TWiS 147: Not As They Seem - Mick West on UFOs, Conspiracy Theories, and Pseudoscience - podcast episode cover

TWiS 147: Not As They Seem - Mick West on UFOs, Conspiracy Theories, and Pseudoscience

This Week in Space (Audio)
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 147
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Episode description

In this episode, we talk to Mick West, a passionate conspiracy debunker who, rather uniquely, proceeds with kindness and empathy as he unravels some of the key pseudoscience of our time. Of particular interest to us is the spate of relatively recent videos of UFOs/UAPs from the US Navy, among other sources. He's got a lot to say and took a deep dive into the phenomenon with us. Buckle up and share the weird and sometimes wacky world of "Not As They Seem!" with us!

Get "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/42HqpK1

Headlines:

  • SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to bring home astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams earlier than planned, swapping with the Axiom Space 4 mission's Endurance Dragon capsule
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4's chances of impacting Earth in 2032 slightly increase to a 2.2% chance of hitting our planet on December 22, 2032, according to the European Space Agency. The risk assessment has increased from a chance of 1.2% over the last week due to new observations, but there is still a 97.7% chance it will miss our planet
  • Putin replaces Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov with 37-year-old Dmitry Bakunov, former deputy transport minister
  • Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover to replace NASA's canceled VIPER rover, hitching a ride on Griffin's lander to the Moon
  • The Trump administration's first weeks in office bring significant changes to NASA and the space industry, with acting administrator Janet Petro set to address the future of the agency

Main Topic - UFOs/UAPs, Conspiracy Theories, and Critical Thinking:

  • Mick West's background in video game programming and his transition to debunking conspiracy theories
  • The importance of contrail science and debunking the chemtrails conspiracy theory
  • Psychological factors that lead people to believe in conspiracy theories, such as the need for uniqueness and the appeal of simple explanations
  • The role of social media and non-expert influencers in shaping public opinion on UFOs and other fringe topics
  • Analyzing recent UFO videos and the challenges of interpreting visual data without proper context or expertise
  • The potential impact of the Trump administration on UFO disclosure and the appointment of a "UFO/UAP czar"
  • Examining the claims of UFO whistleblowers like Luis Elizondo and David Grusch, and the lack of concrete evidence to support their assertions
  • The shift towards a distrust of science and academia, and the potential return to a belief in supernatural explanations
  • Debunking moon landing conspiracy theories and the importance of considering evidence from multiple sources
  • The potential consequences of hidden technology and the allure of "free energy" conspiracy theories
  • Mick West's book, "Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect," and its guidance on communicating with conspiracy theorists

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mick West

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Transcript

Primary Navigation Podcasts Club Blog Subscribe Sponsors More… Tech Unraveling the Truth: Mick West on UFOs, Conspiracy Theories, and the Importance of Critical Thinking

Feb 11th 2025 by Anthony Nielsen

AI created, human edited. 

In a captivating episode of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by acclaimed science writer and professional skeptic Mick West for a thought-provoking discussion on UFOs, conspiracy theories, and the vital importance of critical thinking in today's information-saturated world. West, known for his calm and reasoned approach to debunking fringe beliefs, shares his unconventional journey from a successful career in video game programming to becoming one of the most respected voices in the skeptical community.

The conversation kicks off with West recounting his childhood fascination with science fiction, which eventually led him to investigate UFOs and other unconventional topics. He touches on his early work in contrail science, explaining how it equipped him with the tools to debunk the persistent chemtrails conspiracy theory—a belief that has recently gained traction among some local government officials.

As the discussion unfolds, West delves into the psychological underpinnings that make people vulnerable to believing in conspiracy theories. He points out that the desire to feel unique and the seductive nature of simple explanations can lead individuals to embrace fringe ideas. The rise of social media and the influence of charismatic non-experts like Joe Rogan, West argues, have played a significant role in the proliferation of misinformation and the erosion of trust in scientific institutions.

West then turns his attention to recent UFO videos that have captured the public's imagination, including the enigmatic Gimbal and Go Fast footage. With his trademark clarity, he breaks down the challenges of interpreting visual data without proper context or expertise, emphasizing the need to consider alternative explanations and apply critical thinking when evaluating such evidence.

The trio also explores the potential impact of the Trump administration on UFO disclosure and the possible appointment of a "UFO czar." West carefully examines the claims made by high-profile UFO whistleblowers like Luis Elizondo and David Grusch, noting the lack of concrete evidence to support their assertions and the importance of maintaining a healthy skepticism.

Pyle and Malik then probe West on the perceived growing distrust of science and academia, to which he responds by discussing the potential resurgence of belief in magic and supernatural explanations. He underscores the crucial role of maintaining a critical perspective and considering evidence from multiple sources, citing his own work in debunking moon landing conspiracy theories as an example.

Throughout the episode, West shares valuable insights from his book, "Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect," which offers practical advice on engaging with conspiracy theorists and promoting critical thinking in a respectful and empathetic manner.

To dive deeper into Mick West's compelling work and to listen to the complete discussion on UFOs, conspiracy theories, and the critical importance of skepticism in the modern age, be sure to tune in to the full episode of This Week in Space. Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik as they navigate the fascinating and sometimes bewildering world of fringe beliefs with one of the most respected voices in the skeptical community.

Get "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/3WQKIRm

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Feb 7 2025 - Not As They Seem
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