Today on Filtered with TJ Walker, TJ examines three stories about health, truth, and political spectacle. New research raises concern that microplastics may be building up in human brains, with ultra-processed junk food possibly making exposure worse. Then, a Washington Post report on a NewsGuard/YouGov survey finds that about one in four Americans think the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting was staged, exposing a dangerous collapse in shared facts. Finally, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s return to reality TV raises questions about ethics, public service, sponsors, and government power becoming influencer content.

TJ Walker explores three major cultural shifts reshaping modern life: the rise of long-term antidepressant use among Gen Z, the growing number of older Americans forced back into the workforce, and why success after 40 may be more common than we think. Drawing from reporting by The New York Times, The Atlantic, and other major outlets, TJ examines the hidden costs of America’s mental health system, the myth of retirement, and the overlooked advantages of “late bloomers.” This episode challenges conventional wisdom about aging, work, purpose, and achievement in a rapidly changing economy.

Today on Filtered with TJ Walker, TJ examines Ted Turner’s death and the complicated legacy of the CNN founder who created the 24-hour news cycle. Then, he breaks down why self-driving car technology may still transform society, even after years of overhyped promises and missed timelines. Finally, TJ analyzes The New York Times passing 13 million subscribers, praising its journalism while warning that the collapse of local news is a civic disaster. A sharp look at media power, technology, public safety, and the future of journalism in America.