This panel discussion podcast features three podcast hosts—Ryan Knutson, Ben Shapiro, and Preet Bharara—discussing the impact of podcasts on the 2024 election. The conversation explores how candidates utilized podcasts to reach younger audiences and bypass traditional media filters, with specific examples of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris' podcast appearances. Shapiro and Bharara, representing opposing political viewpoints, largely agree on the medium's power to convey authenticity and allow for deeper engagement with candidates. The discussion also touches upon the economic incentives shaping the podcast industry and the evolving media landscape, highlighting the rise of partisan echo chambers and the decline of traditional, supposedly neutral media. Finally, the hosts debate the future of podcasting, predicting continued growth but acknowledging the challenges of podcast monetization.
