Podcast Summary
Media manipulation: Former PR operative Phil Elwood shares how he got media gatekeepers like CNN to manipulate narratives for controversial figures, emphasizing the importance of media literacy and staying informed of the media ecosystem's dangers
The world of PR and manipulating narratives is more complex and nuanced than it may seem. Phil Elwood, a former PR operative and fixer for some of the world's most controversial figures, shared stories of his experiences working for dictators, rogues, and crooked politicians. He emphasized that his job wasn't about manipulating the narrative but rather getting media gatekeepers like CNN to do it for him. Elwood's mission now is to increase media literacy and help people understand how the news is made. He also warned about the potential dangers of the media ecosystem, such as foreign entities trying to pay influencers to spread false information. Elwood's story serves as a reminder that the media landscape is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay informed and critical of the information we consume.
Info sourcing tactics: Companies may use unethical tactics to extract info, media faces complications with trustworthiness, and critical thinking and diverse media sources are essential in navigating complex info environments
Intellectual property, especially in the technology industry, can be obtained through various means, some ethical and some not. Companies may use tactics like extracting information from industry insiders, sometimes through deception or financial incentives. The media industry also faces complications with trustworthiness due to funding sources, be it governments or corporations. Journalists may be approached to help shape public perception, often for financial gain. The importance of a diverse media diet and critical thinking cannot be overstated in navigating the complexities of information sources. In the case of Al Jazeera and RT, both have produced legitimate journalism in the past, but their credibility is questionable due to their funding sources and potential biases. Ultimately, it's crucial to approach all news sources with a critical eye and consider the potential motivations behind the information presented.
Libyan lobbying for positive media image: A lobbyist's attempt to improve Libya's image in the media resulted in the release of a detained diplomat, but dealing with the Libyan leader involved dealing with his eccentricities and controversial past.
During Libya's political turmoil, a lobbyist attempted to improve Libya's image in the media by leaking a letter to stop the Libya bashing. This event resulted in the release of a detained Libyan diplomat. However, working for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi meant dealing with a delusional and strange character. Gaddafi was responsible for the destruction of a plane with innocent people on board, had an all-girl army of martial arts-trained guards, and had a scrapbook of Condoleezza Rice. The Libyan embassy was described as a 1980s-style office with a strict Muslim environment, and the infamous Vegas trip involved babysitting one of Gaddafi's sons who wanted to party before his father's UN speech. The family was known for their erratic behavior, with one son, Hannibal, getting arrested multiple times on different continents.
Luxury demands in Las Vegas: Handling high-profile guests with unpredictable demands requires diplomacy and quick thinking, even in the face of potential bribes and requests for discretion.
The speaker shares an anecdote about his experience in Las Vegas where he had to handle a high-profile guest whose father was the leader of Libya. The guest made extravagant demands, including requesting discretion and bribing hotel staff to avoid room inspections. The speaker had to navigate the situation with diplomacy and quick thinking, highlighting the unpredictability and opulence of the guest's entourage. The episode also includes sponsorships for Chewy and Shopify, with the former discussing the convenience and variety of pet supplies and the latter emphasizing the ease of setting up and growing a business online.
Libyan dictator's sons' hypocrisy: Hypocrisy can be found in various forms, even in those with significant power, and handling crises requires careful management of the truth to prevent further damage.
The speaker shares an anecdote about attending an extravagant party in Las Vegas with a Libyan dictator's sons, who requested the speaker to cover up their excessive spending and pretended to be observant Muslims despite engaging in vice activities. The speaker found the charade ridiculous and relatable to uncomfortable situations at work. The book, however, lacks relatability due to its extreme nature. The trip ended tragically when the Libyan dictator was executed during the Arab Spring, and the speaker was asked to return to Vegas to accommodate his past generosity. The speaker also shares a childhood experience of being an altar boy for his Episcopal priest father, where he witnessed a coffin floating up during a funeral due to a faulty seal. The speaker uses this experience to describe a PR strategy called "sinking the body," which involves concealing the truth during a crisis.
PR distractions: In PR, creating distractions or sinking truths into obscurity can be used to divert attention from problems, but building relationships and offering exclusive information directly to media professionals is a more effective approach.
In the world of public relations, sometimes it's necessary to divert attention from a problem by creating a distraction or even sinking the truth into obscurity. The speaker's experience at a funeral, where he had to submerge a coffin to avoid revealing a mistake, parallels the tactics used in PR. Publicists typically amplify messages and pitch to journalists, but the speaker's approach involves building relationships and offering exclusive information directly to media professionals. The job of a PR operative can be stressful, but the speaker finds satisfaction in putting himself in the line of fire to protect his clients' interests. The episode also showcases sponsors Cremo and Greatness Winds, emphasizing their high-quality, comfortable products.
PR firms representing controversial clients: PR firms have a history of representing foreign governments and entities with controversial issues, and the process of lobbying for favorable ratings or public opinion can involve ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts of interest.
