Are Americans Hooked on Conspiracy Theories? *Teaser* w/ Anna Merlan

On this episode: Anna Merlan, senior reporter for Mother Jones specializing in conspiracies and technology, who joins for a sweeping discussion about the state of our brains. This is a portion of an exclusive member-conversation with Anna Merlan. To access it, become a member on Patreon. Did you know that 'Hanta' virus in Hebrew means 'scam'? Well it doesn't. IT DOES NOT. Chances are if you're at all on the internet you've been fooled by or even inadvertently spread some kind of conspiracy theory. Some are harmless and hilarious and others lead to RFK Jr. as our HHS secretary.  They discuss how the Epstein file release has created a whole new crop of conspiracy theorists, founded on a whole lot of damning evidence (!) and why the United States has the perfect conditions for conspiracies to run rampant: little faith in government, expensive healthcare system, and an atomized country where individualism reigns over the collective. It's part of what led to the COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the turbocharging of the anti-vax movement.  Anna explains how successful RFK Jr. was at capitalizing on the pandemic and the active health and scientific harm that he's doing now that he and a bunch of his fellow cranks are in power. What's their obsession with autism and how is it incredibly dangerous? Plus what's the 'missing scientists' conspiracy theory and the Hantavirus conspiracy theory, and how are people gaining massive followings on social media spreading these batshit crazy ideas? Featuring: Anna Merlan Senior Reporter, Mother Jones Read her reporting here:  https://www.motherjones.com/author/anna-merlan/ *** Thanks to Brent Godin and Drew Spears Productions. *** Rock the pod on your bod. Get a brand new “Abolish ICE” t-shirt and a brand new mug at: www.bitchuationroom.com. *** LIVE SHOWS: Pasadena Saturday July 11th, New World Disorder at The Ice House. Get tickets here: https://events.leapevents.com/event/New-World-Disorder-07-11-26-8-pm Minneapolis August 20th: The Bitchuation Room will be LIVE! at The Parkway Theater. Get tickets here: https://theparkwaytheater.com/all-events/bitchuation-room Portland, OR September 7th: The Bitchuation Room LIVE! At Helium Comedy https://portland.heliumcomedy.com/shows/373712 Portland, OR September 8th: Francesca Fiorentini & Matt Lieb, co-headline Helium Comedyhttps://portland.heliumcomedy.com/shows/372818 Watch The Bitchuation Room LIVE on Tuesdays 1pm PT/4pmET on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/franifio or Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/franifio.Listen to the show on:iTunes: http://bit.ly/iTunesbitchuationGoogle Music: http://bit.ly/GoogleBitchuationSpotify: http://bit.ly/spotifybitchuationFollow the show on:BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bitchuationroom.bsky.socialIG: https://www.instagram.com/bitchuationroom/Twitter: https://x.com/BitchuationPodFollow Francesca on:IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/franifio/⁠Twitter: https://twitter.com/franifioBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/franifio.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.com/@franifioFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/Franifio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.