Joining this week on KK&F is Johann Hari, a journalist on the issues of modern technology and mental health. He’s taken an incisive look at how deeply personal struggles with depression and anxiety can be addressed through robust support programs, as in a recent co-authored article for VICE entitled “Why Basic Income Is A Mental Health Issue.” And he’s written about how our fixation with technology is eroding both our mental health and important social relationships — but also about why this is more than just a matter of personal fortitude, one person’s choice to log off. His work tells us about what keeps us logged on: in his words, why our attention isn’t lost but stolen.
We’re excited to talk to Johann about the often exhausting, overwhelming online spaces we inhabit, what keeps our society scrolling and posting, and how we can reclaim some part of our attention span and sanity, changing our relationship to this technology. And, of course, we want to cover his arguments for bold social programs to address the crises of mental illness and anxiety faced by millions of people across the country. Join us this week for Episode 58 of Krystal Kyle & Friends, where we’ll get a crash course on how you can reclaim your brain from the online discourse. We all need it.
You can find the audio version of this episode when it releases on Saturday through Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms. Paid subscribers will receive the video through Substack on Friday.
I'm not sure how to send you guys suggestions - but PLEASE consider reaching out to the drag queen Lady Bunny. Take a glance at her instagram, she is a serious populist leftist and is extremely knowledgeable. She actually has a huge fan base, and she isn't afraid to get political on her social media. As you can imagine, a lot of her fan base is made up of resistance liberals and MSNBC disciples, so she's constantly butting heads with them. I think it would make a fascinating interview - she's incredibly quick witted so give her plenty of room to crack jokes. One thing I haven't seen from her politics is a nice long form discussion, which I feel like a lot of msnbc queer fans of hers need to hear!
Loved his book Lost Connections! Can't wait for Friday : )