The Social Chemist

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Peter Beinart, a professor of journalism and political science at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York and author of "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza". A book that assesses how the Zionist movement has rationalized the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza after the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, and why the current Israeli policies towards Palestine are contributing to the next generation of jihadist terrorists. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsPeter Beinart's BookBeing Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning: Beinart, Peter: 9780593803899: Amazon.com: BooksPeter Beinart's Substack/Social MediaThe Beinart Notebook | Peter Beinart | SubstackPeter Beinart (@PeterBeinart) / XPeter Beinart (@peter_beinart) • Threads, Say morePeter Beinart (@peterbeinart.bsky.social) — BlueskyRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Global State of Antisemitism & an Examination of the Zionist Project w/ Kenneth SternThe Origins of the Rothschilds Conspiracy Legends & Rise of Modern Antisemitism w/ Mike Rothschild

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, to discuss her new book, "How to End Christian Nationalism," where she covers the eight steps you can take to help fight against the influence of Christian Supremacy in U.S politics.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsAmanda Tyler's BookHow to End Christian Nationalism: Tyler, Amanda: 9781506498287: Amazon.com: BooksAmanda Tyler Social MediaAmanda Tyler (@AmandaTylerBJC) / XAmanda Tyler (@amandatylerbjc.bsky.social) — BlueskyAmanda Tyler (@amandatylerbjc) • Threads, Say moreBaptist Joint Committee Website / Petition Home - BJCStatement from Christians Against Christian Nationalism — Christians Against Christian NationalismRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Emergence of Christian Extremism & The Future of the Republican Party w/ Elizabeth NeumannLeaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith w/ April AjoyThe Contributing Factors Behind January 6 and the Unite the Right Rally w/ Timothy HeaphyThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware

Send us a textOn today's episode, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Pierre returns to the podcast to discuss his new book "False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Aren't True." We explore how confirmation bias has been put on steroids, the democratization of influence in the online world, whether it has made us less or more informed, and whether the excessive consumption of conspiracy theories should be thought of as an addiction disorder. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsDr. Joseph Pierre Twitter/WebsiteJoe Pierre, MD - psychunseen.bsky.social (@psychunseen) / X (twitter.com)Joe Pierre, MD (drjoepierre.com)Dr. Joseph Pierre's Book/Literature Review Amazon.com: False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things that Aren't True: 9780197765272: Pierre MD, Joe: BooksConspiracy Theory Belief: A Sane Response to an Insane World? | Review of Philosophy and PsychologyThe Social Chemist Recommended EpisodesA Psychosocial Assessment of QAnon w/ Dr. Joseph PierreThe Weaponization of Disinformation & Its Assault on Democracy w/ Barbara McQuadeThe People Who Turn Lies into Reality w/ Renée DiRestaA Psychological Assessment of QAnon & It's Comparison to Addiction w/ Sophia MoskalenkoQAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian HoloydaHow Susceptible are you to Misinformation? w/ Dr Rakoen MaertensA Sociological Assessment of Anti-Vaccine Attitudes and Behaviors w/ Matthew Facciani

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by the lead investigator of the January 6 committee and former US attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Timothy Heaphy, who also participated in the 2017 Unite the Right rally (UTR) investigation team. For our discussion, we cover his 2024 book "Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal about Rising Threats to American Democracy." Which follows Timothy's experience in investigating the attacks on Capitol Hill in 2021 and the far-right protests in Charlottesville in 2017. We cover Donald Trump's tactics to spread disinformation and doubt about the 2020 election and the contributing factors that led to J6 and UTR. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackTimothy Heaphy's Book Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal About Rising Threats to American Democracy: Heaphy, Timothy J.: 9781586424015: Amazon.com: BooksThe Final Report of the Select CommitteeFinal Report of the Select Committee | January 6th-benniethompsonSocial Chemist Recommended EpisodesThe Weaponization of Disinformation & Its Assault on Democracy w/ Barbara McQuadeThe People Who Turn Lies into Reality w/ Renée DiRestaThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob WareHere Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC and co-host of the #SistersInLaw podcast, to discuss her 2024 book "Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America,” a book about how disinformation has been weaponized under Trump's presidency and how to make social media platforms accountable for the disinformation epidemic. We also cover the state of conspiratorial thinking and extremism on the political left. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackBarbara McQuade's BookAmazon.com: Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America: 9781644213636: McQuade, Barbara: BooksBarbara McQuade's Website/ X / Threads / BlueskyBARBARA MCQUADEBarb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) / XBarb McQuade (@barbmcquade) • Instagram photos and videosBarb McQuade (@barbmcquade) • Threads, Say moreBarb McQuade (@barbmcquade.bsky.social) — BlueskyThe Social Chemist Episodes RecommendationsThe People Who Turn Lies into Reality w/ Renée DiRestaHow Susceptible are you to Misinformation? w/ Dr Rakoen Maertens

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by April Ajoy, TikTok content creator, former Christian Nationalist, and co-host of The New Evangelicals Podcast, to discuss her 2024 book "Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a Truth Faith." A book that touches on the history of Christian Nationalism, the tactics used to maintain followers within the movement, and the influence of Christian Nationalists have in today's social media world. We also talk about Pokémon.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackApril Ajoy's BookStar-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding A True Faith: Ajoy, April: 9781546006688: Amazon.com: BooksApril Ajoy's X/ Threads/ YouTubeApril Ajoy (@aprilajoyr) / XApril Ajoy (@aprilajoy) • Threads, Say moreApril Ajoy - YouTubeThe Social Chemist Episode Recommendations The Emergence of Christian Extremism & The Future of the Republican Party w/ Elizabeth NeumannThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob WareThe People Who Turn Lies into Reality w/ Renée DiResta

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Renée DiResta, the technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, a program dedicated to the study of abuse in information technologies, to talk about her new book "Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality" a book that dives into how our information ecosystem has evolved in the 21st century and how health practitioners and policymakers should engage with misinformation on social media. In our conversation, we cover the difference between misinformation and propaganda and the future of misinformation research under Trump's presidency. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackRenée DiResta's BookAmazon.com: Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality: 9781541703377: DiResta, Renee: BooksReferencesMisunderstanding the harms of online misinformation | NatureRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob WareHow Susceptible are you to Misinformation? w/ Dr Rakoen MaertensNews Media Literacy: An Educators Tool Against Misinformation w/ DeMario Phipps SmithA New Era in Disinformation: AI Generated Imagery w/ Todd C. Helmus

