
Joel Best
Professor Emeritus in sociology known for work on social problems and deviance; author of Just the Facts: Untangling Contradictory Claims (University of California Press, 2025).
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Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 1min
Think of the Children (Halloween Sadism & Internet Challenges)
Think of the Children (Halloween Sadism & Internet Challenges)After MEMExpo, the crew reconvenes to find Digby in a state of absolute chaos. He has absorbed every conspiracy he could find, and linked it all back to a pipeline starting with tainted Halloween candy. In an effort to convince Digby that he is being ridiculous, Perry and Mason decide to do some research...In This Episode:
Joel Best as a jack o'lantern, from Adam Ruins Everything.Guests:
Joel Best, professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware; author of Halloween Sadism: The Evidence
Elizabeth (Libby) Tucker, distinguished service professor of English at Binghamton University.
Featuring voice acting from:Brooke Jennett of THIRTEEN as Digby
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Sep 20, 2025 • 44min
Joel Best, "Just the Facts: Untangling Contradictory Claims" (U California Press, 2025)
Join sociologist Joel Best, a keen observer of social problems and author of Just the Facts, as he dives into why we struggle to agree on facts. He discusses how facts are socially constructed through language and shared beliefs. Best explores the roles of institutions like science and journalism in shaping these facts and the complexities of fact-checking. Additionally, he examines how denial can become an identity-forming practice, shedding light on the language that frames social issues. Expect a thought-provoking conversation that challenges your assumptions!


