Think It Through: the Clearer Thinking Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, April attempts to unpack the complicated topic of propaganda, a form of persuasion used by corporations, advertisers, pundits, influencers, and political personalities. These days, it's important for critical thinkers to understand that there should be a delineation between propaganda and the kind of rhetoric used in democratic governance, to recognize propaganda and to avoid being influenced by it. If this sounds important--well, it is.Episode 39 Show Noteshttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propaganda--this references the origins of the word propaganda and its original link to religious proselytizinghttps://www.thoughtco.com/propaganda-definition-1691544--Dr. Richard Nordquist's excellent ThoughtCo article about the difference between rhetoric and propagandahttps://researchguides.uoregon.edu/medialiteracy/propaganda --University of Oregon's Media Literary Research guide's deep dive into propaganda has some great information about how to determine if something is propagandahttps://researchguides.uoregon.edu/medialiteracy/propaganda --the Naab Research Center gives examples of positive uses of propagandaEmotional Campaigning in Politics: Being Moved and Anger …--a pdf of Gruning and Schubert's article about the use of emotion in political campaignshttps://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/glittering-generalities--YourDictionary.com has a great article with examples of glittering generalitieshttps://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Loaded_language--the list of "snarl" words is at the bottom of this wiki page devoted to loaded languagehttps://www.allsides.com/sites/default/files/AllSidesMediaBiasChart-Version2.jpg--an updated version of the AllSides Media Bias charthttps://mediabiasfactcheck.com/--a great source for checking the bias of any news source, as well as whether it has failed any fact checkshttps://disinformation-nation.org/combat-propaganda/--great article about ways to combat propagandahttps://www.shortform.com/summary/thinking-fast-and-slow-summary-daniel-kahneman?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=531475976&msclkid=704335b2e9371134f6f7526e8cdafb8c--a long web address leading to a short summary of Daniel Kahneman's book Thinking Fast and Slowhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/202003/can-you-be-abundantly-cautious-and-fearless--while this article was written about the Covid pandemic, the ideas in it still resonatehttps://www.neuroandcounselingcenter.com/single-post/informed-protect-peace--good ideas from certified mental health counselor Amanda Levison, about how to keep your cool and not get overwhelmed w

Send us a textIn this episode April explains some very common relevance fallacies--Straw Man, Begging the Question, and Two Wrongs Make a Right. Let's all try not to commit these fallacies, okay?Episode 38 Show Notes:https://philosophyterms.com/fallacy-of-relevance/#google_vignette--a handy reference website that gives basic explanations of terms related to philosophy as well as short biographies of many famous philosophers.https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/why-we-say-phrase-red-herring-hunting-origins/--a fun discussion of "red herrings" from the official website for the BBC History Magazinehttps://www.etymonline.com/word/straw%20man--want to know the origin of a word or common phrase? This is the website for you.https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2023/10/protecting-free-speech-compels-some-form-of-social.html--a great article about why social media needs some kind of regulation.https://effectiviology.com/begging-the-question/--this website always has clear, concise definitions and examples of fallacies.https://helpfulprofessor.com/straw-man-fallacy-examples/--legit professors help you with your homework by answering almost any academic question you might have.https://www.britannica.com/topic/whataboutism--hey it's an encyclopedia so...https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Philosophy/Introduction_to_Logic_and_Critical_Thinking_2e_(van_Cleave)/04%3A_Informal_Fallacies/4.03%3A_Fallacies_of_Relevance--this is an entire OER (Open Educational Resource) philosophy textbook, so anyone can access and read it.

Send us a textIn this episode, April drags herself out of bed while recovering from a wicked case of Influenza A (you might notice her somewhat gravelly vocal quality) to record this episode about an important and timely topic--the language of demagoguery. While we tend to think of it as something politicians and other powerful people use, she discovers to her dismay that we are all capable of being "nascent demagogues" and using this rhetorical technique in our everyday discussions about politics. Hey, let's try not to do that, okay?Episode 37 Show Noteshttps://gordoncstewart.com/2023/12/05/the-language-of-demagoguery-2/Social commentator and blogger Gordon Stewart discusses how language is used for social manipulation, referencing Senator Newt Gingrich.https://feps-europe.eu/powerless-arguments-demagogue-and-populist-language/Robert Feustel is a researcher at Friedrich Schiller University, and this article discusses the difficulty of arguing with someone using demagogic language.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02773945.2019.1610636Skinnell and Murphy's excellent article on the pervasiveness of the language of demagoguery.https://www.mediaethicsmagazine.com/index.php/browse-back-issues/209-spring-2017-vol-29-no-2/3999195-media-rhetoric-and-the-demagoguery-of-the-eliteGood article by rhetorician Patricia Roberts-Miller of the University of Texas at Austin, who also wrote the book Demagoguery and Democracy.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00963402.2024.2388461#abstractI didn't really reference this excellent treatise about the way that demagogues destroy democracy by John Keane, but I highly recommend that you read it anyway.https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/demagoguery-technology-and-cognition-addressing-the-threats-to-deStephen Lewandowsky's paper on demagoguery and how it threatens democracy.https://www.historyhit.com/culture/anti-jewish-propaganda-in-nazi-germany/Some examples of how the Nazis used anti-Jewish propaganda to influence German citizens.https://brainapps.io/blog/2025/01/stand-up-against-demagogy-protect/This article contains some very helpful tips about how to recognize and stand up to demagogic rhetoric.

