Unspun

Latest Episodes:

Grandstanding: How Performative Politics Undermines Democracy May 06, 2025

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Political grandstanding is everywhere—from Congress to Tik Tok—and it's shaping how we talk, think, and even legislate. In this week’s episode of UnSpun, we break down performative patriotism, online outrage, and the troubling new USCIS policy monitoring social media for “anti-Americanism.” What happens when dissent gets misbranded as disloyalty? And how does grandstanding erode trust and civil discourse? Listen in as we explore the narcissism behind moral posturing and its consequences for democracy.

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The Language of Emotion, Power & Persuasion: How Metaphors Shape Politics: Apr 29, 2025

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Metaphors shape how we think—and feel—about politics. In this episode of UnSpun, we decode the hidden power of language, visuals, and music in political messaging. From Obama’s “arc of history” to crime-as-a-stain ads, learn how metaphors manipulate perception, stir emotion, and frame entire debates. Whether it’s a red hat, a patriotic soundtrack, or a cartoon donkey at the border—nothing is accidental. #PoliticalMetaphors #MediaLiteracy #UnSpunPodcast

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The Authoritarian Playbook: Why Universities, Law Firms and the Press are Under Attack Apr 22, 2025

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On this week's UnSpun, DrSturg explores why authoritarian governments target the press and educational institutions, and how these tactics are appearing in democracies worldwide:

Why authoritarian governments restrict press freedom:

Common tactics of information control:

The consequences of information control:

Ways to overcome the censorship

Resources mentioned:

Survey: http://bit.ly/UnSpunSurvey
Books: "Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News" and "We Are #AltGov: Social Media Resistance from the Inside"

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Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion Apr 15, 2025

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Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion

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Can Local Journalism Survive Big Tech and Billionaires? Apr 08, 2025

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In this episode of UnSpun, host DrSturg explores the past, present, and uncertain future of local journalism. Learn how local newspapers and TV stations went from thriving community pillars to empty shells—and why it matters. We examine the roles of money, consolidation, platforms like Facebook and TikTok, audience habits, misinformation, and AI in dismantling local media. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when no one covers city council meetings or school board votes, this episode is for you.

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Journalism in the Age of AI: Truth, Tech, and Transparency Apr 01, 2025

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This week, Dr. Sturg looks at the accidental Signal chat leak involving U.S. officials and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, digs into the rising influence of artificial intelligence in journalism. AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and automated content generators are reshaping how news is gathered, produced, and consumed. Learn about the ethical risks, misinformation potential, and what you, as a news consumer, can do to stay informed.

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Journalism, Bias, and the Battle Over Truth Mar 25, 2025

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What does it mean for journalism to be “objective”—and has that ideal outlived its usefulness? In this episode, DrSturg traces the rise of objectivity as a professional norm, examine how it shaped newsrooms, and look at the moments where it fell short—from Civil Rights reporting to vaccine coverage. She explores how political polarization, social media, and the calls for “moral clarity” are reshaping the conversation today. With real-world stories and thoughtful analysis, she unpacks why objectivity remains so powerful—and so contested—in the 21st-century media landscape.

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Testing Boundaries: How Politicians and Media Shift Public Perception Mar 18, 2025

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How do once-radical ideas become mainstream? In this episode of UnSpun, explore the Overton Window—the concept that explains how political and social boundaries shift over time. From the Green New Deal to gun control laws, media coverage, and social movements, I break down how public opinion is influenced, often without us realizing it. Join me as we unpack agenda-setting, framing, and the tactics newsmakers use to reshape reality. Stay sharp,

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The Press in an Oligarchy: How Power Controls the News Mar 11, 2025

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Who really controls the news? In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the role of the press in an oligarchy—where a small, powerful elite shapes public perception through media ownership, restricted access, and censorship. From billionaire-backed news outlets to state-controlled narratives, we break down how information is manipulated and what journalists can do to fight back.

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News vs. Opinion: How to Tell the Difference in Today’s Media Landscape Mar 04, 2025

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In today’s media landscape, distinguishing between news, commentary, and editorials has become harder than ever. With publications shifting editorial policies (like Jeff Bezos’ recent changes at the Washington Post), cable news blending reporting with opinion, and social media amplifying misleading content, it’s no wonder audiences feel lost.

Image credit: By Ed! at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36144156

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