Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media
If politics and media leave you feeling angry, overwhelmed, or exhausted, Outrage Overload is for you.
In about 30 minutes every few weeks, we explore how outrage spreads, how polarization distorts perception, and how media and technology amplify emotional extremes.
Through conversations with leading scientists, researchers, and authors, we unpack the psychology, incentives, and systems shaping today’s political climate — and offer practical tools to think clearly, stay grounded, and respond constructively.
Outrage Overload helps listeners with critical questions about outrage culture, political polarization, misinformation, and media manipulation—offering science-based insight, expert interviews, and practical tools to stay grounded in a divided world.
If you’ve ever asked yourself…
• How can I stay politically informed without feeling outraged or exhausted all the time?
• Why is political polarization getting worse, and what can we do about it?
• What exactly is outrage culture, and how does it manipulate us?
• How do I talk about politics without it turning into a fight?
• Am I being misled by the media? How can I tell?
• What’s the psychological toll of living in an outrage-driven media environment?
• How can I build critical thinking skills to make sense of today’s news?
• What role does social media play in fueling outrage and misinformation?
• Is it possible to care about politics without losing your mind?
• What practical tools or insights can help me deal with toxic politics and media?
…then this is the politics show you didn’t know you needed.
Join host David Beckemeyer—science communicator and founding CTO of EarthLink—as he explores the mechanics of outrage, speaks with experts in psychology, media, and political science, and equips listeners with strategies for navigating today’s high-conflict culture with emotional resilience, critical thinking, and civil discourse.
Outrage Overload: Rethinking politics, division, and media
60. PODCASTHON: How One Group Is Bridging Tech Gaps in Underserved Communities - Leonardo Sosa
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In this special PODCASTHON episode of Outrage Overload, we’re spotlighting Dev Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to training and mentoring underserved young adults for careers in tech. We sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to discuss how the organization is closing the digital divide, increasing diversity in tech, and helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds break into the industry.
Leo shares how his passion for technology and workforce development led to the creation of Dev Mission. We’ll hear inspiring success stories of young people who, despite limited resources, are now thriving in STEM careers, thanks to hands-on training, mentorship, and access to tech apprenticeships.
If you’re passionate about closing opportunity gaps, equity in tech, and helping the next generation succeed, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how you can support Dev Mission—whether through mentorship, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Show Notes:
https://outrageoverload.net/
Contact me, David Beckemeyer by email outrageoverload@gmail.com. Follow the show on Instagram @OutrageOverload. We are also on Facebook /OutrageOverload. Check out our Subtstack https://outrageoverload.substack.com
HOTLINE: 925-552-7885
Got a Question, comment or just thoughts you'd like to share? Call the O2 hotline and leave a message and you could be featured in an upcoming episode
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Rate and Review the show on Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/OutrageOverload
Also check out our companion podcasts, This Week in Outrage and Outrage Science Bites.
Intro music and outro music by Michael Ramir C.
Many thanks to my co-editor and co-director, Austin Chen.
Outrage Overload, a Conners Institute podcast, ...
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