They Stand Corrected

A man seeking the highest office in a government says he would carry out an illegal arrest -- something dictators are known for. In this case, the man making that threat is a Democrat.  Today, Josh highlights this big story the mainstream media is ignoring. Zohran Mamdani, who won a New York City mayoral primary, is making the threat even as he goes after Trump for extrajudicial arrests. It shows not only hypocrisy, but a growing appetite for antidemocratic actions on both ends of the political spectrum.  Mamdani described what he would do an act of “courage,” and drew a false comparison to same-sex marriage. To help you understand all this, Josh dispels myths about “international law” and discusses how in a democracy, the rules must apply to everyone no matter how people feel about them -- in this case, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Josh is preparing an episode about the One Big (true) Beautiful (nope) bill. Get the free newsletter and send in your questions: TheyStandCorrected.substack.com. Learn facts about the bill today at sponsor USAFacts (Short link: bit.ly/4ksK5Xl).They Stand Corrected counts on your support. Consider becoming a paid subscriber at the newsletter for exclusive content, or make a contribution at paypal.me/joshlevs.

When healthcare workers get false information from the news, people's lives can be in danger. That has happened recently, as big media misreported a step the Trump administration took involving women who need emergency abortions to save their lives. Today, emergency physician Dara Kass joins Josh to explain. Meanwhile, big news agencies have suddenly been paying attention to a source on Iran that they were ignoring before. Worse, they've been playing up a leaked preliminary report while ignoring reporting that the agency stands behind. Josh explains how this affects your safety.  Plus, Josh welcomes people from numerous countries. And for Americans, some new patriotic music for July 4th!

If there's any time the media should be especially careful about providing fact-checked information and context, it should be when people are saying they're scared of World War III. Instead, in the wake of U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, we've been getting a rush of talking heads spouting all kinds of claims. Today, Josh explains what the media has failed to make clear about the intelligence on Iran's nuclear capabilities; presidential powers; actions by previous U.S. administrations, and more. Meanwhile, just days before Israel attacked nuclear sites in Iran, the head of a group that follows the Middle East closely predicted what was about to happen. Yet much of the media refuses to hear from him. Gregg Roman of the Middle East Forum joins Josh to discuss some of the biggest media fails.

Since the previous episode, Josh has been living through history, and seeing first hand how reality can be so different from how it's portrayed in the media. Today, he shares his experience of being stuck in Tel Aviv after learning during a 3 a.m. ride that Israel had launched a historic attack on key Iranian nuclear sites. Soon, he and his group were hiding in bomb shelters as The Islamic Republic of Iran began to rain huge numbers of missiles down on Israel. He takes you on the trek that allowed his delegation to make it to safety, including a passage that's usually off limits, and a late night flight that, ultimately, got them out of Iran's reach. Along the way, Josh tells you crucial facts and context missing from the coverage in big media, including the reason “mutually assured destruction” does not work as a deterrent for Iran's nuclear ambitions; the perils of a “failure of imagination”; and the inefficacy of a key international agency. He describes the “wild card” of the Iranian public, and how his own coverage of an uprising in Iran ended up being featured at the top of a PBS documentary. Plus, how the U.S. media's obsession with politics and refusal to stop and think led it to carry a nonsensical “runaway angle” immediately after the news broke. And how the attention economy can lead people to endanger others. Meanwhile, Josh explains why his experience overseas helped him see the extent to which algorithms are dividing Americans no matter where they are. And he asks for your input on media coverage of events stateside, including protests and the National Guard deployment in California.

It's a powerful example of why truth requires context. A big, expensive military parade is scheduled in Washington on June 14, the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army -- which just so happens to be Trump's birthday. Protests are planned as well, many of which are organized under the banner “No Kings.” Today, Josh explains why it's a crucial moment for the media to educate people about some basics of democracy, current events, and U.S. history. But superficial news coverage only makes political divides worse. Also, which U.S. military parade featured a giant bust of a president, and why a new poll of veterans is misleading. Plus, big media blew it so badly on coverage of an American and Israeli effort to bring aid to Gaza that the White House was able to call out the BBC and other media. It's the exact opposite of how things should be. Meanwhile, The Washington Post had such an epic fail that it actually pulled something. And The New York Times' lack of basic logic reared its head yet again.

