Explore every episode of Unspun
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Apr 2024 | Episode 17: The final word on bad analogies (feat. Frangela) | 00:46:48 | |
Angela V. Shelton and Frances Callier, Frangela, host the very popular The Final Word podcast on the MSW Media Network. But the podcast is just one waypoint in an accomplished career in comedy and acting. The artists discuss the rewards and challenges they have faced in their careers, explain why representation benefits everyone and give the inside scoop on what happens at a comedian house party. Follow Frangela
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 26 Dec 2023 | Dealing with difficult people (Aunt Gladys rides again) | 00:17:59 | |
It's the holidays, and that means visits with those challenging relatives and chance encounters when you travel. In this episode, Dr. Sturg reviews some ideas from communication studies about how to have productive conversations with people you disagree with. Why do grown adult politicians call other people mean names? Personal attacks are designed to make you trust the other person less, and they are deceptive. In this episode of UnSpun, learn about how those attacks work, and how a little laughter can make politics easier to take, as Dr. Sturg and Canadian comedy influencer Brittlestar talk about the power of comedy in news. Send us your questions and comments at theunspunpodcast@gmail.com and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X The Book - We are #AltGov Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | Weaponized Humor & The Decline of Investigative Journalism: Why Truth Is Under Attack | 00:19:52 | |
Ever notice how politicians & public figures claim their most controversial statements were "just a joke"? It’s not by accident. In this episode of UnSpun, we dive into how humor is used as a shield—and a weapon. Then, @DrSturg breaks down the techniques of investigative journalism, a struggling but vital part of a news organization's work. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | What are you so afraid of (feat. Seth Norrholm) | 00:35:47 | |
"Nothing happened" doesn't make for much of a headline, and newsmakers know it. When they want to get your attention or get you to do something, sometimes they deliberately use fear. Dr. Sturg talks about how how the powerful use fear deceptively to keep their followers engaged. Then, she and Dr. Seth Norrhom, a psychiatry professor and fear researcher, discuss how your brain interacts with the news that you get, both from media and from social media.
Follow Dr. Norrholm: Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://www.amazon.com/Detecting-Deception-Tools-Fight-Fake/dp/1538141027 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | Episode 15: How do search engines work? (feat. Matt Diamante) | 00:32:35 | |
Google and other search engines are an essential part of digital life. There's so much information online that we need help finding what we need. But that search doesn't give you all the information or even necessarily the best information. In this week's UnSpun, Dr. Sturg runs down the research on internet search and she and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expert Matt Diamanté from Ontario's Hey Tony Agency go through what businesses will do to be at the top of the page when you search. Also, Dr. Sturg talks about the Fallacy of Composition - where excellent NBA players working together became a disappointing Olympic team. Follow Matt Diamante
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | Episode 20: Data journalism (feat. Ben Welsh) | 00:37:26 | |
From COVID to presidential sex scandals, newsmakers use distraction to tell the story they want and take your attention from the story you *need*. Dr. Sturg breaks down this common issues with several examples of politician deception for you to try your skills. Then, she and award-winning journalist Ben Welsh talk about data journalism. Data stories are some of the most popular that journalists do, letting them get first-hand truth and create fun interactive pieces like election maps and more.
