"Down The Rabbit Hole with Conspiracy Theories"

The Z-X Spectrum

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenny Rice (Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies at the University of Kentucky) to explore what we would call conspiracy theories - so a belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for an unexplained event. And there are plenty to chose from - Sandy Hook, QAnon, Moon landings, even Covid-19 - to some these are all elaborate hoaxes. Jenny is an expert in ‘conspiracy narratives’ - which we’ll dig into in the podcast.

Her book - Awful Archives: Conspiracy Theory, Rhetoric, and Acts of Evidence - looks at these topics, particularly the role evidence - or bad evidence - and how it plays out in the fringes of public discourse—pseudo-science, the paranormal, conspiracy theories about 9/11, the moon landing, UFO sightings, and Obama’s birth record. These are all topics of conspiracy theories that millions across the world really believe in.

In this episode we explore: • What is a conspiracy theory, or conspiracy narrative? • Where do they originate from - what’s the earliest record you know of? • Why has here been what appears to be an explosion of conspiracy theories into mainstream society over the past few years? • Why are you so interested in conspiracy narratives? • From COVID-19 deniers and QAnon to Sandy Hook and 911, what are the conditions that have allowed these once fringe ideas to flourish? • Is there any one reason - or is it a perfect storm powered by social media, political unrest and global uncertainty? • What risks do these ideas pose to society? • How can we best navigate a conversation with someone who might believe in conspiracy theories in real-life or online?

Learn more about Dr Jenny Rice: @jennyrice

Learn more about Brandon Relph: www.brandonrelph.com

Learn more about Lizzie Hodgson: www.lizziehodgson.com