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The John Johnston Lounge

John Johnston

Welcome to The John Johnston Lounge, your daily reality check on tech oligarchs, corporate overreach, and the true state of the market.

Host John Johnston (JJ) delivers sharp analysis exposing the friction behind the headlines: billionaire legal threats, Silicon Valley power grabs, AI bubble economics, and corporate stunts. Cutting through PR spin, JJ holds Big Tech accountable, focusing on figures like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.

Zero sycophancy. Just grounded reality checks, sharp breakdowns, and a healthy dose of humor.

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  • 60 episodes
  • Avg 13 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Yesterday · 16 min

    Why a Trump Pardon Won't Save Elon Musk

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how President Trump has vowed to issue preemptive pardons to Elon Musk and White House staffers, should Democrats take control of Congress following the midterm elections. However, that may not fully stop legal accountability coming Elon’s way, for any criminality he may have engaged in during his reign at DOGE, at Tesla, and with SpaceX’s Starlink. Kara Swisher also weighs-in on the topic. Related episode: Elon TRIED to Buy Immunity. Now Tech Elites Panic. https://youtu.be/msmz9bV4OZc Referenced video: The “Blockers” Who Tried to Stop Trump, and the “Cowards” Who Chose Not To | On With Kara Swisher: https://youtu.be/86LYuo6e2yQ Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Trump, Trump pardon, Elon Musk pardon, preemptive pardon, presidential pardon, DOGE, Department of Government Efficiency, Kara Swisher, On with Kara Swisher, US politics, political news, midterm elections, Congress, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, legal accountability, tech news, John Johnston

  • Monday · 12 min

    Elon TRIED to Buy Immunity. Now Tech Elites Panic.

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Elon Musk and other tech billionaires, such as Peter Thiel, Chamath, and billionaire allies such as Jason Calacanis and Curtis Yarvin now seem to be panicking about potential government investigations into them and their companies, should the Democrats return to power. Related Episodes: “They’re Scared”: Jennifer Welch Exposes Musk & Zuckerberg https://youtu.be/1ZPKCioUPfg Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning https://youtu.be/fBFgiSDWYGA Referenced videos: Hegseth's Doomsday Plan, Transgender Fascism, & why Taco Bell is America The Tim Dillon Show https://youtu.be/ubWulIRhxIU Anthropic S-1 Shocker, Greatest Business Ever? Google’s $500B Wipeout, Midterm Predictions | All-In Podcast https://youtu.be/p1Dy4e4ff0s Elon HITS PANIC BUTTON, he KNOWS HE'S F**KED | Pondering Politics https://youtu.be/GKiO_5FgZy8 Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Elon Musk, Tech News, Politics, Silicon Valley, Peter Thiel, Chamath, Jason Calacanis, Curtis Yarvin, Kara Swisher, Scott Galloway, Tech Billionaires, Political News, US Politics, Tech Elite, Government Investigation, Breaking News, John Johnston, Tech Oligarchs, Political Commentary, Big Tech

  • Friday · 13 min

    Why Elon Musk Is In A Full Midterm Panic

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down what Kara Swisher just said about Elon Musk potentially facing Congressional Investigations after the Midterms, relating to DOGE and SpaceX’s Starlink operations, which will depend on the election results. Then we see what Kyle Kulinski just said about Elon Musk, breaking down a litany of alleged crimes Elon could be held accountable for. Related episodes: Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning https://youtu.be/fBFgiSDWYGA “They’re Scared”: Jennifer Welch Exposes Musk & Zuckerberg https://youtu.be/1ZPKCioUPfg Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Referenced videos: SpaceX, StarLink, & An Elon Musk Congressional Investigation | On With Kara Swisher https://youtu.be/JuvQJ6eLbpU Elon Musk Is Demonic | The Kyle Kulinski Show https://youtu.be/dA1GUNDm8wg Elon Musk, Kara Swisher, Kyle Kulinski, Secular Talk, Midterms, midterm elections, DOGE, SpaceX, Starlink, Congressional investigation, Department of Government Efficiency, US politics, political news, Elon Musk news, John Johnston, political commentary, Congress investigations, tech regulation, breaking news

