#425 – Andrew Callaghan: Channel 5, Gonzo, QAnon, O-Block, Politics & Alex Jones

Andrew Callaghan, the brain behind the cutting-edge on-the-road journalism style of "All Gas No Brakes" and Channel 5, recounts his evolution into a unique media presence.

Career beginnings in journalism

Early interest in hip hop and conscious rap

Andrew Callaghan’s journey into journalism was preceded by his early interest in conscious art forms, including conscious rap. This interest was evidenced by the dream catchers and an Alex Gray painting he had in his room, signifying a deeper connection to reflective art.

First journalism course in 9th grade

His journey into journalism officially began with a transformative course taught by Calvin Shaw at an alternative high school in ninth grade. Shaw’s class allowed Callaghan the freedom to explore journalism outside the classroom by conducting interviews around Seattle and writing stories instead of attending school. These journalistic explorations included subjects like the Silk Road and the deep web.

Hitchhiking across the U.S. for 70 days

At the age of 19, feeling disillusioned with school and seeking adventure inspired by post-World War II hobo literature and "Vagabonding in America" by Ed Byrne, Callaghan embarked on a 70-day hitchhiking journey across the United States. He left his belongings in his dorm room and started from Baton Rouge, heading to various destinations like Houston. This journey included unique encounters, such as being misidentified as a male prostitute or "lot lizard" in Louisiana. He documented his experiences in a book titled "All Gas No Brakes, A Hitchhiker's Diary."

Making the show All Gas No Brakes

Upon graduating from college in May of 2019, Callaghan received an offer from Doing Things Media which provided him an RV, a salary, and funds to create content. This led to the development of "All Gas No Brakes," a project that combined the adventurous ethos of his hitchhiking journey with the fast-paced editing style of “Quarter Confessions.”

The show's concept centered around capturing the wildest trip stories rather than satirical deep secrets. The initial idea was tested in interviews with individuals such as a woman in Boulder who discussed experiencing ancestral aliens during a peyote retreat. The successful trial led to more open sharing of psychedelic stories, starting with Burning Man attendees lining up to share their experiences with "psychedelic journalists" on Channel 5.

Transition to Ch ...

Andrew Callaghan's documentary "This Place Rules" offers an in-depth look at the events and individuals that created a backdrop for the January 6th Capitol riots, captured in a manner that questions the absurdity of the movement behind it.

Filming the leadup to January 6th Capitol riots

"The Place Rules" is a film created by Andrew Callaghan that documents the events leading up to the January 6th Capitol Riots. He followed the development from October, throughout the campaign, detailing predictions that riots would follow if Trump won and a possible coup in D.C. if he lost. The filming continued through November and the following months to capture the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Interviewing key figures like Alex Jones and Enrique Tarrio

Callaghan developed a relationship with key figures such as Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys, and even visited Tarrio's home in Miami two weeks after the January 6 riots, discussing Tarrio's potential prison sentence of 23 years. Another notable interaction was with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who appeared the same off-camera as on. Callaghan shared his impressions of Jones's professional studio setup and his musings on American mortality.

Revealing the absurdity and division behind the QAnon movement

The documentary delves into the lives of people like the Spencer family, who became entangled in the QAnon ideology rapidly after the Stop the Steal movement began, showcasing the intense psychological impact it had on their lives. Callaghan captures the disillusionment when QAnon's predictions for January 6th failed to materialize.

Presenting January 6th as the peak of a national delirium

Callaghan suggests that QAnon could be a deliberate psyop, designed to distract from real issues of corporate and government power by promoting fantastical notions like lizard people. He also questions the role of media in perpetuating division, offering a critique of the sense that some news organizations help maintain a divided society to conserve established power structures.

Despite criticisms of exploitation and sensationalism, Callagh ...

Andrew Callaghan, in facing scrutiny over allegations of pressuring a woman into giving consent, grapples with the aftermath and his path to accountability.

Addressing past behaviors and patterns with women

Callaghan acknowledges a controversy surrounding an interaction with a woman who described him as being pushy in providing consent. He recalls the confusion over a text message he received from her on December 30th, 2022, requesting a portion of his earnings from an HBO documentary to cover years of therapy due to their past encounter—a request that came as a surprise to Callaghan given their extended lack of contact and his belief that their last terms were amicable.

Approximately a week after not responding to the message, Callaghan found himself at the center of a media storm triggered by TikTok videos made by the woman, critiquing his past behavior. Callaghan details his routine of using Instagram to meet fans, often women, in different cities while traveling for his show "All Gas, No Brakes," recognizing a pattern of partying and fleeting encounters.

He discusses a consensual encounter that was later brought to his attention as having made the person feel pressured. This revelation brought to light power dynamics Callaghan hadn't previously considered, leading to his remorse for not respecting consent as he thought he did.

Apologizing and making changes to prevent future issues

Coming to terms with his actions, Callaghan learns of another fan's discomfort due to her past trauma, prompting him to apologize and offer support. He reflects on the broader implications when multiple people made videos about his behaviors, and although a lawsuit seemed to be underway, he did not explicitly detail any commitment to change beyond making amends privately and creating an apology video. Callaghan acknowledges the need for self-reflection and transformation to ensure no one else feels the same way in the future.

In a low moment, Callaghan contemplated suicide, believing it would relieve his family of a perceived burden. This dark consideration highlights his struggle with accountability and the weight of public condemnation. He ultimately rejected this path, realizing the severe impact his absence would have on his family.

Importance of ...