Follow Ben Welsh Follow Ben on social media
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | News vs. Opinion: How to Tell the Difference in Today’s Media Landscape | 00:23:26 | |
In today’s media landscape, distinguishing between news, commentary, and editorials has become harder than ever. With publications shifting editorial policies (like Jeff Bezos’ recent changes at the Washington Post), cable news blending reporting with opinion, and social media amplifying misleading content, it’s no wonder audiences feel lost. Image credit: By Ed! at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36144156 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 21 May 2024 | UnSpun Rewind - Getting along with difficult people | 00:18:26 | |
They are name-calling in congressional committees and judges don't like it when witnesses roll their eyes. It's summer travel time in North America, and as we get ready to go see those relatives we really disagree with, we're re-airing an episode on getting along across difference. Dr. Sturg breaks down the research on how you can get along and maybe even help someone change their mind. Send us your questions and comments at theunspunpodcast@gmail.com and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X The Book - We are #AltGov Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | Using rules as a weapon (Episode 21 feat. Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish ) | 00:34:50 | |
We learn as children to follow the rules, but sometimes people use the rules deceptively to avoid addressing uncomfortable topics. Dr. Sturg goes through examples of misplaced focus and talks with Ajay Parasram and Alex Khasnabish, hosts of a YouTube series called "Frequently Asked White Questions." Check out Frequently Asked White Questions Follow Ajay Parasram Follow Alex Khasnabish
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Episode 20.5 Why do people pay attention to the news? | 00:17:00 | |
You have a lot of choices about how to spend your time, so how and why do you choose to spend it with certain media? In this episode, Dr. Sturg breaks down the things that make media appealing and shows how deceptive newsmakers can use these human tendencies against you. Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | The Watchdog vs. Bureaucracy: Journalism’s Role in Government Accountability | 00:27:19 | |
Join DrSturg to explore the complex relationship between journalism and bureaucracy. From the history of the spoils system and civil service reform to modern challenges like restricted access and regulatory capture, this episode examines how journalism holds bureaucracies accountable while facing its own pressures Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | The Hidden Truth Behind Political Purity Tests | 00:14:52 | |
In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the Appeal to Purity—a tricky way people exclude others from groups to manipulate thinking. We look at how this tactic works, its history, and how to defend against it with simple strategies. From political rallies to major historical events, we'll unpack the impact of this fallacy. Follow Dr. Sturg BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | Access Journalism: Are journalists too close to the powerful? | 00:21:37 | |
Test the murky waters of access journalism—the practice of prioritizing relationships with sources over journalistic objectivity. Dr. Sturg discusses cases including the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, a reflection on Trump’s media strategy, and Bob Woodward’s books, to explore how access can shape the stories you hear. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 03 Oct 2023 | The last straw, man (feat. Brooke Binkowski) | 00:30:48 | |
What do deceptive people do when they don’t have a good argument? They make things up and act like someone else said them. In this episode of UnSpun, see how people put words in someone else’s mouth and try to debate them. Hear counter disinformation journalist Brooke Binkowski explain how people click themselves into their own conspiracy theories and and how leaders use disinformation to seed ideas that they then pretend came from the public . Follow Brooke: Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 29 Oct 2024 | Who lies more, liberals or conservatives (feat. Bill Adair) | 00:34:16 | |
How do you speak truth to power when people call you biased just for checking facts? This year features several high-stakes elections, and a new threat to the truth is AI. DrSturg lets you test yourself with AI vs. real examples and she and guest, Politifact founder Bill Adair, talk about journalism's relationship with the truth.
Check out Bill Adair's book Beyond the Big Lie.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | Why does the news make people feel so upset? | 00:22:17 | |
Episode Highlights
Key Takeaways
Deep Dive Topics
Practical Advice
Recommended ResourcesFollow Dr. Sturg BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | How political movements recruit and use youth | 00:28:01 | |
When it comes to political movements, students and other young people are useful allies. In this episode, Dr. Sturg and author Kyle Spencer talk about Spencer's book, Raising them Right. Plus, friend of the show Israel Balderas breaks down the law on campaigns using songs the artist wishes they wouldn't. Follow journalist Kyle Spencer Twitter - @KyleYSpencer Website - Kyle Spencer
Twitter - @jisraelbalderas Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
List of journalists jailed for refusing to reveal sources Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | From radicalization to resilience: Finding balance on social media | 00:20:30 | |
In this week's episode of UnSpun, Inspired by the tragic New Year's attack in New Orleans, we explore the research on how social media can create echo chambers that manipulate and radicalize people online. But it's not all doom and gloom—we also highlight the positive aspects of social media, such as connecting with loved ones, finding communities, and online organizing. Join DrSturg as we discuss mindful consumption, setting boundaries, and building resilience to live a better digital life.. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | Trending science: From Labs to Likes (feat. Dr. Ben Rein) | 00:31:47 | |
People rely on some bad cues for how to make choices, and sometimes newsmakers don't help. In this episode, learn why "we've always done it this way" can be a bad thing. Then, Dr. Sturg talks with Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist and social media star who myth busts and explains science for everyone. Follow Dr. Ben Rein https://www.benrein.com https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.brein?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/doctor.brein/?hl=en https://twitter.com/dr_brein https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3KN9-HZ0y_kgZWlkhOPtQ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xjXaTY4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao Follow Dr. Sturg https://twitter.com/DrSturg https://www.instagram.com/drsturgill/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasturgill/ Check out my books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News We Are #AltGov; Inside the Social Media Resistance Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Episode 19.5 - How news interviews work | 00:19:21 | |
How does the news decide who to interview, and what do they do with people who just don't want to answer the questions? Dr. Sturg breaks it down in this week's mini-sode of UnSpun.
