This week on Feedback, Ira sits down with journalist, Engagement Party co-host, and NPR icon Audie Cornish for a conversation about interviewing, internet culture, and what makes a great conversation actually work. Together, they unpack the ingredients of a successful culture podcast, the ever-changing social media landscape (from Reddit to Bluesky to Threads), the evolution of the Heated Rivalry fandom, and the ways reality TV has reshaped how we communicate. Plus, Audie shares why asking the right questions is an art in and of itself.
00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III
03:53 Audie Cornish on Interviewing and Meaningful Conversations
08:12 What Makes a Great Culture Podcast?
15:36 Navigating Reddit, Bluesky, Threads, and Today’s Internet
21:08 Reality Television’s Influence on Modern Communication
28:42 Online Identity and the Rise of “Main Character” Culture
35:15 Journalism, Trust, and the Value of Thoughtful Reporting
44:18 Reading Habits, Books, and Discovering New Writers
50:27 Longform Writing, Attention Spans, and Media Consumption
56:17 The Social Reckoning, Tech Culture, and Modern Storytelling
01:02:45 Public Figures, Power, and Our Fascination with Tech Leaders
01:08:30 Closing Reflections on Curiosity, Media, and Better Conversations
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