Times Keep On Changing
Well, the cat is out of the bag and the news has come out about my new project, creating a new weekly right-wing media criticism show on Cool Zone Media.
As you might assume, this isn’t just something that’s come up overnight. I would have liked to post something about it before, but it was hard to know if this was something that was going to work out until it was announced and became real, and I’m unaccustomed to dealing with businesses, so I never really know when I have the green light to bring things up publicly.
I wanted to write this message to clarify a few things that may have been confusing in this admittedly confusing stretch of time.
The first thing I want to clear up is that I never intended Show Me State of Mind to be a podcast I did after Knowledge Fight. It was my intention to do both shows concurrently, and the road trips that I was beginning to take on the later episodes of KF were dry runs for me to test out whether or not it would be possible for me to record KF from the road. I was feeling the urge to travel, but I didn’t know how the process would work and what technological limitations I would need to deal with. Initially, I thought that my travel adventures could be a new format for Matter of Time, or possibly another thing entirely, but an essential part of my preparation for it was making sure I could keep KF going simultaneously.
I figured all of that out, and then KF ended. At that point, I was not inclined to continue just doing the same show as normal, and I thought maybe it was just as well, that maybe I had said what I had to say on that topic. I didn’t really know what to do on that front, but I had been working on this travel show I was going to launch already, so I directed my attention to that. It seemed plausible that I could explore a different kind of media, and find a way to make that satisfying creatively, and that did work a bit.
What I tried to do was let the show take shape depending on how I was experiencing my trips, but what I didn’t expect was that following that impulse just led me back to where I started. Every one of my trips ended up kind of being related to KF and my previous area of study, whether I intended them to or not. This awareness gnawed at me, and long hours in the car give you a lot of time to dwell on thoughts like this.
In the background, as I was creating these episodes, the offer to start a show with Cool Zone came up. I went back and forth with it, because there were legitimate ups and downs to the idea of joining up with a network. As I chewed over the pros and cons, it was inescapable to me that it was inevitable that I was going to be back on this right-wing media beat, not out of some desperation, but because it’s one of the only things I’m good at and have a passion for.
When I started to guest on other podcasts, I felt pretty clear about things. I loved doing the travel show, but I didn’t feel about it the same way I feel about media criticism.
The "doing 52 weekly episodes in different locations" aspect of Show Me State of Mind was based on the idea that it was going to be my primary show, which was not my initial plan. It was supposed to be a supplementary show, and due to circumstances it got shifted into the primary spot, so the 52-week structure made good sense.
But now it doesn’t. My plan as of this point is to continue Show Me State of Mind, but on an entirely indefinite schedule. I intend to cover all the states eventually, but I have to let go of the weekly schedule in order to take advantage of these other opportunities that have come up that I think are more important. I’m looking at it like I’m going back to work, and Show Me State of Mind will still exist, but as a vacation podcast.
More information about the new Cool Zone show will be coming soon, and there are some other announcements that are still to come, but in the time being, I feel the need to address the way this impacts this Patreon.
In effect, joining up with Cool Zone means that I am accepting a job, so it does not feel appropriate to act as if things are the same as they were before. If you want to stay signed up, you’re welcome to do so, but it needs to be said clearly that this will just be sending me a tip. If you want to cancel, I encourage you to shift that support over to another creator who you enjoy.
I’m aware that there’s another layer of this that is confusing, having to do with the past version of the show and me doing this new version. Some of that I hope I can clear up over time, but I also want to say that some of it is personal, and I’m not going to be speaking on that.
One other point of clarification I’d like to make is that I was unaware that the name Knowledge Fight Country would be in the press release, or that any decision had been made in terms of a title for the new show. No one at Cool Zone did anything wrong at all, but it was my understanding that this was one of a number of possible titles, so that was a surprise.
I think saying that this title is too close to the original one is a fair point, which is why I wanted to think about it a little more, and weigh some other options, but now that it’s been said out loud, it feels fitting. The new show will be a spiritual sequel to KF in the same way Donkey Kong Country was to Donkey Kong, and I’ve been getting these Donkey Kong tattoos lately, so it all kind of lines up.