  • Thursday · 11 min

    “They’re Scared”: Jennifer Welch Exposes Musk & Zuckerberg

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Jennifer Welch on the I’ve Had It podcast has criticized both Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg for their “dirty dealing” to do with elections in both the United States and Brazil. Welch and her I’ve Had It team think that Musk and Zuckerberg are also scared of looming accountability, which is why they are trying to interfere. Related episodes: Elon Musk Threatens To Sue Jennifer Welch After BRUTAL Takedown https://youtu.be/TzyNoLF2mNo Referenced videos: WHOA...IT'S OVER for Trump After THIS Investigation!! | I’ve Had It https://youtu.be/5G5LIEs3Wwo Trump’s MUSK Scandal EXPLODES as Judge Blocks Him From Dismissing “Dirty” Data Center Lawsuit! | Legal AF https://youtu.be/w0_-PDZXpRU Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Jennifer Welch, I've Had It, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, John Johnston, JJ, Election Interference, US Elections, Brazil Elections, Tech Billionaires, Social Media Politics, Big Tech Accountability, Politics News, Political Commentary, Podcast Clips, Legal AF, Donald Trump

  • October 27 · 15 min

    Elon Musk’s $180M Attack on Talarico BACKFIRES Instantly

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Elon Musk is spending a massive amount of money on an Midterm election campaign in Texas, against Democrat James Talarico, and he’s also attacking Talarico on Elon’s own social media platform, X. We hear from various commentators on the issue, including writer Stephen King, Alex Gibney, Dave Neal, Emma Vigeland, Crystal Ball, Elon “influencer” Steven Mark Ryan, and of course Elon Musk and Talarico themselves. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related videos: Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning https://youtu.be/fBFgiSDWYGA Elon Musk Threatens To Sue Jennifer Welch After BRUTAL Takedown https://youtu.be/TzyNoLF2mNo Referenced videos: ‘They’re Trying to Buy This Election!’ Talarico Calls Out Musk and Paxton https://youtu.be/qCNxFoCxwMs Talarico Ad Hits Elon Musk Where It Hurts | The Majority Report https://youtu.be/e4iisRX3V18 Elon Musk Attempting To Buy Texas Senator BACKFIRES As James Talarico SURGES! Midterm UPDATES | Dave Neal https://youtu.be/G24aM6OfwMk They're Trying To Destroy Elon Musk | Solving The Money Problem (Steven Mark Ryan) https://youtu.be/QluVMuDUSY0 Elon Musk, James Talarico, Texas Politics, Midterm Elections, Texas Senate Race, Ken Paxton, Elon Musk Attack, Texas Senate, US Politics, Political News, Breaking News, John Johnston, Stephen King, Alex Gibney, Emma Vigeland, Krystal Ball, Dave Neal, Steven Mark Ryan, Campaign Finance, Mega Donors

  • October 26 · 12 min

    “Die By The Sword”: Elon Musk THREATENS The Bulwark

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Elon Musk is continuing to threaten people online, who are calling for some serious accountability for him. Elon has threatened The Bulwark Podcast, and Tim Miller has responded to what Elon said. Elon also threatened Robert Reich with prison, after Reich called for “defunding Elon Musk” from government money, particularly for SpaceX. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episodes: Elon Musk Threatens To Sue Jennifer Welch After BRUTAL Takedown https://youtu.be/TzyNoLF2mNo Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning https://youtu.be/fBFgiSDWYGA Referenced video: We Seem to Have Upset Elon Musk | The Bulwark https://youtu.be/m3fI1ztkbIk Elon Musk, The Bulwark, Tim Miller, Robert Reich, SpaceX, Free Speech, Elon Musk News, Political Commentary, The John Johnston Lounge, Breaking News