Send us a textIn today's episode, Dr. Sophia Moskalenko joins me in the program to discuss the various factors that contributed to the insurrection on January 6 and how exposure to conspiracy theories can lead believers and non-believers to engage in political violence. We also cover the topic of how to label Q movement and whether a comparison between QAnon and addiction can be made with the current studies on the subject. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackSophia Moskalenko Literature Review / NBC Article(PDF) Mere exposure to conspiracy theories: effects on radical intentions among believers and nonbelievers (researchgate.net)Why QAnon followers are like opioid addicts, and why that matters (nbcnews.com)Sophia Moskalenko BooksPastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon: Bloom, Mia, Moskalenko, Sophia: 9781503630291: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: Friction: How Radicalization Happens to Them and Us: 9780199747436: McCauley, Clark, Moskalenko, Sophia: BooksRadicalization to Terrorism: What Everyone Needs to Know®: Moskalenko, Sophia, McCauley, Clark: 9780190862589: Amazon.com: BooksRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesQAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian Holoyda (buzzsprout.com)Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com)A Psychosocial Assessment of QAnon w/ Dr. Joseph Pierre (buzzsprout.com)

Send us a Text Message.In today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Jessica White, Acting Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, to discuss her 2022 book "Gender Mainstreaming in Counter-Terrorism Policy: Building Transformative Strategies to Counter Violent Extremism" and her research on how extremists exploit the mechanics of online gaming to recruit and radicalize people to the far right. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackJessica White's WebsiteDr Jessica White | Royal United Services Institute (rusi.org)Jessica White's BookGender Mainstreaming in Counter-Terrorism Policy: Building Transformat (routledge.com)Recommended ReadingsUK riots expose double standards on far-right and Islamist violence | The far right | The GuardianRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Black Pill Radicalization Process of the Incel Community w/ Robert Green (buzzsprout.com)The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com)How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker (buzzsprout.com)

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, former assistant secretary for counterterrorism and prevention at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elizabeth Neumann, joins the podcast to discuss her book "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace." We dive into her experience pushing back against Trumpism within the Evangelical community, the history of Christian Extremism in America, and the future of the Republican Party.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackElizabeth Neumann's Website/X (formally Twitter) Navigating the Path Back to Peace – Breaking the Rage Cycle and Navigating the Path to Peace with Elizabeth NeumannElizabeth Neumann (@NeuSummits) / XElizabeth Neumann's Book Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace: Neumann, Elizabeth: 9781546002055: Amazon.com: BooksRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Role of Social Workers in Prevention Violence Extremism w/ Patrick R. Riccards (buzzsprout.com)The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com)The Global State of Antisemitism & an Examination of the Zionist Project w/ Kenneth Stern (buzzsprout.com)Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy w/ Matson & Tawni Browning (buzzsprout.com)News Media Literacy: An Educators Tool Against Misinformation w/ DeMario Phipps Smith (buzzsprout.com)How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker (buzzsprout.com)ReferencesUK Braces for More Far-Right Riots Fueled by Misinformation (yahoo.com)

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, Patrick R. Riccards, CEO of Life After Hate, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization uses evidence-based practices to help former extremists deradicalized and reintegrate into society. We cover whether prevention of violent extremism programs are well equipped for the potential Trump presidency and the rise of far-right domestic terrorism. I also cover some of the challenges social workers face in establishing their expertise in this field.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackLife After Hate WebsiteLife After HatePatrick R. RiccardsPatrick R. Riccards (patrickrriccards.com)Recommended Episodes Social Workers Role in Addressing Political Extremism w/ Royce Hutson, Ph.D. (buzzsprout.com)The Global State of Antisemitism & an Examination of the Zionist Project w/ Kenneth Stern (buzzsprout.com)The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com)Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy w/ Matson & Tawni Browning (buzzsprout.com)How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker (buzzsprout.com)ReferencesJim Jordan Issues Information Requests to Universities Researching Disinformation — ProPublicaJim Jordan's war on disinformation experts is working as planned (msnbc.com)Vivek Ramaswamy fires back at reporter asking if he condemns white supremacy: ‘Stupid question' (youtube.com)

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, Robert Green, a Ph.D. student from Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, joins me to discuss the origins of the incel community and the black pill radicalization process that can lead to men in the movement engaging in acts of domestic terrorism towards women. We cover what interventions can be implemented at the local and federal levels to deter men from falling into the subculture movement of extremism.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackRobert Green Research ArticleThe Black pill pipeline: A process-tracing analysis of the Incel's continuum of violent radicalization - Robert Green, Kurt Fowler, Allan Palombi, 2023 (sagepub.com)Recommended EpisodesThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com)Social Workers Role in Addressing Political Extremism w/ Royce Hutson, Ph.D. (buzzsprout.com)Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy w/ Matson & Tawni Browning (buzzsprout.com)ReferencesFBI Paid a Violent Felon to Infiltrate Racial Justice Movement (theintercept.com)

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, the director of the Bard Center for Study of Hate and author of "Conflict Over the Conflict: The Israel/Palestine Campus Debates," Ken Stern, joins me to discuss the events of October 7th and how the Antisemitism Awareness Act is being used to censor speech. A scholar who developed the working definition of antisemitism used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), Ken offers discussions about how political discourse is a more effective way of combatting the hatred of Jews. In the episode, we also touch upon the history of Zionism and whether it is essential for Judaism.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | Substack Kenneth Stern Website Staff: Director Kenneth S. Stern – Bard Center for the Study of Hate Kenneth Stern BookAmazon.com: Stern: The Conflict over the Conflict: 9781487507367: Stern, Kenneth S., Strossen, Nadine: BooksArticles about Kenneth Stern The Problem with Defining Antisemitism | The New Yorker  Colleges Use His Antisemitism Definition to Censor. He Calls It a ‘Travesty.' (chronicle.com)  Author of a definition on antisemitism: It wasn't meant to chill speech (bostonglobe.com)  ‘The Conflict over the Conflict' | Penn Today (upenn.edu) Recommended Social Chemist Episodes The Origins of the Rothschilds Conspiracy Legends & Rise of Modern Antisemitism w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com) The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com) Antisemitism: The Conspiracy Theory of the Enemy Above (buzzsprout.com) References The State of Antisemitism in America 2023: AJC's Survey of American Jews | AJC  Majority in U.S. Now Disapprove of Israeli Action in Gaza (gallup.com) 