Here's an example of a newsmaker being evasive in an interview.
Send us your questions and comments at theunspunpodcast@gmail.com and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X The Book - We are #AltGov Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 19 Sep 2023 | The Funny Thing About Politics (feat. Brittlestar) | 00:38:56 | |
Why do grown adult politicians call other people mean names? Personal attacks are designed to make you trust the other person less, and they are deceptive. In this episode of UnSpun, learn about how those attacks work, and how a little laughter can make politics easier to take, as Dr. Sturg and Canadian comedy influencer Brittlestar talk about the power of comedy in news. Follow Brittlestar: Brittlestar.com Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X The Book - We are #AltGov Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | Why is social media the worst way to get breaking news (Ep. 22.5) | 00:16:40 | |
Why did it seem like everyone in the media thought Biden's debate performance concerned democrats? And how does telling a good story get in the way of the truth? In this episode, Dr. Sturg goes over the cozy relationship between politicians and the journalists who cover and explains the narrative bias. It's a tendency to fit facts into a story, and this bias explains why early accounts of breaking news are often wrong.
Link to the article from Poynter.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://www.amazon.com/Detecting-Deception-Tools-Fight-Fake/dp/1538141027 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | News in a bubble: the risks of letting other people choose what news you know about (Episode 23.5) | 00:18:44 | |
If you are getting most of your news from evening cable shows or podcasts, you're not alone. But you're also probably not as well-informed as you think you are. In this episode, Dr. Sturg breaks down curation of news and how it affects your knowledge about what's going on. Letting other people decide what stories are important can be useful or even necessary sometimes. But especially for things you care about a lot, it's important to look for first-hand reports. Learn how to create your own curated news feed in this week's UnSpun. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | Episode 17.5 Are press briefings PR? | 00:16:18 | |
In this minisode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg breaks down how press conferences work and how they are used to shape the public's view of what a newsmaker is doing. Plus, a logical thinking review. Washington Post article on Chanel Rion and OANN's presence at White House Press Conferences
Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | The Freedom Paradox: How Fear Leads to Poor Decisions | 00:14:40 | |
In this week's UnSpun, DrSturg breaks down the research on reactance, a human behavior that explains choices like refusing masks. Delve into the psychological concept of reactance and explore why people resist when they feel their personal freedom is under threat. We discuss real-life examples and hypothetical scenarios that illustrate how reactance manifests in everyday situations, from online experiences to family gatherings, and even in educational settings. Follow Dr. Sturg BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | The deception of division (feat. Craig Silverman) | 00:33:05 | |
When a politician wins by 51% and says everyone he represents agrees with him, that's a fallacy of division. DrSturg breaks down this common thinking program. She and her guest, ProPublica's Craig Silverman, talk verification and how journalists and audiences can go about checking the information they get. Check out Craig Silverman
Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions,Tips, or just say hi! Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Who's watching the watchers? (feat. William Moner) | 00:32:56 | |
What about what HE did? If there’s one thing politicians love, it’s calling an opponent a hypocrite. But two things can both be bad. In this episode of UnSpun, see how newsmakers try to distract from their own bad deeds by pointing out problems with others. Then, Dr. Sturg talks with analytics expert William Moner about how and why companies track your online behavior and what they do with that data. Follow William: Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://www.amazon.com/Detecting-Deception-Tools-Fight-Fake/dp/1538141027 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | How Non-Profit Newsrooms Keep Investigative Reporting Vibrant | 00:32:41 | |
Although mainstream media is suffering economically, grant and membership supported non-profit news is thriving. DrSturg and Oklahoma Watch's Ted Streuli talk about how the model lets experienced reporters uncover news in the public interest. Plus, DrSturg breaks down false choice in the WrapUp.
Check out Oklahoma Watch.
Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | Episode 12: False Choice and Falsehoods | 00:37:34 | |
One way newsmakers to get people to agree with them is to limit their choices so they look like the reasonable one. But they may not be reasonable at all. Learn about false choice this week, and then Dr. Sturg talks with author Teri Kanefield about her upcoming graphic novel "Firehose of Falsehood."
