Signal Fire

Hosts Lisa and Jon speak with Ken Harbaugh, a former U.S. naval aviator who flew intelligence missions off North Korea, about the Iran war, the drone warfare gap that is already costing American lives, and what Pete Hegseth's first moves at the Pentagon reveal about where this administration is headed. The conversation examines why America is fighting the wrong war with the wrong strategy, why Ukraine solved the drone problem years ago and Trump turned down their offer to help, and why the lesson every country is drawing from Iran is that the only way to be safe from the United States is to have a nuclear weapon. Ken also shares his experience filming The Drone Hunters of Kherson, a documentary about Ukrainian soldiers shooting down Russian drones with rifles to protect civilian neighborhoods and what it reveals about the future of warfare America is refusing to see.

Hosts Lisa and Jon speak with Napp Nazworth about the growing divide within American evangelicalism and how political identity has reshaped religious belief. The conversation examines how partisanship, media ecosystems, and cultural shifts have influenced faith communities over the past decade. It also looks at the emotional and social consequences, from fractured churches to divided families. The discussion challenges listeners to consider how belief systems evolve under pressure and what it means to stay grounded in core values.

Lisa Senecal sits down with Professor of communication, Jennifer Mercieca,to examine how modern media shapes our understanding of truth. They explore how normalization, propaganda, and algorithm-driven information systems have made it increasingly difficult to maintain a shared sense of reality. Drawing on ideas from Plato’s Cave to the concept of the Overton Window, the conversation connects historical frameworks to today’s media landscape. Mercier also reflects on how these forces affect personal relationships, civic discourse, and the way we process information.

Lisa and Jon examine how recent U.S. foreign policy decisions are reshaping global alliances and shifting the balance of power. They explore the implications of weakening NATO commitments, escalating tensions in Iran, and lifting sanctions that may benefit geopolitical rivals. Their conversation examines how these moves ripple through global energy markets, military strategy, and international trust. They also discuss the broader consequences for America’s reputation and the difficult choices facing allies around the world.

Jon and Lisa reflect on the meaning of protest and argue that speaking out against the government is one of the most patriotic acts in a democracy. They unpack the idea behind the “No Kings” movement, contrasting the role of a president with the dangers of power being treated like personal authority. Drawing on history, they compare modern leadership behavior to the values set by figures like Washington and Lincoln, emphasizing the importance of accountability and restraint. The conversation also explores how civic participation, from protesting to voting, remains essential to keeping the system responsive to the people.

The collapse of local news and the rise of social media have reshaped how people consume information. Tara McGowan explains how Courier Newsroom is building a new model by meeting audiences where they are and delivering news in formats people actually engage with. The conversation digs into the power of platforms, the risks of relying on them, and why owning your audience matters more than ever. It also examines how media infrastructure, not just messaging, has shaped political influence over time. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on a central idea that trust, authenticity, and clear storytelling are essential in an attention-driven world.

How do people process misinformation and why do certain types of language feel persuasive even when they lack meaning? Cognitive psychologist Gordon Pennycook explains the difference between lying and what he calls “bullshitting,” where the speaker is indifferent to whether something is true. The conversation examines why people often share false information online, and why content is focused on engagement rather than accuracy. Pennycook also explains his research with Debunkbot, showing that structured conversations with AI, grounded in facts and evidence, can meaningfully reduce belief in conspiracy theories.

Lisa and John speak with political strategist and author Stuart Stevens, joining from Kyiv after several trips supporting Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. Stevens describes what daily life looks like inside a city at war and reflects on how Ukrainians view shifting American support. The conversation also examines the broader geopolitical moment, from the risks of expanding conflict in Iran to the changing role of the United States in the world. Along the way, Stevens discusses the transformation of the Republican Party, the influence of wealthy tech leaders on politics, and the pressures shaping political power in Washington.

In this episode of Signal Fire, Journalist and Author, James Fallows, joins the conversation to examine the collapse of local news and what it means for democracy. The discussion explores how storytelling shapes national identity, why the State of the Union has transformed into political spectacle, and how media institutions are struggling to adapt in an era of polarization and performance. Fallows reflects on the tension between objectivity and honesty, the economic unraveling of journalism, and the rise of citizen video as both a risk and a corrective.

Lisa Senecal and Jon Zieger sit down with Liz Minnella, founder of Connect Forward, to examine how influencers, algorithms, and culture are reshaping political power. Drawing on her background in marketing and organizing, Liz explains how trusted messengers and lifestyle creators have become central to modern persuasion, often succeeding where traditional institutions fail. The conversation explores how movements build infrastructure through wellness content, cultural flashpoints, and coordinated messaging campaigns that feel organic but are anything but accidental.

Four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the carnage has not stopped. What has faded is the world’s attention. In this episode of Signal Fire, investigative journalist and founder of The Counteroffensive, Tim Mak, joins Jon and Lisa to discuss what happens when algorithms move on, when infrastructure becomes a weapon, and when empathy itself becomes a threat to authoritarian power. We examine the shifting economics of modern warfare, the fragility of democratic alliances, and why human-centered journalism may be one of the last defenses against dehumanization. When attention drifts, the cost of looking away only grows more costly.

The American justice system is being reshaped by power, money, and political loyalty. Former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence, Frank Figliuzzi, draws on decades inside the Bureau to explain how white collar crime enforcement has been weakened while pardons increasingly shield the well connected. The conversation explores what happens when accountability erodes inside institutions meant to protect the rule of law, and how those changes affect everyday Americans in ways that often go unseen. From the hollowing out of the FBI to the message sent by selective enforcement, this episode offers a clear, unsettling look at a justice system under strain.

