After the first episode, I missed Walter's wisdom, sensibility, and humor. Michael is too opinionated so far, and in a hard to listen to way. It doesn't matter what I think of RFK, but his take on RFK puts him in a category of persons that isn't interesting. I don't need people in my life who can't have other, specific people in their life for whatever reason. It's a closed mindedness that I'm tired of. Walter would consider anything and then give it a thoughtful (if not long-winded, but enjoyable) analysis... Do you know anyone more like Walter? Michael reminds me of the reasons why I don't listen to liberal media anymore. Too much down talk. People who'd shame me for my conclusions can get out of my podcast feed... and if Michael doesn't like podcasts, why is he in my favorite podcast? He seems like a smart guy, maybe if he learns to stop acting like an asshole he'll be a good addition to the show. I don't need any extra angry voices in my ear. Now, I'll give this episode a shot and expect to need to update this with an apology for Michael. Fingers crossed.
Walter is not cynical. Most journalists are, including Matt, so as a creative fiction writer he provided a healthy balance to discussions. Walter understands that while man is flawed, but he holds within himself the possibility for redemption. He drew on his great knowledge of literature, philosophy, and history to support that perspective. Thus he was almost always able to inject some hope into the podcast discussions.
I agree, Matt. This guy was so grating and hard to listen to, and I didn’t feel his contribution was worth the non-stop diatribe. But then again, I’m sleep deprived in central Israel. God bless y’all
Word on the street is Walter is gonna do a show called Kirn of Phrase or Kirning Point. Unclear. The street was loud. Matt is going to be a guest once a week and it will be free for Racket subscribers because they miss us as much as we miss them.
I hate to pile on here, but I have to concur. Michael Tracey is an important journalistic voice and a healthy antidote to what some call "conflict entrepreneurs" infesting the profession. HOWEVER, as a podcast partner he can come across as brow beating and hectoring the audience rather than engaging and challenging us. The chemistry and the level of discourse was much better with Matt & Walter. I'll try to stick with this a bit longer given my loyalty to Matt, BUT PLEASE TRY TO BE MORE RESPECTFUL OF THE LISTENERS. I get the temptation/justification for clapping back at trollish comments in the chat, but can Micheal please come up for air once in a while, stop cutting off Matt mid-sentence to make a point, get in tune with the idea that the podcast would work better if he and Matt are exploring a topic together rather than Matt bringing something up a Michael delivering a jeremiad?
This is interesting, a little like high school, taking down podcast hosts that you were on last year where you were speaking like a grown up version of yourself. It’s an odd look. What happened to Matt— too much grape soda? Also Michael Tracy continually cuts Matt off, it’s a 75/25 split in conversation. Michael is a blowhard.
I completely agree Richard- He’s a very intelligent man who finds a compulsion to drive home his points with a nail gun- He needs to relax a little bit. It’s like he’s on speed. And he’s almost beating Matt. I’m surprised that Matt let himself get pushed around- Although to be fair, Walter would do the same to a certain degree-
MT has a lot of catching up to do in the interrupting department. Walter set the bar very, very high. But yes, MT is probably not top podcast host material.
After a divorce, it’s good to date around (at least a year) - you don’t want to quickly get remarried to the second person you date, even if they are an old friend. And protect your unique brand, please. Some wines pair well with steak, others don’t.
I hope this isn’t Matt’s new partner. One great thing about Walter was the fact that he could offer the perspective that comes with age. Not impressed with this new guy.
I know MT hates RFK Jr.—he strongly proclaims it—but I thought he was into news. Anyway a big story broke, not discussed, in which a federal judge blocked HHS’s new ACIP vaccine committee from even meeting. As far as I know this has never happened before in history. The lawfare continues. One of his complaints was that the committee wasn’t varied enough. No one points out that the previous committees were composed almost entirely of pharma lackeys, some actually holding vaccine patents and possessed of conflict of interest waivers. Mainstream media has been very upset about RFK’s vaccine activities but always seem to forget to mention that, for example, our Hep B vaccine administration on the first day of life to all neonates is extremely unusual. The UK, France, Spain, all of Scandinavia and virtually every other developed country besides Bulgaria and two others, I believe, do not pull babies out of the womb and vaccinate them for a disease which occurs mainly in drug abusers and prostitutes. While I appreciate the desire for innovation, to me the last show seemed a bit insular, journalists talking about other journalists and podcasters. Meanwhile our kids rank among the unhealthiest in the developed world, and a judge this week aims to keep our dismal record going.
