• 1054: Renee DiResta | The Puppet Masters of Public Opinion
    Sep 24 2024

    Invisible Rulers author Renee DiResta explains how disinformation has reshaped online discourse with real-world consequences — and who benefits from it!

    What We Discuss with Renee DiResta:
    • The phenomenon of "audience capture" — influencers and content creators becoming more extreme in their views to cater to their audience's expectations and maintain engagement.
    • The concept of "flooding the zone" with multiple explanations or theories to create confusion and make it difficult to determine the truth, often used in disinformation campaigns.
    • The "Liar's dividend" — the ability to deny real events or information by claiming they are fake or manipulated, enabled by the existence of advanced manipulation technologies.
    • The challenges of maintaining a shared reality in the age of social media, where people can easily find confirmation for their existing beliefs and form echo chambers.
    • To combat misinformation and propaganda, we can develop media literacy skills by being aware of our emotional responses to content, taking time to verify information from multiple sources, and learning to recognize common propaganda techniques. By cultivating these skills, we can become more discerning consumers of information and contribute to a healthier online discourse.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1054

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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • 1053: Generic Drugs | Skeptical Sunday
    Sep 22 2024

    Are generic drugs as good as their name-brand counterparts? On Skeptical Sunday, Dave Farina compares their development, prices, and efficacy.

    Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by Is This Wi-Fi Organic?: A Guide to Spotting Misleading Science Online author and host of the Professor Dave Debates podcast, Dave Farina!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:
    • Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but are typically much cheaper due to not having to absorb research and development costs.
    • Drug patents typically last around 20 years, giving companies a period of market exclusivity to recoup their investment before generics can be produced.
    • While the active ingredients are identical, there can be minor differences in inactive ingredients (excipients) between brand-name and generic drugs that may slightly affect bioavailability.
    • Regulatory bodies like the FDA play a crucial role in ensuring drug safety and efficacy, though rare oversights can still occur.
    • Consumers can make informed decisions about medications by understanding the similarities between brand-name and generic drugs, consulting with healthcare providers, and staying aware of drug safety information from reliable sources. This knowledge empowers individuals to potentially save money on prescriptions while still receiving effective treatment.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with Dave Farina on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, and check out the Professor Dave Debates podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts. Dave’s book, Is...
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 1052: Wack Prenup Request Puts Engagement to the Test | Feedback Friday
    Sep 20 2024

    Your engagement's on thin ice after a lackluster presentation and surprise prenup request. Is it time to say "I don't" instead? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
    • Do your habits align with your ideal healthspan/lifespan?
    • You're engaged to a man who suddenly asked for a prenup during a romantic date night, leading to a fight where you returned the ring. His proposal seemed half-hearted, and there are potential red flags about his commitment. How do you process this unexpected twist in your engagement?
    • You organized a charity run with a local business owner to qualify for a marathon, but he withheld the funds raised for months. Now you're grappling with anger and the desire for revenge. How will you handle this betrayal and protect future charitable efforts?
    • As a self-employed carpenter, you sometimes get a bad feeling about potential clients but struggle to turn them down politely. How can you trust your instincts and maintain professional boundaries without burning bridges or damaging your reputation?
    • Your coworker and close friend recently threatened suicide while armed, putting you in a dangerous situation. Now you're dealing with the aftermath and conflicting emotions. How will you process this traumatic experience and decide the future of your friendship?
    • Recommendation of the Week: Mafbeanl Rocket Launcher for Kids
    • Your sister, who you've grown close to as adults, has become distant since you set boundaries with her verbally abusive husband. She's going through fertility struggles and depression. How can you support her while respecting her space and protecting yourself?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1052

    If you love listening to...

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 1051: Tu Lam | From Refugee to Real American Hero
    Sep 19 2024

    From refugee to elite soldier to Call of Duty character: Green Beret Tu Lam shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose.

    What We Discuss with Tu Lam:
    • Tu Lam escaped Vietnam as a child on a dangerous boat journey, enduring extreme hardship before eventually making it to the United States as a refugee.
    • He faced significant racism and challenges growing up in America, but was determined to prove himself and joined the military, eventually becoming a Green Beret.
    • Tu Lam served in elite special forces units for over 20 years, participating in dangerous missions around the world including hostage rescues and counterterrorism operations.
    • After leaving the military, he struggled with PTSD and drug addiction, but was able to heal through various methods including psychedelic therapy.
    • Tu Lam's journey shows how we can overcome extreme adversity and trauma through perseverance, seeking help when needed, and finding positive ways to channel our experiences. His story inspires us to face our own challenges with courage and to use our struggles as motivation to help others.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1051

    If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?

