Podcast Summary: Tangle – PREVIEW - The Sunday Podcast: Ari and Will Talk Tackling Tangle Takes, Reader Feedback, and Immigration with Mags and Jon

Release Date: February 2, 2025

In this preview episode of "The Sunday Podcast," hosts Ari Weitzman and Will K. engage in a comprehensive discussion about recent developments at Tangle, reader feedback, and pressing political issues, particularly immigration. Joined by editorial team members Magdalena Bokova (Mags) and executive producer John Law, the episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining balanced, non-partisan news coverage in a polarized environment.

1. Introducing the Co-Hosts and Team Dynamics

Ari Weitzman, Tangle’s Managing Editor and temporary lead co-host, welcomes Will K., who steps into a co-host role for the first time. Will shares his journey with Tangle, highlighting his transition from a volunteer role in April 2023 to a more permanent position amid the platform's rapid growth.

Will K. [03:27]: "I've been tangled since April 2023... it was opportune. And I was able to kind of jump into a more full-time role after a few months, and here we are."

Ari humorously recounts how Will initially connected with Tangle, noting that Isaac Saul’s public recognition—something Ari quips Phoebe, Isaac’s wife, finds less enjoyable—played a role in their association.

2. Navigating Reader Feedback and Maintaining Balance

The conversation shifts to handling reader feedback, both constructive and critical. Will expresses deep respect for Isaac’s role as the face of Tangle and acknowledges the pressure that comes with representing the platform's voice to a growing audience.

Will K. [05:08]: "The appreciation for Isaac's role as kind of the face of Tangle... my respect for that work and his ability to build up to that point and get us here is just deepening."

Ari discusses the challenge of maintaining balance, noting that while the team strives for non-partisanship, the current dynamics may lean slightly towards supporting Isaac’s perspectives. They reflect on feedback regarding overpositioning themselves as experts in certain areas, emphasizing the importance of humility and accurate representation.

Ari shares specific reader critiques:

Ari Weitzman [07:14]: "One reader said I was positioning myself as the authority on California wildfires just because I lived in California for four years... It made sense from his perspective but upset the reader."

3. Covering the Deadly Aviation Crash in Washington, D.C.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on a tragic aviation incident outside Reagan National Airport, marking the worst U.S. aviation disaster since 9/11. Ari provides a factual overview of the crash involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle passenger jet, resulting in nearly 64 fatalities.

Ari Weitzman [12:03]: "An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Eagle passenger jet... 60 passengers on board the jet and seven on the helicopter were killed."

Will emphasizes the limited information available and the importance of allowing authorities to conduct thorough investigations before drawing conclusions.

Will K. [12:53]: "We don't know a ton more right now... it feels like the best thing we can do right now is just allow the people who are working on that to do their jobs."

4. Immigration and Deportation: Analyzing Reader Perspectives

The hosts delve into the contentious issue of immigration, specifically focusing on deportation flights to Colombia. They address reader concerns about the framing of President Trump's actions and the Colombian government's response.

Ari recounts feedback questioning whether Trump's threats to impose tariffs influenced Colombia's decision to accept deportees, suggesting that the Colombian president achieved his goals by ensuring more humane treatment of deportees.

Ari Weitzman [17:35]: "Trump didn't win here. The Colombian president actually got what he wanted... the deportees were treated with more respect."

Will provides context, explaining that despite initial authorizations, Colombia revoked permission during the flights, necessitating rerouting and introducing the complexity of diplomatic pressures.

Will K. [17:35]: "Authorization was denied... Trump issued threats, and Colombia agreed to send deportees on Colombian military planes."

The conversation highlights the polarized interpretations of the events, with right-leaning listeners viewing Trump's actions as effective, while those on the left focus on the humane treatment achieved by Colombia’s intervention.

5. Humanitarian Concerns in Deportation Practices

Ari and Will discuss alarming reports of inhumane conditions aboard deportation flights, referencing an incident involving Brazilian deportees subjected to extreme discomfort and possibly abusive treatment.

Ari quotes a New York Times article describing the dire circumstances:

Ari Weitzman [22:02]: "Temperatures were rising inside the plane... passengers fainting, agents blocking exits."

They critically examine the standards of treatment for deportees, questioning whether such experiences should be normalized or condemned.

Will K. [24:13]: "We should be careful not to say everything's a 9 out of 10... if something actually does become a 9 out of 10, it's just going to be part of the stream and washed away."

6. Rising Egg Prices: A Light-Hearted Debate

Transitioning from heavy political topics, the hosts engage in a lighter debate about the surging prices of eggs. Mags and John contribute to the discussion, expressing frustration over the high costs.

Ari Weitzman [30:15]: "Eggs are expensive relative to what we've experienced... a dozen eggs were like $2.50 a few years ago, now basic eggs are over $4."

Will adds his perspective on the impact of bird flu on egg prices, suggesting that the surge is temporary and prices may stabilize once the issue is managed.

Will K. [32:38]: "They're high right now because of the bird flu... we can reasonably expect them to come down when that is handled."

7. Conclusion and Future Directions

As the episode concludes, the team reiterates their commitment to balanced reporting and the importance of reader feedback in honing their content. They acknowledge the ongoing nature of political debates and the necessity of maintaining perspective amidst sensationalism.

Ari Weitzman [27:06]: "Keeping things in perspective and level setting... this is going to be an ongoing effort for Trump's entire term."

The preview sets the stage for the full Sunday Podcast, promising in-depth interviews, expanded discussions on immigration, and continued engagement with their diverse readership.

Notable Quotes:

• Will K. [05:08]: "The appreciation for Isaac's role as kind of the face of Tangle... my respect for that work and his ability to build up to that point and get us here is just deepening."

• Ari Weitzman [07:14]: "One reader said I was positioning myself as the authority on California wildfires just because I lived in California for four years... It made sense from his perspective but upset the reader."

• Ari Weitzman [12:03]: "An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Eagle passenger jet... 60 passengers on board the jet and seven on the helicopter were killed."

• Will K. [17:35]: "Authorization was denied... Trump issued threats, and Colombia agreed to send deportees on Colombian military planes."

• Ari Weitzman [22:02]: "Temperatures were rising inside the plane... passengers fainting, agents blocking exits."

• Will K. [32:38]: "They're high right now because of the bird flu... we can reasonably expect them to come down when that is handled."

This episode exemplifies Tangle's commitment to addressing complex political issues with transparency, critical analysis, and responsiveness to audience feedback, all while maintaining an engaging and thoughtful discourse.