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, Mike Rothschild returns to discuss his new book, Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds & 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories. We go over the history and legacy of the Rothchild's name in Judaism and how they became target number one for antisemitic narratives.  We also speak about the current state of antisemitism and whether the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2024 is the best way to reduce the hatred of Jews. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackMike Rothschild Twitter/WebsiteMike Rothschild (no relation) (@rothschildmd) / XMike Rothschild – Conspiracy theory researcher and debunker (themikerothschild.com)Mike Rothschild Book Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories: Rothschild, Mike: 9781685890643: Amazon.com: BooksMcNally Jackson BookstoreMcNally Jackson Books |Recommended Episodes Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com)Antisemitism: The Conspiracy Theory of the Enemy Above (buzzsprout.com)References'Who elected George Soros to dictate laws?': El Salvador President Bukele blasts global elites (youtube.com)

Send us a Text Message.On today's episode, lecturer and researcher on conspiratorial beliefs Ilya Yablokov joins me to discuss Russia Today's usage of conspiratorial ideologies and how that has helped the Kremlin villainize the U.S. He shares his thoughts on how U.S. and Russian conspiracy theory culture is similar and different. As well as address the effectiveness is news media literacy. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist Newsletter | SubstackIlya Yablokov's Book and New York Times articles Russia Today and Conspiracy Theories: People, Power and Politics on RT - Kindle edition by Yablokov, Ilya, Chatterje-Doody, Precious N. Politics & Social Sciences Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Opinion | How Putin's Propaganda System Keeps Him in Power - The New York Times (nytimes.com)How conspiracy theories help to maintain Vladimir Putin's grip on power in Russia (theconversation.com)Recommended EpisodeNews Media Literacy: An Educators Tool Against Misinformation w/ DeMario Phipps Smith (buzzsprout.com)

In today's episode, Royce Hutson, Ph.D., joins me to discuss the role of social workers in addressing political extremism and the effectiveness of violent extremism prevention programs. We also discuss the state of political extremism with the upcoming 2024 elections. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsRoyce A. Hutson Literature Review Preventing Violent Extremism and Social Work: Recent US History and Prospects | Journal of Human Rights and Social Work (springer.com)Recommended Episodes The Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware (buzzsprout.com) 

On today's episode, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Pierre joins me to discuss the psychosocial elements that contributed to the susceptibility of the QAnon movement, and the varying degrees of convictions held by Q followers. We explore what the future might hold for QAnon as a potential Trump presidency slowly creeps back into power. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsDr. Joseph Pierre Twitter/WebsiteJoe Pierre, MD - psychunseen.bsky.social (@psychunseen) / X (twitter.com)Joe Pierre, MD (drjoepierre.com)Book: The Social Science of QAnonAmazon.com: The Social Science of QAnon: 9781009055024: Miller, Monica K.: BooksRecommended Episodes QAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian Holoyda (buzzsprout.com)Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware counterterrorism experts from the Council on Foreign Relations stop by to discuss their new book "God, Guns, and Sedition: Far Right Terrorism in America." which tracks the history of white supremacy from the Reconstruction era all the way to the modern-day America.  They offer policy suggestions on how to combat the rise of political extremism and their thoughts into the state of democracy with the upcoming 2024 election. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsBruce Hoffman & Jacob Wear BookGod, Guns, and Sedition | Council on Foreign Relations (cfr.org)Recommended ReadingsThe Third Generation of Online Radicalization | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University (gwu.edu)Recommended Episodes Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy w/ Matson & Tawni Browning (buzzsprout.com)Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com)QAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian Holoyda (buzzsprout.com)How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker (buzzsprout.com)The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, Matson and Tawni Browning join to discuss their 2023 book "The Hate Next Door: Undercover within the New Face of White Supremacy," which documents their experience going undercover as white political extremists infiltrating hate groups such as the National Alliance and Unit 88. They offer some reasons why people joined white supremacy groups and advice to help anyone falling down the rabbit hole of hate. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist | SubstackMatson and Tawni WebsiteThe Hate Next Door | Matt&Tawni Browning (mattandtawni.com)Escaping PolygamyWatch Escaping Polygamy Full Episodes, Video & More | Lifetime (mylifetime.com)Other Social Chemist EpisodesWhat Is A Conspiracy Theorist? w/ Aoife Gallagher (buzzsprout.com)A New Era in Disinformation: AI Generated Imagery w/ Todd C. Helmus (buzzsprout.com)Here Comes the Storm: The Origins of QAnon w/ Mike Rothschild (buzzsprout.com)QAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian Holoyda (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, DeMario Phipps-Smith, a Senior Manager of Community Learning at the News Literacy Project, joins me to discuss news media literacy. As AI technology evolves at a fast pace, scholars on misinformation wonder how this will change our understanding of false narratives. What role do educators have in this social problem, and what tools can be used? The discussion will help us better understand this complex issue and offer resources to help combat disinformation. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosTwitterThe Social Chemist | TwitterThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist | Substack Educator ResourcesNews Literacy ProjectDeMario Phipps-Smith DeMario Phipps-Smith | LinkedInRecommended Social Chemist EpisodeA New Era in Disinformation: AI Generated Imagery w/ Todd C. Helmus (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, Matthew Facciani a sociologist at the University of Notre Dame in the Computer Science and Engineering department joins me to discuss how negative vaccine attitudes don't necessarily tell us about public health behaviors. We touch upon whether government regulations of social media to mitigate misinformation are effective and other strategies in reducing conspiracy theory consumption. Lastly, we talk about his first book "Misguided: Where Misinformation starts, how it spreads, and what to do about it" and the central theme of his work. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosTwitterThe Social Chemist | TwitterThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsSubstackThe Social Chemist | Substack Matthew Facciani Profile/Literature Review Matthew FaccianiMatthew Facciani (@matthewfacciani) on ThreadsPolitical network composition predicts vaccination attitudes - ScienceDirectRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesDo Liberal Conspiracy Theories Exist in Contemporary Politics? w/ Ph.D. Benjamin Dow (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, Todd C. Helmus, a senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation, joins me to talk about how AI-generated imagery will change how mis and disinformation is created and disseminated. We discussed how effective regulating this technology will be in mitigating propaganda and political extremism and whether it will alter how researchers in fake news understand this issue.   Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter The Social Chemist | Twitter Substack The Social Chemist | Substack Todd C. Helmus Profiles Todd C. Helmus - Profile | RAND  Todd Helmus (@Helmus) / X (twitter.com) Todd C. Helmus Article Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes, and Disinformation: A Primer | RAND Recommend Social Chemist Episode  How Susceptible are you to Misinformation? w/ Dr Rakoen Maertens (buzzsprout.com) 

