1. How old are you and what state do you live in?

I’m 31 years old and I live in Ontario, Canada

2. When did you become a member of TYT?

I think it was 2008 when I joined.  I know I started listening when I stumbled on it on my XM radio and I was shocked at how different it was from the news I was used to.

3. How do you consume the show?

Pretty much exclusively by podcast.  The only times I’ve ever watched the live show is on special events like the conventions, election nights, etc.

4. What field do you work in?

I’m currently an owner/operator of a taxi.  When I started listening to TYT I worked in Environmental Science.  Since then I earned my Masters in Env. Sci., decided I hated my job, quit, got into cab driving, and now love my job.

5. How would you describe TYT in 5 words or less?

Honest and keeps it real.

6. Do you have a favorite TYT moment?

Listening to Cenk read (and butcher) my name when I donated to the new studio, then having Jimmy Dore jump in and try to figure out what nationality I was :)

7. Who is your favorite co-host? Why?

It’s stiff competition, but Ben is my favourite co-host.  It’s hard to pinpoint why exactly, but for whatever reason I always love hearing his perspective on stories.  I also love the personal touches he adds, like stories about his mom or dad, his gambling, etc.

8. What motivated you to take the extra step of becoming a paying member?

I realized that TYT was the only place I knew that was doing real, honest news and commentary, and how inept the mainstream media had become.  I figured the least I could do was chip in $10/month to help TYT survive.

9. Are surprised that the The Young Turks has grown into a multiplatform network of multiple channels?

Yeah, I didn’t really see that coming.  But then again, I shouldn’t be surprised.  The reason TYT excels at political talk is its honesty compared to the phoniness of mainstream media.  So why wouldn’t that same thing hold true across multiple shows and genres?

10. Cenk often talks about the TYT brand as “truth telling.” What does this mean to you as a member?

It means being real.  No agenda, no ignoring facts or motivations.  It doesn’t mean always being right or unbiased, but it means saying what you actually believe.  You watch CNN and they pretend politicians are engaging in actual intellectual debates.  They lie to their audience by pretending politicians aren’t acting based on money or ideology or a number of factors which have nothing to do with the good of the people.

11. Which TYT host would you get coffee with? Which one would you go to the bar with? Who would you have dinner with?

I’d get coffee with Wes, because he’s a fascinating dude.  I’d want to go to the bar with Ana, for obvious reasons.  And I’d want to have dinner with Cenk just to talk with him for like 2 hours about anything/everything.

12. If you were a co-host on the show, which story would you cover? Why?

I’d cover an animal rights story because I’m a vegan animal rights activist, and I’d want to debate that with Cenk.  I have a dream that if I had a 15 minute conversation with Cenk I could convince him that animal rights is the logical extension of his views on social justice and equality.  He’s all about protecting the powerless from the powerful, and that’s exactly why I’m vegan.

13. Have you ever communicated with other TYT fans? If so, how?

Nope, never have.  I feel bad I’ve never gone to a meetup or anything, but life always seems to get in the way.  In fairness to me, I have a toddler and a newborn, so I’ll throw them under the bus as my excuse :)

14. Has the show convinced you to change your position on a particular issue?

I’m not sure about changing my positions, but definitely it has helped me refine some positions.  I’m much more liberal now than when I started listening, partially because I consider myself much better educated now.  When I started listening I was much more in favour of US taking military action in the middle-east, which I’m not proud of now.  TYT has also helped me develop positions on subjects I’d never really given much thought to before.

15. Have you ever referred membership to anyone? If so, what did you say?

I’ve never gotten anyone to become a member.  I’ve recommended TYT and told people why it’s worth watching vs mainstream news, but my friends/family tend to see me as the uber-liberal so don’t always take my suggestions that seriously.

*****

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