So ultimately, what I’m getting at is that I invite you to take the support you’ve directed my way and give that to someone else. I’m going to continue making the projects I’ve been working on, but I feel like accepting a job at a company creates a situation where the lines get blurred when it comes to crowdfunding.
Thank you to everyone, and I'm excited to see where the next stages go.
Comments (171)
Dear Dan: excited about the new podcast! My name is Kasper Grotle Rasmussen, I'm an associate professor of American History at the University of Southern Denmark, where I research conspiracy theories. I'm writing a book chapter on satirical podcasts and conspiracy theories and I would love to interview you for it! I'm sorry for cross-posting, I've been trying to find the best way to get in touch with you. My university e-mail is grotle@sdu.dk and my faculty webpage can be found here: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/grotle/
ICE shooting in Austin - if there was ever a time to cover Alex Jones, this is it
Is this going to be a podcast or a video format? Will we need to be using a specific platform to access it?
This seems like great news! I eagerly await this next chapter and I expect to love it! I have greatly missed your intellectual rigor and gentlemanly sense of fairness and humanity towards friends and enemies alike. I will be listening. Will you post updates here when there is more specific information available?
Ty for your clear explanation. I hope the new KFC goes well. I will check it out whenever it comes out.
Dan joins the corporate slop world!? I was sad enough when KF ended, this is devastating. Please cancel this partnership ASAP Dan! Robert Evans uses the appearance of good politics to push some disgustingly anti-human views including neo-Malthusianism. And iHeart regularly puts fascist ads on leftist content. This is not the move Dan, please please don't join CZM!
Very happy news, my two favorite smart beard boys, finally together on the same podcast network.
This makes me so, so happy. You have no idea how much I was missing your coverage of far-right chucklefucks. Watch out, grifters! Dan’s coming for ALL OF YOU now!!
Good fit I was hoping this might happen. I crave listening to Dan critique the ding dongs in right wing media! I literally thought today how much I miss KF
Sorry bud, gonna keep giving you money
Congrats on the new job Dan! I’m happy to see a spiritual successor to the great work you did with Jordan on KF. I’m still listening through the back episodes, and damn do the old ones resound with the present day, whether it’s within the present-day-2021 episodes or in the flashback episodes released in 2021. Thanks for your hard work as an indie and looking forward to the new stuff!
I'm hoping this means for more collaboration with Robert Evans, and Cody and Katie
Ahh Dan! I am so excited for you! Can't wait to see how things unfurl from here, I'm sure you'll do wonderfully!
Nice try. I’m still going to send you money and you can’t convince me not to. On top of that, I’m a Cooler Zone member, so I’ll be paying you TWICE!
Congrats from someone who will be unsubscribing. I wish you the best and I will be listening via coolzone but there are other creators I can support who aren't getting an ad revenue check from iheart.
When I've been in th depths of insomnia or migraines KF was for some joyfully cursed reason the only podcast I could listen to. So, your stuck with me until you shut down this Patreon or my insomia gets cured. I have some mixed feelings about CZM but, I'm happy that you found an opportunity that clicks with you. Im still deeply invested in your run to host Survivor but...they did just release some of Mike Lindels deposition footage.
I'm willing to reduce my contribution but not zero probly like a dollar, I got too much out of knowledge fight for free for too long to stop completely
I think of this Patreon sponsorship as Dan’s “move to the woods” fund, so I’m still in.
Im gonna cum so hard
I’m sorry you didn’t have more control over the final name but glad it seems fitting to you. I first got into KF from a BTB episode you were on, and BTB was my first ever podcast I listened to. I loved your episodes with him and I’m sure Cool Zone is a great place to work. You have a life long supporter in me no matter what you get up to but this news is so exciting to me!
Hey Dan, idk if you’ll read this but if you do: thanks. Your voice is so important in this space.
When does it start, please?
Dan, as always I appreciate and admire your integrity and candor. I am excited for what lies ahead and hope to have your deep insights and reflections streaming into my ear holes for many years to come.
I am HYPE!
AFAIK there is no cat and no bag. Just waiting to see what is next for you.
Really great news. I grew up in a house run by a narcissist, so to hear AJ's verbal narc poison skillfully dissected, deconstructed and impeached by you each week was very satisfying. So happy that you will be focusing your exceptional insight and commentary on the rest of the shit-o-sphere.