The more the media lies, the more dangerous America becomes. Now, a slew of terrorist attacks are targeting Jewish people or events. A governor's house was firebombed; a young Jewish woman and Christian man were slaughtered; and a march for hostages was firebombed. Among the wounded was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. In all these cases, radicalized terrorists said they were supporting “Palestine” -- just as big mainstream media were “reporting” disproven lies about Israel's actions in Gaza. Today, a guest joins Josh to explain the “absurd” reality: Rather than correcting what people say, the media is the one that has to be corrected. Also, a new book about Biden's decline is a journalistic fiasco designed to manipulate you and get your money. Josh shares behind-the-scenes details of how CNN has done this in the past. And he answers questions posed by Jon Stewart on the Daily Show. Plus, a big announcement: Josh is taking a trip to Israel to correct the media, and needs your help! Founding Members of the newsletter will make it possible. Join at: TheyStandCorrected.substack.com. (Or make any contribution at paypal.me/joshlevs.) Josh suggests ways he can thank you.

Every Memorial Day, the media praises the heroism of slain U.S. service members, especially those who served in World War II. But these reports are deeply hypocritical. Today, Josh explains how the media fuels the kinds anti-democratic movements that U.S. troops fought against. In fact, on a daily basis big news agencies legitimize a movement with roots in Nazism. You'll hear powerful words from FDR in the lead-up to World War II, arguing that the United States must help fellow democracies under attack. He called out infiltrators at home who support enemies of democracy, and people who cloak these agendas under alleged anti-war sentiments. It has great resonance now for Ukraine, Israel, and the radicalization fueling violence worldwide -- including the horrific slaughter of a couple in Washington. It also speaks to the dangers of Trump extolling dictators and expressing authoritarian instincts. Plus, Josh shares another president's warning on the “military-industrial complex.” And beautiful Memorial Day music, including from a sergeant standing alone in a national cemetery. To all fallen U.S. service members: thank you.

As soon as it started, a listener alerted Josh: an avalanche of “hit pieces” about Sen. John Fetterman was on the way. Soon, big news organizations did come forward with a slew of reports about the senator, a Democrat from Pennsylvania. The reporting involved allegations about his mental health from one named former staffer -- and a bunch of anonymous people. This triggered a debate. Did the media learn a lesson from Biden, or is it helping far left activists try to take down Fetterman for stances they don't like? In addition to being willing to reach across the aisle, Fetterman has been unwavering in his recognition of Israel's obvious right to fight to destroy Hamas after the most evil terrorist attack of modern times.  Today, Josh explains that this story is about much more than one man. It's about anonymous sourcing, rules over vetting information, and coverage of mental health. It's a tale of buried lines that are crucial for context and fairness, the media's tendency to forget the whole point of doing a story, and the gullibility that makes big news agencies ripe for a political operative to manipulate.

The media isn't just failing to fight for democracy; it's punishing a nation for being a democracy. Today, Josh takes you on a trip to a region you virtually never hear about in the news, to show you the “practical, simple, and pathetic reason” this happens. Along the way, you'll hear a crucial update on horrors facing Christians in Africa, and how a -- perhaps surprising -- religious leader stepped in where the media has failed.  Meanwhile, in a follow-up to last week, hear how the most venerated U.S. news program engaged in a public act of grandstanding. It was praised by journalists, but should instead be studied as a memorable sign of news industry hypocrisy. Plus, the media is propagating what is probably the biggest myth in U.S. politics, involving the two major parties and fiscal responsibility.

Journalists are talking about the importance of truth telling. But what they're saying conflicts with what their news agencies are doing. Today, Josh digs into this growing problem. When one speaker at a journalism awards dinner said something critical about the media, it ended up exposing the media's propensity for grandstanding. Plus, CBS platformed a Russian official in a long interview, and did not mention democracy. Even worse, CBS indicated that it took a piece of guidance from the Russian government. What?! Meanwhile, a leader of Columbia University's vicious antisemitic mobs has changed his story yet again. Josh explains.

A man getting a ton of news attention tells a tale of his tragic, inspirational backstory, and the media eats it up. But what if it isn't true? An independent journalist in the UK began doing some very basic fact checking, and quickly found that basic elements of the alleged story are, as he puts it “impossible.” On today's show, journalist David Collier joins Josh to discuss his coverage of a pro-terror radical from Columbia University whom the media have been portraying as a perfect, peace-loving hero. “I did what every single journalist in the United States should have done,” David explains. The tale this man is spinning could just as easily be “about Narnia. It's crazy that any journalist has looked at this person and taken him seriously.” So, have any major news agencies changed their reporting in the face of this evidence? Listen in to find out.

