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Anna Merlan

Senior reporter at Mother Jones, covering disinformation, technology, and extremism. Expert on post-election conspiracy theories.

Top 5 podcasts with Anna Merlan

Ranked by the Snipd community
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96 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 51min

The New 'State Media.' Plus, Podcasters Are Running the FBI.

Anna Merlan, a Senior Reporter at Mother Jones, sheds light on the White House's unprecedented control over the press pool, favoring far-right influencers. Brandy Zadrozny of NBC News discusses the implications of Dan Bongino's rise to the FBI, noting his prior anti-FBI stance. Yaroslav Trofimov from The Wall Street Journal explores changing U.S.-Russia relations, emphasizing Trump's influence on Republican foreign policy regarding Ukraine. This insightful conversation delves into media dynamics and the intersection of politics and national security.
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36 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 47min

MAHA Forever

Anna Merlan, a Senior Reporter at Mother Jones known for her insights on health conspiracies, dives deep into the alarming implications of RFK Jr.'s appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. The discussion reveals how anti-vaccine narratives have gained traction and their influence on public health policy. Merlan critiques the pseudoscience behind the movement, highlights advancements in mRNA technology, and addresses the urgent need for mental health support in understanding these contentious issues.
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25 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 9min

New Disinformation and Old Diseases feat. Anna Merlan (E328)

Anna Merlan, a journalist from Mother Jones, dives into the murky waters of disinformation and public health policy. She discusses how AI-generated content complicates our grasp of reality, especially during events like the recent LA protests. The conversation reveals the disturbing ties between the RFK Jr.-connected MAHA Institute and extremist ideologies, underscoring the alarming rise of anti-vax sentiments. Merlan highlights the absurdity of trusting AI for health advice, like treating typhus with apple cider vinegar, shedding light on the growing distrust in established vaccine protocols.
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16 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 31min

How the Epstein files have turned MAGA against Trump

In this riveting discussion, Anna Merlan, a senior reporter at Mother Jones and author of 'Republic of Lies', delves into how unmet expectations surrounding the Epstein client list have sparked outrage among Trump’s supporters. She highlights the disconnect between conspiracy theories and the harsh reality of political promises. The conversation also touches on the aggressive tactics of ICE in Los Angeles, raising concerns about federal overreach and its impact on local governance. Together, they dissect the tumultuous relationship between conspiracy and credibility in today’s political landscape.
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Nov 14, 2024 • 22min

Using Conspiracy Theories to Make Sense of a Loss

In this engaging conversation, Anna Merlan, a senior reporter at Mother Jones, dives into the bizarre world of post-election conspiracy theories. She discusses how even Democratic supporters have grappled with disillusionment and suspicion, leading to viral claims about the election's integrity. The dialogue uncovers parallels between 'BlueAnon' and right-wing conspiracy theories, examining social media's role in spreading these narratives. Merlan also highlights the ongoing challenges of disinformation and calls for accountability among platforms during crucial elections.

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