Can’t wait to have you back to doing this. I’ve listened to every episode of KF four or five times now, and your insight on these right-wing knuckleheads is sorely missed.
HOLY FUCKING SHIT CONGRATULATIONS DAN WAY TO GO!!!!!! I absolutely love state of mind but I'm so fucking excited to have you back to educating me on right wing politics. Maybe having a backing for one show could allow you to travel more easily, or even get sent to locations on their dime giving you the opportunity to explore for SMSOM even more! This is all incredible news & I'm looking forward to listening to it all. Also, what if awhile from now you do SMSOM buttons for all of us who stick around? 😏
This is great news - about the name - I get the ickiness of it - maybe somehow giving Jordan some kind of money or acknowledgement s A new name would have been awesome - some kind of smart take on the subject matter that would totally go over my head until you mention casually during an episode what it is/means and my mind explodes.
congrats Dan. So excited to hear your analysis again. has cool zone announced a date yet?
I am extremely happy you have landed with a job with CZM. I already listen to almost all of their content. Maybe I’ll turn this subscription off and go pay for CZM. I listen to all the stuff on Apple Podcasts and can skip commercials there. So commercials don’t bother me.
I'm personally looking forward to possible crossover episodes with other CZM hosts like Molly Conger and Margaret Killjoy
You're takes are important Dan.
I'm very happy for you, Dan!
Happy days Dan, looking forward to the new Pod there has been a gap in my listening since the end of KF.
Dan this is a great move for you, the CZM is really lucky to have such a researcher on staff and I expect you'll be folded into the rotation of guest spot across the other podcasts, which is also great! I've admired your work for a long time, I am really enjoying Show Me State of Mind but I can't lie and say I don't miss you doing psychological damage to yourself and all of us through right wing content analysis. I think They're All Grifters is a better working title, but I'll listen, oh I'll listen. I hope you can keep Danarchy involved as well!
I'm so glad to have your voice back on this beat. Show Me is a fun show, but I've missed hearing you talk about right-wing nonsense. And Cool Zone is such an excitingly perfect home for you!
This is excellent news! It’s clear Robert respects you and your work as much as we do. And from a more boring perspective: the security of a salary is pretty good too 😂 Looking forward to it 💟
I get not wanting to take extra money but I'm sure some people will keep doing the "support" thing, try not to feel too weird about it - even if you join a network, I think people want to keep supporting you in a way that is independent of a publisher. Love what you do and your thoughts. Been helpful to think along with you about these things. Keep us up to date with all your doings!
This just makes me want to throw more money at you because I am already a CZM subscriber! Mo Dan without mo money?! Can’t wait. Love your new podcast- wasn’t sure about the deck of cards bit, but turns out about half way through each episode I’m like “wonder what card he’s going to pick?” Just wonder if you’re doing all of this with or without a pinky ring….
Congratulations on the job man!! I came across KF thanks to Molly Conger's Weird Little Guys that is also published by CZM!
I have been listening to KF from the beginning and it’s so funny to see the contrast between 2017 Dan half-jokingly begging for people to give money and 2026 Dan where he has now said twice that people can stop giving him money
He doesn't need our money but he needs our plasma 😂
Always thought you, Robert, Sophie, and the cool zone gang were great matches. Am excited!! Will follow you anywhere ❤️❤️ thank you for not leaving us Oh and just side ask— please eventually give me a couple more episodes with you on God Awful Movies having to deal with some weird happy science cult friendship movie. “Fish man doesn’t go to cram school , Dan !!❤️
Ahhhhhhhhhhh I love that you’re joining CZM. :D I’ve been a subscriber to them for years, and because of that, I couldn’t quite fit in supporting yall here as well. I’m so excited for you to join the CZM ecosystem and hopefully get pulling in as guests on all the other shows. I’d love to see you pop in on Weird Little Guys with Molly. I feel like that would be such a fun conversation to listen in on. 😊🥳
KFC! As a Cool Zone subscriber, and long time KF listener, I’m stoked!!!
Congrats, Dan! Sounds like a great fit. Keep it Funky and, occasionally, Cranky.