An annual spectacle is about to take place in Washington, showing so much of what's wrong with today's media: the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. On today's show, Josh digs into the corrosive obsession with “fame” in the news business, and how it leads journalists to stray far away from their role of providing you the truth. You'll hear a network's flagship political show, just the other day, present sports analyst Stephen A. Smith as a contender for the U.S. presidency -- without mentioning that he has no particular set of knowledge or skills for the job. (As Josh explains, Smith himself points out what's wrong with this way of thinking.) And you'll hear a political operative talk about how the fame obsession led members of his party in Washington to do “evil.” Also, how the media weaponizes fame to skew stories, like that of a pro-terror radical from Columbia University. And a crucial lesson from the Enron scandal more than twenty years ago.  The They Stand Corrected newsletter is a bestseller! People like you are choosing to go beyond the free version and become paid subscribers. If you do, you'll support the show, get exclusive content, help determine topics Josh discusses, and learn the secrets to free, legal, no-paywall access to lots of major news sites. (Visit joshlevs.com/newsletter.) You can also support via PayPal, as this show begins its second year. Thanks to sponsored partnerships, help the show for free TODAY only: Sign this petition demanding the hostages' release: bit.ly/43UwpzI Pledge to support the medic heroes of United Hatzalah: bit.ly/4iRFj5A Feedback, questions, ideas, bookings: joshlevs.com.

There's a line you often hear these days: that people don't “see themselves reflected” in the media. Today, a guest joins Josh to explain how that problem applies to a majority of American voters -- and how the media's failure in this respect leaves people uninformed. Plus, an anniversary! They Stand Corrected has completed a full year of episodes, with no weeks off. To celebrate, Josh answers listeners' questions, shares amazing feedback, and offers a prescription for how to face an onslaught of awful news in the world. It's a life skill that isn't taught, but should be.

It's what Josh warned about in November: Exit polls are not trustworthy. Now, new information indicates what really happened in the elections -- and proves that popular media narratives were wrong. One theory in particular that got traction in the media was the exact opposite of what happened. To do its job in protecting democracy, the media must work to understand and accurately portray citizens of democratic nations. So Josh also digs into a misguided, problematic term used to describe one such group on the other side of the globe: “settlers.” It has been in the news in recent days. An attorney who gathers facts about this joins Josh to explain why the reality is not what news audiences have been told. Plus why a Hollywood former child star's realization about her mother carries such an important lesson.

The term “dehumanization” is all over the news these days, in all kinds of contexts. In some cases, it's so overused or misused that it's being stripped of its meaning. But what if the people crying “dehumanization” the most are the ones engaging in it the most? Today on They Stand Corrected, Josh shows how people on the left -- and the media itself -- regularly engage in a form of dehumanization: infantilization.  But first, something new on the pro-terror radical from Columbia University. An analysis shows big news agencies are ignoring their own reporting -- and misleading you. Josh interviews the man behind that analysis, which includes household name agencies. Plus, the media's at it again, blowing it on alleged “death tolls.”

Sometimes the media is like the Tower of Babel. People aren't speaking the same language. But in this case, they don't realize it. They're using the same words, but mean different things. Today, Josh explains how this problem has been rampant in the news lately, with three key words: transgenderism, feminism, and Zionism. Hear why an exchange between comedian Bill Burr and public radio host Terry Gross is so significant, a new twist on Lysistrata, and the misguided dictionary entry that rewards hate groups. Also, listeners are asking about the news coverage of one pro-terror radical from Columbia University. Josh shows how the media has been ignoring what the law actually says about green card holders. And he explains how media failures spark a world of uninformed “opinions” -- as we're seeing now, amid new Israeli military action against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza.

When the media make excuses for failing to get you the truth, they often blame the “news cycle.” It's time to break that process. Today, Josh does so by focusing on a major issue filled with lies in the news: illegal immigration. Figures you've been hearing, and arguments about fentanyl and sex trafficking, are wrong. By failing to make this clear, the media is causing societal problems.  Immigration-related reporting failures also tie in to a statement from an Oscar-winning propagandist and a so-called “human rights activist” on a public radio show. Josh shows why this made-for-the-media line makes no sense to anyone who learns facts about the Middle East. Plus, the BBC blew it so badly that it pulled a documentary off of its platforms. Josh explains.

Since taking office, Trump has been on a blitzkrieg -- a rapid, intense, chaotic effort to dismantle much of the government as we know it. He's using endless lies to get away with it, and the media's longtime failures are helping him. After years of letting lies go uncorrected, news agencies have left Americans with no clear sense of where to turn for truth. Today, Josh digs into “DOGE” disasters, Trump's treatment of Ukraine, and how his team and surrogates lie with impunity during what is supposed to be the ultimate example of political journalism. Also, a message to share with anyone you know who may be caught up in a cult of personality. Plus, at the Oscars, an anti-Israel propaganda film wins a “documentary” award, and its creators use their speech to lie, exactly as Josh predicted. He sets the record straight.

