Calling Bullsh!t

Latest Episodes:

The Science of Bullsh!t Detection Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Here on the show, we say bullsh!t is the gap between word and deed - it’s what the BS scale is all about- but not everyone defines BS exactly the same way.

So we thought...let's kick off season two by diving into BS itself. What is it? Where does it come from? At what point does it become dangerous? And how can we all keep our BS detectors in fighting shape?

Show Notes:

Watch John Petrocelli’s viral Ted Talk on detecting bullshit and buy his book here.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juul Update: A Hazy Future? Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

The FDA's recent sequence of decisions has Juul fighting to keep its pod charged. Some clap. Others boo. Most are left scratching their heads. Will this help teens quit vaping or just open up the market for more competitors?

As a Silicon Valley startup, Juul’s focus on hyper-growth targeted toward young people put them in hot water. But, the reason the FDA gave for taking their product off the market may surprise you. And now Juul is ready to defend their purpose to transition adult smokers away from combustible cigarettes and fight back in court.

Join us for a Season 2 update episode with Lauren Etter, a reporter at Bloomberg News & Author of “The Devil’s Playbook: Big Tobacco, JUUL, and the Addiction of a New Generation”.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailer: Calling Bullsh!t is Back Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

We’re back. Join us as we ask weight loss app Noom to step on the scale, analyze Robinhood’s aim to “democratize finance for all” and consult with some real experts on how well (or not) McKinsey is living their purpose, to name just a few.

We also feature companies who are getting it right: we talk to the CEOs of global giant Unilever, female leadership network Chief, and Indian agri-business Samunnati.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calling Bullsh!t: Tarnished Trust? Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

In our season finale, we revisit the trust crisis, reflect on what we’ve learned so far, and respond to some great questions and suggestions submitted by our listeners.

We end where it all began: with an examination of the trust crisis and what we’ve learned about it in Season 1. Then we get BS called on us by a listener who makes some great points – which leads to a conversation with ad exec-turned-activist, Matt Rivitz. We discuss the role of advertising and marketing companies in the Bullshit-o-sphere and the possibilities for making tangible change.

Guests:

Matt Rivtiz - Chief Purpose Officer, Nobl Media & Founder, Sleeping Giants

We’d love to hear what you think about the show. Maybe you’re inspired to take action, maybe you disagree with today’s bullshit rating. Either way, we want to hear about it. Leave us a message at 212-505-2305. You might even be featured on an upcoming episode. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

Background Reading:

Sleeping Giants’ Wikipedia page provides a solid overview of the history of the organization and prior initiatives.
What is responsible advertising? Learn about how Nobl media is changing the landscape of how we think about the advertising industry.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BP: Breaking Promises? Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Twenty years ago, BP attempted an ambitious rebrand claiming that henceforth the initials BP would stand for Beyond Petroleum (formally British Petroleum). Two years ago, and STILL one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, they announced their new climate-friendly purpose: To reimagine energy for people and our planet. So what are the actions CEO Bernard Looney and his leadership team would have to take to plug this gusher and actually win back our trust?

To get to the bottom of this barrel, we talk with three experts on energy, climate, and marketing: Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director at national consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, Duncan McLaren, Climate Policy Expert, and Jamie Henn, co-founder of 350.org and Director of Fossil Free Media.

Guests:

Tyson Slocum - Energy Program Director, Public Citizen

Duncan McLaren - Climate Policy Expert

Jamie Henn - Co-founder of 350.org and Director of Fossil Free Media

Background Reading:

Read more about Tyson Slocum’s work at Public Citizen here.
Learn about Duncan McLaren’s latest research at Lancaster University.
Learn about Fossil Free Media’s recent projects and how to get involved.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb: A House of Cards? Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Airbnb began with a humble idea — help people live like a local, with locals. Are they truly owning that, or is it time to pay the rent?

From their humble beginnings as a site for staying with locals, Airbnb has grown to an influential force that shapes the way millions of people live and travel globally. Today, they have 5.6 million listings in over 220 countries.