You have such a vast knowledge over so many years covering a really specific beat, I’m so relieved that we’re not losing it! Every time someone else talks about Alex Jones and gets something wrong or is missing the extra context you’d bring I’m like yelling at my speaker “GET DAN ON”. We’re lucky you’re staying in the game. Archive as you go, please! Going back over nine years of stuff is enough to make anyone want to die but if you do it as you go you’ll have this absolute *treasure trove* later. Much love, glad you’re keeping it up!
Will this effect the archive of KF episodes ? Are there any plans to remove KF from podcast platforms?
Looking forward to this. I had only listened to KF for a few years and was sad to see it end. I do miss the Dan-Jordan dynamic but have been enjoying SMSoM as i get ready for work in the morning. I feel like i will enjoy anything you do. I like your perspective on the world. 😍
I'm ashamed to say that I still haven't listened to the final live show episode because it had some finality weight to it that I didn't want to face yet. But hearing that you're working with CZM on something in that wheelhouse is oddly comforting. I respect your opinions and research and how you present it all to us so it'll be nice to have those takes again on the current shitty swamp outside of the Infowars bubble. Looking forward to it Dan! And if you ever do anymore standup in Chicago, please promote it somewhere! My wife and I would love to drive down to catch a show
BEST NEWS I’VE HEARD IN MONTHS!! You’re truly talented, Dan. We need you. We love you. We missed you. As someone once mumbled, “Life is very fragile.”
Glad you’ll be back on the right wing beat Dan. Your ability to cover some pretty vile people with kindness and empathy while not letting them get away with any bullshit is truly unique. I think I speak for plenty of wonks when I say your perspective gives us a little bit of hope in a pretty dark time for our country.
This is exciting. This seems like a natural fit with this crew and I am really looking forward to hearing it. Break a leg.
Show me State of mind has been such a wonderful comfort. Going through some similar stuff myself in terms of change in life direction, unexpectedly arriving though felt for a long time (we are born the same year or so) and I've absolutely loved it. Early 40s nostalgia trips, not uncommon either. Really really appreciated that Dan. And as for KFC - brilliant. What you and Jordan created ended up being so big, so all consuming, so useful and powerful in it's own way, and expanding KF into KFC is fitting. The Knowledge Fight is bigger than JorDan, KF was both deeply original and reflected a broader response by leftist, leftish and just sane people to these fash-laden propaganda-rot times, not just you fellas, but many other artists and creators. Things got way bigger than anyone expected, I imagine. When things get bigger and you have a boss, there are some compromises that happen, editorially or aesthetically, whether as an individual you want it exactly or if the audience, us Wonks, want it so...because of precise concerns about this or that, or purity tests or whatever... I don't think anyone is seriously concerned about that. All of us or most of us, will support both of you, wherever you go with your work, or appreciate what you've made, at no cost to us and great cost to you guys. Dan - as you've written this post, you have a lot worth saying and hearing. And your gentle, sometimes righteously angry, but logical, philosophical and charitable approach has helped me through these mad times. You also made me a better thinker. in turn this reduced my anguish and pain at the state of things, and cooled my reaction into resolve to be at least useful, not just mad with terror, rage and morally wounded by the state of the world. Tuned into KF close to the beginning, never regretted it. To both you and Jordan wherever he is, warmest thanks and best wishes. I and many others will still be listening for what you have to say.
Omg. I’m so excited!!
Keep fighting brother ✊
I always hoped the sequel to Knowledge Fight would be Violence Fight but of course that's already a really old game.
This made my day. I understand the InfoW fatigue. The way you covered that fool was brilliant and I look forward to you expanding the coverage to all of the creeps that reside under that tent.
Yes!!!!!
New theme song better be from DJ Danarchy and not some Cool Zone Media slop
What a lovely coincidence given something I saw today that I linked below and I commented on how much it made me miss Knowledge Fight! There's a whole right-wing world of whackos out there to take on. By itself the poster for this event would give you enough material for a lifetime of shows. Can't wait for your return!
