This episode features author Dave Eggers discussing his satirical novel about the Trump era, his writing nonprofit, 826 Valencia, and his surprising choice to use a flip phone over a smartphone. He also revisits his novel "The Circle" and analyzes why Donald Trump, not Barack Obama, was the first "social media president." This conversation offers insights into technology's influence on society and political communication.
Key takeaways
Dave Eggers' interviews with Trump supporters revealed nuanced perspectives that challenge common assumptions held by those on the political left, highlighting the importance of direct engagement to understand differing viewpoints.
Eggers' decision to use a flip phone over a smartphone underscores a philosophical stance on digital distraction and the conscious choice to limit technology's pervasive influence on daily life and creative focus.
His analysis of Donald Trump as the "first social media president" emphasizes how platforms can be leveraged for direct communication and narrative control, offering a critical lens on modern political strategy.
The discussion of "The Circle" in hindsight provides valuable reflection on the prescience of technology-focused narratives and the ever-evolving relationship between technology and society.
826 Valencia's mission highlights the impact of fostering literacy and creativity in underserved communities, providing a model for how non-profits can address societal needs through education.
Writer and McSweeney's founder Dave Eggers talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about his latest novel, The Captain and the Glory, why he chose to write a satirical novel about the Trump era, and what he's learned from interviewing Trump supporters that most people on the left wouldn't expect. Eggers also discusses his writing nonprofit, 826 Valencia; why he has a flip phone rather than a smartphone; and what he thinks of his novel about a technology company, The Circle, in hindsight. Plus: Why Trump, not Obama, is the first social media president.
Featuring:
Dave Eggers, author, The Captain and the Glory
Host:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large
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Dave Eggers' interviews with Trump supporters revealed nuanced perspectives that challenge common assumptions held by those on the political left, highlighting the importance of direct engagement to understand differing viewpoints.
What's takeaway #2 from this episode?
Eggers' decision to use a flip phone over a smartphone underscores a philosophical stance on digital distraction and the conscious choice to limit technology's pervasive influence on daily life and creative focus.
What's takeaway #3 from this episode?
His analysis of Donald Trump as the "first social media president" emphasizes how platforms can be leveraged for direct communication and narrative control, offering a critical lens on modern political strategy.
What's takeaway #4 from this episode?
The discussion of "The Circle" in hindsight provides valuable reflection on the prescience of technology-focused narratives and the ever-evolving relationship between technology and society.
What's takeaway #5 from this episode?
826 Valencia's mission highlights the impact of fostering literacy and creativity in underserved communities, providing a model for how non-profits can address societal needs through education.