On today's episode, I am joined by conspiracy theory researcher and QAnon expert, Mike Rothschild. We explore the origins of QAnon, whether mental health practitioners have a role in addressing far-right conspiracy theories and assess the conspiratorial framework of the Q movement based on his 2021 book "The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became A Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything." We conclude our discussion by speaking about his third book, which will be released on September 19th, titled “Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories”. A book that explores how one Jewish family --the Rothschilds--became a lightning rod for conspiracy theories in the last two centuries. Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter The Social Chemist | Twitter SubstackThe Social Chemist | Substack Mike Rothchild Website/Twitter Select Media Appearances, 2020-2023 – Mike Rothschild (themikerothschild.com)  Mike Rothschild (no relation) (@rothschildmd) / X (twitter.com) Mike Rothchild Books  Amazon.com: The World's Worst Conspiracies: 9781789509328: Rothschild, Mike: Books  Amazon.com: The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything: 9781612199290: Rothschild, Mike: Books  Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories: Rothschild, Mike: 9781685890643: Amazon.com: Books Recommended Social Chemist Episodes QAnon: A Psychiatric Assessment of a Delusion Like Belief w/ Dr. Brian Holoyda (buzzsprout.com) How the Far-Right hijacked the Wellness Movement w/ Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker (buzzsprout.com)The Conspiratorial State Of The Republican Party w/ Sam Faldraga (buzzsprout.com) Antisemitism: The Conspiracy Theory of the Enemy Above (buzzsprout.com) 

On today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology from the University of London. We explore the origins of the Wellness Movement in the U.S. and the people who helped develop its foundations. Then explore whether inaccessibility to healthcare puts more people at risk of medical misinformation or whether other factors are at play. Lastly, we look into the types of influencers that have profited off the spread of misinformation and offer some suggestions to differentiate between reliable information and misinformation, at a time when institutional trust is at an all-time low.  Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter The Social Chemist | Twitter Substack The Social Chemist | Substack Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker Twitter Dr Stephanie Alice Baker (@DrSABaker) / X (twitter.com) Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker book  Wellness Culture: How the Wellness Movement has been used to Empower, Profit and Misinform (SocietyNow): Alice Baker, Stephanie: 9781802624687: Amazon.com: Books Dr. Stephanie Alice Baker Google Scholar ‪Stephanie Alice Baker‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬ Recommended Social Chemist Episodes Social Work's Relationship with Pseudoscience Practices w/ Bruce Thyer (buzzsprout.com) 

On today's episode, I am joined by board-certified forensic psychiatrist Dr. Brian Holoyda, whose work involves paraphilic disorders and cult-like behaviors. In our conversation we discuss the concepts of Delusion Like Beliefs (DLBs) and whether QAnon fits the criteria of being a cult movement. We also cover the diagnostic and ethical dilemmas in pathologizing conspiracy theories as an addiction disorder. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosTwitterThe Social Chemist | TwitterSubstackThe Social Chemist | SubstackDr. Brian Holoyda Literature ReviewQAnon: A Modern Conspiracy Theory and the Assessment of Its Believers | Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (jaapl.org)Dr. Brian Holoyda websiteBrian Holoyda, MD, MPH, MBA | Forensic PsychiatryOther Social Chemist EpisodesWhat Is A Conspiracy Theorist? w/ Aoife Gallagher (buzzsprout.com)Do Liberal Conspiracy Theories Exist in Contemporary Politics? w/ Ph.D. Benjamin Dow (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, renowned behavioral scientist Dr. Rakoen Maertens from Cambridge University joins me to discuss the development of the Misinformation Susceptibility Test (MIST) and the importance of creating metric tools that have high validity in measuring false narratives. We cover what the mainstream media needs to do to regain the trust of a society that has expressed skepticism about their reporting. I also attempt to pitch a game show about misinformation with Dr. Maertens to sell to Netflix.  Misinformation Susceptibility Testhttps://yourmist.streamlit.app/FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosSubstackThe Social Chemist | SubstackTwitterThe Social Chemist | TwitterDr. Rakoen Maertens Social Media/Literature ReviewsRakoen Maertens | TwitterRakoen Maertens | InstagramThe Misinformation Susceptibility Test (MIST): A psychometrically validated measure of news veracity discernmentOnline ReferencesHow well can Americans distinguish real news headlines from fake ones?Americans' Trust In Media Remains Near Record LowOther Social Chemist EpisodesInterventions for Conspiratorial Thinking and their Limitations w/ Cian O'MahonyDo Liberal Conspiracy Theories Exist in Contemporary Politics? w/ Ph.D. Benjamin Dow

On today's episode, Cian O'Mahony, a Ph.D. candidate at the University College Cork, joins me to talk about the most effective interventions in reducing conspiratorial inclinations and how video games can help us develop the cognitive tools to prevent becoming victims of false narratives. We end our discussion by talking about Jeffrey Epstein and whether or not he truly did kill himself. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosSubstackThe Social Chemist | Substack TwitterThe Social Chemist | Twitter Cian O'Mahony Research ArticleThe efficacy of interventions in reducing beliefs in conspiracy theories: A systematic reviewCian O'Mahony Blogs and Social MediaCian O'MahonyCian O'Mahony | Twitter Recommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset Behind Sandy Hook Elementary School (buzzsprout.com) 

On today's episode, Daniel Berman, a postdoctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Historian of Education & Curriculum, joins me to discuss his research on 9/11 conspiracy theories and how they have influenced classroom discussions.  We tell our memories of September 11 and briefly talk about conspiracy theories about Pearl Harbor. Throughout the podcast, we attempt to find solutions to the complex issue of conspiratorial ideations and assess some of their limitations. FacebookThe Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Substack The Social Chemist | Substack Daniel Berman Research Article/Resources “It's a Growing and Serious Problem:” Teaching 9/11 to Combat Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories: The Social Studies: Vol 112, No 6 (tandfonline.com)  Teaching 9/11 and the War on Terror Beyond the Twentieth Anniversary – A Resource Guide for Teachers and Educators – UW–Madison (wisc.edu) Recommended Social Chemist Episodes Librarians vs Conspiracy Theories: The Battle for Knowledge, Truth, and Ethics w/ Bradley Wiles (buzzsprout.com)  Do Liberal Conspiracy Theories Exist in Contemporary Politics? w/ Ph.D. Benjamin Dow (buzzsprout.com)  9/11 Conspiracy Theories: Flight 93 - The Day the Sky Attacked (buzzsprout.com) 