Congrats about joining Cool Zone. I am of two minds here. I enjoy what Robert et. al. are doing. I hate that this is a subbrand of Iheartradio. So... :/ on the news?
https://bsky.app/profile/christiannightmare.bsky.social/post/3mtefjaaifs25
Happy for you, but probably won't listen. I stopped listening to all iHeart podcasts some time ago because their ads are excessive and most shows don't have an option to pay for an ad-free version. Really enjoying Show Me State of Mind though, so if this deal allows you to both survive and occassionally travel then I can't complain. Congratulations!
Cool Zone Media has a paid option that covers all the shows in their company. (Such as Behind the Bastards, Weird Little Guys and It Could Happen Here, Better Offline, and several more.)
So many congratulations, Dan. I'm loving SMSoM, but... this feels like a great opportunity to pursue work that you are uniquely suited to tackle. I'll really look forward to it.
I’m so happy for you! Also excited for a new podcast without a 700 episode backlog to catch up on lol
This is such a wonderful message, for so many reasons. Im so excited to listen to KFC, and just appreciate the grace and care that is taken with the messaging to people on the patreon. Will be a forever listener to whatever you put out into the world!!
Excited to hear that you'll be doing a podcast calling out the right wing media world again. It's something you're extremely gifted at, and I've missed your voice in that world since the end of knowledge fight. That being said, can I say how meaningful and powerful Show Me State of Mind has been. Each week I wonder whether there will be anything worthwhile in the trip. Each week I question whether it's even worth starting the episode (I'm not into wrestling, I don't care about monopoly, etc), and each week I'm pulled in to a powerful discussion that blindsides me with it's poetry and healing. The amazing conversation around Precious Moments with Robbie Parker and the conversation with your Dad were both very powerful and stuck with me for days, in a way that was very different than the four years I listened to knowledge fight. So... keep on keeping on. Sorry this is so earnest.
This is great news! So happy to hear this and so happy for you.
I mean this in the best way possible: State of Mind was such a breath of fresh air after years of having to wade through Alex's garbage. I'm glad you had some time to separate yourself from that. I'm ready to hear more work of yours.
Thanks for the update - have loved catching you on the occasional pod you have turned up on, looking forward to the new ventuire.
Dan!! This is the best news ever! I miss your voice and your takes on life and think about you often. Cool zone media seem like a great bunch from the outside at least. I hope it works out for you. Sending all the support in the world my parasocial friend. I’ll be listening:-) Lucy from Nova Scotia
Very disappointed and will look poorly at you and cool zone if it has knowledge fight in the name. It was fun over the years, but goodbye.
Dan, I became a patron because Elon’s Twitter buyout set a “pay to engage” model and I thought that the most demonstrative opposition was to subscribe to an independent creator who I respect. You have widened my understanding of the world of shitty grifters and you have given us a rogue’s gallery and a whole subcultural dialect befitting a fandom like ours. I can’t wait to see you open the floodgates for anyone who doesn’t know what we have known all along: Dan is wicky wicky Wild!
Hate to be the old fart of the group, but what the fuck is cool zone?
I know it as the company Molly Conger (friend of the show) does Weird Little Guys through
Congratulations! I looking forward to it!
Thank you Dan
Since I've been binging past BtB episodes to replace my Dan deficit, this fits right in with my new media diet! Like everyone else here, I can't wait to see (hear) what you do next, and am just grateful you haven't burned yourself out. I hope you get to keep traveling in whatever way fits your heart!
Given that I don't think my Wonk Tier subscription is going to add up to the kind of money I need in the timeframe I need it, and that I'm probably looking at giving it to a car dealership instead of a creator I actually want to support, I think I'd be happier giving YOU the tip for the foreseeable future. Congratulations on joining CoolZone!
I am enjoying your travel show and am really looking forward to you getting in the mix with the cool zone people. You have a deep knowledge of right wing culture and it's figures and I'm excited for you to expand on that. KFC!
Genuinely, I think I couldn't be more disappointed in you.
Excited to see what comes next with this show! And happy as always to hear your classic candor with your audience.
Awesome news, Dan!