This episode of Signal Fire examines how modern elections are undermined long before a single vote is cast. Author and politician David Pepper joins the conversation to unpack how ballot seizures, voter roll manipulation, and manufactured investigations create doubt without ever formally overturning results. The discussion connects recent state-level actions to a broader national strategy that relies on confusion, pretext, and asymmetric power rather than persuasion. Pepper also explains why statehouses have become the central arena for democratic erosion and what campaigns must do to counter it.

In this episode of Signal Fire, Jon and Lisa examine how modern authoritarianism no longer relies on ideology but on systems designed to exhaust, confuse, and undermine trust. Journalist and author Peter Pomerantsev traces how propaganda has evolved from persuading audiences to eroding their sense of reality and agency. The conversation connects historical examples with present-day media dynamics in the United States and abroad, showing how the same tactics reappear under different conditions.

Former political strategist Matthew Dowd reflects on what has changed inside American politics, journalism, and public trust, and why traditional ideas of balance no longer hold. The discussion moves beyond partisan framing to ask what democracy requires when shared reality itself is under threat.

In this episode of Signal Fire, veteran editor and reporter, Mark Jacob, examines how journalism is struggling to hold power to account in an era of intimidation, consolidation, and political pressure. Jon, Lisa and Mark unpack how official narratives are too often repeated without scrutiny, allowing false balance and euphemistic language to shape public understanding. The conversation explores where ethical lines should be drawn between protecting sources, challenging authority, and informing the public in real time. At stake is not just trust in the media, but the press’s ability to fulfill its core democratic role.

America’s public lands have long enjoyed bipartisan support, yet they are now facing unprecedented political pressure. In this episode 8 of Signal Fire, Jon & Lisa speak with journalist Chris Keyes, Executive Director, RE:PUBLIC Lands Media, about the policies, power dynamics, and economic forces reshaping how these lands are managed. We explore why decisions affecting places that belong to everyone are increasingly happening out of public view.

In this episode of Signal Fire, Jon and Lisa examine what happens when major news organizations pull back from stories that challenge power.  They discuss the growing role of self-censorship in media, how corporate and political pressure shape editorial decisions, and why silence can be just as consequential as misinformation. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of weakened local journalism and what it means for public accountability. Jon & Lisa also share their favorite news source and book recommendations of 2025.

In episode 6 of Signal Fire, our hosts step back from the news cycle to examine how they actually consume news and what that says about the state of modern media. They discuss the overwhelming volume of information, the blurred line between reporting and commentary, and how misinformation and speculation often crowd out fact-based journalism. Drawing on personal experience, they explore why many people are not disengaged, but instead overexposed to fragmented and distorted narratives. The conversation returns to a core question at the heart of the show: what it means to be an informed citizen in a democracy, and why that responsibility has become harder, not easier, to fulfill.

On episode 5 of Signal Fire we speak with independent journalist, Aaron Parnas, about the growing influence of corporate power, political pressure, and wealthy stakeholders on editorial decision-making inside major news organizations. We speak with Aaron about his process that led to him becoming a leading independent journalist and discuss how once-independent institutions have become more vulnerable to outside control. We will also explore what has been lost as journalism shifts away from fact-driven reporting.

Veteran journalist John Harwood explores how modern media reached its current breaking point. He reflects on the shift from legacy newsrooms to independent platforms and the pressures created by political influence, corporate ownership, and the race for audience attention. Together we look at why trust in journalism has declined and what it would take to rebuild it. Harwood also shares personal experiences from inside major news organizations and what gives him hope for the future of credible reporting.

This episode of Signal Fire explores how social media has reshaped the way people discover, trust, and share news. Jon and Lisa sit down with journalist and News Not Noise founder Jessica Yellin to discuss the rise of evidence based creators and the challenges they face in an online environment built for speed and outrage. Together they unpack the role of algorithms, the erosion of trust, and the growing difficulty for audiences to separate fact from manipulation. Jessica also shares her thoughts on transparency, how creators can build credibility, and what a healthier information ecosystem might look like in the years ahead.

The second episode of Signal Fire examines how algorithmic feeds are reshaping identity, belonging, and belief. Jon Zieger and Lisa Senecal speak with Cynthia Miller-Idriss about the growth of online misogyny, the isolation of young men, and the systems that accelerate radicalization. The conversation traces the influence of cultural signals, influencer content, and gaming spaces on emerging worldviews. It also explores practical public health and digital literacy strategies that can strengthen resilience in families and communities.

In the premiere of Signal Fire, hosts Jon Zieger and Lisa Senecal explore how a fragmented information ecosystem has eroded shared reality. They examine the rise of the attention economy, the power of creator-driven media, and the emotional vulnerabilities exploited by digital platforms. The discussion highlights growing distrust, polarization, and apathy, especially among younger audiences. The episode sets the stage for a series focused on practical solutions and conversations with leading experts.

What happens when a free society loses its grip on shared truth? The old system is breaking. Legacy media is struggling. Social platforms are the main source of news for millions—but they're designed for engagement, not accuracy. On Signal Fire, hosts Jon Zieger, who helped lead some of America’s most successful technology companies,  and Lisa Senecal, a media strategist, narrative expert, and pro-democracy platform founding editor, explore how our information systems are breaking—and what can rebuild them. Each week brings honest talk with journalists, creators, and technologists working toward real solutions. Truth matters. Let’s find our way back.