S9 Ep60: QAnon and the Mainstreaming of Extremism with Mike Rothschild

Author and conspiracy researcher Mike Rothschild joins Chris to unpack the rise, evolution, and enduring influence of QAnon. They explore its blend of old and new conspiracies, its gamified social appeal, and the algorithmic fuel behind its viral spread. Mike explains how QAnon adapted across borders, embedded itself into mainstream politics, and fostered real-world violence—culminating in the January 6 Capitol attack. They also examine QAnon’s psychological grip, its creative and authoritarian appeal, and how families and societies can respond. Plus, COVID’s role in supercharging conspiracies, why Russia’s role may be overstated, and the challenges of countering disinformation in the age of social media.Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.Order The Storm Is Upon Us from Penguin and Hachette:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676746/the-storm-is-upon-us-by-mike-rothschild/https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/mike-rothschild/the-storm-is-upon-us/9781800960459/Learn more about Mike and his work: https://themikerothschild.comFollow Mike on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rothschildmd.bsky.socialFollow Mike on Twitter/X: https://x.com/rothschildmdPlease share this episode using these linksAudio: https://pod.fo/e/2fea53YouTube: https://youtu.be/xnrXBtzdpWcSupport Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.netSecrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdPhotos by Win McNamee, Brent Stirton & Stephanie Keith/Getty & Terica AdkinsSecrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.