Misguided: The Podcast

In this episode, I talk with sociologist and author Barry Markovsky about his path into social science and his career studying science vs. pseudoscience. Barry shares lessons from his hit “Sociology of the Paranormal” class, previews his forthcoming book Everyday Extraordinary, which pairs front-stage stories with back-stage analysis, and explains how social networks and identity shape what we believe. We also talk about writing, AI’s effect on thinking, and finding a sense of wonder through science instead of the supernatural. I was fortunate to take several of Barry’s classes in graduate school, and he also served as an advisor on my master’s thesis, so it was very cool to have him on my podcast.Barry’s forthcoming book: Everyday ExtraordinaryBarry’s websiteKeywords: Barry Markovsky, sociology, paranormal, critical thinking, education, pseudoscience, science, identity, beliefMisguided: The Podcast - Apple PodcastsMisguided: The Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyMisguided - YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I chat with educator, political scientist, and author Tim Redmond to discuss his path from a PhD in political science to a high school teacher building a standout course on critical thinking. Tim shares how discovering psychology after academia reshaped his approach, why identity sits at the center of our information habits, and how blending psychological literacy, media literacy, and scientific literacy helps teens (and the rest of us) think better. When talking to Tim, I actually summarized his work into those three pillars of literacy as they map onto my own work as well. Maybe I’ll teach my own course focusing on those pillars!Tim’s book: Political Tribalism in America: How Hyper-Partisanship Dumbs Down Democracy and How to Fix ItRead about Tim’s high school class on media literacy and critical thinking hereKeywords: Timothy Redmond, high school education, misinformation, critical thinking, media literacy, political science, identity.Misguided: The Podcast - Apple PodcastsMisguided: The Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyMisguided - YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

David Robert Grimes, a physicist and author known for his work in medical physics and science communication, takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of misinformation. He explains why mere facts often fail to change minds and discusses the emotional biases that shape our understanding. Grimes emphasizes the urgent need for media literacy and critical thinking to combat misinformation, especially in crises. He also explores healthcare disparities between the U.S. and Europe, highlighting systemic reforms for better public health outcomes.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video with Elisabeth Marnik, PhD! We discussed my new book Misguided, the social science of misinformation, and how we can promote critical thinking and better media literacy. We also discussed the psychology and sociology behind false beliefs, the importance of trust and identity, and what actually works when combating misinformation and promoting science communication. Thanks to everyone who tuned in — more live chats to come! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Esha Lovrić, a social scientist and advocate for critical thinking, shares her transformative journey from Fiji to Australia. She delves into how navigating cultural identity impacts our perceptions. Esha explores the concept of liminality, discussing its emotional challenges and the susceptibility to misinformation in today's digital age. Emphasizing the importance of authentic connections, she highlights how emotions shape beliefs and the need for critical thinking to combat misinformation and ideological pulls.

Join Melanie Trecek-King, a biology professor turned science communicator, as she shares insights on critical thinking education and battling misinformation. She reveals how her frustration with traditional science teaching led her to focus on developing skills for assessing information rather than rote facts. The conversation touches on the psychological roots of biases, the challenges of engaging with misinformation on social media, and the essential role of personal connections in fostering trust in science—all served with a dose of humor!

In this episode of Misguided, I’m joined by Dr. Kevin Meuwissen, professor of education at the University of Rochester, to explore one of the most urgent questions in education today: how do we prepare young people to navigate a world overflowing with disinformation, political polarization, and fractured trust?We discuss Kevin’s journey from high school teacher to researcher, and how those experiences shaped his work training educators to tackle tough topics like conspiracy theories, fake news, and historical distortion in the classroom. He shares how his professional learning cadre helps teachers engage students in meaningful conversations about truth, credibility, and civic responsibility, all while contending with social, political, and institutional pressures.Keywordsmedia literacy, misinformation, disinformation, political polarization, civic education, critical thinking, information literacy, social studies, public trust, high school education, communication, Kevin MeuwissenKevin Meuwissen’s University of Rochester website‪Kevin Meuwissen‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬Kevin Meuwissen on Bluesky This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Claire Wardle, a leading expert on misinformation and media literacy from Cornell University, shares her insights on defining and navigating misinformation challenges. She discusses the emotional reasons behind content sharing and the need for better communication strategies during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Wardle emphasizes breaking down academic silos for interdisciplinary collaboration and advocates for academia to engage more effectively with the public through modern platforms. Her perspectives could reshape how institutions build trust and communicate authentically.

In this episode of Misguided, Matthew Facciani speaks with historian and Analog Social founder Shae Omonijo about making history accessible, the importance of community, and how digital culture is reshaping human connection. Shae shares what inspired her to pursue a PhD in history, her efforts to bring historical knowledge to the public, and the origins of Analog Social, a project focused on reclaiming real-world interactions in a digital age. They also discuss how history is shaped, erased, and distorted—and how those lessons can help us combat misinformation today.Shae’s Harvard WebsiteShae’s Personal WebsiteShae the Historian SubstackAnalog Socialkeywordshistory, public history, misinformation, community, social connection, digital life, humanities, Analog Social, critical thinking, historical narratives00:13 – Introduction01:13 – What Inspired Shae to Study History?03:26 – Making History Public & The Power of Representation06:20 – Shae’s “100 Historic Black Women” Series09:22 – How History Gets Distorted & Misinformation in Historical Narratives13:16 – The Rise of Analog Social & Reclaiming Human Connection18:30 – The Future of Analog Social20:18 – Social Isolation & Misinformation: Are They Connected?23:37 – Why We Hold on to False Beliefs25:19 – Final Thoughts: The Future of History & Social Connection This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Joel Breakstone, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Digital Inquiry Group, dives into the world of media literacy. He discusses how to empower students to critically evaluate online information amidst a sea of misinformation. Breakstone highlights effective strategies like lateral reading to distinguish credible sources. He also touches on the integration of digital literacy into educational curricula and the necessity of adapting to biases in the digital age. Discover how educators can equip youth with essential critical thinking skills for the future.