April, an insightful speaker and thinker, dives into the intriguing world of magical thinking, humorously sharing how her husband views himself as a rain god. She explores how this cognitive distortion evolves from childhood, affecting adult behavior and belief systems. The discussion highlights the benefits of magical thinking—like feelings of control—alongside its dangers in health and mental health contexts. April also navigates the contrast between rational and intuitive thinking, revealing how this impacts our understanding of conspiracy theories.

Send us a textIn this episode, April discusses an unfair and unethical debate tactic used by many politicians, conspiracy theorists, and anyone else who insists on "winning" arguments. She also revisits Brandolini's Law, which means she gets to say "bullshit" more than a few times.Episode 35 Show Noteshttps://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/gish-gallop.htmlA good basic description of the Gish Gallop.https://effectiviology.com/gish-gallop/Itamar Schatz's website, Effectiviology, is one of my go-to places for everything fallacy-related. “On the Trail With RFK Jr." On the Media. Podcast. June 30, 2023. Um, not sure how to link to this, but you can certainly search for it on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. RFK Jr. is well-known for using the Gish Gallop in his speeches and interviews.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=murvOaHB66AWanna see some really fast talkers? These student debaters can speak at 500 words per minute, which is twice as fast as Congressman Jim Jordan. But unlike him, they have to make sense and provide evidence for their claims.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-FGKxaCdS0I took Congressman Jordan's Gish Gallop example from this succinct YouTube video about how to counter the Gish Gallop technique.https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/02/11/readout-of-president-bidens-video-call-with-transatlantic-leaders/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/17/readout-of-president-bidens-call-with-president-zelenskyy-of-ukraine-13/Here are two readouts of diplomatic calls President Biden has made.https://qz.com/905252/donald-trumps-lies-are-all-part-of-a-debate-tactic-called-the-gish-gallopCarl Alvioni's excellent article on Gish Gallops.Everything below has to do with the Trump-Ukraine call:https://www.politico.com/news/2019/09/25/donald-trump-ukraine-call-analysis-000039https://www.npr.org/2019/10/12/768935251/trump-ukraine-and-the-path-to-the-impeachment-inquiry-a-timelinehttps://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/14/pelosi-trump-impeachment-ukraine-00061649https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-ukraine-transcript-moved_n_5dba4ec5e4b0bb1ea37476e5https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/us/politics/nsc-ukraine-call.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/white-house-lawyer-moved-transcript-of-trump-call-to-classified-server-af

Send us a textIn this episode, April warns people that they might need a break while listening; but in the end, it's surprisingly positive. Just like her!!!Episode 34 Show Noteshttps://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-existential-dreadGood discussion of the basics of existentialism, existential dread, why existential crises occur and how to handle them.https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220929-the-unsettling-power-of-existential-dreadDavid Robson's article explains how existential dread changes the way we think, reporting on the upswing in conspiracy theories after distressing events that trigger existential dread.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Denial_of_DeathYep, I'm citing Wikipedia here, but it's a decent discussion of Ernest Becker's groundbreaking work.https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jul/31/the-worm-at-the-core-on-the-role-of-death-in-life-solomon-greenberg-pyszczynski-reviewExcellent review of Solomon, Greenberg, and Psyzczynski's seminal work about terror management theory.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.595990/fullGreat article about how many individuals used creative expression to alleviate their distress during the Covid-19 pandemic.https://www.un.org/africarenewal/web-features/i-was-tested-limit-%E2%80%94-rwanda-genocide-survivorThe harrowing story of a Rwanda genocide survivor.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7498956/The original researchers of terror management theory apply their understanding of it to the Covid-19 pandemic.https://mymodernmet.com/what-are-the-lascaux-cave-paintings/Take a look at these beautiful cave paintings--that's how you live forever, people! Do something amazing.