Teri's book FireHose of Falsehood
Harvard Library Resources on Scientific Racism
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | What it takes for a reporter to get the story (Episode 25) | 00:32:53 | |
Sometimes to get to the truth, a reporter just has to start knocking on doors. In this week's UnSpun, DrSturg talks to award-winning journalist Joe Bruno about his work uncovering a voter fraud scheme in North Carolina. Plus, warm up is back with several examples of the fallacy of authority for you to try your skills. Learn more about the scheme and the reporters in The Vote Collectors. Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | The Dark Side of Social Proof: How Popularity Promotes Misinformation | 00:24:09 | |
In this episode of UnSpun, we look at social proof—how the popularity of an idea, product, or belief can influence our decisions in ways we don’t even realize. From political mandates to viral crowdfunding campaigns, and even robots gaining our trust, we’ll uncover the hidden forces of social proof in our daily lives. With clips from newsmakers so you can try your skills, this episode will leave you questioning what you believe—and why. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | Episode 16: Freedom from Disinformation (feat: Barbara McQuade) | 00:37:27 | |
News media and news makers can do better at working to protect democracy. In this week's episode, Dr. Sturg breaks down the research on how media cover elections and gives some examples of the the appeal to nature fallacy. Then, author, professor and NBC contributor Barbara McQuade and Dr. Sturg talk about her new book and the ways that lawmakers could act to help audiences protect themselves from disinformation.
Follow Barbara McQuade Check out her book Attack from Within
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | Episode 11: Open secrets: FOIA and other ways to get information from the government. (feat: Katie Anthony and AltFDA) | 00:39:44 | |
Every fact can matter, but you wouldn’t know it from the way some newsmakers act. It’s tempting to ignore facts that don’t support what you want to believe, but that’s a logic crime called cherry picking. Dr. Sturg goes through several examples. Then she and then she and American Oversight’s Katie Anthony talk about how FOIA and other records laws can help keep the government accountable. Your taxes pay for the data that the government keeps, and knowing what goes on can help everyone to save democracy. Finally, while a FOIA request about FDA information can take many months to get answered, an anonymous Twitter account can apparently get an answer straight from the top. AltFDA talks about a time when that happened related to concerns about inspections at a facility that makes a lot of a generic painkiller that’s probably in your medicine cabinet right now. Guests
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 31 Dec 2024 | How Politicians Divide and Conquer with Wedge Issues | 00:23:36 | |
If you feel like we're divided, you're not wrong. Dr. Sturg takes you though the strategic manipulation of public opinion through the wedge strategy. This week, explore how politicians deliberately create and weaponize wedge issues to manipulate voter emotions, exploit social tensions, and even reshape the political landscape. From the civil rights movement to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how political actors try to force you onto a team and shows you how to recognize when you're being manipulated. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 16 Jul 2024 | How newsmakers using fear affects how you see the world: UnSpun Rewind (feat. Dr. Seth Norrholm | 00:36:21 | |
UnSpun Rewind in honor of the political convention in the US this week. Are things as bad as the politicians say? Are they the only ones who can save us? Dr. Sturg breaks down the Appeal to Fear trick and guest Dr. Seth Norrholm talks about what being made afraid does to your thinking and judgment.
"Nothing happened" doesn't make for much of a headline, and newsmakers know it. When they want to get your attention or get you to do something, sometimes they deliberately use fear. Dr. Sturg talks about how how the powerful use fear deceptively to keep their followers engaged. Then, she and Dr. Seth Norrhom, a psychiatry professor and fear researcher, discuss how your brain interacts with the news that you get, both from media and from social media.