  • October 23 · 15 min

    Elon Threatens To Sue Jennifer Welch After BRUTAL Takedown

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down why Elon Musk is threatening to sue popular ‘I’ve Had It’ podcaster Jennifer Welch over her harsh criticism of him. This comes a day after Elon threatened another prominent podcaster, Kara Swisher, over what she said about him. JJ looks behind Elon’s social media meltdowns over speech critical of him, to find out the real reason he might be worried about what these podcasters and others, including Kyle Kulinski and The Damage Report, are saying. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related espisode: Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning https://youtu.be/fBFgiSDWYGA MUSK Doc Director Reveals How Bad Media Censorship Really Is https://youtu.be/IRajo8QPPts Referenced videos: UH OH, Donald... DISASTER STRIKES After Elon DOES THIS!! | I’ve Had It https://youtu.be/GIIAI2ozlQM Elon PANICS & Realizes He’s Going To Prison | The Kyle Kulinski Show https://youtu.be/Etvx26iU83A Elon Musk CORNERED As Senators Demand Major Starlink Investigation | The Damage Report https://youtu.be/1eGy88_juP0 Elon Musk, Jennifer Welch, Ive Had It podcast, Kara Swisher, Kyle Kulinski, The Damage Report, John Johnston, JJ, Elon Musk lawsuit, Elon threatens to sue, Free Speech, Elon Musk meltdown, Starlink investigation, Tech news, Media censorship, Political commentary

  • October 22 · 20 min

    Elon Musk Threatens Kara Swisher Over Prison Warning

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how Elon Musk has been lashing out at podcaster and journalist Kara Swisher, and others, after Swisher implied that Elon knows that fate is coming for him eventually, in the form of renewed investigations into him and his company dealings. MUSK documentary maker also has some choice words about Elon. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a Proton Free version, and signing up for a Mail Plus plan using this link supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episodes: Elon Musk & Trump Are Throwing Ukraine Under The Bus https://youtu.be/0GYLtbdipU4 Referenced videos: Kara Swisher Warns Elon Musk: A Reckoning Is Coming | Receipts | The Bulwark https://youtu.be/z6wJ0ABvYfs Polls Reveal EXACTLY What People Think Of Elon Musk | The Damage Report https://youtu.be/sh36UQdxNQM Elon Musk, Kara Swisher, Elon Musk News, Tech News, The Bulwark, Political News, Tech Politics, Musk, Breaking News, Investigation, John Johnston, The Damage Report, Musk Documentary, Tech Journalism, Free Speech Debate

  • October 20 · 12 min

    Elon’s “Flying” Roadster Stunt: Was The Ramp Magnetized?!

    John Johnston (JJ) reacts to part of a new video that suggests the spectacular Tesla Roadster “demo” may have used a magnetized ramp, not only suction from the car’s fan system, to help it up the ramp and hold upside down at the top of the ramp, before vaulting off the end. Could this be true? Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (There’s a free version, and signing up for a premium plan supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Previous Tesla Roaster Demo Video: Elon’s “Flying” Tesla Roadster Was Movie Stunt Marketing https://youtu.be/98s7h4VPwHY Referenced videos: Tesla Mocks Roadster Pay Pigs With Clown Car Performance | Wall Street Millenial https://youtu.be/1lOxNhRwFIA The NEW Tesla Roadster: My Honest Reaction | Marques Brownlee https://youtu.be/scwlR0QHGOk Tesla Roadster, Elon Musk, Tesla, Flying Roadster, Tesla Roadster ramp stunt, magnetized ramp, Tesla Roadster demo, Tesla suction fan, EV news, electric vehicles, Tesla reaction, Elon Musk news, John Johnston, JJ, The John Johnston Lounge, tech commentary, auto news —— Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.

