Adrian Daub

Adrian Daub, a Stanford professor and literary scholar, explores the 1980s satanic panic over Dungeons & Dragons. He shares the fascinating history of how parental fears and media sensationalism distorted perceptions of the game. They discuss the disappearance of James Dallas Egbert III and the cultural impact of role-playing games. Daub emphasizes the importance of imaginative play, challenging the misconceptions that fueled public hysteria and critiquing how societal norms shaped the narrative around D&D and its players.

Adrian Daub, a literary scholar and co-host of popular podcasts, joins to unravel the infamous Hitler Diaries hoax. He discusses the public's fleeting fascination with these forged journals and the media frenzy surrounding their release. Daub delves into the blurred lines of identity, the allure of far-right ideologies, and the ethical implications of historical fabrication. He highlights the absurdity of the hoax while exploring how such deceptions shape our understanding of history and memory in contemporary society.

Adrian Daub, a Stanford professor and author of The Cancel Culture Panic, delves into the complexities of cancel culture and moral panic. He traces its origins from celebrity disinvestment to its political implications. Daub discusses how online spaces shaped this phenomenon and questions the evolving definitions of accountability. He highlights the role of elite universities and social media in amplifying these moral panics while addressing the paradoxes between free speech and existing power hierarchies. This insightful conversation is a deep dive into our modern societal fears.