As the negative impact of COVID-19 dies down, many influencers in the conspiracy theory community are searching for the next existential threat to boost their popularity and financial gains. Recently, the trans community has become the new outgroup to attack with conspiracy theories. The trend was further exacerbated when on March 27, 2023, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who identified as trans, entered Covenant Presbyterian Church, a private Christian school, and murdered three 9-year-old children and three adults before being shot down by two police officers. In the aftermath of this event, the conspiracy theories about the transgender invasion evolved from the LGBTIA+ recruitment agenda to the transgender insurrection. In this episode, we take a road trip to Tucker Carlson's Tonight and assess what makes a conspiracy theory a conspiracy theory and how far-right conspiracy theorists developed their conspiracy narrative against the transgender community. Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos References Tucker Carlson: Transgenderism is America's fastest-growing religion - YouTube  Transgender Pastor compares the Nashville shooter to Jesus - YouTube  Ontario NDP calls for public safety zones for drag performances, LGBTQ+ community - YouTube News Articles Tennessee Republicans call for release of Audrey Hale's manifesto (nypost.com) Recommended Social Chemist Episodes Dr. Jordan Peterson & The Moral Panic of Transgenderism (buzzsprout.com)  The HIV/AIDs Denialism Movement & the Implications on the LGBTQ+ (buzzsprout.com)  The Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory (buzzsprout.com) 

Today's episode covers the breaking news about Tucker Carlson's departure from FOX News. What events triggered Tucker's termination from FOX, and where does the most popular political pundit head next? Will Tucker Carlson join Newsmaxx, become the next Rush Limbaugh or become exclusive to the Daily Wire?FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesTucker Carlson ousted at Fox News amid lawsuit alleging sexism : NPRFox News Parts Ways With Tucker Carlson Days After Dominion Settlement - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Fox News Lost the Lawsuit but Won the War - The AtlanticCenk Uygur Prediction Why Did Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon Get Fired? - YouTube

On today's episode, Bruce Thyer, a Distinguished Research Professor from Florida State University, joins the podcast to discuss the negative implications of pseudoscientific theories within MSW programs and practices. In this episode Bruce Thyer explains pseudoscience and the history behind such concepts. We discussed the obstacles in addressing pseudoscientific beliefs regarding biopsychosocial assessments and their emphasis on cultural sensitivity. Lastly, Bruce Thyer offers suggestions on how to challenge pseudoscientific claims being promoted by academic authorities. Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Bruce Thyer Bruce Thyer | College of Social Work (fsu.edu) References The Problem of Pseudoscience in Social Work Continuing Education: Journal of Social Work Education: Vol 52, No 2 (tandfonline.com)  Pseudoscience - Wikipedia Bruce Thyer Book Amazon.com: Science and Pseudoscience in Social Work Practice: 0000826177689: Thyer PhD LCSW BCBA-D, Bruce A., Pignotti PhD LMSW, Monica G.: Books The Social Chemist Citation Perez, N. (Host). (2023, April 14). Social Work's Relation with Pseudoscientific Practices. [Audio podcast episode]. In The Social Chemist.  URL 

In this episode, Stephan McCabe, a postdoctoral associate from George Washington University, joins me to discuss his research on misinformation campaigns regarding U.S. elections and their implication to voting behaviors. We also dive into what factors contribute to succumbing to disinformation and whether left-wing conspiracy theories from the early 2000s can still be considered left-wing. Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos Stefan McCabe Stefan McCabe (@mccabe_s) / Twitter References Online engagement with 2020 election misinformation and turnout in the 2021 Georgia runoff election | PNAS  Higher education responses to COVID-19 in the United States: Evidence for the impacts of university policy | PLOS Digital Health 

On today's episode, Nelson talks about his experience attending a TurningPointUSA event at Rutgers University. In this event, Nelson attempts to understand the conspiratorial mindset of Candace Owens (a right wing commentator and conspiracy theorist) by asking her opinion about the 1.6 billion dollar defamation lawsuit against FOX News by Dominion Voting System. For this episode, we try to determine whether FOX News intentionally provided false information for a political agenda and whether Candace Owens is an enabler and defender of the Big Lie conspiracy theory. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesTPUSA Presents The LIVE FREE Tour LIVE from Rutgers University with Candace Owens - YouTubeNews ArticlesNew Fox-Dominion Lawsuit Documents Shed Light on Debate Inside Network - The New York Times (nytimes.com)How an election-fraud claim got on Fox News and led to a $1.6 billion lawsuit : NPROther Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Right Wing's Protection of Alex Jones (buzzsprout.com)Giorgia Meloni: The Rise of Conspiracism in Italy (buzzsprout.com)

In recent weeks FOX News has been exposed for spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories about the 2020 Election. After text messages and emails revealed that FOX hosts like Sean Hannity, Lauren Ingraham, and Tucker Carlson disavowed these ideas yet still promoted them to their audience members, Tucker Carlson has gone on the offense to rewrite history and reignite the dangerous conspiracy theories about the Big Lie and QAnon. In today's episode, we look at the contradictions made by Tucker Carlson and some of the logical fallacies at play. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesTucker: This video tells a different story of Jan 6 - YouTubeNews ArticlesDominion lawsuit documents show Rupert Murdoch rejected election conspiracy theories | CNN BusinessNew Fox-Dominion Lawsuit Documents Shed Light on Debate Inside Network - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Republican Lawmakers Split Over Carlson's False Jan. 6 Claims - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Family of U.S. Capitol Officer Condemns New Footage: 'Frankly Sick of It' (newsweek.com)Fox News-Dominion: Tucker Carlson hates Trump 'passionately,' more (usatoday.com)The Majority Report Tucker's Dishonest Jan 6 Exposé Is Worse Than Anticipated - YouTube

On today's episode, Ph.D. candidate and librarian Bradley Wiles talks about how conspiracy theories have forced the librarian profession to rethink its code of ethics regarding political propaganda and disinformation. We also touch upon whether media information literacy effectively pulls people out of the rabbit hole. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosBradley Wiles Scholarly JournalsRe-thinking Information Ethics: Truth, Conspiracy Theories, and Librarians in the COVID-19 Era (degruyter.com)

One of the most prominent conspiracy theories in ancient and contemporary society is that of antisemitism (hatred of  Jews). In recent times influential political pundits such as Nick Fuentes and pop artist, Kanye West have promoted conspiracy theories targeting the Jewish community. Such rhetoric brings much concern among historians and researchers of conspiracy theories who warn people to stay alert to ideologies that historically led to the extermination of 6 million people. Today's episode covers the history and conspiratorial mindset of antisemitism and how affect, behavior, and cognition influence in-groups perceive out-groups. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesWhat is antisemitism? | IHRA (holocaustremembrance.com)Antisemitism | Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org)Matthew 27 KJV - When the morning was come, all the - Bible GatewayAnti-Semitism | History, Facts, & Examples | Britannicablood libel | anti-Semitism | BritannicaHistory of Jewish Money Lending (jewishhistory.org)Nostra Aetate | Glossary | ADLScholarly JournalsThe Psychology of Modern Antisemitism: Theory, Research, and Methodology (degruyter.com)An existential threat model of conspiracy theories. - PsycNET (apa.org)BooksWeb of Lies: How to tell fact from fiction in an online world: Gallagher, Aoife: 9780717195121: Amazon.com: Books

