Margaret Atwood on the Rise of Real World Authoritarians | Offline With Jon Favreau

Margaret Atwood, famed author, poet and “dystopia prophet,” joins Offline to talk about fighting tyranny and finding hope. Much like her latest book, Old Babes in the Wood, Atwood’s conversation with Jon sandwiches her thoughts and fears on the present between poignant chapters of the past. They discuss censorship, religion, parenting and how to listen for what you can’t hear.

CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:04 - How are we doing?
3:40 - Why people are okay with Totalitarianism
10:45 - Religion’s influence on government
16:03 - Ad Break
18:03 - Does Democracy have a compelling story?
27:53 - The Left controlling content and fighting extremism
33:50 - Are writers too scared to write?
40:17 - Ad Break
41:41 - How does the internet change novel writing?
45:10 - What does Margaret Atwood want young people to know?

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Crooked believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us—one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. At a time when it’s increasingly easy to feel cynical or hopeless, former Obama staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor have created a place where people can have sane conversations that inform, entertain, and inspire action. In 2017 they started Crooked with Pod Save America—a no-bullshit conversation about politics. Since then, we continue to add shows, voices, and opportunities for activism, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world. That’s it. End of mission.

#offlinewithjonfavreau #margaretatwood #handmaidstale

[wr]

Jon—Thank you for not being one of those hosts who are constantly interrupting your guests with inane comments, talking over the guest, asking questions that don’t matter and, worst of all, pushing their own opinions, especially when they disagree with the guest. A host who actually listens is a rare thing. I am in search of more of your podcasts.

[noofimport]

"There is not just good and evil. There is good, evil, and stupidity." So simple yet eye opening. Thank you, Ms. Atwood.

[MamaDoctorJones]

Margaret Atwood is now my favorite person on earth.

[renegadegeek]

She's so much more than an author. She has watched the world churn for decades and she is so skilled at pointing out the most important patterns. Brilliant.

[kimbradshaw]

OMG this woman is an international treasure. Pure distilled wisdom, leavened with humour. We need to clone her!

[AlerieHightower]

If I am a fraction of this sharp, this incisive, this witty and this insightful at 83, I will count myself lucky, indeed. What a fantastic interview. You could tell there was a mutual rapport there, so well done, Favs!

[suzibarlow]

Bet this interview took you by surprise, John. Yup, she's smart. Yup, she's accomplished. Yup she is older than you and shows it in words of wisdom. Great interview. One of your very best. A treasure. Thank you to both of you. You lifted me up.

[suziemacdonald]

As a Canadian, I have always loved and admired Margaret Atwood. I had read Handmaid's Tale when I was pregnant for my daughter over 35 years ago. Wow! Had I of known then how her story would almost come to fruition today, I would never have believed it! She's definitely a national treasure and has the wit, intelligence, and a funny woman all wrapped up in a nice package! Proud to be Canadian!

[incognito]

Ms. Atwood is saying ‘ Evil never sleeps’ when things get bad, evil shows its malice. When things are good, evil diminishes and crawls back into a hole. Ms. Atwood is right on the money.

[dbbrown]

What a brilliant women, and when will they finally give her her Nobel!?!?

[claudiachance]

It's a sad thing to realize that we would rather disagree to point of wishing each other dead.
Instead of sitting down together and finding a solution and not wait for chaos to erupt. Where are the adults in the room? A child could figure this out. Mrs Atwood is a breath of fresh air. Her awareness is legendary. Thank you.

[flybymight]

Long time Margaret Atwood fan typing from Toronto. Just when I think your Offline podcast can't get better you do this. Thank you Jon Favreau for continued excellent podcasting. I long for a Crooked Media equivalent in Canada. Long may you pod.

[susanhall]

Jon, thank you for this interview. She was an absolute delight.

[jo-p]

It’s so heartening that older women are finally becoming visible. The experience and wisdom they can bring to today’s world is invaluable. Learning about women who’ve made important discoveries and others whose achievements were claimed by men or simply quietly hidden has been enlightening. Women still have a long way to go toward equality but I am grateful that women of all ages are becoming more prevalent in all arenas.

[JohnTLyon]

Ms. Atwood is a prime example of what the objective, analytical mind can achieve. I have admired her for years both as a writer and a critical thinker. This is one of Jon's best interviews and shows why Pod Save America is at the top of the heap in podcasts!👌✌👍

[ninemoonplanet]

Margaret Atwood has always managed to impress me every interview she does. Her breadth of knowledge, insight into human behaviour, her ability to use everyday expressions is amazing.
Now I will find that Utopia resource to find out so much more.
Thank you. 🇨🇦💪

[MsMcKat-ubsm]

Best interview ever Jon. Margaret Atwood's ability to synthesize human behavior and speak to our existential dilemmas is awe-inspiring. I could have listened for hours to her stories.

[serephita]

I remember reading The Handmaid's Tale when I was 12 or so, and the impact it had on me even then (I am going to be 37 later this year). The fact that in the last 25 or so years, I've seen the US and other countries spiral down this dark hole towards the reality in the book has been terrifying. Great interview, Jon.

[craiggardener]

Thank you both for this thoughtful conversation. I recognize Margaret Atwood as an author but sadly never read any of her books. Tomorrow is my 70th Birthday and I'm changing that....I'm reading THE HANDMAID'S TALE!

[SteamBunneh]

I could listen to her talk forever.. shes brilliant