Are Americans Hooked on Conspiracy Theories?
June 28, 2026
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19:14Now PlayingAre Americans Hooked on Conspiracy Theories?
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as posted by the channel**This is a portion of an exclusive memberconversation with Anna Merlan. To access it, become a member by hitting the join button
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. Anna Merlan, senior reporter for Mother Jones specializing in conspiracies and technology, joins Francesca for a sweeping discussion about the state of our brains.
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:
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