4.3.26 Tech companies failing to protect children, competing visions of speech and responsibility, review of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Word Play on modern use of ancient Greek poetry

This episode of The World and Everything in It explores three major themes: the growing scrutiny of Big Tech's role in exposing children to online harm, a landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting counselors' free speech rights, and a cultural deep dive into the enduring legacy of ancient Greek poetry. The episode opens with a report on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation's 2026 'Dirty Dozen' list, which names companies like Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Google for failing to protect minors through addictive design, weak parental controls, and inadequate content moderation. John Stonestreet of The Breakpoint Podcast argues that these platforms are not merely passive hosts but active enablers of harm, likening their algorithms to predators that seek out children rather than waiting for them to seek out pornography. The conversation shifts to a recent 8-1 Supreme Court decision striking down Colorado’s law restricting therapists from helping clients explore same-sex attraction or gender identity, framing it as a First Amendment victory for professional speech. Stonestreet contrasts this with tech regulation, emphasizing that while free speech is protected, it is not absolute—especially when it comes to intentional harm to minors. Later, Colin Garbarino reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, praising its visuals and nostalgic charm but criticizing the absence of a new Bowser song and a thin plot. Finally, George Grant’s Wordplay segment reveals how deeply Homer’s ancient Greek poetry has shaped modern language, from 'Achilles heel' and 'odyssey' to words like 'glamour' and 'money,' showing that even non-readers speak Homer’s legacy daily.