Follow Dr. Norrholm: Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://www.amazon.com/Detecting-Deception-Tools-Fight-Fake/dp/1538141027 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 26 Mar 2024 | Episode 15.5: Why WhatsApp is great for privacy but bad for misinformation | 00:17:14 | |
Trying a new episode format - single host minisodes! Let me know what you think! What's even worse for carrying disinformation than social media? Messaging apps! In this episode, Dr. Sturg reviews a deceptive tactic with some new clips and goes over the research on how apps like WhatsApp and Telegram make it very hard to stop Fake News from spreading. Plus, newsmakers are at it again. Hear some new clips to review a thinking problem we've already talked about on UnSpun. Here's a link to the Last Week Tonight episode mentioned on the podcast.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 21 Jan 2025 | Online Anonymity: How Digital Masks Shape Our Behavior | 00:23:08 | |
There are complex dynamics to online anonymity and how we act when we think we won't get caught. From cyberbullying to support communities, discover how anonymous interactions shape your digital lives. Dr. Sturg uses research insights, real-world cases to give you practical strategies for responsible online engagement. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | Episode 13: Are we addicted to outrage? | 00:39:19 | |
Someone's need to feel validated and important can affect how they view the news, politics and even their own family. In this episode, Dr. Sturg talks with psychotherapist Nick Carmody about the interplay between emotions, beliefs and actions. Plus, she talks about how features like impact and bizarreness shape the news you see.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips
Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 02 Sep 2023 | Get Unspun | 00:00:46 | |
Welcome to Unspun where Amanda Sturgill helps us spot media manipulation and spin to get to the truth. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 14 May 2024 | Episode 18.5: Headlines for news are changing | 00:24:16 | |
Headlines are a changing art, as the pressures of digital algorithms are forcing news makers to emphasize the popular over the important. In this minisode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explains how headlines come to be and shares the latest research on how that affects you, the audience. Tweet about NYT article with buried lede.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News We are #AltGov: Inside the Resistance on Social Media
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 03 Sep 2024 | What to know about social media radicalization | 00:13:20 | |
Radicalized extremism led to Taylor Swift having to cancel Eras Tour concerts in Austria and continues to be a threat worldwide. And some people say social media is to blame. In this week's UnSpun minisode, Dr. Sturg looks at the most recent research on how social media algorithms can bathe users in ever more extreme views. BBC article on radicalization and boys
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Episode 14: How to spot misinformation (feat. Mike Caulfield) | 00:38:40 | |
In this week's UnSpun, Dr. Sturg and author Mike Caulfield discuss how to keep yourself safer from the misinformation effect by being more aware of your own relationship to the facts you seek. Plus, Dr. Sturg goes over what a reporter means when she says "on the record" and gives some examples of false authority, which is when someone is put forward as an expert, but really doesn't have the expertise at hand.
Video of Washington Post reporter telling Project Veritas rep. she is being recorded
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
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| 13 Aug 2024 | How AI might affect elections - I'm not optimistic (with Lee Raine) - Episode 24 | 00:37:09 | |
As a tireless producer of information, including disinformation, AI poses real risks to elections going forward. As we find ourselves at a crossroad with machines that seem like they can think, Lee Rainie, director of the Imagining the Digital Future Center and Dr. Sturg talk about several AI-related issues on the horizon. Plus, Dr. Sturg talks about obfuscation - using fancy or empty words to avoid taking controversial positions. The Imagining the Digital Future website has results from surveys and some position statements about the likely affects of AI on society. It's interesting stuff! Follow Lee Rainie
Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://www.amazon.com/Detecting-Deception-Tools-Fight-Fake/dp/1538141027
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| 12 Dec 2023 | The Fabled First Amendment | 00:40:11 | |
Free speech is on the menu this week as guest Israel Balderas and Dr. Sturg talk about the First Amendment and the ways newsmakers misrepresent it. The first word is Congress, and that word matters a lot in what it does and doesn't mean. Plus! Listener questions and the wild story of the time the ACLU and the New York Times defended the rights of American Nazi wannabes.