Of all the places to land, or job offers to take, I think CoolZone will be a great fit. I listened to KF for years before starting on BTB, and they became a great complement to each other. You both covered shitty people, with not infrequent overlap, from different perspectives. Alex's philosophical forebears were a massive bunch of bastards. I've enjoyed your dynamic with Robert and Sophie when you've been on BTB. I'm absolutely thrilled that you're going to continue with media criticism, and I look forward to "tipping" for my listening pleasures through Patreon. Having to listen to shitheads like Tucker (or really any of the other right wing grifters) deserves hazard pay. Fuck yeah! I'm very excited.
Congratulations, Dan! Cant wait to listen.
If you don’t do this show with Travis view I’m gonna freaking lose it.
Wrong Network lol. Dan and Travis would be such a great duo tho. Julian or Jake might be a better Jordan stand in, but there's just no replacing Jordan.
Thanks for the update! I plan to continue supporting here for the time being, mostly because I wanted to support KF for a long time before I was able to afford even a couple bucks a month. So I’m happy to catch up on that for a while, at least until I opt to pay for no ads on CZM. Congrats on the gig and I’m stoked to continue following your media criticism!
My view is that the patreon was for knowledge fight. If I'm still listening, I'm still paying. And guess what, I'm still listening. Spend it on a second coat or some cat toys for Celine.
Turns out that asking me not to sign up to your patreon is a great way to get me to sign up to your patreon.
Dan I'm so excited to hear from you concerning this new show . I'm very hyped.
I’m glad you’re heading back into the fight- not just because of the wonkness but because as you pointed out, you’re good at it. It’s important work. Congrats on the new gig.
Well, as a listener of quite a few Cool Zone shows, I know they all have patreons. How that works out share wise, I have no idea, but I think you're probably fine 🤷🏻♀️ Anyway, I'm so excited for the new show! I've missed your mind, and you have a real talent for media criticism. Looking forward to it, and you know I'll be a patron again for sure ❤️
I don't think there's anything wrong with people who have shows also having a Patreon, I just think this one is kind of a unique situation because it's shift it's undergoing. I wanted to err on the side of being overly clear and giving people the opportunity to exit if they are chipping in because they had been supporting KF, so they wouldn't feel misled.
Dan this is the best news I’ve had all summer, you are a trusted source in a world of crap and I can’t wait to start listening again. Going through wacky Wednesdays of the OG KF was a good way to kill some time this summer tho
Oh no Dan I was missing KF but happy for your brain, why you do this to yourself bro
I love SMSoM. Looking forward to your making it to Washington state, although if you slow down your pace to a vacation schedule, I might be dead by then. (I'm old. :-D) I believe Cool Zone is a good fit, and I am sure they'll give you the latitude to make the show what you need it to be to succeed, although you are going into it thinking it's "just a job." Will you have guests, or do you want to do it solo? (I've really enjoyed your guests on SMSoM! Especially your dad!) Happy to throw you a tip for all endeavors.
Oh no! That wasn't the way I was meaning it to come off. I definitely don't think of it as "just a job," that was just how I was trying to contextualize the shift from a listener-supported model of creating things to one where the network runs off ads. I definitely don't think of this as "just a job," and I'm looking at it as an avenue for me to carry out what is undoubtedly my passion. There will definitely be guests, probably some surprising ones and some not so surprising ones.
And now my journey with you has come full circle. I found KF through Behind the Bastards. Now you are part of Robert's network. I am so happy you are doing this again. I am getting tired of Pod Save America's negative comments on the DSA.
I was hoping CZM or QAA would snag you up. =3 Congrats, hope they treat you well, you deserve the best!
Really wish it was QAA instead, but czm makes sense. Just wish there was an option for ad free stuff that wasn't apple. Their content is more bloated than Alex after a night of Tito's.
This sounds fantastic and I’m super happy to hear it. I definitely thought that Robert was going to swing in. Then he said something about how the show was on “ hiatus” in a way that sounded like a boss who forgot what the actual details were. Anyway, I think this all sounds very promising and I’m looking forward to the new show.
“A boss who forget the actual details” is how I assume it feels like to be working with Robert most of the time. 😂 …. Followed quickly by Sophie going “ROBERT.”
Proud of you, Dan! I’m a college professor and I often use your work as an example to my students as to how to research and develop an argument. You’re influencing the youth of America! Dan, you’re the color red in a world of black and white. So much love to you!