Send us a textTo kick off a new year, April looks at the impact that the emotion of gratitude can have on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. The message here is--the better you feel about yourself and the world around you, the better your cognitive processes will be.Episode 33 Show NotesThe Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy's article on gratitude is, um, kinda deep and intense (and hard to read), but then, it IS the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, so...https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/gratitude/What gratitude is, and some ways to show it:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-wise-brain/202102/how-show-gratitudeLinkedIn article about gratitude in the workplace:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-thank-you-how-engage-your-company-gratitude-/Glenn Fox on gratitude:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_can_the_brain_reveal_about_gratitudeA.J. Jacob's wonderful gratitude journey:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brainstorm/201811/adventures-in-gratitudeI reference Kendra Cherry a lot, because her articles are always spot on:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gratitude-5206817#History%20of%20GratitudeRobert Emmons discusses gratitude: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definitionInteresting article about how gratitude evolved:https://grateful.org/resource/the-evolution-of-gratitude/How practicing gratitude affects the brain:https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_changes_you_and_your_brainAnother great article about neuroscience and gratitude:https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/This article focuses on the importance of gratitude in our lives:https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/#:~:text=Many%20of%20us%20express%20gratitude%20by,emotion%20that%20serves%20a%20biological%20purpose.&text=Many%20of%20us%20express,serves%20a%20biological%20purpose.&text=us%20express%20gratitude%20by,emotion%20that%20serves%20a

Send us a textIn this episode, April admits that she doesn't always calmly and rationally think things through; but hey, neither do you. Why? Heuristics, that's why. She discusses these handy, if sometimes problematic, mental shortcuts that help get us through the day without our brains literally exploding. And by literally, I mean figuratively; but literally sounds better, plus it makes a great mental image--KABOOM!!!Episode 32 Show Notes:I've recommended Daniel Kahneman's book before, and I'll probably do it again:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slowInteresting article about the history and origins of heuristics: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-heuristic-2795235A basic discussion of heuristics:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/heuristicsDr. Weinberger's blog explaining our unconscious mind: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-unconscious/202001/how-the-unconscious-worksAn easy to read but fairly comprehensive article discussing many aspects of heuristics, including the different types of heuristics and when our brain is likely to use them: https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-a-heuristic.htmlYou're probably aware that some of these jobs are dangerous, but others may surprise you with their position on this list: https://www.ishn.com/articles/112748-top-25-most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-united-statesThe Decision Lab's article goes into some detail about how our brains use heuristics:https://thedecisionlab.com/insights/society/tdl-perspectives-what-are-heuristicsOver-reliance on heuristics can lead to stereotyping in the workplace: https://www.engagetu.com/2020/01/28/heuristics-and-workplace-bias/Kendra Cherry's excellent article about decision making: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-affect-heuristic-2795028#:~:text=The%20affect%20heuristic%20is%20a%20type%20of%20mental,role%20in%20the%20choices%20and%20decisions%20you%20make

Send us a textIn this episode, April realizes that the difference between science and pseudoscience isn't a distinct line, it's more of a continuum. Nevertheless, science remains scientific, while pseudoscience is, well, not so much.Episode 31 Show Notes:Here's the Science Council's definition of science:https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-science/ Great discussion of the topic by Lillienfeld, Lynn, and Amaratti:https://scottlilienfeld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lilienfeld2015-5.pdfAn extensive discussion of the differences from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-science/Mario Bunge's article on "cognitive fields:"https://cursosist2010.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/bungepseureduc.pdfGreat article from the Boston Review about Karl Popper and the pros and cons of falsification:https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/michael-d-gordin-fate-falsification/Newsweek article about "Behind the Curve:"https://www.newsweek.com/behind-curve-netflix-ending-light-experiment-mark-sargent-documentary-movie-1343362Good article that explains "bad" science:https://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-science/why-some-science-is-actually-bad-science/article/455538ThoughtCo's article about "hard" and "soft" science:https://www.thoughtco.com/hard-vs-soft-science-3975989Well, yeah, bad and fraudulent science is a problem:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/aug/09/scientific-misconduct-retraction-watchFun and interesting (but ultimately serious) webpage with lots of great information about pseudoscience by Dr. Rory Koker:https://web2.ph.utexas.edu/~coker2/index.files/distinguish.htmEmily Willingham's Forbes artlcle about commercial pseudoscientific claims:https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilywillingham/2012/11/08/10-questions-to-distinguish-real-from-fake-science/?sh=156ddfb6146c

Send us a textIn this short episode,  April discusses how grief affects our brains--hers in particular, because she just lost one of her best friends and it hurts. So this might be more for her than for you, but you should listen anyway.The good news is that she'll be ok. Eventually...Episode 30 Show NotesGreat article from the Today Show website about how our mind deals with death:https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/grief-changes-brain-rcna13613Two excellent NPR articles that reference works and interviews with grief specialist Mary Frances O'Connor:https://www.npr.org/2021/11/04/1052498852/what-happens-in-the-brain-when-we-grievehttps://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/12/20/1056741090/grief-loss-holiday-brain-healingDr Lisa Shulman discusses brain neuroplasticity and dealing with loss:https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-tragedy-affects-the-brain/#:~:text=Grief%20and%20loss%20affect%20the%20brain%20and%20body,lead%20to%20cognitive%20effects%2C%20such%20as%20brain%20fogPsych Central article about how grief affects your physical and mental health:https://psychcentral.com/lib/your-health-and-grief