In this brief dispatch from the road, where Josh has done five speaking events in recent days, he addresses a question many of you are asking: Why can't the media distinguish good from evil? He provides proof that they do -- but not consistently. There's a big exception. This helps explain disastrous reporting in recent days about the horrific slaughter of the Bibas children and their mother -- a slaughter that Gazans cheered for with jubilation. And it explains a big mistake the media is making in appending alleged death tolls to reports about this family. Also, what the cancellation of prominent host Joy Reid's show on MSNBC could mean for the media and the battles against anti-democratic forces on both the right and the left.

What happens when big news agencies discuss people's growing distrust of the media? These conversations instantly turn to politics, missing a larger point. Today, Josh explains the paradigm shift of removing the political lens and looking at what everyone needs from the news. Plus, did a healthcare giant use massively faulty AI to make potentially life-or-death decisions about claims? And with a new study indicating plentiful food supplies were generally sent into Gaza, Josh shows the media's failure to cast a light on who was definitely being starved there: hostages held by Hamas.

Trump said something, and the media spent the next several days proving that they've learned nothing. They left out crucial context for how Trump operates. Today, Josh shows how Trump's remarks about Gaza sparked media panic. Also, how journalists misrepresented Sen. John Fetterman.  It gets far worse. By denying reality, the media is setting the stage for more devastating wars in the future. History proves this. Talk of post-war efforts must cover what the media refuses to acknowledge: the desperate need for deradicalization and denazification in Gaza. It's the educational and ideological part of reconstruction efforts. Josh talks us through the U.S. Civil War, World War I, World War II, and Nazi roots of modern Islamist terrorists.  Plus, hear from JFK, a 1994 celebration in Germany, and a U.S. government video from the end of World War II with eerie resonance today.

People who work in hiring and deal with employment issues have reached out to Josh, telling him that the media is blowing it on what Trump has been doing. So today, Josh sets the record straight, explaining what has changed and what crucial rights against discrimination remain untouched. He also shares his own experience with a legal case that put him on the front page of the New York Times. Meanwhile, the media is missing a big related story: Trump's moves on gender put him up against his own Supreme Court pick -- someone he called the very best judge in the country. Josh explains. Plus, the Washington Post gets sneaky, using an article about a movie to lie and rewrite history about the Munich massacre.  Send in your thoughts, ideas, and questions! Two ways: Get Josh's free newsletter. If you become a paid subscriber, you get exclusive content and the ability to message Josh directly.  Anyone can use this great form.  Action item! Former Microsoft CEO and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer saw what a mess government data was, and decided to organize it to help us all understand the country better. For a limited time, sign up for the free weekly email from USA Facts using this unique link: bit.ly/3WNiEhJ. Thanks to a paid partnership, you'll be helping support They Stand Corrected.Josh has events coming up in Atlanta (Feb. 6), and Albany, NY (Feb. 23). Bookings and more at joshlevs.com.

Is there anyone you can think of in the media -- any prominent figure in big national media -- who calls out hatred equally, whether it's coming from the right or the left? Josh went looking and did find someone, but not in America. You'll hear from him.  In this episode, Josh digs into the fury over Elon Musk's gesture that might have been a Nazi salute. He shows the justifiable anger, but also the hypocrisy of people who assail Musk while ignoring the constant drumbeat of Nazi salutes in “pro-Palestinian” rallies of the far left. And while people disagree over what Musk meant, Josh shows there's something concrete that he should be judged for. Plus, the people who have been virtually forgotten in the cease fire deal between Israel and Hamas terrorists. Josh explains why one of these hits home for him. And is the media blowing it on coverage of Trump's executive orders?

Just as Trump returns to the White House, a tactic he has used to try to crack down on the media is facing a historic legal test -- and the media itself seems totally unaware. Today, a top legal expert joins Josh to explain why a lawsuit no one saw coming could affect what the media is allowed to say about anyone, including you.  They also discuss why, contrary to popular belief, truth is not always a defense against defamation. You'll hear about precedent-setting news coverage of the worst bridge accident in U.S. history and a woman who shot two people. And Josh shows that the media have been throwing around a term they don't understand, even though it involves them.  Meanwhile, with a few hostages taken from Israel returned as part of a cease-fire deal, Josh shares what he's watching out for in the coverage, and a crucial distinction the media is failing to provide. Plus, a new tool you can use to respond to major news outlets on social media, instantly, fact checking their false claims. Do you find your work meaningful? Clint Kofford of our sponsor Leaderworks discusses what it takes for businesses to build around meaning.Be sure to get the free newsletter! Share the news stories you want fact checked! Use this fantastic form or, if you're a paid subscriber to the newsletter, message Josh there. Josh has events coming up in Atlanta (Feb. 6) and Albany, NY (Feb. 23). Bookings and more at joshlevs.com.