  • October 19 · 14 min

    Elon’s “Flying” Tesla Roadster Was Movie Stunt Marketing

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the new Tesla Roadster “demo”, which was more Hollywood stunt than product demo. Except for the potentially workable “fan car” system, will much of the other tech involved ever see the light of day? Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider a Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episodes: MUSK: “The Man Who Bulls**!s Us With Great Confidence" https://youtu.be/s41PUL5DI1o Referenced video: The NEW Tesla Roadster: My Honest Reaction https://youtu.be/scwlR0QHGOk The Kickflip | Roadster https://youtu.be/r5vsHHPVhJg The Ramp | Roadster https://youtu.be/7p5LxFdc-Qg tesla, tesla roadster, elon musk, flying tesla, flying car, fan car, tesla roadster demo, movie stunt marketing, automotive tech, electric vehicle, ev news, john johnston, the john johnston lounge, car tech breakdown —— Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.

  • October 16 · 19 min

    AI Bubble: ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’ AI Company Imploding?

    John Johnston (JJ) gives an update on how the AI bubble is currently playing out, including an AI neocloud company, Coreweave, that looks to be in trouble. Is it the “canary in the coal mine”, in terms of the ballooning AI sector? We hear the thoughts of Brad Gershner, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Eisman, George Noble,Ed Elson and more, about the current state of AI companies, AI stocks, and AI financing. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider a Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related videos: The AI Bubble Is Cracking (Starting With Data Centers) https://youtu.be/yvoUM5kuJO8 Ed Zitron’s AI Bubble Warning Goes Mainstream (Tech Bros Panic) https://youtu.be/3AhIcqDOOOI Referenced videos: The AI trade in focus: Altimeter's Brad Gerstner joins 'Halftime Report' live in San Francisco | CNBC https://youtu.be/s-h4NpYmVBU Zuckerberg Accidentally Exposes The Ai Scam's Bubble | The Majority Report https://youtu.be/ooMIF0u_ldk CoreWeave Is Imploding — And Taking AI Stocks Down With It | Prof G Markets https://youtu.be/tdXFaVaJfTo “Big Short” Investor: One Company Could Break The AI Boom https://youtu.be/PJrq_bw7bPc Ed Zitron: Microsoft Has $80 Billion Of AI Chips It Can't Plug In https://youtu.be/es4FfRU8saQ —— Disclaimer: I am not a financial adviser and nothing in this content is financial advice. This content is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Do your own analysis and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decision.

  • October 15 · 13 min

    Elon Musk & Trump Are Throwing Ukraine Under The Bus

    ohn Johnston (JJ) breaks down the news that Ukraine was blindsided by Elon Musk’s Starlink being cut off, severely disrupting military drone operations during a Russian attack. Elon Musk is blaming President Trump, while the White House (unofficially) is pointing back at SpaceX. JJ also reacts to part of a recent interview with President Zelensky by Piers Morgan about the current situation. Send Episode Feedback: ⁠thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider a Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episode: Can Elon Musk Really Buy the Midterms for $276M? https://youtu.be/nsTQkXe4at0 Referenced video: President Zelensky 'BETRAYED' By Trump & Elon Musk | Piers Morgan Interview https://youtu.be/2KrGqdxy_Ag Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Ukraine, Ukraine War, Starlink, SpaceX, Volodymyr Zelensky, Piers Morgan, Russia Ukraine War, Starlink Ukraine, Drone Warfare, US Politics, Geopolitics, White House, Military News, News Analysis, John Johnston

  • October 14 · 14 min

    MUSK Doc Director Reveals How Bad Media Censorship Really Is

    John Johnston (JJ) reacts to some of the MUSK documentary maker Alex Gibney’s comments on the current media environment, and how he’s been attempting to navigate it with the release and distribution of his MUSK movie, given Elon would like it not to be seen. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (It’s free, but signing up to premium supports the channel through a small affiliate commission). Related episode: They Tried To BAN This MUSK Documentary Trailer https://youtu.be/TwxiD3gmmqs Referenced videos: The Elon Musk Film You Need To See Before The Midterms https://youtu.be/gYWrIcQNFLQ Alex Gibney On His Elon Musk Doc & Why Hollywood Is More Scared Than Ever Before | Mixed Signals | Semafor https://youtu.be/OESKEnx3BcI Elon Musk, Alex Gibney, Musk documentary, media censorship, Musk movie, Alex Gibney interview, John Johnston, JJ reacts, free speech, tech censorship, Elon Musk documentary, film distribution, Twitter X, documentary review, mainstream media

