Josh Tyrangiel on AI, Journalism, and the Allure of *The Pitt*

Josh Tyrangiel, a staff writer at The Atlantic, recently shared his current cultural obsessions, offering a glimpse into the media landscape and his own evolving perspectives. His recommendations, featured in The Atlantic Daily newsletter, span television, film, literature, and journalism, revealing a thoughtful engagement with both high-brow and popular entertainment.

Current Viewing: *The Pitt*

Tyrangiel is currently captivated by the television show The Pitt, praising its depiction of “smart, skilled, hardworking people gracefully put up with all manner of tragedy, stupidity, and institutional rot.” He appreciates the show’s ability to portray competence and compassion within complex systems, finding it “provocative” and a welcome contrast to cynicism. [Related: The Pitt is a brilliant portrait of American failure.]

Anticipated Films and Books

Looking ahead, Tyrangiel expressed excitement for several upcoming films, including Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey (described as a lengthy and complex production), Steven Soderbergh’s art-forgery movie, and Digger, a new film from Tom Cruise and Alejandro Iñárritu. He also listed a selection of books he’s eager to read, including works by Jodi Kantor, Patrick Radden Keefe, Ben Lerner, and Siri Hustvedt.

Journalism and Podcasts

Tyrangiel highlighted the work of his colleagues at The Atlantic, Kevin Roose and Charlie Warzel, for their insightful reporting on technology and artificial intelligence. He also praised Pablo Torre’s podcast, Pablo Torre Finds Out, for its unique blend of investigative journalism and self-aware humor. He noted the podcast’s success in breaking significant stories although maintaining a playful tone.

Musical Tastes

In terms of music, Tyrangiel shared a fondness for Bob Dylan’s “Mississippi” and the energetic sounds of Sleater-Kinney and Metallica, appreciating bands that “sound best when they’re furious.”

Literary Preferences

Tyrangiel admires authors such as Tessa Hadley, Rachel Kushner, Jennifer Egan, and Patricia Lockwood. He also recommended Ian McEwan’s novel What We Can Recognize and, with a touch of dark humor, Alaska Bear Tales, a collection of bear encounter stories.

The Enduring Appeal of Fleabag and Anna Karenina

Tyrangiel revisited and reaffirmed his appreciation for the second season of Fleabag, calling the finale “perfect.” He also found renewed enjoyment in rereading Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, praising its entertainment value and literary quality.

A Note on AI

Tyrangiel is the author of a book titled AI for Good, which is scheduled for release on May 12th.

Cultural Recommendations and Reflections

Tyrangiel’s recommendations offer a diverse range of cultural experiences, reflecting a curiosity and openness to different forms of storytelling and artistic expression. His insights provide a valuable perspective on the current media landscape and the power of entertainment to shape our understanding of the world.