To everyone suffering in the L.A. fires, thoughts with you. In this episode, Josh explains what he's keeping an eye on, and how you can flag news reports -- both good and bad -- for the show to examine. In this final episode before the (some of you will gulp here) presidential inauguration (deep breath), Josh has an optimistic message. While it's difficult to see liars rewarded -- whether they're politicians, news organizations, or even terrorist groups -- there's reason for hope. Movements spark countermovements. Together, we can launch a countermovement for truth. As part of this, Josh talks listeners through the untold story of Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, choosing to end fact checking. It's very much a case of news organizations wanting “rules for thee but not for me.”  Plus, what a popular band's name change signified. And eloquent words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Two figures in recent news have a profound effect on the news industry: $15 million and $30 million. Today, Josh explains how these figures represent a central problem that keeps journalists in fear for their jobs -- and too afraid to speak out about fact checking problems. Also, two recent attacks highlighted confusion over what gets the “terrorism” label. And while news agencies were quick to point fingers at the government, they're refusing to address a mess of their own making. Josh shares facts about global terrorism that you've most likely never heard: the massive number of Islamist attacks that have taken place in recent years, and the huge percentage of total attacks that they comprise, according to a recent count. Plus, the winners -- er, losers -- of the Media Fail Awards! Listeners voted to pick the worst of 2024. Josh announces the results.

Millions celebrate Christmas this week amid rising attacks and persecution by Islamist terrorists and repressive governments. Today, Josh shows how the mainstream media has been ignoring this plight -- even as planned attacks against churches spread through Europe and the U.S. He also exposes how news agencies' obsession with attacking Israel leads them to seek out Christians who support terrorists. And could the media make this the year they finally get something basic about Christmas right? Plus, a crucial message to the media about Hanukkah. And Josh shares one of the most important lessons he learned about journalism when covering Kwanzaa. Both holidays start this week as well.

Welcome back to the Media Fail Awards, (dis)honoring news agencies' biggest blunders, lies and hypocritical disasters of the past year. Vote at mediafailawards.com. On today's episode, Josh talks you through the nominees in the final two categories. You'll hear why CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS are all up for worst overall fail by a broadcast news agency, while the AP, New York Times and Washington Post are in a three-way race for worst overall fail by a text-based news agency. Vote by December 27! 

Welcome to the Media Fail Awards! We're honoring -- actually, dishonoring -- news agencies' biggest blunders, lies and hypocritical disasters of the past year. Vote at mediafailawards.com. Nominees include a fact check-free presidential debate; a so-called “fact check” that was actually a bonkers lie; the “newspaper of record” admitting it does not correct some falsehoods; a network condemning its own anchor for attempting to do journalism; another network's lie-fest for a queen, and much more. Today, Josh starts talking you through the nominees and provides his best argument for why each should win its category.  These ironic “awards” will send a crucial message to major news agencies that it's time to shape up their act. We need your support! Sponsor the awards by becoming a founding member of the newsletter! With your help, we'll send physical copies of these awards to top news executives, grabbing their attention. (Also, rates for paid subscribers are temporarily reduced, so act quickly, or make any contribution here.)

Getting the media to focus on truth is a long term effort. But it can be done. One of the most important steps is to raise a generation of young people committed to getting the two ingredients: facts plus context. In today's episode, Josh talks with journalism students about this and fields questions about how to lead the battle for truth when people have such different paradigms for viewing the world. He also discusses his unique career path. Josh has always created his own jobs, turning small opportunities into big ones. People in all professions often like to ask him about this, and say it's a whole new way of thinking about building a career. Plus an announcement: The Media Fail Awards are coming! Your votes will determine the winners -- er, losers. Josh explains. To vote, you'll need to receive the free newsletter in your email, so sign up today!

A group of brave people create a “peace startup” to build connections -- and the mainstream media ignores them. This is the story of Sharaka, a group that should make everyone feel hopeful this holiday season. Today, Josh speaks with the director of this group building friendships between Israelis and people in Arab nations who have only heard lies about Jews and Israel. Also, is there a new “axis of evil?” An Egyptian analyst provides insight that's deeper, more insightful and more morally clear than anything that big news agencies are willing to share. (To hear from Bahraini athlete Fatema Alharbi, listen to the final section of Episode 30.) And a note about Thanksgiving. These days, the media acknowledges that the myth is not the history. But what about the media's role in spreading the myth for more than a century? Josh points to hypocrisy in the media acknowledging that myth while simultaneously spreading myths about indigeneity and colonization today.

