Up First from NPR Alternate Realities
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Feb 23, 2025 
Zach Mack, a dedicated reporter, shares his personal journey navigating the fallout of his father's deepening obsession with conspiracy theories. He recounts how these beliefs strained family ties amid the turbulent backdrop of the pandemic. The discussion highlights emotional confrontations over differing views, the rise of self-proclaimed prophets, and the challenge of maintaining familial bonds. Ultimately, it’s a heartfelt exploration of truth, belief, and the complexities of love within a family divided.
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Family Background
- Zach Mack grew up in a middle-class family in the East Bay.
- His parents had differing ideologies, with his mom being a liberal Jewish woman and his dad an increasingly conservative Christian.
Father's Shift
- Zach Mack's father's shift started with skepticism about vaccines and a dislike for the Clintons.
- His views intensified around 2019 with an iPad, leading to beliefs about government involvement in Facebook and pandemic-related conspiracies.
The Bet
- A family blowout over Christmas led to Zach confronting his dad.
- His dad responded with a $10,000 bet, predicting major political upheavals in 2024.