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Demagogues, Misinformation, and the Death of Truth in U.S. Democracy
Why do repeated lies work—even when we know they’re false? In this episode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explores the Big Lie in American politics, the psychology behind the illusory truth effect, and how fig…
Published on 5 months ago
Before you tell Aunt Gladys to stuff it
Episode 6
What does Jan. 6 have to do with cherry picking? A lot, it turns out. Find out how. Plus Dr. Sturg tells what the research says about Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives. Can you change Aunt Glady…
Published on 5 months, 1 week ago
Dog Whistles & Double Meanings: How Politicians Hide Controversial Messages in Plain Sight
What do politicians really mean when they say “law and order,” “traditional values,” or “globalists”? In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the use of dog whistles—coded phrases that sound harmless b…
Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Science, Health & Hype: How Misinformation Undermines Public Trust
Why are so many people turning away from evidence-based medicine? In this week’s episode of UnSpun, we explore the rise of health misinformation, the breakdown of public trust, and how philosophy, so…
Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Mistakes Were Made: The Art of Political Equivocation and Avoiding Accountability
“Mistakes were made.” “Kinetic military action.” “Efficiency.” These phrases sound harmless—until you dig deeper. This week on UnSpun, we explore the subtle, slippery language politicians use to avoi…
Published on 6 months ago
Grandstanding: How Performative Politics Undermines Democracy
Political grandstanding is everywhere—from Congress to Tik Tok—and it's shaping how we talk, think, and even legislate. In this week’s episode of UnSpun, we break down performative patriotism, online…
Published on 6 months, 1 week ago
The Language of Emotion, Power & Persuasion: How Metaphors Shape Politics:
Metaphors shape how we think—and feel—about politics. In this episode of UnSpun, we decode the hidden power of language, visuals, and music in political messaging. From Obama’s “arc of history” to cr…
Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago
The Authoritarian Playbook: Why Universities, Law Firms and the Press are Under Attack
On this week's UnSpun, DrSturg explores why authoritarian governments target the press and educational institutions, and how these tactics are appearing in democracies worldwide:
Why authoritarian gov…
Published on 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion
Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion
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Published on 7 months ago
Can Local Journalism Survive Big Tech and Billionaires?
In this episode of UnSpun, host DrSturg explores the past, present, and uncertain future of local journalism. Learn how local newspapers and TV stations went from thriving community pillars to empty …
Published on 7 months, 1 week ago