The media has been inundating you with alleged reasons for the election results. A lot of these reports conflict directly with each other, so it's virtually impossible for news consumers to know which claims have any validity. Today, Josh shows you what's factual and what's just conjecture. For example, there's no sign that voters focused on the economy or immigration gave Trump any kind of huge margin. Josh also takes on a ludicrous op-ed in the New York Times that twists facts and figures in a desperate effort to blame Kamala's loss on support for Israel. Plus, some listeners asked how much of a role the media itself played in this election. Josh looks into it and shares findings about lack of civic knowledge in America.

It took major news outlets just minutes to begin pushing claims about how various demographic groups voted in the election. They created a mess of conflicting reports, any of which could easily turn out to be false. Today, Josh digs into this problem. He explores very different claims about how Black Americans voted, and explains how news agencies are even ignoring their own warnings. Also, why a myth about white women in the 2016 presidential election should have been a wakeup call. Plus, Josh discusses the disastrous coverage of a violent antisemitic pogrom in Amsterdam. He explains that one media rule is at the core of both these failures. And he invites you to send in election-related news stories for next week's episode.

Josh has this brief, important message: Beware what you're hearing about exit polls from the election. As people process the shock and trauma of an election loss, they look for explanations. The media jumps in to offer lots of explanations. That leads to conflicting reports and claims. For example, Josh shares three wildly different figures about how members of one demographic allegedly voted in the presidential race.  He explains what he's working on about the election coverage, and invites you to send in reports you want him to check.

In this final episode before the election, a warning from Josh: Election Night coverage is largely designed to manipulate you. To take you on an emotional rollercoaster. He explains what you'd be better off doing during the first few hours, and why the early results sometimes suggest the opposite of what's really happening. But first, a fiasco as the billionaire owners of the L.A. Times and Washington Post block their editorial boards' endorsements of Kamala Harris. Josh answers listeners' questions and explains why this “matters big time, including for the fight against the forces of fascism on the right and on the far left.” He also shares what he's hearing from the inside. And he discovers that at least one of these owners is apparently unaware of what his actual role is. Plus, a bonus section! You'll hear why. It's something positive and hopeful that has nothing to do with the election: Meet Fatema Alharbi of Sharaka, a Bahraini athlete standing up to haters and building relationships with Israelis.

We're in the final weeks of the presidential race, which means millions of Americans are being subjected to a barrage of political messaging. Within all that messaging lies a huge story that the media is missing: In recent years, our politics, media, and culture have been overtaken by false victim narratives.  Today, Josh explains how these come in very different forms on the right and far left, but can be equally dangerous and manipulative. Along the way, we'll hear from Chris Rock and Dr. Phil. Also, why Kamala Harris and her campaign seem to be sidestepping victim narratives. An expert weighs in on why this is a great move -- and why Democrats in other races should draw a lesson from it.  Plus the Associated Press breaks its own rule with a headline slamming Shai Davidai, a Columbia professor standing up to antisemitism. And Josh attempts to read some of your responses to his October 7 speech.

It sounds like a farce. A hate monger writes a book in which he ignores the two central elements of truth: facts plus context. The media rolls out the red carpet for him, worshipping him. Finally one journalist challenges him -- and that journalist gets in trouble with his own “news” network. This is a story of CBS, author Ta-Nehisi Coates' false anti-Israel screed, pathetic news executives and a corporation that fails to stand up for journalism. It's also a story of perhaps the biggest gaping hole in the news and information ecosystem: “Nonfiction” books may be filled with fiction, and the publishers take no responsibility.  Also in this episode, Josh answers a listener's question about Tim Walz and fact checks a claim about dads and household work.

This week, Josh was invited to give a keynote address at a ceremony marking one year since the October 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel, the most evil terrorist attack of modern times. In this episode, we're bringing you his speech. Josh discusses the desperate need for people to learn the truth, which includes facts of that day and context of thousands of years of history. He explains the importance of people of all faiths and backgrounds taking part in the commemoration, and shares “the most beautiful, ethical, good versus evil thing you can do on this.” You can also watch a video of the speech by subscribing to the free newsletter. (The video will be posted within the next couple of days.)

