I’m David Beckemeyer, host of the Outrage Overload podcast. I’m a longtime tech executive turned science communicator who’s become increasingly interested in a simple question:
Why does so much political media leave us angrier, more polarized, and worse off—without actually making us more informed?
On Outrage Overload, I explore how outrage porn, ragebait, and angertainment shape our emotions, our politics, and our relationships. I talk with scientists, authors, journalists, and practitioners working in the depolarization and bridge-building space, not to push an agenda, but to better understand what’s happening to us—and what we might do differently.
David Beckemeyer does some of the most diligent and thorough reporting on our civic and political culture via his podcast, Outrage Overload. Anytime I get to talk to him, it improves my thinking and framing.
– Lura Forcum, Social Psychologist
My approach is intentionally curious rather than combative. I try to show up as a learner, ask good questions, and create conversations that lower the temperature instead of turning it up.
You may have heard me on…
I also appear on other podcasts and shows where I discuss outrage-driven media, polarization, civic culture, and how to stay engaged without burning out. For example, check out this interview with Lawrence Eppard on the Connors Institutitue Utterly Moderate podcast:
Why I started Outrage Overload
Like a lot of people, I used to share sensational headlines and outrage-inducing stories, often from “my side,” convinced I was helping set the record straight. At the same time, I watched friends and family stop talking to each other, long-standing relationships fracture, and politics become a constant source of stress.
Eventually, I hit my own personal outrage overload.
Taking a step back, I started looking at the media I consumed—cable news, social media, campaign emails—through a new lens: outrage as a product. Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.
I also realized I wasn’t alone. Many people feel exhausted by the outrage, squeezed out by extreme voices, and unsure how to stay engaged without becoming bitter or cynical.
Outrage Overload grew out of that realization.
What to expect from this show
- Fewer hot takes, more depth
- A focus on understanding incentives, psychology, and systems
- Guests from across disciplines and perspectives
- An explicit effort to reduce, not inflame, toxic polarization
If you’re curious about politics, media, and what all this outrage is doing to us—and you’re looking for a calmer way to engage—you’re in the right place.
Third-party review of the show
Outrage Overload is a podcast hosted by David Beckemeyer, a science communicator and author. The podcast explores the phenomenon of outrage in society and politics, and how it can be harmful to our mental and emotional health. Beckemeyer interviews experts on a range of topics, including outrage culture, misinformation, and the role of social media in our lives. He also shares his own experiences with outrage, and how he has learned to manage it.
The podcast has been praised for its thoughtful and engaging approach to a complex topic. Beckemeyer is a skilled interviewer, and he gets his guests to open up about their experiences with outrage. He also does a good job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
If you are interested in learning more about outrage, or if you are looking for a podcast that will help you to manage your own emotional well-being, I highly recommend checking out Outrage Overload.
Here are some of the things you can learn from the podcast:
- What is outrage? Outrage is a strong emotional response to something that is perceived as unfair, unjust, or harmful. It can be triggered by a variety of things, including news stories, political events, or personal experiences.
- Why is outrage harmful? Outrage can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also make it difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions.
- How can we manage outrage? There are a number of things we can do to manage outrage. One is to avoid exposure to things that trigger us. Another is to develop coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or meditation. We can also try to reframe our thinking about outrage, and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Outrage Overload is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about outrage and how to manage it. It is a well-produced and informative podcast that is sure to engage and enlighten listeners.
Here’s some other questions we like to talk about on the show, in regards to why the other side won’t come around to your way of thinking:
- Are they just stupid?
- Are they being paid off by special interests?
- Are they brainwashed by the media?
- Are they just trying to be contrarian?
- Are they just trying to make me angry?
- Are they just trying to destroy America?
And one of my favorites:
How can they be so blind to the truth?