Follow Israel Balderas https://www.elon.edu/u/directory/profile/?user=ibalderas https://twitter.com/jisraelbalderas https://www.youtube.com/israelbalderas
Follow Dr. Sturg https://twitter.com/DrSturg https://www.instagram.com/drsturgill/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandasturgill/ Check out my books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News We Are #AltGov; Inside the Social Media Resistance Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | When newsmakers avoid responsibility by blaming their accuser | 00:12:58 | |
When a newsmaker is accused of wrongdoing, there can be a pattern to their response. In this week's episode, Dr. Sturg teaches you about DARVO, an acronym that can help you know when someone is trying to escape blame. Listen to 3 real world examples.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | Modern Propaganda: Unmasking Media Manipulation | 00:23:47 | |
In this episode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explorse guilt by association and dive deep into modern propaganda. From historical exampless to today's digital battlegrounds, discover how propaganda has evolved and what research says makes you susceptible. Starting out, learn how people judge others unfairly. Seet how propaganda has changed over time, from Nazi Germany to today's social media. Those who want to influence others have found new tools but still use old tricks to persuade people. Learn what science says about why people fall for propaganda. Scientists have found that our brains take shortcuts, our feelings can cloud our judgment, and our social groups shape what we believe. Finally, hear some clear steps anyone can take to spot and resist it. Follow Dr. Sturg BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | Does Journalism still Matter in a Democracy? | 00:22:20 | |
How can we be drowning in information and at the same time, badly informed? In this week's UnSpun, DrSturg breaks down the relationship of journalism and democracy. Journalism came first, and democracy wouldn't exist without it. But today, journalism is struggling and around the world, democracy is struggling right along with it. Find out how the relationship works, why it's failing and what you can do about it as you get UnSpun. Follow Dr. Sturg BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | What is sane washing and why do journalists do it? | 00:15:50 | |
If a politician says something that's garbled or hard to understand, a journalist's go-to is to not quote, but paraphrase. But does that do a disservice when it obscures the fact that the politician is often like this? DrSturg breaks down how journalists choose to paraphrase and quote and how that might not work so well in the modern media climate. Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
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| 28 May 2024 | Episode 19: Courts and media coverage (feat. Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti) | 00:38:37 | |
Do attorneys plan for media coverage as a part of a trial? Do reporters covering courts do a good job, or are they missing things. Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti answer questions about the intersection between the courts and the media in this episode of UnSpun. Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti have a ton of experience in different parts of the justice system and host the It's Complicated podcast that's part of MSW Media. They talk about how lawyers see the reporters who cover courts and what they think about defendants who want to speak to the public. Listen to It's Complicated. Follow Asha Rangappa Follow Renato Mariotti
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
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| 11 Feb 2025 | Why You're Addicted to Outrage: How feelings control what you do online | 00:29:18 | |
Social media manipulators are using age-old communication tactics to keep you angry and to get you to click and share. In this episode of UnSpun, learn the tactics that can change everything from what you think to how you act. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 30 Jul 2024 | UnSpun Rewind: Are polls worth anything any more? | 00:47:26 | |
Do high-profile debates truly shift opinions or votes? On this episode, Dr. Sturg gets into the studies to see if debates produce real changes. From Kennedy-Nixon to Romney-Obama, she looks at famous debates and explores what the research says about impacts on voters. She also looks the logical flaw of hasty generalization, using debate slip-ups as case studies. See how speakers and listeners both frequently overgeneralize from single examples. Plus, she talks about polling with political scientist, Dr. Ken Fernandez. Can polls be trusted after 2016? We separate polling facts from fiction on topics like margin of error. Ken shares his insider take on how campaigns use polls and why solid polling matters for a functioning democracy. Find out whether debates live up to the hype. Learn how to catch hasty generalizations. Get an expert take on improving polling for future elections. Get UnSpun. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 09 Jan 2024 | Is polling dead? (feat. Ken Fernandez) | 00:47:02 | |
Do high-profile debates truly shift opinions or votes? On this episode, Dr. Sturg gets into the studies to see if debates produce real changes. From Kennedy-Nixon to Romney-Obama, she looks at famous debates and explores what the research says about impacts on voters. She also looks the logical flaw of hasty generalization, using debate slip-ups as case studies. See how speakers and listeners both frequently overgeneralize from single examples. Plus, she talks about polling with political scientist, Dr. Ken Fernandez. Can polls be trusted after 2016? We separate polling facts from fiction on topics like margin of error. Ken shares his insider take on how campaigns use polls and why solid polling matters for a functioning democracy. Find out whether debates live up to the hype. Learn how to catch hasty generalizations. Get an expert take on improving polling for future elections. Get UnSpun. Follow Ken
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter - Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538141045/Detecting-Deception-Tools-to-Fight-Fake-News We are #AltGov https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538162095/We-Are-#ALTGOV-Social-Media-Resistance-from-the-Inside Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | Disaster Disinformation hurts NC communities devastated by Hurricane Helene | 00:20:24 | |
Disinformation from both major political figures and social media randos has hurt relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Dr. Sturg breaks down what's happening, why and what you can do about it.