Hurricane Helene brought more of a dangerous tradition: “journalists” standing outside, getting blown and battered around. Are they gathering and providing crucial information? Actually, no. They're not getting information that they couldn't get safely from inside. You might think, if people are choosing to do this, what's the harm? There is harm -- not just in the immediate sense, but in a much bigger sense. The same false thinking about news that drives these kinds of stunts also leads to the other kinds of problems this show has explored, like giving open mics to liars and failing to fact check. Today, Josh explains. Plus, an expert in the psychology of marketing on why the media might be missing the biggest story of the presidential election. Josh shows that news agencies aren't even looking into it. And Josh corrects the New York Times' claim about “facts.”  Josh' open letter to the media, calling on news leaders to accurately cover the October 7 anniversary, is up. Share it widely! Sign up to receive the free newsletter.

While the media fixates on one awful thing Trump and Vance are doing, it ignores lots of others. And that's exactly how the Trump campaign wants it. Today, Josh explains the history of campaigns purposely fanning flames of controversy in the media so that their preferred issues dominate the news cycle. Meanwhile, will that same gullibility lead the media to fall for anti-Israel protests scheduled on October 7, when they should be reporting on what happened in the most evil terrorist attack of modern times? Josh has a plan to push the media to avoid this, and you can help. Plus, Trump is now claiming that if he loses, Jewish people will “have a lot to do” with it. Josh explains why this is so dangerous. He also wrote an op-ed about it for the biggest paper in a crucial swing state.

Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are trying desperately to get the media to declare something -- anything -- involving Kamala Harris and Tim Walz a “scandal.” Today, Josh shows how transparent the effort is, with one of them even trying twice in a single televised interview. Will the media fall for it, as it did in 2016 with Hillary Clinton's emails? Josh invites listeners to come up with an acronym for Trump's scandals, which may need to be as long as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Meanwhile, a scandal at the world's largest broadcaster. A new study shows the extent of the BBC's institutional, antisemitic bias against Israel. Josh speaks with the man who oversaw the research, which involved a massive amount of reporting and both human and A.I. analyses. Plus, an announcement. Josh is going on the road together with a pivotal figure in U.S. history: America's first Black spymaster in the CIA! His story was secret until now.

Media pundits heaped praise on the moderators of the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Why? Because amid Trump's onslaught of lies, they offered a few brief moments of fact checking. Today, Josh explains that this proves the incredibly low bar for “journalism” at these spectacles -- which are, as he has said before, “arson for truth.” Also, he highlights a moment in which a host said something false in the process of asking Kamala Harris a question. Meanwhile, listeners have sent in lots of questions about the media's failure to accurately describe the slaughter of hostages in Gaza, including a U.S. citizen. Josh shares something surprising: for a brief period, the language that upset people was actually accurate. But the critics are right too.

When Tim Walz's teenage son Gus teared up in pride over his father, right-wing talking heads bullied him. It brought a major issue into focus: battles over “masculinity.” The head of a top polling agency says it's the only thing helping Trump keep the race close. Today, Josh shows that the media is caught between two superficial visions of masculinity, while ignoring reality. Through hard data, he shows that Trump is nothing like the overwhelming majority of today's American men -- and Tim Walz is. Also, Josh shows that the media misuses the term “toxic masculinity,” and that people who support it are not only on the far right, but also the far left. He shares the sound of a Palestinian terrorist's call to his father, who cries in pride over his son's evil murder spree.

The media should choose which stories to tell based on what's most important and relevant. But often inside newsrooms, those decisions are instead based on how it will make the news agencies themselves look. That's why in recent days, a huge story was, relatively speaking, buried. It involves both major parties, the presidential candidates, and a Trump move that should make the “hypocrisy meter” explode. In this episode, Josh explains why. Also, why Julian Assange should never get away with calling himself a “journalist” -- and why it involves the heartbreaking death of a young man. Plus: media misses from the DNC. And a prominent journalist actually apologizes for getting something wrong! Sign up to receive the free newsletter packed with links, images and more. Announcement! Exclusive content for paid subscribers to the newsletter: how to access just about any news article for free. Become a paid subscriber here.A free way to help the show: Rate and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever else you listen!

So much of the media has lost sight of what its role is in society: to provide truth. News organizations have even built operations around the opposite idea: letting anyone say anything. They've turned what should be journalism into open mic nights.  Recently, Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC called out the media, and his message spoke to this problem. Today, Josh shows sneakier ways the media keep this up, and the false dichotomy that they use to try to justify it. (Hear Anderson Cooper spout this nonsense.) And Josh presents a three-word oath that journalists should use as a guide in making any and all decisions. Plus, as the show hits something of a milestone, Josh shares an emotional note from a listener.