On today's episode, Dr. Benjamin Dow, an academic researcher in the field of conspiratorial ideologies and professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU), joins me to discuss conspiracy theories within politics and whether major left-wing conspiracy theories exist in the 2022 political arena.  More importantly, we examine whether conspiracy theories can lead to political extremism and encapsulated psychosis. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosPh.D. Benjamin Dow TwitterBenjamin Dow (@benjaminjdow) / TwitterPh.D. Benjamin Dow journal articles/reports How Did COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Get So Out of Control? (northwestern.edu)Support for leaders who use conspiratorial rhetoric: The role of personal control and political identity - ScienceDirectThe COVID‐19 pandemic and the search for structure: Social media and conspiracy theories - PMC (nih.gov)Sense of control and conspiracy perceptions: Generative directions on a well-worn path - ScienceDirectMitigating and managing COVID-19 conspiratorial beliefs (bmj.com)The Social Chemist ReferencesConspiracy Theories: Evolved Functions and Psychological Mechanisms (sagepub.com)The Social Chemist Recommended EpisodesThe Harm of 5G EMF Radiation: Science or Pseudoscience? w/ Tim Sandars: Part 1 (buzzsprout.com)The Harm of 5G EMF Radiation: Science or Pseudoscience? w/ Tim Sandars: Part 2 (buzzsprout.com)

On today's episode, Aoife Gallagher from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and author of Web of Lies: The Lures and Dangers of Conspiracy Theories joins me to discuss her expertise on misinformation and conspiratorial ideologies. In our discussion, we cover her background as a digital researcher, look at what constitutes a conspiracy theorist and theory, and assess whether conspiracy theory addiction should be included in the revision of the Diagnostic Statistic Manual (DSM). FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosAoife Gallagher TwitterAoife Gallagher

Right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was obligated to pay the family members of the Sandy Hook massacre 965 million dollars after the jury ruled that Jones had abused his influence and enabled radical conspiracists to harrassed and send death threats to people like Robbie Parker, Lenny Pozner, and others. Since that ruling, many in the conspiratorial community have changed their understanding of the Sandy Hook conspiracy theory as not being a false flag operation to take away our Second Amendment (Right to Bare Arms) but the first (Freedom of Speech). In this episode, we listen to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk and assess his take on the ruling against Alex Jones and explore why the Sandy Hook conspiracy theory backfired on Jones. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAlex Jones Fined 1 Billion Dollars?? With Jack Posobiec - The Charlie Kirk Show | Podcast on SpotifyNews ReportsAlex Jones ordered to pay $965 million for Sandy Hook lies | AP NewsSandy Hook Shooting: Lucy Richards Gets Prison for Threats | TimeA Notorious Sandy Hook Tormentor Is Arrested in Florida - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Sandy Hook Father Awarded $450,000 In Conspiracy Theorist Suit – Rolling StoneZuckerberg clarifies: ‘I personally find Holocaust denial deeply offensive, and I absolutely didn't intend to defend the intent of people who deny that.' - VoxOpinion | Alex Jones Picked On the Wrong People - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Book RecommendationSandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth: Williamson, Elizabeth: 9781524746575: Amazon.com: BooksRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset Behind Sandy Hook Elementary School (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)Meg SceneThe Meg (2018) - I'm Going to Make It Bleed Scene (10/10) | Movieclips - YouTube

Fascism is often used by the political left to refer to the political right and vice versa. But what is fascism? What are its characteristics? In this episode, we look at what makes a political ideology fascist and understand the challenges in defining such a term. We address this issue as Italy elects its first female Prime Minister, Giorgina Meloni. A politician regarded as far-right by many in the mainstream media and an individual whose upbringing was influenced by former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. As we assess her ideology, we will look for the conspiratorial antagonist reference in her speeches and determine whether conspiracy theories are on the rise in Italy's mainstream politics. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesfascism | Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Examples, & History | BritannicaBenito Mussolini | Biography, Definition, Facts, Rise, & Death | BritannicaScepticism over Giorgia Meloni's claim' fascism is history' in Italian far right | Italy | The GuardianThat Giorgia Meloni speech captivating the U.S. right doesn't make sense - The Washington PostThe Return of Fascism in Italy - The AtlanticProject MUSE - How Autocrats Weaponize Women's Rights (jhu.edu)YouTube videosFascism Explained - YouTubePodcastsThe Ben Shapiro Show: The International Anti-Woke Backlash Has Begun on Apple PodcastsConspirituality: 122: Timeline Retox: Biohacking and Fascism and Stuff on Apple PodcastsRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory (buzzsprout.com)The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)Roe v. Wade: The Moral Argument of Abortion (buzzsprout.com)

In the arena of political discourse, many can regard political commentator Bill Maher as an influential figure in mainstream television. Known for combining politics and comedy, Bill Maher has never shied away from controversy. However, in recent years, many on the political left have noticed a swift change in his rhetoric. Now filled with misinformation about medical science, a recurrent theme that has become more apparent since COVID-19 policies were implemented in the U.S. In today's episode, we assess the logical fallacies in Bill Maher's assessment of vaccines, anti-depressants, and medical science in his podcast Club Random with Bill Maher ft Aaron Rodgers. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAaron Rodgers | Club Random with Bill Maher - Club Random with Bill Maher | Podcast on SpotifyThe serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence | Molecular Psychiatry (nature.com)The Serotonin Fixation: Much Ado About Nothing New (psychiatrictimes.com)Psychosurgery for schizophrenia: history and perspectives - PMC (nih.gov)Merck ordered to pay $321 million in criminal Vioxx probe | ReutersU.S. Pharmaceutical Company Merck Sharp & Dohme Sentenced in Connection with Unlawful Promotion of Vioxx | OPA | Department of JusticeRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset of Dr. Peter McCullough (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)

Are we alone? It is one of humanity's greatest mysteries and one that carries our imagination into the cosmos. But what if I told you that in 1994, in a remote African community, a group of children found the answer to this question? Would you believe me? In today's episode,, we look into one of the most famous incidences of UFO interactions and ask, did this happen, or have followers of this tale fallen for their own biases? FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAriel School UFO incident - WikipediaThe 1994 Ruwa Zimbabwe Alien Encounter (skeptoid.com)The Story of Children in Zimbabwe Encountering a UFO - YouTubeUFO Encounter at Ariel School in Ruwa, Zimbabwe 1994 Dr. John E. Mack - YouTube

