From Palm Court to It's Christmastown - Jeb Lund's Journey

Jeb Lund joins Mike, Megan, and Grant to talk about his work in journalism at places like Rolling Stone, The Nation, and GQ, among others and on It's Christmastown, his popular podcast about Hallmark Channel movies. We learn how Jeb wound up at New College, how his thesis about British cryptography in World War 2 got turned into pulp, and how he wound up covering the Alt Graduation Event for The Nation in 2024. Jeb also provides advice on how to get active in shaping the coverage of New College as political tides in Florida continue to shift. Want to learn how this podcast was almost named The Canary in the Swamp? Or why people might actually want to listen to smart people talk about inane movies on the Hallmark Channel? Listen in to find out. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Video episodes now up on Youtube and Spotify. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest 01:06 Jeb Lund's Origin Story 03:30 College Life and Challenges 07:57 Career Journey and Writing 11:03 Freelancing and Journalism 11:42 Public Facing Role and Podcasting 14:58 Involvement with New College Alumni 21:25 The Recency Bias in News Reporting 22:39 Challenges in Speculative Journalism 23:11 New College: A Canary in the Swamp 24:01 The Power of Public Pressure 25:03 Corruption in Florida Politics 28:36 The Future of New College 30:14 Sports and Campus Culture 32:10 Journalistic Challenges and Personal Reflections 40:18 Concluding Thoughts and Final Messages NOTES: CEDA is the “Cross-Examination Debate Association” Ephedra is the herb that produces ephedrine, a formerly legal stimulant sold as Mini-Thins, a.k.a. “trucker’s speed.” (Today’s Mini-Thins are ephedrine-free.)  Frederick Winterbotham revealed Bletchley Park’s Ultra secrets 30 years after WWII.  It’s Christmastown is Jeb and Dave Roth exploring Hallmark Network cultural productions.  Livy, Roman historian  Gawker was sued out of existence by Tampa-based wrestler Hulk Hogan, backed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, in 2016. Pablo Torre Finds Out went deep into NCF’s sports   Mobute Sese Seko did have fantastic hats  Shanon Ingles chatted here back in Ep. 4   Watch Alt Grad live on May 22, 2025  Write state legislators to make things happen  The Hope Florida scandal is still growing    The Rick Piccolo scandal also, though less about his father’s NCF involvement   Property law is a theme  Mighty Banyans’ deep roster  The Great Books program  Don Gaetz busts trustees