871: Julian Walker | How Conspiracy Theories Make Society Sick

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Aug 1, 2023

Julian Walker, co-author of Conspirituality and an authority on the blend of spirituality and conspiracy theories, explains how wellness influencers spiraled into conspiratorial thinking since COVID. He discusses the concept of 'conspirituality,' where positive New Age beliefs intertwine with negative conspiracy narratives, revealing societal impacts. The conversation critiques the ethical responsibilities of content creators and explores the psychological effects of conspiracy on mental health and community dynamics. Walker highlights the importance of rational discourse in countering misinformation.

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ANECDOTE

Wellness Influencers and Conspiracy Theories

Jordan Harbinger observed many wellness influencers adopting strange conspiracy theories.
This observation sparked his interest in the phenomenon of "conspirituality."

INSIGHT

Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Stigmatized Knowledge

Conspiracy theories and cults exploit people's vulnerabilities, offering alternative explanations of reality.
These explanations often involve "stigmatized knowledge" and create a sense of belonging.

ANECDOTE

Yoga Studios, COVID, and Exploitation

The pandemic-related closure of yoga studios caused financial hardship for many.
Some influencers exploited this vulnerability by promoting conspiracies that resonated with pre-existing anxieties.

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Conspirituality

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Derek Beres

Matthew Remski

Julie

The Shock Doctrine

The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

Naomi Klein

In this book, Naomi Klein argues that neoliberal economic policies, promoted by Milton Friedman and the Chicago School of Economics, have risen to global prominence through a strategy she calls 'disaster capitalism.' This involves exploiting moments of shock and extreme violence to implement radical privatization and deregulation policies. Klein traces the origins of these tactics back to the University of Chicago and CIA-funded experiments, and documents their application in various parts of the world, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia, and Iraq. The book exposes how these policies have been used to advance corporate interests at the expense of public welfare, often resulting in significant social and economic disparities.

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The Secret

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The Secret by Rhonda Byrne introduces the concept of the law of attraction, which suggests that positive thoughts can attract positive outcomes in life. The book outlines a three-step process: ask, believe, and receive. Byrne emphasizes the importance of gratitude, visualization, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve one's desires. The book covers various areas such as prosperity, relationships, health, and happiness, and includes examples and quotes from historical and modern-day teachers who have allegedly used this principle to achieve their goals[2][3][5].