Local article on what FEMA is actually doing in NC Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
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| 02 Jul 2024 | Why journalists do a bad job moderating debates (Episode 21.5) | 00:15:06 | |
If debates make you cringe, you aren't alone1 Dr. Sturg breaks down how the way televised debates are structured benefits media and benefits candidates, but generally isn't that great for the audience. Journalists can't do a good job as both a journalist and a moderator at the same time, and the financial model for news doesn't incentivize them to try. And for candidates, using misleading tactics like the Gish Gallop and throwing barbs makes it more likely that they will stay in the news for longer. Learn her suggestion for getting the most out of debates in this week's episode.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | Are First Impressions on Social Media Always Right? Understanding Bias in Judging Others | 00:21:31 | |
Why do people do and say the things they do? Whether it's running a red light or asking to talk to the manager, when you observe people's actions, there's a risk of misunderstanding that can make the world even more divided. Dr. Sturg breaks down the research on a common thinking error that can give you trouble in making interpersonal judgements.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Before you tell Aunt Gladys to stuff it | 00:17:38 | |
What does Jan. 6 have to do with cherry picking? A lot, it turns out. Find out how. Plus Dr. Sturg tells what the research says about Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives. Can you change Aunt Gladys's mind? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | Post-election training: Learn tell when newsmakers are being deceptive | 00:13:54 | |
After US voters cast their ballots, some folks may try to win by acting like the election was rigged, In this episode, DrSturg goes over several ways newsmakers try to deceive, and you can check your own deception detection skills with an audio quiz. Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | Do journalists have ethics | 00:28:39 | |
One thing that separates professional journalists from content creators is their code of ethics. In this episode, Dr. Sturg breaks down what you should be able to expect from someone who calls themselves a journalist. But, adhering to this code is a lot harder than it used to me, and she tells you why. We close out with a fun game where you can guess if Dr. Sturg made the ethical choice back when she was a reporter.
Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News
List of journalists jailed for refusing to reveal sources Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | Are fact-checkers better than community notes: Is Facebook making a mistake? | 00:12:21 | |
Dr. Sturg gets into the question: Who should fact-check online information? Meta's recent decision to end its professional fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram in favor of a community-based system sparked a significant debate. For years, professional fact-checkers with rigorous training have been the gatekeepers of truth, meticulously investigating claims and ensuring accuracy with a systematic approach. Now, Meta is shifting to a system similar to X's (formerly Twitter) Community Notes, relying on the wisdom of the crowd. Is this a huge mistake? Join for a look at what reseearch has found about the pros and cons of professional versus community-based fact-checking, and what this shift means for the future of online information integrity. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 09 Jul 2024 | Christian Spiritual Warfare Becoming Political Violence (Episode 22 feat: Dr. Matt Taylor) | 00:54:22 | |
What's a "good" parent or a "true" member of a political party? In this week'e episode, Dr. Sturg runs down the Appeal to Purity as a way of creating us vs. them. Then, she and guest Dr. Matt Taylor talk about how a substantial religious movement is trying to remake American culture in their own image, why they might support political violence around the election and how the media is doing a poor job of understanding and covering it.
NC Lt. Governor's full speech at Lake Church in NC.
Matt's excellent podcast series
Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 07 May 2024 | Episode 18: The Big Lie (feat. Jen Mercieca) | 00:43:44 | |
If you repeat a lie enough, people may start to believe it. This idea of the big lie has been around for a while, but the last 8 years it has been so bad that fact checkers had to create a whole new rating level for how bad the lying is. Dr. Sturg breaks down the history of the big lie and shows how surrogates and supporters help to spread it. In the interview, author and professor Dr. Jen Mercieca breaks down Texas politics, explains how dead Greek guys have a lot to say about productive communication and how fraught the present moment is in politics and democracy. Follow Jen Twitter (X): @jenmercieca Check out Demagogue For President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News We are #AltGov: Inside the Resistance on Social Media
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| 09 Apr 2024 | Episode 16.5: Should journalism try for objectivity? | 00:15:30 | |
It is always fair to include both sides? Dr. Sturg breaks down the history and future of objectivity in this miniepisode of UnSpun. Follow Dr. Sturg Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X Questions and Tips Dr. Sturg’s Books Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||