Noelle Cook

Noelle Cook, journalist and author of The Conspiracists, dives into the alluring world of conspiracism, focusing on middle-aged women drawn to movements like QAnon. She discusses her transformative journey from data analysis to intimate interviews with women like Yvonne and Tammy, revealing how personal upheaval and online communities fostered their beliefs. Noelle explains the intertwining of wellness culture and far-right politics, emphasizing emotional reasoning and community belonging, all while questioning whether such beliefs provide true happiness.

Noelle Cook, an ethnographer researching conspiracy theories and extremism, dives into why midlife women are increasingly drawn to conspiratorial beliefs. She explores the role of invisibility and caregiving in fueling recruitment, while also investigating the blend of New Age spirituality and conspiracy known as 'conspirituality.' Noelle shares insights from her research on the January 6 events, highlighting how diverse backgrounds can unite around shared grievances. Her findings shed light on the emotional triggers that amplify these movements.