S05E02 | Manufactured Media & The Illusion of Choice

What if your favorite movies, the daily news, and viral social media trends weren't just reflections of reality but carefully manufactured narratives designed to keep you inside a controlled paradigm? In this episode of Rabbit Holes, we break down the illusion of choice in media—how Hollywood, the corporate news cycle, and social media algorithms manufacture reality, shape public perception, and influence what we think we know.

From the six corporations that control 90% of American media to the scripted nature of modern journalism and the algorithmic chokehold on social media, we uncover how the stories we consume are chosen for us—and what that means for critical thinking, free speech, and independent thought.

Buckle up, truth seekers. It's time to go down the rabbit hole.

🕳️ Episode Highlights & Timecodes:

⏱️ 00:00 – Cold Open: The "Algorithmic Reality" We Live In

How media shapes your worldview before you even realize it.

 

⏱️ 00:31 – Intro & Show Overview

Welcome to Rabbit Holes, plus what's coming up in this episode.

 

⏱️ 03:53 – Segment 1: Hollywood & The Illusion of Choice

Why every blockbuster, reboot, and franchise film feels the same—and how radical ideas get absorbed and neutralized.

 

⏱️ 10:40 – Segment 2: The Manufactured News Cycle – A Scripted Reality

How corporate ownership, pre-approved narratives, and algorithmic curation ensure you only hear what the system wants you to hear.

 

⏱️ 19:31 – Segment 3: Social Media – The Controlled Opposition Engine

From algorithmic censorship to astroturfing and AI-generated influencers, we explore how digital platforms shape public opinion while maintaining the illusion of free speech.

 

⏱️ 26:58 – Segment 4: Weird of the Week – The Fake Reality Machine

A real-life case study on how AI-generated content, bot networks, and viral misinformation can create entirely fabricated events—and why most people never notice. How do you break out of the media manipulation cycle, think critically, and take back control of your attention?

 

⏱️ 33:57 – Show Credits & Outro

Producer, music credits, and where to find us online.

🔗 Sources & Further Reading:

Want to dig deeper? Here are some of the key sources that helped shape this episode:

• The Six Companies That Own 90% of Media in the U.S. – Business Insider
• The Pentagon's Influence on Hollywood – The Guardian
• News Anchors Reading Identical Scripts Compilation – Sinclair Broadcast Group Controversy
• How Algorithms Decide What You See Online – MIT Technology Review
• AI-Generated Influencers & Fake Engagement – The Verge
• The Ghost of Kyiv: A Manufactured War Hero – BBC News

🎵 Music Credits:

This episode features music from the following artists:

• JONES – ID Crisis (Instrumental)
• Digital Moss – Hyna Ruje (Instrumental)
• Liam Back – Strategic Invasion (Instrumental)
• A/B – Feel It (Instrumental)
• Arms and Sleepers – The Pedestrian (Instrumental)
• Moarn – If You Like The Blues (Instrumental)
• Miles Kvndra – I Am Satoshi Nakamoto (Jam No. 4) (Instrumental)

📢 Show Credits:

Produced by: Kawika Hoke for Laulima Public Broadcasting, Kihei, HI

📩 Follow us for updates and behind-the-scenes content!

📱 Socials: @RabbitsOnSunday

📬 Contact: [e-mail]

© Rabbit Holes Podcast, 2025. All rights reserved.

   

Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to:

✅ Subscribe to Rabbit Holes on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean and wherever you get your podcasts.

 

✅ Leave a review – Help us stay independent by rating and reviewing the show!

 

✅ Join the discussion – Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @RabbitsOnSunday and tell us: What stories do YOU think the media isn't telling?

 

👀 Got a rabbit hole you think we should explore? Drop us a tip in the comments or our DMs.