Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Life or death decisions are being gamified for profit on online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. But these platforms may also have the potential to create a modernized—if morally questionable—method of opinion polling. Politico Magazine contributing writer Nancy Scola joins Offline to explain the rise of these markets, the argument for them, and the people in D.C. who stand to gain the most. But first! Senator Chris Murphy stops by the show to break down the brand new BETS OFF Act, which bans wagering on government actions, terrorism, war, assassination, and events where an individual knows or controls the outcome. He and Jon discuss the bill's prospects for passing, and discuss what happens to us spiritually when every moral question becomes a market.
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SUNDAYS FOR DOGS: sundaysfordogs.com/OFFLINE50 Code: OFFLINE50
BOOKSHOP.ORG: bookshop.org Code: OFFLINE10
3 DAY BLINDS: 3dayblinds.com/OFFLINE
QUINCE: quince.com/offline
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
3:46 - Sen. Chris Murphy
12:06 - ad break
15:51 - Nancy Scola talks prediction markets
26:41 - ad break
29:29 - the war in Iran
Is the internet slowly breaking our brains, and if so, what can we do about it? Offline with Jon Favreau is a place where you can take a break from doom-scrolling and tune in to smarter, lighter conversations about the impact of technology & the internet on our collective culture. Intimate interviews between Pod Save America host Jon Favreau and notable guests like Stephen Colbert, Hasan Piker, ContraPoints, Margaret Atwood, and Megan Rapinoe spark curiosity and introspection around the various ways our extremely online existence shapes everything from the ways we live, work, and interact with one another. Together we’ll figure out how to live happier, healthier lives, both on and offline.
Photos courtesy of AP Photo Archive
Crooked Media believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us—one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. We are a media network that showcases stories, voices, and opportunities for activism that inform, entertain, and inspire action, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world.
That’s it. End of mission.
Learn more about us at crooked.com
Life or death decisions are being gamified for profit on online prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. But these platforms may also have the potential to create a modernized—if morally questionable—method of opinion polling. Politico Magazine contributing writer Nancy Scola joins Offline to explain the rise of these markets, the argument for them, and the people in D.C. who stand to gain the most. But first! Senator Chris Murphy stops by the show to break down the brand new BETS OFF Act, which bans wagering on government actions, terrorism, war, assassination, and events where an individual knows or controls the outcome. He and Jon discuss the bill's prospects for passing, and discuss what happens to us spiritually when every moral question becomes a market.
CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS
SUNDAYS FOR DOGS: sundaysfordogs.com/OFFLINE50 Code: OFFLINE50
BOOKSHOP.ORG: bookshop.org Code: OFFLINE10
3 DAY BLINDS: 3dayblinds.com/OFFLINE
QUINCE: quince.com/offline
CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
3:46 - Sen. Chris Murphy
12:06 - ad break
15:51 - Nancy Scola talks prediction markets
26:41 - ad break
29:29 - the war in Iran
Is the internet slowly breaking our brains, and if so, what can we do about it? Offline with Jon Favreau is a place where you can take a break from doom-scrolling and tune in to smarter, lighter conversations about the impact of technology & the internet on our collective culture. Intimate interviews between Pod Save America host Jon Favreau and notable guests like Stephen Colbert, Hasan Piker, ContraPoints, Margaret Atwood, and Megan Rapinoe spark curiosity and introspection around the various ways our extremely online existence shapes everything from the ways we live, work, and interact with one another. Together we’ll figure out how to live happier, healthier lives, both on and offline.
Photos courtesy of AP Photo Archive
Crooked Media believes that we need a better conversation about politics, culture, and the world around us—one that doesn’t just focus on what’s broken, but what we can do to fix it. We are a media network that showcases stories, voices, and opportunities for activism that inform, entertain, and inspire action, because it’s up to all of us to do our part to build a better world.
That’s it. End of mission.
Learn more about us at crooked.com
