logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2020
28m 56s

How To Rescue Someone From a Conspiracy ...

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

Matt's dad believes some crazy conspiracy theories—that the moon landing was faked, that JFK's assassination was an inside job, and that QAnon is real. Matt can't stand talking about politics—or really anything—with his dad these days, but he's desperate to preserve their relationship. In this episode of How To!, we bring on Colin Dickey, cultural historian and author of The Unidentified, to explain why conspiracy theories are more popular than ever. To get through to a loved one, Colin says, don't dismiss the conspiracy theory outright. If you want any hope of changing someone's mind you have to first understand the void that it may be filling in their life. 

If you liked this episode, check out "How To Confront a Crazy Neighbor With Tig Notaro."

Do you have a struggling relationship with a family member? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show.

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Mar 3
How To Ghostbust The Old Fashioned Way
Enid Baxter Ryce has built a fascinating career as an artist and university professor, but her unique living situation presents a very different challenge: navigating life on a massive, decommissioned, and potentially haunted military base. She knows how to uncover the historical ... Show More
45m 26s
Feb 24
How to Emmigrate as a Throuple
Dan Savage has built a legendary career giving sex and relationship advice, but as the U.S. political climate shifts, he's yearning to chase a very different dream: relocating his polyamorous family to Europe. He knows how to navigate complex relationship dynamics, but the leap t ... Show More
40m 3s
Feb 17
How To Be a DJ, Not a Playlist with Tom Nash
Stewart has built a respectable career as a lawyer in Montreal, but he's yearning to chase a very different dream: becoming a club DJ. He knows how to curate a killer playlist, but the leap to commanding a live room feels intimidating and technically out of reach. On this episode ... Show More
41m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
814: Matt Frederick & Ben Bowlin | Stuff They Don't Want You to Know
tail spinning
1h 18m
Jul 2019
Summer of ‘69: Chappaquiddick Pt. 1
This episode is brought to you by Conspiracy Theories, a Parcast Original. For more episodes like this one, subscribe to Conspiracy Theories on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. On July 18th, 1969, Ted Kennedy, the youngest son of Joseph Kennedy Sr., drove his car off ... Show More
49m 24s
Aug 2023
871: Julian Walker | How Conspiracy Theories Make Society Sick
tail spinning
1h 25m
Dec 2023
398. JFK: The Mystery is Solved (Part 7)
In this landmark edition of The Rest is History, Dominic and Tom reveal the astonishing solution to the mystery that has fascinated so many people for the last sixty years. In thrillingly definitive detail, they explain just who killed President Kennedy and why he did it.  Step ... Show More
51m 21s
Nov 2019
Conspiracy Theories
This week we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes about one of our favorite topics: Conspiracy theories. They're a feature of today's news and politics. But they've really been a part of American life since its founding. In this episode, we'll explore how conspiracy theorie ... Show More
42m 9s
Nov 2023
Curious Conspiracy Corner
Bob, Wade, and Mark attempt to separate fact from fiction, venturing into the curious world of conspiracy theories. Maybe even a little too far... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
54m 4s
Sep 2023
The Dominici Affair Pt. 2
Detective Sébeille begins to uncover the secrets of the Dominici family, but has his single-minded focus led him down the wrong path? What secrets are the victims hiding? And could he have been investigating the wrong family this entire time? Conspiracy Theories is now on Instagr ... Show More
48m 2s