In this episode, we explore Airbnb’s role in gentrification and housing shortages with activist Murray Cox, the founder of an independent data platform called Inside Airbnb. Then, we are joined by former New York City Councilman Ben Kallos and Executive Director of Jane Place, Veronica Reed to explore ways that Airbnb might take a new path.

Guests:

Murray Cox - Founder, Chief Data Activist, Inside Airbnb

Ben Kallos - Digital at USDS and former New York City Council Member

Veronica Reed - Executive Director at Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative

Background Reading:

Learn more about how Murray Cox is using data to hold Airbnb accountable at Inside Airbnb.
Read about the law Ben Kallos wrote to force hosts of 38,000 Airbnbs to register with the city to make sure that every single one is safe and legal.
Read more about land trusts and Veronica Reed’s work at Jane Place.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allbirds: Making a Material Difference Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

Allbirds was founded on the purpose of “Better things made in a better way.” After 8 years of business, they’ve invented numerous ways to walk that talk.

In 2014, Allbirds co-founders Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger created a way to make sneakers out of wool instead of oil. Only 8 years later, Allbirds is now a publicly-traded company working to put their entire industry on a more sustainable path. How did they get here, and what did it take to take it all on?

Today’s episode is a 1-on-1 with Allbirds co-CEO, Joey Zwillinger. Joey shares with us how Allbirds’ purpose has driven product innovation, and how the company keeps its thinking fresh and its products recyclable.

Guests:

Joey Zwillinger - Co-Founder and CO-CEO, Allbirds

Show Notes:

Allbirds is adding another element of sustainability to their business model with ReRun: a marketplace for upcycled products.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CoreCivic: Unlocking the Truth Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

CoreCivic’s purpose promotes “change,” “compassion,” and “community.” But can for-profit prisons truly be the change they wish to see in the world? In this episode, we explore the paradoxes and pitfalls of an industry with a murky history.

Guests:

Sharon Brett - Legal Director, ACLU Kansas

César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández - Gregory Williams Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at Ohio State University College of Law and Author

David Safavian - General counsel, American Conservative Union Foundation

Background Reading:

Learn more about Sharon’s work at the ACLU Kansas.
Read César’s book, ‘Migrating to Prison’.
Learn more about David Safavian and the American Conservative Union Foundation.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America: Is it only a dream? Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

The United States of America. What is its true purpose, and whose lives does it exist to serve? In this special episode, we take a look at the current state of one of the world’s most powerful purpose-led organizations.

This episode looks at one of the most powerful purpose-led organizations in the world: The United States of America. With polarization and animosity between the left and the right at record levels, is the American dream still alive? What needs to be done to make our shared purpose clear, inspiring, and true?

We ask a wide variety of people who identify as Americans, and one who does not, to weigh in. We reach across the political spectrum to hear different takes before having an in-depth discussion about potential solutions with former (and future?) presidential candidate, Andrew Yang.

Guests:

Andrew Yang - Founder, Forward Party

Tatewin Means - Executive Director, Thunder Valley

David Safavian - General counsel, American Conservative Union Foundation

Adrian Bonenberger - Investigative Journalist

Jaeki Cho - Co-Owner, Alumni

Mikaela Reid - Audio Producer, the New York Times

Basil Soper - Podcast Researcher & Guest Curator, Calling Bullsh!t Podcast

Yvonne Clarke - Former law secretary

Andrean Clarke - Public school teacher

Jonathan Craig - Pool Technician

Penelope Soper - Middle-schooler

Background Reading:

Read Andrew Yang’s book ‘Forward’
Learn more about Tatewin Means and Thunder Valley
Learn more about David Safavian and the American Conservative Union Foundation
Read Adrian Bonenberger’s latest articles here.
Learn more about Jaeki Cho and Alumni here.

If you love the show, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Find out more at https://callingbullshitpodcast.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus Episode: Why We Made the Show Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

We made this podcast for all of us: consumers, business leaders and investors who are trying to encourage, create and grow better, more sustainable businesses. And hopefully to inspire all leaders with the ways they might make their own organizations better and more successful.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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