Episode
The Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
58:22
Published: Wed Feb 15 2023
Description
A freight train derailed in Ohio and released a mushroom cloud of toxic chemicals—so why has the media buried this story? This week, we’re breaking down the shocking but predictable conditions that led to this accident, how rail companies have chosen profits over safety, and what regulatory changes should be made to avoid a mess like this again. Our guests are Julia Rock, reporter at The Lever; Matt Weaver, Ohio legislative director for BMWED-IBT and member of the Railroad Workers United ISC; and Julie Grant, managing editor and senior reporter for The Allegheny Front. We’re also joined by writers Alexa Lofus and Henrik Blix, who share their thoughts on alien encounters and America’s new policy of shooting random things out of the sky.Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+.CREDITSHosted by: Jon StewartFeaturing, in order of appearance: Alexa Loftus, Henrik Blix, Matt Weaver, Julia Rock, and Julie GrantExecutive Produced by Jon Stewart, Brinda Adhikari, James Dixon, Chris McShane, and Richard Plepler. Lead Producer: Sophie EricksonProducers: Zach Goldbaum, Caity GrayAssoc. Producers: Andrea Betanzos, Zach SilberbergSound Engineer: Miguel CarrascalSenior Digital Producer: Freddie Morgan Digital Producer: Cassie MurdochDigital Coordinator: Norma Hernandez Supervising Producer: Lorrie BaranekHead Writer: Kris AcimovicElements Producer: Kenneth HullClearances Producer: Daniella Philipson Senior Talent Producer: Brittany Mehmedovic Talent Manager: Marjorie McCurryTalent Coordinator: Lukas ThimmSenior Research Producer: Susan HelvenstonTheme Music by: Gary Clark Jr.The Problem with Jon Stewart podcast is an Apple TV+ podcast produced by Busboy Productions.https://apple.co/-JonStewart
Chapters
Jon Stewart discusses the lack of coverage on the recent Ohio rail disaster and the abundance of media attention on UFO sightings.
00:00 - 01:27 (01:27)
Summary
Jon Stewart discusses the lack of coverage on the recent Ohio rail disaster and the abundance of media attention on UFO sightings. He expresses frustration with the misplaced priorities of mainstream news.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
Two distinct topics are discussed - the hypothetical scenario of receiving a care package from aliens and Alexa's past experience of having a clown as a mayor in her town.
01:27 - 04:22 (02:55)
Summary
Two distinct topics are discussed - the hypothetical scenario of receiving a care package from aliens and Alexa's past experience of having a clown as a mayor in her town.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
A discussion on the US Military's policy towards UFOs and the potential dangers of shoot first, ask questions later policy.
04:22 - 07:57 (03:34)
Summary
A discussion on the US Military's policy towards UFOs and the potential dangers of shoot first, ask questions later policy.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio causing a fiery scene resembling Chernobyl.
07:57 - 17:38 (09:41)
Summary
A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio causing a fiery scene resembling Chernobyl. The panel discusses the impact of the disaster on the community and the rail industry's responsibility for it.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
This episode discusses how the administration failed to regulate a train carrying flammable gas, which derailed and exploded in a town.
17:38 - 23:10 (05:31)
Summary
This episode discusses how the administration failed to regulate a train carrying flammable gas, which derailed and exploded in a town. It also highlights the concerns of workers in the railroad industry regarding the lack of sick days and the need for better regulation.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
The health effects of 9/11 extended beyond the initial disaster, with workers and residents experiencing lasting health issues due to exposure to toxins.
23:10 - 28:24 (05:14)
Summary
The health effects of 9/11 extended beyond the initial disaster, with workers and residents experiencing lasting health issues due to exposure to toxins. There remains a lack of acknowledgement and compensation for those impacted.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
In an environment where Congress has neutered regulatory agencies, the Secretary of Transportation has limited power to hold companies accountable for their actions.
28:24 - 36:28 (08:03)
Summary
In an environment where Congress has neutered regulatory agencies, the Secretary of Transportation has limited power to hold companies accountable for their actions. Despite pressure to issue fines, the upcoming situation raises the question of whether the National Transportation Safety Board's recommendations will be accepted and regulatory action will be taken.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
Organizing at the grassroots level is important to create political change, but it's important to keep in mind that politicians will only take action if they believe they will be hurt by ignoring the issue.
36:28 - 44:39 (08:11)
Summary
Organizing at the grassroots level is important to create political change, but it's important to keep in mind that politicians will only take action if they believe they will be hurt by ignoring the issue. In addition, smaller working-class communities often get forgotten when the news cycle moves on.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
The lack of infrastructure investment in rural communities leads to dangerous working conditions and a lack of economic opportunities.
44:39 - 51:11 (06:31)
Summary
The lack of infrastructure investment in rural communities leads to dangerous working conditions and a lack of economic opportunities. Moving towards green industries while also shoring up infrastructure in existing industries is key to creating a safer and more prosperous future for these communities.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
Stars, such as Wayne Newton, would come to this small town with a river where a showboat would dock and provide entertainment for a week, becoming the source of the town's economy.
51:11 - 57:30 (06:19)
Summary
Stars, such as Wayne Newton, would come to this small town with a river where a showboat would dock and provide entertainment for a week, becoming the source of the town's economy.
EpisodeThe Ohio Train Disaster: A Tale of Corporate Greed and Civil War-Era Brakes
PodcastThe Problem With Jon Stewart
This transcript is a discussion about building a town for Improv and how it's not a feasible idea.
57:30 - 58:29 (00:58)
Summary
This transcript is a discussion about building a town for Improv and how it's not a feasible idea. The speakers thank the guests for talking to them and announce their upcoming shows on Apple TV+.