PR firms, including the one the speaker worked for, have represented foreign governments and entities in the past, sometimes involving controversial issues and questionable practices. The speaker's experience involved working on a documentary about the Iraq War, where they faced challenges in obtaining a suitable rating from the Motion Picture Association of America due to the frequent use of a particular word in the film. The firm lobbied for a PG-13 rating to reach the intended audience of young potential enlistees, and the process involved negotiating with media outlets and appealing to public opinion. The speaker also discussed the ethical dilemmas and potential conflicts of interest in the PR industry, particularly when working for controversial clients. The speaker also mentioned the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 and how it was created to address similar issues during a different historical context. The speaker expressed their personal decision to no longer work on such projects and called for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.
International Business Ethics: Working in international business and politics can present complex ethical dilemmas, such as justifying deals with 'dictators' or 'bad guys' as a better use of funds, contrasted with the clearer ethical landscape of working for charities or non-profits. The speaker's experiences in Sarajevo, the Bosnian War, and Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid illustrate these challenges.
In the world of international business and politics, moral lines can become blurred. The speaker shares his experiences of working with "dictators" and "bad guys," acknowledging that taking money from them might be considered stealing but justifying it as a better use of funds. He contrasts this with working for charities or non-profit organizations, where the ethical dilemma is less complex. The speaker also reflects on his experiences in Sarajevo, a city scarred by war, and the moral quandary of working for the "bad guys" in such a place. He shares stories of the Bosnian War, the American response, and the impact on the city and its people. Lastly, he discusses a long-shot sports washing campaign he worked on for the government of Qatar to secure the 2022 World Cup bid, which involved going after their opponents, against FIFA's rules. These experiences highlight the complexities and ethical dilemmas that can arise in international business and politics.
Political leverage: Creatively using fake grassroots organizations and cross retaliation in international trade disputes can provide leverage and achieve desired outcomes in politics and public relations.
In the world of politics and public relations, leverage and finding unique approaches are key. The speaker shared an experience where he used a fake grassroots organization to introduce a resolution opposing Qatar's bid to host the World Cup, which provided cover for those who wanted to vote against it. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the dynamics of power and influence in achieving desired outcomes. Another key insight is the importance of being mindful of one's words and actions, as repeating negative statements or actions can have detrimental consequences. Additionally, the speaker highlighted the strategic use of cross retaliation in international trade disputes, which can be an effective way to gain leverage against larger adversaries. Overall, the speaker's stories illustrate the importance of creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking in navigating complex political and business environments.
Threats and Media Attention: Threats and media attention can significantly impact global issues and economies, as seen in Antigua's piracy threat, Boko Haram's kidnapping of school girls, and Malala Yousafzai's activism, which put pressure on governments and forced change.
The power of threat and media attention can significantly impact global issues and economies. The discussion revolves around the impact of Antigua's threat to sell pirated goods online, which caused a media storm and forced the United States to settle its debt with Antigua. Similarly, in Nigeria, the kidnapping of school girls by Boko Haram and the world's reaction put pressure on the government to act. Even a 17-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, was able to make the Nigerian government look incompetent during a visit. The private sector, including Israeli firms, also plays a role in global issues by providing services like psychological operations and surveillance. These examples illustrate the far-reaching consequences of threats, media attention, and global activism.
Espionage laptops: Hidden laptops with advanced surveillance capabilities are commonly used in espionage for recording meetings, phone calls, and movements of people nearby. The industry involves questionable activities and can have a significant mental health toll on individuals.
The use of hidden, always-on laptops equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities is a common tactic in the world of espionage and intelligence gathering. These laptops, often running specialized versions of Linux and equipped with overblown Wi-Fi cards, can connect to any nearby device and record meetings, phone calls, and even the movements of people nearby. The industry that deals with such practices is duplicitous and often involves willful ignorance, with corporations and individuals engaging in questionable activities to avoid negative optics or investigations. The mental health toll of such work can be significant, with many individuals suffering in silence for years before seeking help. In the case of the speaker, his mental health issues began in his late teens and worsened throughout his career, leading him to seek treatment through ketamine therapy. However, it's important to note that such therapy should only be administered under the supervision of medical professionals in a safe and controlled environment.
Ketamine therapy for depression: Ketamine therapy can provide life-changing relief for those with treatment-resistant depression, as shared by the speaker's personal experience.
Mental health struggles can be debilitating, and treatments like ketamine therapy can be life-changing for those with treatment-resistant depression. The speaker shares his personal experience of feeling hopeless and the impact of ketamine therapy on his life. He also reflects on his career, sharing a story of saving a Turkish barber from death sentence in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of speaking up for justice. The speaker admits he doesn't do his work for the money but for the stories and the desire to be true. He also shares some practical tips, like staying above the sixth floor in Beirut due to car bomb threats, and encourages visiting Turkey for its beautiful food and scenery. The conversation ends with a reflection on deadlines, originating from the American Civil War's prisoner of war camps, and how they apply to journalism.
False confessions: Skilled interrogators can coerce innocent people into giving false confessions, leading to wrongful convictions. Be cautious and aware of your rights during interrogations.
During an intense interrogation, an innocent person like Amanda Knox could be coerced into giving a false confession, even without being aware of their rights or having access to a lawyer. This technique, used by skilled interrogators, can be psychologically damaging and lead to wrongful convictions. It's crucial to remember that the truth may not save you and that anything said during an interrogation without explicit agreement to the contrary can be used against you. This is a reminder to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when dealing with law enforcement or any high-pressure situation.