    And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!

    Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • 1050: Lisa Kaltenegger | In Search of Alien Life and Livable Worlds
    Sep 17 2024

    Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life.

    What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger:
    • The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability.
    • Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane.
    • The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface.
    • The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang.
    • Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050

    If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?

    And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!

    Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 1049: Friend Was a Creeper But You're Not His Keeper | Feedback Friday
    Sep 13 2024

    A friend's arrest for a dark crime has you shaken. Can you protect your career and sanity from association with this monster? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday:
    • How did "The Thing" that Soviets used to spy on Americans during the Cold War (as described in episode 1027: Jonna Mendez | A Woman’s Life in the CIA) actually work? Some of our science-minded listeners have written in with fascinating answers!
    • Your close friend was arrested for possessing and distributing child abuse material, leaving you and your friend group in shock. You're grappling with feelings of betrayal, questioning your judgment, and worrying about potential impacts on your career as a preschool teacher. What steps can you take to cope with this crisis and safeguard your professional reputation?
    • As the new Director of Nursing Care, you're tasked with improving staff performance after years of lax management. You find yourself constantly disciplining employees and dealing with petty complaints, feeling more like a punitive boss than a supportive leader. How can you maintain positivity while addressing these challenges?
    • Your wife's family is fraught with tension due to her sisters' problematic marriages, including allegations of abuse and sexual assault. Fresh to the family, you're not sure where you fit into its overall structure yet. Can you help mend family bonds or should you keep your distance?
    • You're a Jewish doctor in a relationship with a Catholic woman, struggling to balance your religious practices with your desire to be with her. After a breakup and reconciliation, you discover she's still in contact with her ex. How do you address this without compromising your values or losing her?
    • Recommendation of the Week: Love on the Spectrum
    • As the founding CEO of a startup, you sacrificed relationships and recreation to build the company. Just as things were going well, you were replaced by the shareholders and are now owed a significant sum. How can you reclaim your professional path while rediscovering personal fulfillment?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram...
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 1048: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part Two
    Sep 12 2024

    Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 2/2 — find Pt 1 here!]

    What We Discuss:
    • The extreme brutality and inhumane conditions in the United States prison system, including rampant violence, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate medical care.
    • The complex and dangerous social dynamics within prison, including racial segregation, gang politics, and the constant threat of violence.
    • The psychological impact of long-term incarceration, including the difficulty of reintegrating into society and the lasting trauma experienced by both inmates and their families.
    • The systemic issues within the American prison system, particularly the profit-driven motives of private prisons that perpetuate a cycle of crime and recidivism rather than focusing on rehabilitation.
    • The power of personal transformation and education, as demonstrated by Shaun's journey from drug kingpin to advocate for prison reform. His story shows that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals can find ways to grow, learn, and ultimately use their experiences to make a positive impact on society.
    • And much more — be sure to check out part one of this conversation here if you haven't already!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1048

    If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?

    And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!

    Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 1047: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part One
    Sep 10 2024

    Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 1/2]

    What We Discuss:
    • Shaun Attwood, a former stockbroker turned drug dealer, recounts his journey from the UK to Arizona, where he became involved in the rave scene and eventually established a large ecstasy distribution network.
    • Shaun's story involves interactions with dangerous individuals, including members of the Mexican Mafia and associates of former show guest Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the drug trade.
    • The narrative illustrates the gradual escalation of criminal activities and the blurring of moral boundaries as Shaun became more deeply entrenched in the drug world.
    • Shaun describes the intense paranoia and constant threat of violence that accompanied his lifestyle, demonstrating the high personal cost of his choices.
    • Despite the dark nature of the story, Shaun's experiences offer valuable insights into the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices. His journey towards redemption, which will be further explored in part two later this week, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course and seek a better path in life.
    • And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation here later this week!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1047

    If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?

    And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!

    Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!

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    1 hr and 4 mins