Dan, I'm super excited for KFC. Question though, can we now stipulate that Rex Jones qualifies as a right wing ding-dong in his own right? He's had a lot to say on social media lately about Sandy Hook families. I think that you had an admirable and correct stance on not engaging with Alex's family and personal life. When he started spouting off recently though I think he blew clear through those lines and I was really hoping to hear your thoughts.
Yeah, I have no problem talking about him now, but it might be difficult for me to because some of my perspective on him is informed by experiencing him on Alex's show when he was a child, from stuff that was brought up in Alex's first divorce, and from Alex's text messages that aren't public. I may engage with his content at some point, but I think that it will be hard for me to feel like I'm not pulling punches.
im so fucking excited that state of mind wont be the only show! this is gonna be great! a small sliver of the spirit of KF lives on!
Congrats on the new show! I hope it uses a lot of clips like KF did. There’s nothing like hearing their crazy talk first hand.
This is THRILLING, Dan. As sad as I am to lose ad-free Friesen, CZM is the perfect network for you and I'm extremely grateful that your work will continue. May this create many new Wonks who will now have granular knowledge of obscure and toxic media figures that no one wants to talk to us about. (Owen's hair continues to bring me deep concern.)
Good luck with the new effort! I can't listen to cool zone media, mostly due to the ad situation, but I hope it works out.
The detailed breakdown of your journey is always appreciated. I'm glad you have an opportunity to get more of a reliable income and benefits, even if I don't look forward to having to skip through another iHeart show's ads. I hope you approach the new show with the understanding that you don't owe the audience any more than you owe the new boss - as a fellow enjoyed of 42 years on this earth I know you can't be bouncing back from the research hours like you once did.
Hell yeah! I’ll probably swap the patreon $ over to getting a Cooler Zone subscription at some point, whenever I get around to it. And/or whatever the QAA people are doing re: new platform.
Cooler Zone is the best and they just keep getting more amazing podcasts added to the lineup. Totally worth it if you can afford it.
Holy shit holy shit holy shit holy shit
hi dan. we love you out here in kfanland
Just a fan of you being a person and doing what you do, so all the choices you make are good by me. Not that my opinion matters for shit! Just full support, thumbs up all around.
That's so exciting!! I love Robert and Sophie and I can't wait for this new show!!
Congrats, Dan, that's so exciting! Can't wait for the launch!
Dan I'm thrilled that you'll be continuing your work. I respected the hell out of your decision to stop making KF and continued to support you cause you're a good dude. But we need you now more than ever and while I have some gripes with CZM I'm happy they're taking you on in a way that will help spread your influence. I don't think you need to feel bad at all about the way things unfolded. If you want to feel bad about something feel bad that my buttons never once reached my door in the history of KF ;-)
OH I feel that. I did once get a Celine button that I cherish but the other ones are lost in the mail. WHAT IF WE GET SMSOM BUTTONS FOR STICKING AROUND???
As a person who came to KF through Behind the Bastards, this seems like it will be a good fit. I’ve been a CZM subscriber since they started offering it and I’m excited for the new show. I also hope that SMSoM continues in some form. Good luck going forward, I’ll be listening from the start.
Also got here through BtB and knowledge fight kinda took over my podcast regimen
I think at this point I'll follow you anywhere. I wish I could put into words why you asking such a compelling narrative. You just do, and that's why we love you
FUUUUCK YEESSSSSSSSS
In case you haven’t covered Michigan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinosaur_Gardens Congrats!
Congratulations and good luck. I have enormous respect and appreciation for the work you do and am looking forward to the new show as well as future episodes of Show Me State of Mind.
very happy for you, dan. it'll be really good to hear your insightful commentary again. i hope you end up with either a co-host or guests who complement your style and know how and when to bring the humor.
I'm super excited, man. Can't wait for the first EP
I have but one request: a deep dive on Lyndon LaRouche.
I can give you a solid maybe on this
Also I am thrilled to hear about this new show! You will do great!
Stop trying to get rid of us, it's not going to work!
I second that, take my money!
I am so happy to support your new show! I value your voice and research and perspective so much, Dan. I also echo the desire for a paid, ad-free option.