Tracey’s “epistemic” take-down of Tucker did not resonate. It raised more doubts about Tracey’s trustworthiness than it did Tucker’s. I won’t tune again to listen Tracey’s nonsense.
I’m not giving up on Matt and Racket but I do not like Michael Tracey. He seems like a bright guy but terribly cynical and pretty self righteous. Matt stated he did not want to run a news site or a podcast with “ takes” on the news of the day. He hates them he says. This particular episode was in coherent and nothing but a stream of MT takes. I’m not looking for confirmation bias but MT seems hell bent on debunking anything that hasn’t been confirmed by him. If this guy is going to be a regular, Im done. I’ll still support Racket but I won’t sit through lectures about my media diet when I am just trying to understand and make sense of this utterly fucked up media landscape. Matt has reliably been one point of sense making but paired with this guy I don’t recognize him.
I miss Walter terribly. The dynamic there was soooo special. I find Michael arrogant, & while I used to think Walter interrupted Matt too much, Michael is much worse. Lord, he barely allows Matt to speak at all. That whole thing of not being willing to listen to Matt explain what media training is? Phew. The man needs to learn to LISTEN. Not just to himself.
p.s. I ought to add that I couldn't agree more with both Matt & Michael that the loss of nuance in today's world is a massive problem. I celebrate their willingness to keep on telling the truth as they see it - injecting integrity into the practice of journalism. Heaven knows examples of real integrity are always sorely needed!!
After the first episode, I missed Walter's wisdom, sensibility, and humor. Michael is too opinionated so far, and in a hard to listen to way. It doesn't matter what I think of RFK, but his take on RFK puts him in a category of persons that isn't interesting. I don't need people in my life who can't have other, specific people in their life for whatever reason. It's a closed mindedness that I'm tired of. Walter would consider anything and then give it a thoughtful (if not long-winded, but enjoyable) analysis... Do you know anyone more like Walter? Michael reminds me of the reasons why I don't listen to liberal media anymore. Too much down talk. People who'd shame me for my conclusions can get out of my podcast feed... and if Michael doesn't like podcasts, why is he in my favorite podcast? He seems like a smart guy, maybe if he learns to stop acting like an asshole he'll be a good addition to the show. I don't need any extra angry voices in my ear. Now, I'll give this episode a shot and expect to need to update this with an apology for Michael. Fingers crossed.
There is no one like Walter except for Walter.
Walter is not cynical. Most journalists are, including Matt, so as a creative fiction writer he provided a healthy balance to discussions. Walter understands that while man is flawed, but he holds within himself the possibility for redemption. He drew on his great knowledge of literature, philosophy, and history to support that perspective. Thus he was almost always able to inject some hope into the podcast discussions.
I agree, Matt. This guy was so grating and hard to listen to, and I didn’t feel his contribution was worth the non-stop diatribe. But then again, I’m sleep deprived in central Israel. God bless y’all
Also, RSS... is that happening? I'm a podcast guy...
Canceled subscription. Goodbye!
Agree, let’s guy is constantly interrupting, I want Matt to be able to finish a thought
Word on the street is Walter is gonna do a show called Kirn of Phrase or Kirning Point. Unclear. The street was loud. Matt is going to be a guest once a week and it will be free for Racket subscribers because they miss us as much as we miss them.
I want to believe.
I hate to pile on here, but I have to concur. Michael Tracey is an important journalistic voice and a healthy antidote to what some call "conflict entrepreneurs" infesting the profession. HOWEVER, as a podcast partner he can come across as brow beating and hectoring the audience rather than engaging and challenging us. The chemistry and the level of discourse was much better with Matt & Walter. I'll try to stick with this a bit longer given my loyalty to Matt, BUT PLEASE TRY TO BE MORE RESPECTFUL OF THE LISTENERS. I get the temptation/justification for clapping back at trollish comments in the chat, but can Micheal please come up for air once in a while, stop cutting off Matt mid-sentence to make a point, get in tune with the idea that the podcast would work better if he and Matt are exploring a topic together rather than Matt bringing something up a Michael delivering a jeremiad?
