Feedback with Ira Madison III

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 III03:53 Audie Cornish on Interviewing and Meaningful Conversations08:12 What Makes a Great Culture Podcast?15:36 Navigating Reddit, Bluesky, Threads, and Today’s Internet21:08 Reality Television’s Influence on Modern Communication28:42 Online Identity and the Rise of “Main Character” Culture35:15 Journalism, Trust, and the Value of Thoughtful Reporting44:18 Reading Habits, Books, and Discovering New Writers50:27 Longform Writing, Attention Spans, and Media Consumption56:17 The Social Reckoning, Tech Culture, and Modern Storytelling01:02:45 Public Figures, Power, and Our Fascination with Tech Leaders01:08:30 Closing Reflections on Curiosity, Media, and Better Conversations

In the very first episode of Feedback, Ira Madison III is joined by comedian, actor, writer, and friend Jay Jurden. Together, they dig into the current world of comedy, how conspiracy theories spread over the internet, and the surprising reason Jay loves West Village girlies (not including you, West Wilson and Amanda Batula). And of course, they're getting into the Summer House of it all. We're so back!00:00 Welcome to Feedback with Ira Madison III01:18 Ira’s Summer Reading Recommendations09:40 Jay Jurden Joins the Conversation13:00 Discussing One Battle After Another and Movie Culture20:32 Theo Von, Road Rules, and the Evolution of Reality TV23:07 Internet Culture and the Incentives Behind Viral Opinions24:41 Expertise, Commentary, and the Rise of Online Hot Takes32:00 Comedy, Accountability, and Public Criticism35:50 Audience Responsibility, the Role of the Comedian, and Dave Chappelle40:15 Homophobia & Transphobia in Stand-Up Comedy49:27 Comedy in the Age of YouTube and Podcasts53:42 Conspiracy Culture, Modern Comedy, and Jack Harlow57:23 Miley Cyrus and the Art of Reinvention58:54 Podcasting Today: Theo Von, Andrew Schulz, and Media Influence01:03:50 Closing Thoughts

After a year off, Ira is back on the mic. Feedback with Ira Madison III is a weekly pop culture digest unpacking the stories, internet obsessions, and debates lighting up your group chats. Joined by friends and cultural tastemakers, Ira dives into entertainment, politics, media, and the increasingly online world that's reshaping how we think, argue, and stay relevant. New episodes every Thursday.