Independent commentary on politics, culture, technology and AI
Oct. 6, 2026

it's a damn shame | Ep. 217

it's a damn shame | Ep. 217
Matt Kim Podcast
it's a damn shame | Ep. 217

Matt Kim revisits Oliver Anthony’s song and the frustration he associates with it, questioning political loyalty, public leadership and whether changes in power improve ordinary people’s lives. He discusses criticism of a Pete Hegseth basketball video, the responsibility creators owe their audiences, paid messaging and trust. He closes by describing his interest in building businesses and a parallel society rather than pursuing change through voting.


## TIMESTAMPS


00:00:00 Music and memory

00:00:45 Welcome and rediscovering the song

00:05:12 Political loyalty and unchanged frustrations

00:08:29 Feeling powerless

00:10:36 Leadership and public relations

00:15:26 Audience time and creator responsibility

00:19:22 Messaging and honesty

00:21:00 Remembering shared dissatisfaction

00:22:46 Building alternatives

If this episode made you think, send it to one person who will value it. Sharing the work is one of the most useful ways to support the show.

Join the briefing for new episodes and occasional notes Matt does not post anywhere else.

— Matt