  • October 13 · 10 min

    Can Elon Musk Really Buy the Midterms for $276M?

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down the news that Elon Musk has now become by the largest U.S. midterm election donor, to try and save Republican’s Senate majority with some of the biggest political donations in history. Send Episode Feedback: ⁠thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider a Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episodes: Dirty Work: How Billionaires Are Buying Elections https://youtu.be/W6KGpEtAGgk Elon Musk, Midterms, US Politics, Senate Race, Campaign Finance, Political Donations, Republicans, GOP, Election News, US Senate, Politics Today, Midterm Elections, John Johnston, Senate Majority, Super PAC, Political Spending

  • October 12 · 13 min

    Elon MUSK: “The Man Who Bulls**!s Us With Great Confidence"

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down part of an interview with MUSK documentary maker Alex Gibney, by Mehdi Hasan. Gibney describes how he thinks that Elon Musk is in part a classic trickster or “confidence man”, rather than some genius inventor or engineer; he’s an expert at selling people dreams. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail yourself: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episodes: Elon Musk & Shivon Zilis: Real Breakup or PR Move? https://youtu.be/wjxwZdl3w_o MUSK Documentary Maker: Elon’s "Psychologically Unhinged" https://youtu.be/PDVlAZNX6AM MUSK Documentary Maker Has A Brutal Elon Diagnosis https://youtu.be/Wv6Kp7tgBgs Referenced video: This Filmmaker Exposed Benjamin Netanyahu. Now, He’s Taking On Elon Musk | Zeteo https://youtu.be/KSrwoU9wG-8

  • October 9 · 21 min

    MUSK Director: Why Elon Bad Now OUTWEIGHS Elon Good

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down a brief part of an extensive interview with MUSK director Alex Gibney, and ex-wife Justine Musk, from On With Kara Swisher, about the new MUSK documentary and Elon Musk the flawed person. JJ also discusses the new David Byrne song “Let Me Sell You A Dream”, which is part of the documentary soundtrack. The question is asked: do the bad things Elon has done now outweigh the good? If you value your digital privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (signing up also supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me Related Episode: MUSK Documentary Maker Has A Brutal Elon Diagnosis https://youtu.be/Wv6Kp7tgBgs Referenced videos: Elon’s Biggest Lies with Justine Musk & “Musk” Director Alex Gibney | On With Kara Swisher https://youtu.be/LUjirxMzFqQf Musk | "Let Me Sell You a Dream" Music Video | Bleecker Street https://youtu.be/BzZfEbA1_Po David Byrne Reveals How He Got into Elon Musk's Head to Write His Song for the Documentary Musk | Late Night with Seth Myers https://youtu.be/UDRvESBHxZc Elon Musk, Alex Gibney, Musk documentary, Justine Musk, Kara Swisher, On With Kara Swisher, David Byrne, Let Me Sell You A Dream, Elon Musk documentary, Tesla, SpaceX, Elon Musk interview, John Johnston, The John Johnston Lounge, tech news

  • October 8 · 13 min

    Elon Musk & Shivon Zilis: Real Breakup or PR Move?