This is interesting, a little like high school, taking down podcast hosts that you were on last year where you were speaking like a grown up version of yourself. It’s an odd look. What happened to Matt— too much grape soda? Also Michael Tracy continually cuts Matt off, it’s a 75/25 split in conversation. Michael is a blowhard.
I completely agree Richard- He’s a very intelligent man who finds a compulsion to drive home his points with a nail gun- He needs to relax a little bit. It’s like he’s on speed. And he’s almost beating Matt. I’m surprised that Matt let himself get pushed around- Although to be fair, Walter would do the same to a certain degree-
MT has a lot of catching up to do in the interrupting department. Walter set the bar very, very high. But yes, MT is probably not top podcast host material.
Well said. It will be ignored, unfortunately.
I miss Walter 😔
me too - Tracey might be a good guy but hard to follow or listen to
I miss the Walter / Matt combo . . the laidback interplay, the rare balance, the complimentary synergy. The normal-ness.
After a divorce, it’s good to date around (at least a year) - you don’t want to quickly get remarried to the second person you date, even if they are an old friend. And protect your unique brand, please. Some wines pair well with steak, others don’t.
Great advice!!
I hope this isn’t Matt’s new partner. One great thing about Walter was the fact that he could offer the perspective that comes with age. Not impressed with this new guy.
I disagree with all the criticism, loved listening to you guys talk it’s fun, insightful, funny, smart. Walter has moved on and so must we.
Tracy was an over bearing prick on Twitter, he's worse now. Matt, please find a different co-host; Tracy is odious.
Odious is the word, for sure. Let him go and afflict the powerful, not us.
I know MT hates RFK Jr.—he strongly proclaims it—but I thought he was into news. Anyway a big story broke, not discussed, in which a federal judge blocked HHS’s new ACIP vaccine committee from even meeting. As far as I know this has never happened before in history. The lawfare continues. One of his complaints was that the committee wasn’t varied enough. No one points out that the previous committees were composed almost entirely of pharma lackeys, some actually holding vaccine patents and possessed of conflict of interest waivers. Mainstream media has been very upset about RFK’s vaccine activities but always seem to forget to mention that, for example, our Hep B vaccine administration on the first day of life to all neonates is extremely unusual. The UK, France, Spain, all of Scandinavia and virtually every other developed country besides Bulgaria and two others, I believe, do not pull babies out of the womb and vaccinate them for a disease which occurs mainly in drug abusers and prostitutes. While I appreciate the desire for innovation, to me the last show seemed a bit insular, journalists talking about other journalists and podcasters. Meanwhile our kids rank among the unhealthiest in the developed world, and a judge this week aims to keep our dismal record going.
I’d like to hear more from Matt. There’s too much pontificating from MT
I'll be back when Walter is back.
Tracey’s “epistemic” take-down of Tucker did not resonate. It raised more doubts about Tracey’s trustworthiness than it did Tucker’s. I won’t tune again to listen Tracey’s nonsense.
ok, made it to 1hr 10min until I found myself wanting bang my head against the wall over Michael's obvious TDS feuled bias.
I’m not giving up on Matt and Racket but I do not like Michael Tracey. He seems like a bright guy but terribly cynical and pretty self righteous. Matt stated he did not want to run a news site or a podcast with “ takes” on the news of the day. He hates them he says. This particular episode was in coherent and nothing but a stream of MT takes. I’m not looking for confirmation bias but MT seems hell bent on debunking anything that hasn’t been confirmed by him. If this guy is going to be a regular, Im done. I’ll still support Racket but I won’t sit through lectures about my media diet when I am just trying to understand and make sense of this utterly fucked up media landscape. Matt has reliably been one point of sense making but paired with this guy I don’t recognize him.
I miss Walter terribly. The dynamic there was soooo special. I find Michael arrogant, & while I used to think Walter interrupted Matt too much, Michael is much worse. Lord, he barely allows Matt to speak at all. That whole thing of not being willing to listen to Matt explain what media training is? Phew. The man needs to learn to LISTEN. Not just to himself.
p.s. I ought to add that I couldn't agree more with both Matt & Michael that the loss of nuance in today's world is a massive problem. I celebrate their willingness to keep on telling the truth as they see it - injecting integrity into the practice of journalism. Heaven knows examples of real integrity are always sorely needed!!
Your new sidekick likes to use lots of big words. This is my second and last listen. Sorry I tried.