Free Speech in Crisis

Over 400 celebrities signed an ACLU letter in support of Jimmy Kimmel's return to the air after being silenced by cronies of the current presidential administration. While public opposition to threats to free speech grew, we simultaneously had to navigate being presented with unwanted videos of recent public violence in the social media public square.

Word of the Week [1:46]: Otrovert: Just like most topics on this podcast -- this one challenges the binary of introverted and extroverted ways of being.

Phase 1 [7:05]: Ethical Reporting: How do journalists navigate the razor's edge between truth-telling and harm reduction, especially when covering violence? This episode explores trauma-informed reporting, the ethics of true crime, and the remnants of Mamie Till-Mobley's radical decision to "let the world see."

Phase 2 [29:54]: Free Speech in Crisis: What does "free speech" really mean when media consolidation, executive orders, and political pressure reshape the public square? From Jimmy Kimmel's blackout and subsequent return to censorship threats, we look at the tension between constitutional rights and corporate control.

Mentioned in the show

What Is an Otrovert? 5 Signs You Belong To This Rare Personality Type - MindJournal

A mother’s bravery. Her son’s legacy – National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The Rage: Some Closing Comments on “Open Casket” – University of California, Irvine Criminology, Law, and Society

Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship – The White House