Glenn Greenwald

Date: 2020-10-28 | Duration: 3h 8m

Episode Overview

Glenn Greenwald joins Joe Rogan to discuss a wide range of topics centered on government surveillance, whistleblowers, and media dynamics. Greenwald shares his experiences reporting from Brazil during the rise of Jair Bolsonaro and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the country’s unique culture and political turmoil. He reflects on the intense scrutiny and monitoring he faced, drawing parallels between authoritarian practices in Brazil and the United States. The conversation delves deeply into the legacy of Edward Snowden, with Greenwald emphasizing Snowden’s role in exposing the vast secrecy of U.S. intelligence operations and the ongoing persecution of whistleblowers like Julian Assange. The episode also tackles the challenges facing journalism today, including media bias, censorship, and the manipulation of public opinion. Greenwald critiques mainstream outlets for their handling of political narratives, particularly around the 2016 election and Hunter Biden’s laptop story, arguing that many journalists have sacrificed integrity for career preservation. They explore the rise of independent media and long-form podcasts as vital spaces for honest discourse. Additionally, Greenwald and Rogan discuss the complexities of free speech in the digital age, the polarization of society, and the pressures that come with maintaining authenticity in a highly surveilled and ideologically charged environment.

About Glenn Greenwald

Glenn Greenwald is a former attorney turned award-winning journalist, best known for his groundbreaking work on civil liberties and government surveillance. As a co-founder of the influential online news site The Intercept, he has been at the forefront of major political stories, including his pivotal reporting on Edward Snowden and the NSA, detailed in his acclaimed book, *No Place to Hide*. Greenwald's fearless advocacy for transparency and accountability in government has made him a prominent voice in contemporary media, challenging conventional narratives and sparking crucial conversations about privacy and freedom in the digital age. His ability to dissect complex issues with clarity and conviction continues to captivate audiences and inspire discussions worldwide.

Key Moments

– Brazilian Politics
– Coronavirus Impact
– Surveillance and Privacy
– Whistleblowers
– Media and Journalism
– Social Media Criticism
– Transgender Issues
– Political Polarization
– Freedom of Speech
– US Foreign Policy
– Election Influence
– Podcasting and Long-form Media
– Mental Health and Addiction
– Sports and Gender
– Government Transparency
– Authoritarianism
– Censorship
– Feminism
– Power Dynamics
– Cultural Commentary
0:01:05 – Discussion on Jair Bolsonaro and COVID-19 in Brazil
0:02:40 – Brazilian social culture and relaxed time perception
0:06:12 – Confirmation of government surveillance practices
0:08:30 – Historical US involvement in Brazilian military coups
0:10:38 – Extreme conditions faced by whistleblowers
0:13:30 – Political implications of Snowden's asylum in Russia
0:15:13 – Profile of Edward Snowden's background and skills
0:18:56 – Concerns about Snowden's safety and choices
0:23:32 – Post-9/11 secrecy and government transparency issues
0:26:30 – US government's treatment of Julian Assange
0:30:42 – Media portrayal of political events and Kennedy assassination
0:34:52 – Media bias in whistleblower coverage
0:38:10 – Criticism of Twitter and Facebook's role in discourse
0:42:26 – Hunter Biden laptop controversy and media response
0:45:00 – Journalistic integrity and reporting challenges
0:48:43 – Political commentary on election cycles
0:52:29 – Whistleblower persecution under various administrations
0:56:46 – Growth of independent media and skepticism of mainstream
1:01:38 – Free speech and ACLU's historical role
1:06:57 – Censorship and its impact on information flow
1:14:01 – Election fears and media manipulation
1:20:59 – Podcasting as a medium for honest communication
1:32:37 – Parental concerns about transgender issues in youth
1:44:11 – Women’s sports and gender reassignment controversies
1:52:06 – Muay Thai world champion fight and gender debate
1:54:54 – Authoritarianism and bleak worldview discussion
2:00:50 – Polarization and conflict in society
2:07:16 – Detachment from beliefs to maintain mental health
2:15:23 – Personal anecdotes about kindness and friendship
2:25:17 – Reporting on Bolsonaro’s Brazil and political violence
2:28:20 – Definition and exercise of power
2:31:39 – Ideological compliance and social orthodoxy
2:34:06 – Breaking political molds and new perspectives
2:38:35 – Early podcasting experiences and audience growth
2:40:44 – Spotify’s influence on podcast content
2:44:19 – Admitting mistakes and personal accountability
2:53:15 – Twitter’s role in exacerbating anxiety
3:01:48 – Comparisons of public figures and addiction struggles
3:04:35 – Lessons learned from failure and struggle

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 the joe rogan experience train by day joe rogan podcast by night all day Starting point is 00:01:05 succeeded it, Jair Bolsonaro. And then beyond that, the coronavirus has hit this country Starting point is 00:01:52 really love it down there it's i first went there in 2003 for the uh abu dhabi uh world jiu-jitsu Starting point is 00:02:40 to the grocery store or the supermarket and there'd be a line of like eight people and the people in line would just stop and chat with the cashier, you know, for Starting point is 00:03:24 accept is that you're on Brazil time they are just so late but if you need Starting point is 00:04:02 just the complete lack of organization or urgency in terms of time is one of the things i love about it um so being there and you were there Starting point is 00:04:53 Yeah, for sure. Starting point is 00:05:25 government. And I would carry them on my person at all times. I would go to the supermarket and Starting point is 00:06:12 but the actual being monitored has been confirmed in a lot of different ways. Starting point is 00:06:49 Brazil for about 10 months and didn't feel safe leaving. The Justice Department was telling my Starting point is 00:07:32 Do they have a history of monitoring their people the same way the United States does? Starting point is 00:07:58 in the endless Soviet Union Starting point is 00:08:30 then under Lyndon Johnson, worked with right-wing Brazilian generals to overthrow that democratically Starting point is 00:09:05 But since 1985, when it democratized, Starting point is 00:09:35 what was the feeling like? Was there ever a, oh shit, what have I done moment? Starting point is 00:10:38 especially for me to be able to show the world that everything was so much more extreme than Starting point is 00:11:18 And, like, not in a nice prison, but in the kind of prison that you go in when they accuse you of jeopardizing American national security. Starting point is 00:12:12 talk to him. And I think...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1556?

Glenn Greenwald was the guest on JRE #1556. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1556?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1556 with Glenn Greenwald, topics include Brazilian Politics, Coronavirus Impact, Surveillance and Privacy, and Whistleblowers.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1556?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1556 with Glenn Greenwald is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.