    John Johnston (JJ) asks the question: was the recent, very public breakup of Elon Musk and Shivon Zilis just a PR move, more to do with business and geopolitics than for personal reasons? Drey, from The Drey Dossier, thinks she may have joined the dots that point to this. Send Episode Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your online privacy like I do, consider Proton Mail: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (and signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Related episode: Why Elon Musk Blasts ‘Communists’ While Bowing To China https://youtu.be/jGyHNKkA3OI Referenced video: Elon Musk dumped Shivon Zilis and her drone company might be why. - Ep. 16 | The Drey Dossier https://www.youtube.com/live/-g8-XRKbZ68 Elon Musk, Shivon Zilis, Elon Musk breakup, Shivon Zilis breakup, Elon Musk news, Neuralink, PR move, PR stunt, The Drey Dossier, John Johnston, JJ, Tech news, Geopolitics, Elon Musk relationship, Tech drama

  • October 7 · 13 min

    MUSK Documentary Maker: Elon’s "Psychologically Unhinged"

    John Johnston (JJ) reacts to part of a recent On with Kara Swisher interview with the maker of the new MUSK documentary, Alex Gibney, and with Elon’s first wife Justine Musk. Gibney describes Elon as unhinged but with enormous power. Justine describes Elon as thriving on chaos and intensity. JJ also reacts to part of an Mehdi Hasan interview with Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, who discuss Elon Musk in relation to their new book, End Times Fascism and the Fight for the Living World. Episode Email Feedback: thejjlchat@proton.me If you value your digital privacy, get my Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you). Referenced videos: “Psychologically unhinged:” Elon, DOGE, and the MUSK documentary | INTERVIEW TEASER | On with Kara Swisher https://youtu.be/2frnKl5ZRL8 The Fascists Want Doomsday. Here’s How They Can Be Stopped | Zeteo https://youtu.be/oS-6Hd6seK4 Elon Musk, Alex Gibney, Musk documentary, Kara Swisher, Mehdi Hasan, Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor, Justine Musk, End Times Fascism, tech news, documentary review, politics, billionaire psychology, tech fascism, John Johnston

  • October 6 · 21 min

    Dirty Work: How Billionaires Are Buying Elections

    John Johnston (JJ) breaks down how billionaires in multiple countries are “donating” to political parties and third party groups in order to influence politics and elections in their favor. JJ discusses what’s currently happening in the United States leading up to the midterm elections, and in New Zealand leading up to the national election. Get the Proton Mail deal: https://go.getproton.me/SH32U (signing up supports the pod through a small affiliate commission). Episode feedback and comments: thejjlchat@proton.me Timestamp: 09:10 New Zealand Billionaires and their political influence Related episodes: How Dangerous is Peter Thiel? https://youtu.be/7fgMWeG8FOo Why Elon Musk Gets Away With It (So Far) https://youtu.be/2_f2MFHcJAE Referenced videos: Nicky Hager and Dirty Work: the author responds to his critics | The Spinoff https://youtu.be/Tip-dFuho-Q Labour promises law to stop businesses 'tricking' customers with hidden costs, fees | RNZ https://youtu.be/nZT0rpPmuds The Mowbrays are putting their thumb on the scale to help the right win the election | Big Hairy Network https://youtu.be/ZiuFJcZT578 Harry Mowbray - "Split The Vote Campaign Doesn’t Breach Electoral Law" https://youtu.be/cWj0k90xG4g money in politics, billionaires buying elections, campaign finance, political corruption, us politics, us midterm elections, new zealand politics, nz election, political donations, super pacs, dark money, influence in politics, democracy, john johnston, election funding, oligarchy, investigative journalism, political influence

  • October 2 · 15 min

    How Dangerous is Peter Thiel?

    John Johnston (JJ) discusses and reacts to some of the recent thoughts of tech oligarch or “broligarch” Peter Thiel, and some of his high profile critics: Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor. Is Peter Thiel more dangerous to democracy than the likes of Elon Musk, even though not as publicly visible? Referenced videos: Why are the super rich obsessed with the apocalypse? | LBC https://youtu.be/lFZ8-OLTlXY Naomi Klein: End Times Fascism | Doomscroll https://youtu.be/UHDwQ6FuWCs

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