The day I become a Wonk is the day I learn this! But I don't mind. If this helps you for Show Me State of Mind, it's great. And this will pay for my Knowledge Fight addiction. 😁
Dan, I am assuming you and Jordan still split the Patreon take — I don't watch Jordan's videos but he has given me so many laughs, I don't mind continuing the Patreon commitment for both of you; as you say you encourage us to throw support to some other creator, I just wanted to be sure if Jordan is still getting part of it?
I announced last month that that this was just a personal Patreon now. We've split it up to this month. If you'd like to support him, I believe he has places people can do that
Thanks Dan! I like the cool Zone media folks and like your right wing media observations and criticisms.
I can't wait to see what's in store! I was thinking you could become the new Andy Rooney! I mean that respectfully?
Looking forward to hearing you back at the far right shit head work. I love Will.Somer's content at The Bulwark. I am sure I shall love your content at CoolZone too.
Absolutely just made my day! I appreciate the openness about the Patreon donations. I will definitely keep mine going for a bit out of thanks for all you have done. I’m excited to be going to the Country!
Youre a good man Dan.
The truest words
Congrats Dan! I'll be there for it all the way!
Cool Zone Media makes the best podcasts I listen to apart from the one you previously did. So this sounds great to me!
I love this for you and I look forward to loving it for all of us.
Looking forward to it, will be admittedly weird, presumably, without your ol' co-host around, but I would also understand that fully and your right not to talk about it. I do hope you guys can get back together for a fun, low/no stakes show like MOT again someday, I miss your dynamic. Either way though, very excited for this new show. Gonna be weird hearing you throw to ads though lol
He's had the best training for seamless, exploitative pivots to ads. Can't wait to see it. Make it a bit Dan!
I can’t wait, I also can’t wait for the eventual Knowledge Fight 64 😂😂
And then the long wait for KnowledgeFight Bananza.
Dan you are a helluva dude and I wish you all the best! I read Atlas Obscura like the newspaper Nd Show Me State of Mind is a joy! I look forward to the CZM show! Be hearing you soon! - Ambrose Addlestone
I'm glad to hear you recognized and accepted how as SMSoM was progressing it kept bring you back to your right wing criticizing "roots". I get how hard it must be to NOT do that after almost a decade of Knowledge Fight. What I hope for most is the next endeavor is something you WANT to do rather than something you feel you HAVE to do. Will stay a Patron until you decide to shut it down. Looking forward to what's next!
Thank you for that observation, and I will say that doing right-wing media criticism is far more something I want to do than feel like I have to. Towards the end of KF, it felt a lot like a drag, but doing stuff like I Hate Bill Maher and Winners and Losers really reminded me of how much I love doing this kind of content.
So excited for you Dan. I hope this doesn’t stop you from traveling. While it is necessary to have a job. you should still get out there and travel from time to time and do things you enjoy. I am however, very excited for your in depth coverage of right wing extremists.
I'm excited to see how the new show shapes up. You and Cool Zone seems like a good fit.
Enjoy hearing your voice (in both senses) so I’m delighted for you.
Oh fuck! Wet dreams do come true!
Upsetting, if true
I'm excited for you with this new gig. You'll be a great fit with CZM!
Please please please have some option for ad-free in the new show. I'm begging you. I don't mind paying for a show I like. I cannot fucking stand goddamn casino ads. I will not be able to listen if you are stuck with Cool Zone's current horrendous ads. They're fuckin awful Dan. I love your work. Hope I can continue to enjoy it. (I listen while I'm working. I work with my hands. "Just skip the ads" is not a solution. I will PAY you. Please.)
Their ads are location based. Download them beforehand on a vpn, I'm in the Netherlands and all I get is iheart radio ads
Looking forward to KFC!!
holy cow it really does abbreviate to that
Just glad to have you back on the Fight. Wherever it is.
Other fans don't come after me but as someone who loves your media criticism AND is a giant Cool Zone Media fan this is the best news
SAME. CZM is how I was introduced to KF. I think Robert had them on to talk about AJ. I’d LOVE to see Dan guest on Weird Little Guys. A conversation between him and Molly would be so fun, I feel like.
We love you Dan! 😤👌❤️
Great to hear from you, Dan. And really looking forward to the new show.