Pablo Torre Finds Out – Episode Summary: "The Journalist vs. The Interviewer, with Adam Friedland"

Release Date: August 15, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Pablo Torre Finds Out", host Pablo Torre sits down with his friend and fellow podcaster, Adam Friedland, to explore the nuanced differences between journalism and interviewing. The conversation delves deep into Adam's journey from co-hosting the comedy podcast "Cometown" to developing his own interview-centric show, examining interview techniques, the evolving landscape of media, and the portrayal of sports icons in modern journalism.

Transition from "Cometown" to a Talk Show

Adam Friedland recounts the evolution of his podcasting career, transitioning from co-hosting the comedic "Cometown" to creating a more interview-focused show. This shift was influenced by Nick Mullin, who encouraged Adam to transform from the "least popular guy in Cometown" into a "public intellectual, Dick Cavett-esque talk show host."

Adam Friedland [03:29]: "We changed the show... What if we made the least popular guy in Cometown into a public intellectual, Dick Cavett-esque talk show host?"

Pablo appreciates Adam’s dedication to this transformation, highlighting the sincerity and effort he observes in Adam’s current endeavors.

Pablo Torre [12:07]: "The show that you do now that I visited, it's... it's something that I love."

Defining Journalism vs. Interviewing

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around what constitutes journalism compared to interviewing. Pablo emphasizes that journalism serves the "public interest" and prioritizes accuracy and integrity, rooted in adamant fact-checking and ethical standards inherited from traditional newsroom hierarchies.

Pablo Torre [22:30]: "Journalism to you, how would you define it?... There are journalistic ethics, right?"

Adam reflects on his approach to interviewing, inspired by figures like Joe Rogan, but distinguishes his method from traditional journalism. He focuses on creating a relaxed environment to elicit genuine responses, often employing self-deprecation to disarm guests.

Adam Friedland [24:20]: "I can just self-deprecate... I'm just like... I'm not, but I can't attitude."

Pablo underscores the importance of serving the public interest as the core of journalism, contrasting it with Adam's more personality-driven interviewing style.

Pablo Torre [30:04]: "Journalism has a defined answer... the public interest. That's the real distinction."

Interview Techniques and Styles

Adam discusses his interview methodology, which avoids the adversarial stance of traditional high school debates. Instead, he seeks to create "conflict, verbal, rhetorical tension" organically, fostering a conversational atmosphere where guests feel comfortable sharing openly.

Adam Friedland [32:18]: "You did not try to high school debate him... without doing it in the way that a high school debater would."

Pablo commends Adam for his ability to ask compelling questions without imposing authority, allowing for more authentic and insightful interactions.

Pablo Torre [25:44]: "I feel like asking really good questions, which I think you do."

The Evolving Landscape of Media and Sports Fandom

The conversation shifts to the impact of social media on journalism and sports fandom. Both hosts lament the shift from team-based to individual-centric fandom, noting that young audiences today are more inclined to follow individual players rather than entire teams.

Adam Friedland [35:25]: "Kids today are player fans... like LeBron can go to... like a Benson Boone concert... LeBron would have gotten killed."

They discuss how this individual focus affects the portrayal of sports figures, making their personal lives and vulnerabilities more accessible and subject to public scrutiny.

Pablo Torre [36:10]: "That's how kids are apparently demographically trending."

Portrayal of Sports Icons in Media

Pablo and Adam delve into the complex narratives surrounding legendary sports figures like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods. They explore how media representations have humanized these icons, revealing their personal struggles and triumphs beyond the athletic arena.

Adam Friedland [43:55]: "Michael's like, they're going to give you everything and they're going to take it away."

Pablo highlights a poignant moment from a documentary directed by his friend, where Kobe Bryant shares a heartfelt conversation with Michael Jackson, emphasizing the emotional depth of sports journalism.

Pablo Torre [44:53]: "Michael shows him the smooth... explains the inspiration for Smooth Criminal."

Attempt to Define Journalism with Tony Kornheiser

In a humorous and meta twist, Adam attempts to contact Tony Kornheiser to get his take on defining journalism. While the call connects with Tony's voicemail, Adam and Pablo reflect on the challenges of seeking authoritative definitions in a media landscape dominated by personality-driven content.

Adam Friedland [54:18]: "I'm with Pablo right now, and I just wanted to say, what is... What is journalism?"

Though the call does not result in a direct interaction, it serves as a narrative device to underscore their exploration of journalism's essence.

Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes with reflections on the distinct paths of journalism and interviewing. Pablo reiterates the importance of serving the public interest and maintaining ethical standards, while Adam emphasizes the value of authenticity and connection in interviews. Together, they acknowledge the evolving nature of media consumption and the need for adaptability in both fields.

Pablo Torre [30:35]: "Fundamentally, if you like... stupid to get smart."

Adam Friedland [33:24]: "More people are, like, Rogan's probably getting 10 times more people than Anderson Cooper every day."

Notable Quotes

• Pablo Torre [22:30]: "Journalism to you, how would you define it?... There are journalistic ethics, right?"

• Adam Friedland [24:20]: "I can just self-deprecate... I'm just like... I'm not, but I can't attitude."

• Adam Friedland [35:25]: "Kids today are player fans... like LeBron can go to... like a Benson Boone concert... LeBron would have gotten killed."

• Pablo Torre [30:35]: "Fundamentally, if you like... stupid to get smart."

Conclusion

This episode of "Pablo Torre Finds Out" offers a thoughtful examination of the roles of journalism and interviewing in today's media-saturated environment. Through candid dialogue and personal anecdotes, Pablo and Adam provide listeners with insights into effective interviewing techniques, the portrayal of sports legends, and the shifting dynamics of public interest and media consumption.

Whether you're a podcast enthusiast, budding journalist, or sports fan, this episode presents valuable perspectives on navigating and understanding the intricate world of media and interviews.

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