reSee.it Podcast Summary
An episode of the PBD podcast threads a Minneapolis tragedy into a broader conversation about identity, media, and politics. It centers on the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, where authorities identified the suspect as Robin Westman, formerly listed as Robert Westman, who legally changed his name after his mother's retirement. The shooter opened fire during a morning Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking his own life. As details emerge, the discussion probes the shooter's identity, the social media traces, and the surrounding debates about gender and victimhood. A chart showing mass shooting rates by demographic group places trans non-binary at the top, prompting questions about what the data illuminate about roots, mental health, and prevention. Tom presents three drivers: hate and grievance, social isolation, and a lack of meaning. The panel emphasizes access to mental health support while acknowledging the role media narratives play in shaping perceptions of risk and responsibility.
Beyond the Minneapolis coverage, the episode pivots to political skirmishes and public figures. A clip shows Gavin Newsom answering questions about whether the tweets attributed to him are posted by his office and describing a 'kill switch' for the account. The conversation then shifts to Donald Trump, noting health rumors and public questions about his vitality, the possibility of a 2028 run, and coverage of a White House ballroom project. The panel debates who the Democratic front runner might be, with one speaker arguing the party prefers a Midwest candidate, while others discuss the ongoing Trump campaign and the proliferation of Trump 2028 hats circulating online.
Laboring within the money-and-influence conversation, the hosts dissect a New York Post report about a secretive dark-money group, the 1630 fund, paying online influencers up to $8,000 a month through Kors' Creator Incubator to disseminate left-leaning talking points. Named participants include Olivia Giuliana, Lauren Piera, Barrett Adair, Ariel Fedor, Sander Jennings, and others. Kors describes itself as a nonprofit that provides training and space, not direct pay, while the post highlights secrecy around disclosures. Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss is cited as a major donor network backer. The discussion then follows Chorus, a program that coordinates messages across influencers and sits within Kors' orbit, funded in part by 1630, with questions about transparency and political messaging.