GiveSendGo Co-Founder Jacob Wells to Appear on ‘The Culture War' to Address Controversies
Boston, Massachusetts, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jacob Wells, co-founder of the global leader in online fundraising platform GiveSendGo, will appear on Tim Pool's popular podcast Culture War this Friday to tackle some of the most pressing issues, including the Karmelo Anthony controversy, freedom of speech online, media bias, and the role of principled giving in a divided America.
Wells plans to address public misconceptions about the platform, including recent criticism tied to controversial campaigns, and speak candidly about the challenges GiveSendGo has faced as a faith-based and freedom-based alternative to other crowdfunding platforms.
'Our culture is unraveling because we've abandoned principle,' said Wells. 'GiveSendGo was built on the belief that truth, transparency, and moral courage must guide our public discourse. I'm honored to join Tim to discuss what's really happening—and why it matters.'
The episode is expected to include commentary on GiveSendGo's involvement in high-profile legal defense fundraisers and its stance on racial narratives that have polarized both mainstream and alternative media. Wells will also challenge several conservative influencers for spreading partial or misleading information regarding recent campaigns hosted on the platform.
'We believe in giving people a voice, especially when others try to silence them,' said Wells. 'We've seen firsthand how a principled platform can play a critical role in cultural transformation, and now's the time to tell that story.'
The appearance comes amid heightened scrutiny of alternative fundraising platforms and their role in political and cultural discourse. Wells hopes to leverage this conversation to encourage broader dialogue on how crowdfunding can serve as a tool for hope and healing in a divided society.
The episode of Culture War featuring Wells is scheduled to air Friday morning, April 18, 2025 and will be available on Tim Pool's YouTube channel and podcast network.
About GiveSendGo
Founded in 2014, GiveSendGo is a global leader in online crowdfunding dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus through fundraising. Launched publicly in October 2015, the platform offers a free, faith-driven alternative to mainstream crowdfunding sites, emphasizing both financial support and spiritual encouragement.
GiveSendGo operates on a 0% platform fee model, allowing users to retain all funds raised. Unique features include a dedicated prayer team and a "Pray" button on every campaign, reflecting its commitment to addressing both material and spiritual needs. With operations in over 80 countries, GiveSendGo is recognized globally for its simple setup, reliable service, and dedication to freedom of expression. For more information, visit www.givesendgo.com.
About The Culture War Podcast
Launched in 2023, The Culture War Podcast with Tim Pool is a weekly program that delves into the most pressing cultural and political issues shaping society today. Hosted by journalist and commentator Tim Pool, the show features in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, exploring topics ranging from free speech and censorship to identity politics and societal change. Produced by Timcast Media, the podcast is known for its candid discussions and commitment to examining complex subjects without limitations. With over 100 episodes to date, The Culture War Podcast has established itself as a platform for thought-provoking dialogue and critical analysis. For more information, visit Culture War Podcast.
CONTACT: Heather Holmes heather@publicityforgood.com 1+(828)332-5307 publicityforgood.com/Sign in to access your portfolio
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The streaming platform has long been popular with teenagers—more than 40% of its users are between the ages of 16 and 24, the majority of them male. Twitch began as an online gaming platform, but has since grown to include more first-person 'day in the life' content. Popular streamers like Kai Cenat and Clix have attracted tons of new viewers to the platform, and Twitch has become a modern way for teens to create community and find new friends. Scott H. Kollins, PhD, clinical psychologist and chief medical officer of Aura, points out that streaming isn't just a way for kids to share their hobbies. 'For some, it's about chasing a bigger dream. Streaming is now seen as a real career path,' he shares. 'Just like some kids dream of being pro athletes, others hope to become big-time streamers or esports stars. Even if only a few make it that far, the idea that it's possible is really exciting.' But because Twitch streams are live and not edited or censored like traditional TV programming, there are more risks involved regarding what young viewers may see onscreen. 'Children can be exposed to sudden shifts in tone or content that range from mildly inappropriate to deeply disturbing—often without warning,' explains Dr. Wetter. 'A streamer might begin with lighthearted gaming and suddenly veer into profanity, personal rants, or emotionally volatile behavior.' Dr. Wetter also flags Twitch's chat feature, which can expose children to 'toxic interactions, harassment, even grooming behavior.' Twitch has also come under fire for being an easy place for predators to interact with young users; in 2023, Bloomberg News analyzed over 1,000 Twitch Clips—or short, snackable videos similar to YouTube Shorts and TikTok—to find that 'at least 83 of the short videos contain sexualized content involving children.' And because kids often share details casually, they may accidentally reveal where they live or go to school without realizing the safety implications. Twitch doesn't allow children under 13 to create an account on the platform, but kids determined to get online can find workarounds. Even older tweens and teens can separate authenticity and performance, says Dr. Wetter. Children are always watching people around them and modeling their behavior as such, and they may be taking cues from streamers without recognizing that much of what they're watching is performance. 