Satire and Conspiracy: A Whimsical Exploration

This chapter humorously critiques the children's book 'The Plot Against the King' and its sequels while diving into themes of political absurdity and audience appeal. It also differentiates between genuine whistleblowers and conspiracy theorists, exploring the complexities of truth, credibility, and social validation.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

As we ride out the aftershocks of the election and prepare for Trump 2.0, it’s as if nothing is bolted down. Trump’s cabinet appointments signal a disregard for competence or temperament as he seems to prioritize fervent deep state conspiracism and anti-woke aggression in his choices. The chattering classes (both legacy and new media) are on the front lines of having to adapt in real time.

What to do? Double down on anti-fascist resistance, turn the disinformation detection devices up to 11, chart a course for sanguine neutrality, normalize the chaos as the world burns, or maybe give this rag-tag group of billionaire outsiders a chance to move fast and break things—in the hope that some of it was not working anyway?

We look at three different modes of damage control currently ripping through American discourse.

Show Notes

There’s a conspiracy theory that the CIA invented the term ‘conspiracy theory’ – here’s why

87: The Aubrey Marcus Spectacle

107: An Open Letter to Aubrey Marcus

214: Aubrey Marcus is Totally Not a Cult Leader

Winning the Fight for Reproductive Rights in Mexico - Open Society Foundations

Madres de Plaza de Mayo | Learning for Justice

Adweek article on Rogan and MeidasTouch

Kash Patel QAnon Appearances

Kash Patel Seal Team 6 Endangerment

So Marianne Williamson Really is the Peace Candidate—Patreon