The Jordan Harbinger Show

Matt Frederick and Ben Bowlin, co-hosts of the Stuff They Don't Want You to Know podcast and conspiracy theory experts, dive into the psychology behind belief in conspiracy theories. They discuss why these theories persist and share real conspiracies that turned out to be true. The duo highlights the dangers of misinformation and the psychological factors that draw people to these narratives, especially in today's media landscape. They also provide insights on how to avoid falling into such rabbit holes and the importance of critical thinking.

Award-winning journalist and podcaster Andrew Gold dives into the mystique of the Oscars. He explores who decides the winners and the dwindling viewership compared to its glory days. Was the infamous Will Smith slap staged for cash? Gold also discusses the complexities of Oscar attendance, the importance of diversity, and the high stakes of campaigning, all while poking fun at the blandness of recent ceremonies. Tune in for an insightful look at celebrity culture and the Academy's influence!

What happens when your boss is your ex? The hosts dive into this tricky workplace dilemma alongside tales of dealing with toxic family ties. Listeners ponder how to handle awkward roommate dynamics, especially when romance is involved. There's even a heartfelt discussion about a family member's military aspirations and the emotional challenges that come with it. With humor and relatable anecdotes, they offer advice on navigating these complex relationships and personal boundaries in life.

Jan Broberg is an actress, author, and subject of the documentaries on her abduction. In this gripping conversation, she shares her harrowing experiences of being kidnapped not once but twice by a family friend who manipulated her entire family. Jan emphasizes the chilling statistics surrounding child abuse and the urgent need for societal change in public policy and awareness. She discusses the psychological manipulation she faced and encourages adults to create an environment where children feel safe to speak up about abuse.

Nita Farahany, a law professor at Duke University and expert on tech ethics, dives into the age of neurotechnology. She discusses groundbreaking advancements like brain implants aiding ALS patients and the potential for brain-to-brain communication. The risks of monitoring thought processes raise ethical concerns, especially in authoritarian contexts. Farahany highlights the importance of protecting cognitive liberty and privacy as we embrace these innovations, calling for urgent regulations to keep our minds free.

In a candid conversation, fact-checker and comedian David C. Smalley dives into the billion-dollar crystal healing industry. He humorously examines the rise of beliefs surrounding crystals, from their alleged energy-storing abilities to celebrity endorsements boosting popularity. The duo tackles pseudoscientific claims and explores the placebo effect, revealing how perceptions of wellness can impact people's beliefs. Smalley also addresses the historical and cultural significance of crystals, while advocating for critical thinking in evaluating alternative therapies.

Navigating the challenges of living next to a violent offender, the hosts offer expert strategies for maintaining safety while fostering neighborly dynamics. They also tackle the dilemma of a deadbeat roommate and the emotional toll of job rejection, mixing humor and practical advice. Listeners can expect insightful discussions on relationships, personal fitness, and the importance of addressing fears and disappointments. With entertaining stories from travel mishaps, this episode is a blend of levity and valuable life lessons.

Siddharth Kara, an expert on human trafficking and author of "Cobalt Red," dives deep into the harrowing world of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He reveals that about 75% of global cobalt comes from areas plagued by child labor and severe human rights abuses. Kara discusses the environmental devastation linked to cobalt extraction and the interconnected web of exploitation involving smugglers and corrupt officials. He emphasizes the urgent need for consumer awareness and corporate accountability in addressing these ethical dilemmas.

Neil Woods, a former undercover drug operative with 14 years of gritty experience, now advocates for drug policy reform. He shares gripping stories from the dangerous world of British drug gangs, emphasizing the moral dilemmas he faced while infiltrating these criminal networks. Woods discusses the inevitable corruption within police forces driven by performance pressure and critiques the ethical implications of undercover operations. He now champions evidence-based reforms, reflecting on the need for a more humane approach to addiction and drug policies.

In this engaging discussion, David C. Smalley, a comedic fact-checker and podcast host, challenges common beliefs around diet pills and supplements. He reveals that many marketed products are driven by corporate greed rather than effectiveness, with costly medications like semaglutide carrying serious side effects. They dissect the myths of quick fixes, highlight the dangers of unregulated supplements, and emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes over pills. Smalley also critiques the misleading nature of 'FDA approved' claims, urging for consumer awareness in the health marketplace.