EP#382 | DSD | Podcast 101, Gavin Newsom, Cory Booker, Tucker, TikTok, Building 7 & Women on the Moon
📄 Episode Overview
In Episode #382, we peel back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes mechanics of podcast production while diving headfirst into the complex landscape of political lobbying and media control. Host Ray Doustdar kicks things off with a transparent and humorous look at what it really takes to produce a 30-minute podcast, from audio leveling with Alphonic to crafting artwork in Canva. But the episode quickly takes a sharp pivot into heavier territory, tackling the influence of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) on U.S. politicians and media narratives. Featuring soundbites from Gavin Newsom, Cory Booker, and Jeff Duncan, along with critical commentary on TikTok censorship and U.S.-Israeli relations, this episode walks the line between media literacy and political accountability. Plus, Ray adds a cultural layer with reflections on Muslim immigration in Europe and media consolidation by the Ellison family. It’s an episode that blends podcasting transparency with political heat—perfect for listeners craving both candor and critique.
🎯 Key Takeaways
• Producing a podcast involves more work than most realize—from planning to publishing.
• AIPAC's influence continues to shape political responses and media narratives.
• TikTok’s acquisition may reshape the algorithmic landscape of public discourse.
🧠 Summary
This week, Ray opens the show with a refreshingly honest walkthrough of how he produces each DSD episode. From scribbling episode ideas while on the treadmill to using Alphonic to engineer audio quality and Canva to build custom cover art, he demystifies the podcasting process for curious listeners. But it’s not all mic checks and metadata—Ray uses this transparency to segue into a deeper dive on political lobbying, particularly the growing scrutiny around AIPAC’s influence.
Using clips from Gavin Newsom, Cory Booker, and Jeff Duncan—each caught fumbling or deflecting when asked about AIPAC money—Ray explores the broader discomfort U.S. politicians have when asked to confront the Israel-Palestine conflict directly. In a particularly gripping segment, podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan of the “I’ve Had It” podcast are praised for holding these politicians accountable in real time, exposing how evasiveness reveals more than any answer could.
Ray then pivots to discuss TikTok’s possible content censorship following its acquisition by Oracle, led by Larry Ellison—who, alongside his son David, is now positioned to control both TikTok and CBS. The conversation doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics, including algorithmic suppression of pro-Palestinian content, potential anti-Muslim sentiment stoked by strategic media narratives, and the role of platforms like TikTok in shaping public opinion.
Closing the episode with a nod to Tucker Carlson’s recent 9/11 documentary and a humorous skit about the “first woman on the moon,” Ray brings levity and layered critique together in a format that leaves listeners both informed and entertained.
🔎 Practical Tips
• If you're starting a podcast, tools like Alphonic and Canva can streamline production.
• Always dig deeper into who funds your favorite politicians and why.
• Question the algorithm—platform control can mean narrative control.
📚 Research Spotlight
A 2020 study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks concluded that Building 7 on 9/11 could not have collapsed due to office fires alone, challenging the official narrative. Read the full report here.
❓FAQ
Q: What is AIPAC and why is it controversial?
A: AIPAC is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a powerful lobbying group often criticized for influencing U.S. foreign policy and political funding.
Q: What software does Ray use to level audio quality?
A: He uses Alphonic, an automated tool for podcast audio post-production.
Q: Why is TikTok’s acquisition a concern?
A: Critics suggest the acquisition by Oracle (Larry Ellison) could lead to algorithmic censorship of anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian content.
Q: Who are Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan?
A: They’re co-hosts of the “I’ve Had It” podcast, known for candid political commentary and direct questioning of politicians.
Q: What’s the deal with Building 7 and 9/11?
A: Many skeptics cite Building 7’s collapse as suspicious. Independent studies found the collapse unlikely due to fire alone, sparking continued debate.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
• 00:00 – Opening & Podcasting Behind-the-Scenes
• 06:18 – Podcast 101: Tools, Time, and Distribution
• 07:16 – Gavin Newsom on AIPAC: An “Interesting” Deflection
• 08:52 – Cory Booker Confronted on Photo with Netanyahu
• 13:12 – Jeff Duncan Dodges AIPAC Questions
• 15:55 – TikTok, Censorship & the Ellison Media Empire
• 21:44 – Tucker Carlson on Building 7 & 9/11
• 23:30 – Wrap-Up & Weekend Humor
🧭 Final Thought
Whether you're producing a podcast or questioning political narratives, the tools you use—and the truths you pursue—shape everything. Stay curious, stay critical.
🌍 External Resources
• Alphonic Audio Processing
• University of Alaska Fairbanks WTC7 Study
⚙️ Squarespace SEO Settings
Meta Title: Podcasting, Politics & AIPAC Truths | DSD EP382
Meta Description: Behind the scenes of podcasting meets political truth-telling—AIPAC, TikTok censorship, and media power explored in EP382 of DSD.
Suggested Tags & Keywords: podcasting tools, AIPAC influence, TikTok censorship, Gavin Newsom APAC, Cory Booker Israel, political lobbying, DSD podcast
📢 Social Sharing Snippet
"Politicians fumble when asked about AIPAC. Podcast hosts are done letting it slide." – Click to Tweet
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