#1266 - Ben Anderson
NaN minutesEpisode #1266
Ben Anderson is a journalist, television reporter, writer and recipient of the Foreign Press Award.
Watch the full episode of #1266 - Ben Anderson.
Episode Timestamps
Shane and the Afghan Ambush
- Mention of taking a knee in the middle of a gunfight
- War journalist's perspective on moving towards gunfire
- Ambush by Taliban during Operation Mushterak with US Marines
Reflecting on Conflict Reporting and Personal Impact
- Impact of conflict reporting on personal guilt and psyche
- Issue of rationalizing involvement in dangerous places
- Confronting the idea of purpose and significance in reporting
Impact of Information Overload and Perception Manipulation
- Discussion on experiencing numbness due to continuous exposure to danger
- Concern about information overload leading to ignorance of important issues
- Highlighting the challenge of distinguishing truth from manipulated content
Rise of Deep Fakes and Cynicism in Media Reporting
- Exploration of the rise of deep fakes and audio editing technology
- Concern over lack of verifiability and widespread misinformation
- Illustration of how cynicism in journalism impacts public perception
Mass Shooting Impact - Mosque and Beyond
- Discussion on the numbing effect of frequent mass shootings at different places like mosques, synagogues, and clubs.
- Concerns about the spread of biased news sources reinforcing confirmation bias.
- Challenges of differentiating reliable news sources from biased ones in today's media landscape.
Numbing Effect and Media Influence
- Exploration of the desensitization to violence through widespread availability of graphic content.
- Discussion on the lack of lasting impact of certain tragic images, like the Syrian refugee crisis.
- Reflection on the difficulty of gauging personal impact when reporting on global events and dealing with online disinformation.
Digital Distractions and Addiction
- People are constantly distracted by smartphones and social media.
- Comparison of smartphone addiction to a heroin addiction and its widespread impact.
- Reflection on the lack of discipline and accountability in utilizing technology.
Lack of Conflict and Appreciation
- Discussion on the absence of real conflict leading to frivolous behavior.
- Personal experiences highlighting the appreciation for basic elements in life.
- Concerns about the impact of constant accessibility on the newer generation's perception and understanding of the world.
Diversity and Segregation in Brooklyn & Atlanta
- Progressive white liberal parents in Brooklyn prioritize sending their kids to majority white schools
- Discussion on the perception of diversity in Brooklyn
- Contrast between Atlanta's racial demographics and social interactions
Materialism and Seduction of Finance Industry
- Description of the shift towards a finance-focused culture in New York
- Concerns about the materialistic and profit-driven nature of the finance sector
- Advice and caution against getting immersed in the pursuit of wealth and material possessions
Roberto Duran vs. Davey Moore Tragedy
- Roberto Duran, a massive underdog, caused a tragedy in the fight against Davey Moore.
- Duran's use of leather laces caused severe injuries to Moore.
- The brutality of boxing raises concerns about the sport's impact on fighters.
Jorge Mazvedal's Brutal KO and Comparing Boxing to UFC
- Jorge Mazvedal delivers a ruthless knockout to Darren Till in a UFC match.
- Discussion on the differences in appreciation between boxing and UFC crowds.
- Comparing the brutality and skill levels between boxing and MMA.
Encountering Danger in Mosul
- Recalling the intense combat situation in Mosul against ISIS with Iraqi soldiers.
- Describing the moment of facing a suicide bomber in an exploded shop.
- Reflecting on feeling numb and unreactive to extreme circumstances.
Therapeutic Breakthrough with MDMA
- Exploring the use of MDMA therapy to address PTSD and emotional numbness.
- Overcoming personal barriers and discovering a new perspective through therapy.
- Discussing the effectiveness of MDMA in breaking fight-or-flight patterns and facilitating emotional processing.
US-Saudi-UAE Airstrikes in Yemen
- Shift from US drone strikes to Saudi-Emirati airstrikes in Yemen with US assistance
- Repeated targeting of weddings, funerals, schools, hospitals suggests intentional approach
- Destruction of infrastructure leading to lack of basic necessities for civilians
American Influence in Yemen and Legality of Actions
- Presence of American military equipment and personnel linked to Saudi-UAE coalition
- Discussion on legality and impact of US involvement in drone strikes in Yemen
- Mentions of drone strike on American citizen and concerns over lack of accountability
Iran's Relationship with the US, Iraq War and Middle East Situation
- Iran's interest in getting rid of Saddam Hussein and cooperating with the US.
- Misunderstanding of Iran in the region due to government decisions.
- Analysis on Saudi Arabia's and the Emirates' bombing campaign against Houthis in Yemen.
Brazil's Chaotic Situation and Violence in Favelas
- Discussion on Brazil's economic crisis and political leadership.
- Violence and crime rate comparison between Brazil and Syria.
- Impact of mega-events like World Cup and Olympics on favelas and violence in Rio.
Michael Jackson and Jimmy Savile: Contrasting Images of Childhood Icons
- Michael Jackson portrayed as adorable and talented as a kid, contrasting with his later image.
- Discussion on how Jimmy Savile, a once beloved broadcaster, now seen as a monster retrospectively.
- Reflection on the lack of awareness about dark realities like pedophilia in the past.
Systemic Pedophilia and Challenges in Reporting from Conflict Zones
- Exploration of systemic pedophilia cases like Penn State and Sandusky incident.
- Discussion on challenges faced by war journalists in accurately reporting from conflict zones.
- Highlighting the disparity between on-camera news reporting and the reality faced by journalists on the ground.
Humanitarian Crisis in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan
- Discussion about the dire conditions in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan with millions displaced or fleeing
- Mention of efforts to provide basic services like medical care in conflict zones
- Debate on countries' approach towards accepting refugees with some welcoming and others not
Welcoming Afghan Interpreters in the US
- Story of Afghan interpreters who relocated to the US with a positive impact on their communities
- Advocacy for open arms reception of refugees for their contributions
- Comparison to historical refugee reception during World War II and moral obligation
Afghanistan War: 16 Years In, Victory Uncertain
- Marjah back in the hands of Taliban, despite US Marine presence
- Questioning the purpose and victory of the 18-year war
- Feeling of hopelessness and contemplation of retiring to Jamaica
Self-Reflection and Escape
- Contemplating retreat from war journalism
- Consideration of the usefulness of current work
- Struggling with guilt over indulging in leisure
Kim Kardashian's Efforts for Released Inmates
- Discussion on the challenges faced by released inmates post-jail time.
- Difficulties in finding housing and employment after incarceration.
- Kim Kardashian attempting to help a former inmate with rent for five years.
Criminal Justice System Critique and Profit from Incarceration
- Criticism of the U.S. criminal justice system and plea bargain statistics.
- Discussion on profit-making from people being incarcerated.
- The lack of investigation into businesses profiting from incarceration.
Johnson and Johnson to Market Ketamine
- Johnson and Johnson granted permission to market their version of ketamine
- Price comparison: $90 initial dose vs $15,000 selling price
- Concerns regarding legalization and profit-making motives in the therapeutic use of ketamine
The Saga of the Wu Tang Clan Album
- Discussion on Martin Shkreli's ownership and sale of the Wu Tang Clan album
- Speculation on FBI involvement and auction details
- Exploration of the album's value as a marketing tool
Conversation with Wilson Ben
- Expressing openness to different possibilities
- Expressing gratitude towards Wilson Ben
- Offering assistance for the future