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We love to nerd out about great television. We also happen to know some of the greatest creatives currently in the game. (Giving out prestigious awards has its advantages.) That’s why we co-created, with the Center for Media and Social Impact, the podcast We Disrupt This Broadcast, to engage with the creators of shows that have disrupted the traditional approach to broadcasting in the streaming era, and with experts who reflect on the meaning and significance of such programming themes for viewers. And we’re thrilled to say we’re now up for an award ourselves: a Webby Award in the People’s Voice category.
Now in its second season, We Disrupt This Broadcast has talked Severance with Adam Scott and Ben Stiller, Mo with Mo Amer, writing for young women with Judy Blume, Better Things with Pamela Adlon, and Abbott Elementary with Quinta Brunson, among others. It has discussed masculinity and mental health, queer history, native humor, collective trauma, faith, and more.
We believe in the importance of pop culture and its ability to effect change. Because of that, we go beyond behind-the-scenes, examining how creators craft stories that matter, and even speaking to experts and activists about the ways these stories have made a real impact in the broader world.
If you haven’t listened yet, here are a few standout moments to get you started. Please also consider voting for We Disrupt This Broadcast in the Webby Awards’ People’s Voice competition.
Where to Listen: PeabodyAwards.com
Adam Scott and Ben Stiller on ‘Severance’
Star Adam Scott explains how he plays his “innie” vs. his “outie,” while showrunner Ben Stiller illuminates how the series reflects the themes of corporate abuse and maintaining humanity amidst ravenous capitalism.
Full Episode Here
Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence on ‘Shrinking’ and ‘Ted Lasso’
Producer Bill Lawrence and writer/star Brett Goldstein tell us how they’re using television to forge new models of masculinity that allow for feelings, friendship, vulnerability, and therapy.
Full Episode Here
Quinta Brunson on ‘Abbott Elementary’
Creator and star Quinta Brunson talks about finding inspiration in her own school experiences, revitalizing the traditional network sitcom for a new generation, and turning heavy topics like charter schools and underfunded education into a lighthearted workplace comedy.
Full Episode Here
Pamela Adlon on ‘Better Things’
Pamela Adlon discusses making her own life into art on Better Things, from raising daughters and making her way in Hollywood to facing “the menopause years” without shame.
Full Episode Here
Ramy Youssef on ‘Ramy’
Ramy Youssef recounts how he centers faith in his work, and dissects how one of his favorite (and most self-deprecating) plot lines started with the question, “How can both the Israelis and Palestinians hate Ramy?”
Full Episode Here
Damon Lindelof on ‘Lost,’ ‘The Leftovers,’ and ‘Watchmen’
Damon Lindelof, a creative force behind cultural sensations like Lost and Watchmen, reflects on the themes of community healing and collective trauma that underlie all of his work, the ways that collaboration fuels him, and the internal “antenna” that guides him in choosing projects.
Full Episode Here