On September 11, 2001, four American airlines were hijacked and converted into weapons of war. One of these planes was Flight 93, which departed from Newark International Airport in New Jersey, heading to San Francisco Internation Airport when at 9:28 am Ziad Jarrah, and three other Al-Qaeda terrorists stormed into the cockpit and took control of the airline with the intent of crashing it either into the White House or Capitol House. However, as the passengers of Flight 93 realized the reality of their situation, they collectively decided to take action and fight back against this new variation of terrorism. This effort, unfortunately, did not result in the survival of anyone on that plane that tragic day. Twenty-one years have passed since the traumatic events of 9/11, but behind the pain and policy changes that came after the attacks on the U.S. The conspiratorial mindset blossom in an age where the internet enables an individual with conspiratorial inclinations to congregate and share their unique distrust of government and experts. In today's episode, we revisit the timeline of Flight 93 and the conspiracy theories associated with this specific incident. As well as learned about David Ray Griffin, a famous popular conspiracy theorist that has exchanged doubt about 9/11 for praise and popularity.FacebookThe Social Chemist - Home | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesUnited Airlines Flight 93 - Wikipedia9/11 conspiracy theories - WikipediaCBS News exclusive: Fighter pilots recall mission to take down Flight 93 on 9/11 - YouTubeDavid Ray Griffin: 9/11 The Myth And The Reality - The Fact Hunter | Podcast on SpotifyFlight 93 Simulation flight path on September 11United Airlines Flight 93 Reconstruction with ATC Recording - September 11 2001 - YouTubeRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Conspiratorial Mindset Behind Sandy Hook Elementary School (buzzsprout.com)The Tuskegee Experiment Of 1932: Psychosocial Mistrust Of Vaccinations Among African Americans (buzzsprout.com)

On December 14th, 2012, twenty children and six adults were murdered by 20-year-old Adam Lanza at Sandy Hook Elementary. In the aftermath of the tragedy, law enforcement and politicians tried to help explain what occurred and why, but as with all breaking news stories, details were reported without confirmation. As a result, a movement of emotional manipulation and political agenda formed. Almost a decade after the school massacre, right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been found guilty of promoting misinformation and forced to pay the victims for his spread of conspiracy theories and disinformation. Still, researchers of conspiratorial ideologies state that the damage has already been done and that the plague of conspiracy theory will only continue to grow. Today's episode explores why Sandy Hook Elementary School has become America's most iconic conspiracy theory. FacebookThe Social Chemist - Home | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferences Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting - WikipediaSandy Hook Elementary School shooting | Facts & Timeline | BritannicaJury Orders Alex Jones to Pay $45.2 Million in Sandy Hook Case - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist gets prison time for threatening victim's family | Newtown shooting | The GuardianU.S. Defense Spending Compared to Other Countries (pgpf.org)Series on Logical Fallacies - The Anecdotal Fallacy — Dear PandemicSandy Hook Truthers Say Robbie Parker Video Is Evidence Of Hoax - InquisitDr. Todd GrandeAdam Lanza | Mental Health & Personality - YouTubeVICE Mini-DocumentaryThe Rise of the Crisis Actor Conspiracy Movement - YouTubeRobbie Parker CNN  videoFather of school shooting victim 'blessed to be her dad - YouTubeRobbie Parker Unedited video Robby Parker Laughing A Day After His Daughter Was Murdered at S H - YouTubeRecommended Videos Elizabeth Williamson presents Sandy Hook in conversation with Robbie Parker - YouTubeRecommended The Social Chemist EpisodesThe Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)

Since Pride Month in 2022, the political right has mobilized an offensive attack on the LGBTQIA+ community in the name of the culture war. For many mental health experts, such opposition, specifically to transgender individuals, causes physical and psychological stressors. However, one clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson argues that the backlash against gender expression is necessary to maintain the stability of western civilization, which is built on masculinity, the traditional family unit, and the natural order. In today's episode, we assess some of these claims and determine if they're up to date or outdated. FacebookThe Social Chemist - Home | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosDirect Segment & Interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson(213) EXPLOSIVE: Jordan Peterson On Trans Rights, Elliot Page Controversy | Krystal Kyle & Friends Teaser - YouTubeEpisode 80: Jordan Peterson - Krystal Kyle & Friends | Podcast on SpotifyReferencesSuicidality Among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors - Ashley Austin, Shelley L. Craig, Sandra D'Souza, Lauren B. McInroy, 2022 (sagepub.com)Recommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory (buzzsprout.com)The HIV/AIDs Denialism Movement & the Implications on the LGBTQ+ (buzzsprout.com)

In today's episode, Nelson and Tim discuss the effects of 5G radiation on the human body by talking about the conspiracy theories about EMFs and radiation. Also, a review on whether the Omnia Balance products are tested effectively will be covered. Tim Sandars then offers a 12% discount on any purchase when using promo code: NELSON. Listen as we reach our final assessment in asking if the harm of 5G radiation is based on science or pseudoscience? FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesThe Harm of 5G EMF Radiation: Science or Pseudoscience? w/ Tim Sandars: Part 1 (buzzsprout.com)(131) Placebo Effect, Control Groups, and the Double-Blind Experiment (3.2) - YouTubeOmnia Balance5G EMF Radiation Protection patch that harmonises wireless radiation – Omnia (omniaradiationbalancer.com)Omnia Balance | FacebookTim Sandars other podcast showsThe Yakking Show: Episode 91 Tim Sandars - EMF radiation & everlasting harmonisation on Apple PodcastsJourney to Truth: EP 94 - Live w/ Tim Sandars - Free Energy Devices - Conscious Nano Technology - EMF Protection on Apple Podcasts

In today's episode, Tim Sandars joins as a guest to speak on his research and understanding of non-thermal EMF radiation, precisely that of 5G. We explore the genesis of his story regarding EMF research and review some of the studies that support the claims that 5G radiation is harmful to the human body. In this two-part series, we dare to ask whether the idea of 5G radiation and any artificial EMFs is toxic to us based on science or pseudoscience? FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesCellphone Radio Frequency Radiation Studies (nih.gov)Tim Sandars ReferencesEMF-Portal | HomeBioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF)Omnia Balance5G EMF Radiation Protection patch that harmonises wireless radiation – Omnia (omniaradiationbalancer.com)Omnia Balance | Facebook

