Chapter 1 The Internet's Dual Nature

When considering our greatest societal letdowns, it's not just personal experiences that come to mind. Sure, you may have missed out on a job because you didn't attend the interview, but let's focus on broader societal issues. For instance, flying cars and jetpacks remain the stuff of dreams, still found only in action movies. Or take the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which seemed to crash spectacularly in 2023. And what about Elon Musk? Once hailed as a visionary, he now seems more perplexing than ever.

Much like Apple's old tagline — “There’s an app for that” — we’ve given it a fresh twist for the podcasting realm: “There’s a podcast for that.”

I’m excited to introduce you to a new podcast that promises to ignite your interest.

Never Post is a pioneering, member-supported podcast that aims to reshape the dialogue around the internet. With bi-weekly episodes, it delves into the strange, fascinating, and often contradictory dimensions of our online experiences through various lenses including philosophy, law, language, and art.

What does this mean in practice? Essentially, it examines how the online world can be simultaneously a treasure trove of assistance and information, while also resembling a chaotic landscape filled with trolls, conspiracy theorists, and bots of all kinds.

Through thoughtful discussions, Never Post seeks to uncover the intricate relationships between technology and humanity. The podcast invites listeners to engage with its content, whether they're amazed, frustrated, or simply trying to make sense of the complex online environment.

Crafted by a diverse team of writers, producers, researchers, and creators, the staff of Never Post is dedicated to understanding the implications of the internet on our lives and society.

The podcast is hosted by Mike Rugnetta, a five-time Webby award-winning co-creator of the PBS Digital Studios series Idea Channel. Alongside him is senior producer Hans Buetow, an award-winning podcast professional with experience at The New York Times and American Public Media, reaching millions of listeners.

Before his involvement with Never Post, executive producer Jason Oberholtzer built an audience of nearly one million on Tumblr and authored two books about internet creativity.

Mike Rugnetta, a seasoned writer and producer in digital media since 2007, has hosted various shows, including two Crash Course series. He also produces the actual-play TTRPG podcast Fun City and the sound-studies podcast Reasonably Sound. He began his career as part of the original cast of the Know Your Meme web series.

Hans Buetow, based in St. Paul, MN, has nearly two decades of experience in music and sound. He has produced radio and podcasts for major outlets, and now works as an independent producer and audio storytelling educator.

Never Post investigates the reasons behind the current state of the internet and its influence on our lives. Besides covering current events, the podcast facilitates discussions about the experience of Being Online in 2024, exploring themes from art to linguistics. It combines grand ideas with personal narratives, featuring guests such as tech lawyers, security researchers, and artists.

With a dedicated team of experienced creators, Never Post strives to create a sustainable and inclusive content production process, both in front of and behind the microphone. They also aim to provide resources for those interested in audio storytelling or starting their own audio-first projects.

Never Post will be accessible on all major podcast platforms starting January 31, 2024, with exclusive content for members and subscribers available at www.neverpo.st.

Tune into Never Post. Being employee-owned ensures it isn't just another plaything for a billionaire. Plus, it will help us navigate the internet's complexities. Thank goodness for that, as dealing with scams, conspiracy theories, and all manner of online nonsense can be overwhelming.

Explore the topic of discernment in online advice with Sadie Robertson Huff as she emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.

Chapter 2 The Internet's Impact on Intelligence

In a world where information is abundant, is the internet making us less intelligent? This question is explored in depth in the podcast episode.

Join the discussion on whether the internet is contributing to a decline in critical thinking skills and the implications of this trend.