The antidote to internet poisoning. Hosted by Ben Dreyfuss, Calm Down is a podcast about our internet politics nightmare...and how to fix it. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.calmdownben.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.calmdownben.com</a>
Calm Down
Claim This Podcastby Ben Dreyfuss
4.7(38 reviews)
7 episodes
Updated Weekly
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Podcast Overview
The antidote to internet poisoning. Hosted by Ben Dreyfuss, Calm Down is a podcast about our internet politics nightmare...and how to fix it. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.calmdownben.com?utm_medium=podcast">www.calmdownben.com</a>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/27/2022
1 verified contact email on file for Calm Down
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Recent Episodes
January 23, 2026
Live with Josh, Megan & Ben
<br/><br/>Get full access to Calm Down at <a href="https://www.calmdownben.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.calmdownben.com/subscribe</a>
December 19, 2025
We did a Substack Live. Here is a recording of it.
<br/><br/>Get full access to Calm Down at <a href="https://www.calmdownben.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.calmdownben.com/subscribe</a>
July 3, 2024
Episode 1: The Flight 93 Convention (with Harry Dreyfuss)
<p><strong>Summary</strong>Ben Dreyfuss and Harry Dreyfuss introduce their new podcast and discuss their unique dynamic. They talk about their different skills and personalities, with Ben being a journalist and Harry being a therapist. They also discuss their intelligence levels and humor. They then move on to discuss the recent presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with Ben criticizing Biden's performance. They explore the possibility of Biden stepping down and the potential candidates to replace him. In this conversation, Ben Dreyfuss discusses the dynamics of power within institutions and the reluctance of some individuals to let go of their power, even if it means protecting the institution itself. He also reflects on the contemptuous attitude towards Republicans who forgave Trump after the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and his own struggle with being a hypocrite. The conversation then shifts to a letter from a college student who is concerned about how their predominantly white neighbors will react to their black friend visiting. Ben criticizes the letter writer for assuming their neighbors are racist without any evidence and for dehumanizing their friend. He also critiques the condescending response from the advice columnist, arguing that it only perpetuates division and does not offer a constructive solution. The conversation concludes with a discussion on how to effectively respond to compliments and the importance of participating in social norms.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>podcast, co-host, dynamic, skills, intelligence, humor, presidential debate, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, performance, stepping down, potential candidates, power dynamics, institutional power, protecting power, contempt towards Republicans, forgiveness, hypocrisy, racial bias, assumptions, dehumanization, condescension, responding to compliments, social norms</p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><p>Ben Dreyfuss and Harry Dreyfuss have a unique dynamic and enjoy engaging conversations.</p><p>Biden's performance in the presidential debate was criticized, raising concerns about his abilities.</p><p>There is speculation about the possibility of Biden stepping down and potential candidates to replace him.</p><p>The Democratic Party is facing internal divisions and criticism from its own members. People within institutions are often more concerned with protecting their own power than the power of the institution itself.</p><p>Contempt towards Republicans who forgave Trump after the Capitol attack highlights the struggle to maintain consistency and avoid hypocrisy.</p><p>Assuming racism without evidence and dehumanizing others based on assumptions perpetuates division and does not lead to constructive solutions.</p><p>Effective responses to compliments involve acknowledging the compliment, expressing gratitude, and engaging in a positive conversation.</p><p>Participating in social norms, such as exchanging compliments, helps create a positive and supportive environment.</p><p><strong>Titles</strong></p><p>Speculating on the Possibility of Biden Stepping Down</p><p>Critiquing Biden's Performance in the Presidential Debate The Pitfalls of Condescension: Perpetuating Division</p><p>Contempt and Hypocrisy: The Struggle to Maintain Consistency</p><p><strong>Sound Bites</strong></p><p>"Introducing a new podcast with Ben Dreyfuss and Harry Dreyfuss"</p><p>"Biden's performance in the debate was a failure on a performance and substance level"</p><p>"Speculating on the possibility of Biden stepping down"</p><p>"The first law of institutional power is that people within an institution are more concerned with protecting their power within the institution than the power of the institution itself."</p><p>"I don't want to be a hypocrite here."</p><p>"There's a huge section of the country that we can never get to vote."</p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong>Introducing a New Podcast</p><p><strong>10:18</strong>Critiquing Biden's Debate Performance</p><p><strong>25:20</strong>Internal Divisions within the Democratic Party</p><p><strong>41:15</strong>The First Law of Institutional Power</p><p><strong>43:09</strong>The Divide Between Engaged and Disengaged Voters</p><p><strong>48:01</strong>Assumptions, Racism, and Dehumanization</p><p><strong>51:43</strong>The Pitfalls of Condescension</p><p><strong>01:02:42</strong>Ridiculous Advice from the Washington Post</p><p><strong>01:10:44</strong>Responding to Compliments and Participating in Social Norms</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to Calm Down at <a href="https://www.calmdownben.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">www.calmdownben.com/subscribe</a>
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Calm Down?
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This podcast updates weekly.
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