'Because livestream platforms prioritize engagement, streamers may act out in exaggerated, often reckless ways to hold attention or elicit donations,' says Dr. Wetter. What to Know About YouTube YouTube, built on an algorithm designed to show viewers more content they may enjoy and thus keep them on the platform longer, has long been criticized for exposing kids to questionable content, ads, and clickbait. In 2015, the platform launched YouTube Kids as a safer, more curated option, though its safety parameters haven't always been the most foolproof. Some creators have even used popular kids' characters like Elsa or Spider-Man to slip through the platform with inappropriate content, also known as 'Elsagate.' While YouTube Kids can feel like a safer choice, experts suggest still paying attention to what your kid is watching. 'YouTube Kids offers a more curated environment, but it's far from foolproof,' says Jordan. 'Content can still slip through, and recommendation algorithms often favor engagement over appropriateness.' When it comes to YouTube and YouTube Kids, 'nothing replaces active supervision and conversation,' she says. Parents should be actively involved in what their kids are clicking on and consuming; for every one Ms. Rachel, there are 10 videos that could be filled with inappropriate content for young viewers. 'Filters can help, but YouTube is the wild west in terms of content,' says Heitner. 'Kids can stumble on very harmful violent, sexual, and hateful content.' In recent years, there has also been a noted increase in AI content targeted at children. The Impact of Unfiltered Viewing Children's physical and emotional safety may be at risk, but their development can also be impacted by constant streaming. 'The real issue is not whether children are watching something 'safe' in the legal or moral sense—it's whether what they're consuming is shaping their expectations, their self-image, and their ability to tolerate the real world,' says Dr. Wetter. 'When children have unfiltered, unrestricted access to this type of content, they begin to rely on it not just for entertainment, but for emotional regulation.' This could show up as tantrums or conflicts around screen time, trouble focusing in school, or the inability to speak person-to-person without devices, he says. Because devices are always within reach, kids' screen time habits are affecting their sleep and mood, which may impact their schoolwork and day-to-day behavior. 'Children are losing the ability to self-regulate emotionally without external stimulation. They're staying up late watching autoplay videos, checking notifications the moment they wake up, and struggling to manage the sensory overload that comes from hours of screen exposure,' says Dr. Wetter. He also notes that kids today don't experience boredom like prior generations. 'Their ability to experience boredom—which is actually an important developmental skill—diminishes,' he says. 'In real-time, clinicians, educators, and parents are witnessing the downstream effects of what we might call poor digital hygiene.' A recent study from the Journal of the American Heart Association even found that kids and teens who spend more time on screens may be at higher risk for heart issues in the future. How to Keep Viewing Safe It's difficult to go cold turkey and prohibit your kids from these channels and platforms entirely. Dr. Wetter recommends setting clear, consistent, and age-appropriate boundaries around screen time. 'Instead of reacting with punishments or lectures when screen time becomes an issue, parents can establish daily tech-free zones, like mealtimes or the hour before bed, and create screen schedules that balance passive consumption with active play, school, and sleep,' he shares. Offer alternatives to YouTube and Twitch, like sports, music, art, playtime, or family time. Dr. Kollins suggests 'creating structure' around screen time, including time limits, privacy tools, regular check-ins, or making a family media agreement where parents and kids align on rules and expectations around screen time. For older kids, Jordan says to start the conversation with 'curiosity, not judgement.' She recommends asking your children what they're watching and why they like it. 'Consider watching together when you can. This helps you learn what your child likes and what the content presents to them,' she explains. 'The most powerful tool is still an ongoing, open conversation.' In fact, being actively interested and involved in what your kids are watching, no matter their age, is one of the most important things parents can do to keep their kids safe online. 'As parents, one of the best things we can do is help guide that exploration rather than shut it down,' says Dr. Kollins. 'Allowing kids to engage with digital content while they're still at home gives us a chance to support them when things get confusing, complicated, or overwhelming.' Screen Time Limits Matter for Parents, Too Parents should also practice what they preach when it comes to screens, phones, and tablets. 'Modeling healthy digital behavior—like putting phones away during conversations, prioritizing face-to-face connection, and valuing rest—also teaches children how to develop a healthier relationship with their devices,' says Dr. Wetter. Teach kids media literacy skills and tools to help them navigate what's OK to watch and what they should stay away from, as well as how to separate what's real and what is entertainment. 'Explain that influencers are often being paid to promote products, that videos are edited to seem more exciting than they really are, or that many online personas are exaggerated for effect can help children separate entertainment from reality,' says Dr. Wetter. 'Think of it like scaffolding. It's there to prop them up and for safety, but as time goes on and they can stand on their own, it can slowly come away,' Dr. Kollins explains. 'The goal isn't to control every moment; it's to create balance. That way, they get to build the digital skills and resilience they'll need while still knowing we're here to help when they need us.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword