Episode Summary: The Heart and Passion Behind Jordan Chariton's Investigative Journalism

Podcast Information:

• Title: Mick Unplugged
• Host: Mick Hunt
• Guest: Jordan Chariton
• Episode Title: The Heart and Passion Behind Jordan Chariton's Investigative Journalism
• Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction: Embracing Purpose Over Popularity

In this compelling episode of "Mick Unplugged," host Mick Hunt engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned investigative reporter Jordan Chariton. The discussion delves into Jordan's unwavering commitment to shedding light on systemic injustices, particularly focusing on his relentless coverage of the Flint water crisis. Together, they explore the deeper motivations that drive Jordan's journalism, the challenges he faces in independent reporting, and his ongoing efforts to uncover hidden truths.

Discovering the 'Because': Jordan Chariton’s Core Motivation

Mick Hunt initiates the conversation by probing into Jordan's profound motivation beyond the conventional 'Why.'

• Jordan Chariton (00:47): Mick praises Jordan's consistent and impactful introductions on the show, setting the tone for a meaningful dialogue.

• Jordan Chariton (01:26): Jordan shares his "Because", emphasizing his dedication to giving a voice to marginalized communities neglected by mainstream media and government. He states, "There's really no one that's out there protecting them... I was always kind of gravitating towards the underdog."

Insight: Jordan's commitment stems from witnessing the struggles of the "silent majority" and his desire to amplify their stories, ensuring they are not overlooked by powerful entities.

From Mainstream Media to Independent Investigations

Jordan recounts his journey from working within mainstream corporate outlets to forging his own path in independent journalism.

• Jordan Chariton (03:16): Jordan describes his tenure at Fox News and MSNBC, highlighting the disconnect he felt when attempting to cover underreported issues like homelessness: "That trend continues... they patted me on the back, like, oh, that's admirable, but that won't rate." This response catalyzed his departure from mainstream media in pursuit of more substantive storytelling.

• Jordan Chariton (06:51): A pivotal moment occurred in 2016 during coverage of the Flint water crisis. Jordan recounts a resident's plea, "It was almost like, you know, we're deserted on an apocalyptic island," which solidified his resolve to dedicate his efforts beyond transient news cycles.

Insight: Disillusioned by the superficial nature of mainstream media coverage, Jordan chose to focus on in-depth investigations that address systemic issues, even at the cost of conventional success metrics like ratings and follower counts.

Investigating the Flint Water Crisis: A Defining Endeavor

The conversation deepens as Jordan discusses his investigative work on the Flint water crisis, underscoring the systemic corruption and public health disaster that followed.

• Jordan Chariton (08:12): Jordan elaborates on his initial coverage, aiming to highlight the human element but soon uncovering a "decades long corruption scandal." He emphasizes the necessity of persistence: "This is going to take dedication... you have to really stick with it."

• Mick Hunt (17:43): Mick commends Jordan for seeking fulfillment over mere happiness, resonating with Jordan’s pursuit of meaningful impact.

Notable Quote:

• Jordan Chariton (29:38): "Most people don't know that the former governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder was actually warned a year before the Flint water switch that there would be health problems if they switched to the Flint river."

Insight: Jordan's exhaustive reporting revealed that the Flint water crisis was not an isolated incident but a manifestation of broader systemic failures driven by greed and racism, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.

Challenges of Independent Journalism and the Birth of Status Coup

Transitioning to his independent venture, Status Coup, Jordan discusses the hurdles and triumphs of operating outside mainstream media frameworks.

• Jordan Chariton (19:11): Jordan explains the inception of Status Coup in 2018, driven by a desire for editorial freedom: "Only you could do it." He details the initial funding struggles exacerbated by YouTube’s algorithm changes that favored established news outlets over independent channels.

• Jordan Chariton (24:27): Despite financial strains and personal sacrifices, such as limited downtime, Jordan emphasizes the emotional rewards of community appreciation: "There's no better feeling than if you're on the ground somewhere and people are just grateful."

Notable Quote:

• Jordan Chariton (37:46): "I’m working on Flint 2.0... Norfolk Southern crashed their trains and unnecessarily detonated a million pounds of toxic chemicals over Ohio and Pennsylvania."

Insight: Establishing Status Coup required resilience and adaptability, with Jordan balancing financial challenges against the intrinsic rewards of impactful storytelling. His dedication has led to significant growth, supported by community-driven funding and increasing subscriber interest.

Publishing the Truth: Jordan’s Book on Flint Water Crisis

Jordan shares the arduous yet fulfilling process of authoring his comprehensive book on the Flint water crisis.

• Jordan Chariton (24:30): He details the book’s focus on exposing the intricate web of corruption and its devastating impact on Flint: "It's not some tragic mistake... This was actually a scheme to make money and the victims are from Flint."

• Jordan Chariton (33:16): Jordan critiques the media’s role in perpetuating the crisis, revealing how economic interests stifled in-depth reporting: "One of the local ABC stations... killed a story... they had documentation that one of the local hospitals had a legionnaires outbreak... they killed the story because the hospital was one of their top advertisers."

Notable Quote:

• Jordan Chariton (29:38): "Counter to the media, this was actually a scheme to make money and the victims are from Flint."

Insight: The book serves as a crucial documentation of the Flint water crisis, uncovering layers of government and corporate malfeasance often ignored by mainstream media. Jordan underscores the necessity of independent investigative work to bring such truths to light.

Future Endeavors: Continuing the Fight for Justice

Looking ahead, Jordan outlines his ongoing projects aimed at addressing new environmental and healthcare injustices.

• Jordan Chariton (37:46): He mentions his current work on "Flint 2.0," investigating another environmental disaster involving toxic chemical explosions in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Additionally, he's delving into healthcare injustices illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic and corporate malpractices within health insurance.

Insight: Jordan remains committed to uncovering and addressing systemic issues, expanding his investigative efforts to ensure ongoing advocacy and accountability in various sectors.

Conclusion: The Power of Purpose-Driven Journalism

The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation between Mick and Jordan, highlighting the profound impact of Jordan’s work.

• Jordan Chariton (39:08): Mick encourages listeners to follow Jordan's ongoing work, ensuring greater visibility and support for independent journalism.

• Mick Hunt (39:36): Mick reiterates the importance of embracing one's purpose, urging listeners to "keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose and chasing greatness."

Final Notable Quote:

• Jordan Chariton (24:30): "If you had diligent media that stayed on stories like this, you could actually solve the problems much, much earlier."

Takeaway: Jordan Chariton exemplifies the essence of modern leadership through his dedication to uncovering the truth and advocating for the underrepresented. His journey underscores the critical role of purpose-driven journalism in fostering societal change and ensuring accountability.

Where to Follow Jordan Chariton

For those inspired by Jordan's work and eager to stay informed on his latest investigations:

• YouTube Channel: Status Coup
• Substack: Amazing
• Book: [Title of Jordan’s Book] – Available at major book retailers.

Remember: Your Because is your superpower. Embrace it and unleash your potential, just as Jordan Chariton has done in his pursuit of truth and justice.