Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling

Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, a freelance journalist and author of 'The Ghost Lab', dives into the quirky world of modern paranormal beliefs. He discusses a ghost lab in New Hampshire that aimed to document spirits scientifically but attracted a mix of paranormal enthusiasts. The conversation highlights the clash between personal experiences and scientific skepticism, exploring how media shapes our beliefs in the supernatural. From ghost hunting to alien abductions, Hongoltz-Hetling unravels the intriguing relationship between these beliefs and societal trust in science.

At the peak of COVID-19, Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling set out to write a book about the widespread pushback against masks and vaccines as away to discuss the rise of the medical freedom movement in America. But after meeting a series of people within that movement his efforts took a sharp turn into the motivations, tribulations, and personal lives of the people who sell miracle cures and dietary supplements, skirting the law when they can, and heading to jail when they can't. The book is titled, If it Sounds Like a Quack, and it is a deep dive into the marketplace of snake oils and magical procedures sold by people who each claim to have found the one true cure for any and everything that could ever ail you. Matt's WebsiteMatt's Twitter How Minds ChangeDavid McRaney’s TwitterYANSS TwitterShow NotesNewsletterPatreon 

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling, author of 'The Ghost Lab' and 'A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear', dives into New Hampshire's quirky paranormal scene. He shares insights on a ghost-hunting team featuring a psychic medium and a Bigfoot believer, exploring how these eccentric interests illuminate deeper societal issues. The discussion takes a humorous turn, highlighting America’s diminishing trust in institutions, with more belief in the supernatural than democracy itself. The conversation also touches on how local unrest ties into broader themes of governance and community.

Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, author and journalist, dives into the world of paranormal beliefs in his thought-provoking work. He reveals how the Kitt Research Initiative seeks to bridge science and spiritual inquiry, showcasing a colorful array of ghost hunters, mediums, and alien enthusiasts. The conversation unveils cultural dynamics, including rising distrust in institutions and the potential emergence of new age beliefs as a dominant spiritual force. Hongoltz-Hetling also discusses the troubling links between fringe beliefs and violence, urging a nuanced engagement with these perspectives.

Freelance journalist Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, discusses the alarming decline of trust in science among Americans. He explores how the pandemic intensified skepticism, leading individuals toward fringe beliefs like bigfoot hunting and spiritualism. Hongoltz-Hetling suggests that while these beliefs may seem innocuous, they splinter communities and impede collective problem-solving. His provocative idea of licensing psychics highlights a unique approach to restoring societal cohesion in an increasingly distrustful world.