On June 5th, 1981, hospitals in Los Angeles, California, began to notice an alarming trend of patients developing pneumocystis pneumonia. At the time, medical experts were puzzled by what was causing these severe symptoms. By 1982 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) finally identified the cause of the deadly disease that had become prominent among the LGBTQ+ community and drug abusers, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, also known as AIDs. However, as the birth of HIV studies began, so did the cognitive virus of HIV/AIDs denialism that would cost the lives of people infected with HIV and the people promoting these ideas. In today's episode, Nelson revisits the history of the HIV/AIDs denialism movement, assesses some of the conspiratorial fallacies, and debunks Peter Duesberg's claims who has sacrificed his academic integrity to protect his ego. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAbout HIV/AIDS | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDCHIV/AIDs Timeline | NPIN (cdc.gov)AIDS Drug AZT: How It Got Approved 30 Years Ago | TimeMbeki Aids denial 'caused 300,000 deaths' | South Africa | The GuardianThe intravenous injection of illicit drugs and needle sharing: an historical perspective - PubMed (nih.gov)Christine Maggiore, vocal skeptic of AIDS research, dies at 52 - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)Logical FallaciesThe Appeal to Nature Fallacy: Why “Natural” Isn't Necessarily Better – EffectiviologyGalileo Fallacy (logicallyfallacious.com)Joe Rogan Episode #282 - Peter Duesberg, Bryan Callen - The Joe Rogan Experience | Podcast on SpotifyRecommended The Social Chemist episodesThe Social Chemist: Operation 5G The Conspiracy Theory on Apple PodcastsThe Social Chemist: The Tuskegee Experiment Of 1932: Psychosocial Mistrust Of Vaccinations Among African Americans on Apple PodcastsThe Social Chemist: The Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory on Apple Podcasts

In 2011, Renaud Camus published a book titled "Le Grand Remplacement," or as it's translated in English, The Great Replacement. In his book, he contends that the mass migration of people from the Middle East and Africa will destabilize white-dominated countries but, worst of all, lead to the extinction of the white race that will be orchestrated according to the conspiracy theory by the Jewish elite. In the years to follow, many political propagandists have adopted this ideology to promote racist and anti-immigration policies from a conspiratorial framework that has led conspiracy theorist extremists to take matters into their own hands. People like Payton Gendron, who on May 14th, 2022, drove 200 miles to Buffalo, New York to cleanse his community in what he regarded as the black invasion, and Makeila Griffin, who in 1999 engaged in anti-white rhetoric to prepare for what she referred to as the race war. In today's episode, Nelson looks into the origins of the Great Replacement Theory and how the political right has exacerbated this ideology. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesKu Klux Klan | Definition & History | Britannica“The Great Replacement:” An Explainer | ADLThe Racist 'Great Replacement' Conspiracy Theory Explained | Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org)Replacement Theory, a Fringe Belief Fueled Online, Is Refashioned by G.O.P. - The New York Times (nytimes.com)How ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight' Fuels Extremism and Fear - The New York Times (nytimes.com)‘Replacement theory' still Republican orthodoxy despite Buffalo shooting | US news | The GuardianPayton Gendron: What we know about the Buffalo supermarket shooting suspect - CNNBuffalo Shootings: Media Being Selective about Shooter | National ReviewThe Muslim Program - NOI.org Official WebsiteMalaika Griffin | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderersBen Shapiro EpisodeThe Ben Shapiro Show: Blaming Tucker Carlson For Mass Shootings on Apple PodcastsScholarly Journals An existential threat model of conspiracy theories. - PsycNET (apa.org)

On May 2nd, 2022, the sociopolitical landscape was struck by a 9.5 earthquake when the initial draft majority opinion from the U.S Supreme Court leaked. Revealing that the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade would be overturned resulting in many on the political left to panic as this meant an attack on women's reproductive rights, while on the political right, cheers and celebrations commenced since it symbolized a victory for the sanctity of life.  However, is life as sacred as the political right state, or are there contradictions to these values? In today's episode, listen to how the conversation about abortion has been revitalized in the last few weeks since this breaking news, learn about the historical and legal context of Roe v. Wade, the conspiracist reaction to the "my body my choice" movement, and the philosophical argument if life is objectively or subjectively valuable? FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesSalvadoran woman jailed for suspected abortion released | Women News | Al JazeeraSupreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows - POLITICOThe original Roe v. Wade ruling was leaked to Time magazine : NPRNJ abortion laws: Phil Murphy pushes for free, sanctuary state (northjersey.com)26 States Are Certain or Likely to Ban Abortion Without Roe: Here's Which Ones and Why | Guttmacher InstituteRoe v. Wade | Summary, Origins, & Influence | BritannicaNorma McCorvey | Biography & Facts | BritannicaFourteenth Amendment | Definition, Summary, Rights, Significance, & Facts | BritannicaHow lack of access to abortion can impact women's health – The HillYouTube Roe v Wade (14th amendment right to abortion) - YouTubeEmpirical ArticleEmotions and decision rightness over five years following an abortion_ An examination of decision difficulty and abortion stigma | Elsevier Enhanced Reader

On July 1st, 2022, the controversial Parental Rights in Education bill, or as the political left dubs it, the Don't Say Gay law, will go into effect, while progressives and human rights advocates say that this endangers LGBTQ+ youth and promotes discrimination. The conspiracists view this law as a pushback against "The Gay Agenda."  A conspiracy theory that goes back to the late 1970s when Anita Bryant launched her anti-homosexual campaign in the name of Christian morality and the protection of children. In today's episode, Nelson revisits the foundations of the Gay Agenda movement and how it has influenced the anti-gay rhetoric that currently threatens the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. As well as address the pedophilia scare that has been successfully weaponized by conspiracy theorists in creating fear and hostility within the political left and the queer community. FacebookThe Social Chemist | FacebookInstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosReferencesAnita Bryant - WikipediaHow Anita Bryant helped spawn Florida's LGBTQ culture war (nbcnews.com)What's in House Bill 1557, Which Opponents Call ‘Don't Say Gay' - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Maps of anti-LGBT Laws Country by Country | Human Rights Watch (hrw.org)The Social Chemist EpisodesThe Social Chemist: The Misconception Behind The Minor Attracted People Movement & Why It's Starting On The Wrong Foot on Apple PodcastsThe Social Chemist: The American Pedophile: The Psychological Perspective & Why We're Doing It Wrong. on Apple PodcastsUnwokenarrative Instagram Posthttps://www.instagram.com/p/Ca0eEnZLDSo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkhttps://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2OOCfs8YD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkParental Rights to Education Bill_h1557er.docx (flsenate.gov)YouTube L020A Sylvia Rivera, “Y'all Better Quiet Down” Original Authorized Video, 1973 Gay Pride Rally NYC - YouTubeTeaching media literacy | "Misinfo 101" on Checkology® - YouTubeRecommended ReadingsWhy Are Right-Wing Conspiracies so Obsessed With Pedophilia? – Mother Jones