Episode description

You know, it's amazing how despite this current age of information, we sometimes get lost in what’s actually true and struggle to wade through the constant barrage of misinformation. It sometimes feels like everyone's got a theory for something, whether it’s the results of the 2016 election, the source of COVID 19 or something more harmless like UFO’s and the existence of the Loch Ness Monster.

We see them everywhere online and, in the world, popping up in conversations with coworkers and overheard standing in line for coffee. So, it’s no wonder it can sometimes be hard to untangle this complex web of facts and falsities. My guest today has wrangled conspiracy theories head on with a level head and persuasive evidence. Mick West is a science communicator, author, and one of the leading voices in debunking misinformation. As the creator of Metabunk.org and author of Escaping the Rabbit Hole, Mick has dedicated his work to exploring how conspiracy theories take root, why they resonate, and how we can counter their influence with evidence-based reasoning.

From claims of secret geoengineering plots to the outright denial of climate science, conspiracy theories have a powerful ability to misinform, distract, and derail meaningful progress. In this conversation, we’ll uncover the real-world impacts of these narratives on climate science, public trust, and environmental policy—and discuss what we can do to move toward a more informed future.

https://www.metabunk.org

https://www.contrailscience.com

https://youtube.com/mickwest