetoric of health & medicine, and science & technology. The digital space is a new frontier for meaning-making, and so much about how we think about health and wellness is entrenched in our digital habits—for better or worse. It’s better to ask, “Who is persuading whom of what, and what are the means of persuasion?” — Judy Segal, than ask nothing at all. Find an article from Loren here: “Health awareness as genre: the exigence of preparedness in cancer awareness campaigns and critical-illness insurance marketing” And consider sharing this post… *THIS EPISODE: Explores the nature of memes, the interdisciplinary study of rhetoric, and the complexities of health and medicine rhetoric; Shares personal experiences, academic journeys, and the challenges of engaging in meaningful online discourse; And touches on the impact of media environments on understanding and beliefs, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and communication. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

1h 10m
11/17/2025

modern media w/ Ryan Jespersen

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I sit down with Ryan Jespersen, the host of Real Talk, to unpack his move from corporate to independent media. Along the way, we dissect ‘cancel’ culture for what it is and highlight the unassuming yet profound ways Ryan champions mental health advocacy. Ryan offers real talk throughout this episode – underscoring how authentic, vulnerable, and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue is necessary and rewarding. Find Ryan Here -> Real Talk | Ryan Jespersen And consider sharing this post… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

42 min
10/17/2025

nurturing nostalgia w/ Andy Sahlstrom

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I am joined by Andy, an interactive technology engineer, inventor, and kinetic artist - who from what I gathered is a pretty cool dude. I invite Andy into the conversation of Internet Culture, discussing nostalgia, the evolution of his project Shampoooty, and the impacts of the digital landscape personally and socially. This episode offered a point of reflection that I can’t wait to unpack in Social Sleuth Diaries #2. Until then, enjoy. Find more from him, here → Andy Sahlstrom & Shampoooty And consider sharing this post… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

43 min
09/17/2025

creative code w/ Eli James

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I dive into the more philosophical aspects of art and AI. AI is a multifaceted topic, with many critiques circulating the web. Rather than recounting these grievances, I sit down with Eli James, an artist, to discuss the emotional and personal dimensions of generative AI. I encourage AI enthusiasts and critics alike to listen to this episode with an open mind. AI, “a tool of the future”, comes with ethical dilemmas that need attention. Check out some of Eli’s creations here -> Faxanudu on Spotify Consider sharing this episode, And feel free to jump in on the discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

40 min
08/17/2025

ecocide w/ Bill Carroll

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I discuss the crisis of ecocide with Dr. William K. Carroll. The climate crisis spans across culture, even that of the internet. You’ve seen the campaigns, the greenwashing ads, and the click-tivism invites. It can be overwhelming, alarming, demoralizing, and maybe even frustrating - But today Bill offers a recentering of focus and explains the systems/structures that have gotten us here today. *Spoiler. it’s not those same ones that will get us out. Bill’s New Book -> Refusing Ecocide: From Fossil Capitalism to a Livable World And the Corporate Mapping Project that he Co-directed with Shannon Daub. Perhaps you’d like to share this episode… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

49 min
07/17/2025

techno intolerance w/ Lina

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I reflect and seek advice from Lina in navigating some of today’s most pressing digital movements - calling out Big Tech and the weird world wide web along the way. Addressing the elephant in the room we unpack what can only be identified as the next stage of digital bureaucracy - without discounting our own complacency, I am reminded things are complicated, and Lina brings the nuance centre stage. Find more from her, here → Lina Maria Clevenger And consider sharing this post… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

1h 6m
05/17/2025

surveillance w/ Midori Ogasawara

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I discuss all things surveillance with Dr. Midori Ogasawara. Bringing it back to where it all began - I am honoured to have Midori as a guest here on Social Sleuth, given her classes are what really got me thinking about the topics I discuss on this podcast! We talk about some of her latest work and lay down the hard truths of the digital and surveilled world we live in. Don’t worry there is hope - we just have to act. Find more from her, here → Midori Ogasawara Midori’s article mentioned in the episode → “In the Heart of Liberal Democracy” Or consider sharing this post… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

40 min
04/17/2025

BookTok talks w/ Sydney

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I discuss all things BookTok with Sydney, the creator behind Bloody Brilliant Books. Getting outside my area of expertise to dive into a very high traction area of the web - BookTok, which encompasses short form video content (specifically on TikTok) aimed at recommending books to fellow readers. We talk about the benefits, for both readers and authors alike, and discuss a bit of the controversy within the community and industry. Find more from Sydney, here —> Bloody Brilliant Books Or consider sharing this post… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

37 min
03/18/2025

the web w/ my Mom

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I discuss all things interwebs with nobody else than MY MOM! We hope you enjoy our genuine conversation that takes many side quests - parenting, growing-up, surveillance, wellness, if it’s on the web we probably mentioned it. that may be a bit dramatic… but so is this episode. with love, Kenny. Want to hear more episodes like this? I also take on these topics in a more serious fashion.. it’s called range. check it out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

48 min
02/18/2025

(mis)information w/ Matthew Facciani

In this episode of Social Sleuth, I discuss all things misinformation with Matthew Facciani, a social scientist who works at the University of Notre Dame, studying information systems, media literacy and how people interact with AI. Matthew is engaged with so much of this growing body of research, both in his own work and that of others in the field. It was such a treat to talk about a slew of topics, including social identity, media literacy, and political polarization - all of which benefitted from his informed and balanced perspective. Find Matthew Facciani OR: And me HERE -> Social Sleuth OR: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

36 min
01/18/2025

internet (culture) w/ Aidan Walker

In this episode of Social Sleuth I sit down with Aidan Walker, a writer, content creator, and internet culture researcher. THIS GUY MEMES and there is a lot to take away from this conversation about surveillance, algorithms, the future of memes and much much more. Find Aidan Walker OR: And me HERE -> Social Sleuth OR: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

57 min
01/03/2025

decoding memes w/ Marnus

In this inaugural episode of Social Sleuth, I dive into the complexity of memes with a long-time friend, Marnus. A fun conversation to say the least, and one I hope makes you think a bit about how you consume content online. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kennyc402.substack.com

36 min

12 Episodes

Here at Social Sleuth, we investigate and create space for dialogue surrounding the hot topics of memes and the cultural impacts of the things we share on the internet. Seeking to find the blurry line where comedy and self-expression meet the concerns of misinformation, digital literacy, and censorship. kennyc402.substack.com

Creator

Kenny
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kenny
Show Website

Social Sleuth