When you look at many of the big problems in the world, you see that there are people working on solutions. That's a major part of the positive side of the story of humanity. But in journalism, you generally wouldn't know that. Most controversies are presented simply as two sides disagreeing. In fact there is now, pathetically, a term for the rare times that news organizations actually consider solutions as part of their coverage. This issue plays out in all sorts of stories, including one in recent days involving gender in boxing and Olympic sports in general. Today, Josh shows how journalists miss the story when they ignore solutions. Also, an entirely different way to look at the controversy surrounding the term “pregnant people.” Josh explains why, in certain contexts, he has been careful to use the term “Black” instead of “African-American,” and why the media need to think carefully about terms they use for any group. Plus, employees inside one of the world's leading news organizations come together to call out antisemitism. Josh shares the awful response from the head of the agency and what it says about any employer in any industry. There's a basic rule that should be seen as part of Journalism 101 and Management 101.  And the host of a cable news show addresses exactly what Josh has been talking about, and even calls out his own network.

Perhaps the most frustrating kinds of lies in the media are the ones presented as part of a so-called “fact check.” In this episode, Josh digs into something that CNN got exactly wrong in discussing militaries in general, and Israel's in particular. The network claimed that all military analysts except for one would agree on something false; Josh shows that even CNN's own military analyst disputes that claim. Plus, a whole different kind of reality check. Military expert Andrew Fox points out that some analysts often quoted in the news are examining the war in Gaza through the prism of the U.S.-led “war on terrorism,” which failed. He provides an understandable explanation of why he believes Israel is winning -- and that its actions should be “taught in military colleges.” Also, the actress and activist Debra Messing's powerful message to the media, especially the Washington Post, following their biased coverage of the slaughter of a group of Israeli Druze children by Hezbollah.

From now until the election, expect an unprecedented onslaught of daily reports about political polls — many of them designed to manipulate you. Fear, dread, hopelessness, and anger get you to click and “doomscroll.” Today, Josh explains why President Biden's decision to drop out made sense, but the polls also don't indicate what will happen in November. He shows how the Trump team wants to sow divisions among Democrats, and why polls could become a tool in that effort. Also, a listener asks about polls showing Palestinians overwhelmingly support the October 7 terrorist massacres against Israelis. Plus: If you're trying to get the truth out during an interview with a news agency that frequently lies about you or an entity that you represent, what do you do? Josh interviews a woman who faces that challenge frequently: the Israeli consul general to the Southeast.

When conspiracy theories grow, there's a crucial step that news organizations should take. They should run those theories past the myth of invincibility. Today, Josh explains how that applies to coverage of many of the biggest news stories of our time, from the current presidential race to terrorist attacks and more. Plus, now that President Biden has dropped out of the presidential race, Josh explains what we should watch out for in the news, and the role that Americans desperately need the media to play. And he shows how news organizations allowed hypocrisy to go unchecked in coverage of the assassination attempt at a Trump rally, and left out crucial context. Meanwhile, big news on another front has made early episodes of this show as timely and important as ever. Josh explains how an opinion from the International Court of Justice relates to media failures in coverage of Israel, particularly involving “occupation” and “international law.” And one of the nation's best known newspapers actually pulled something because it was so blatantly offensive against Israel and the parents of a hostage.

When big news happens, media organizations clamor for your attention -- even if they don't have any new, concrete information to share with you. This breeds mistakes, hypocrisy, and more. In this episode, Josh explains what he's watching out for in the coverage of the shooting at a Trump event, described by authorities as an attempted assassination.  Political violence operates against democracy. Inspired by his interview on a conservative radio show, Josh looked into the news media's role in the fight for democracy, and discovered something:  The media's effect on anti-democratic forces is different in America from what it is in Europe.  In this episode, how TV news and apps are fueling anti-democratic efforts on both the right and the left. Also, how the media ignore the fact that Israel is one of the world's oldest democracies, and that democracies are necessities for journalism. Plus, you'll hear from Henry Kissinger and famed broadcaster Edward R. Murrow.

It took only hours for the biggest political story to become a media story too, as news agencies rushed to cover the New York Times' call for Biden to leave the race. In this episode, Josh explains that the media often treats the Times' editorial board like the “great and powerful” Oz. In reality, it's a group of 14 people with opinions. He explains that the media should contextualize this and show that another editorial board, from the biggest paper in an actual swing state, argued the opposite. Also, welcome to new sponsor MIT45! In this episode, you'll hear from CEO Ryan Niddel, who will discuss kratomresearchinstitute.org.