Allison Meek is a history professor at Kings University College, University of Western Ontario. We discuss the history of conspiratorial thinking, how misinformation manifest itself online, the role social media has on amplifying polarization on these topics, and strategies for effectively dealing with individuals who are vulnerable to these beliefs. It's a fascinating conversation, and one I hope you find valuable as we all learn how to navigate this world of increasing complexity together. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/social-psyched/support

Lydia G, author of the online article, "Twelve Years Ago I Stopped Vaccinating My Children: Then I Changed My Mind," was very skeptical about vaccines for a long time. It was relatively recently she had a change of heart, and she graciously agreed to come on and share her story. It's quite the lively discussion. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/social-psyched/support

Today we will be talking to Brian Deer, journalist, writer, and author of the new book, "The Doctor who fooled the world" about the infamous Dr. Andrew Wakefield. Dr. Wakefield has made quite the name for himself, as he is the source for the infamous claim that vaccines are somehow related to autism. Of course, there is no evidence that this is true, and a plethora of evidence to the contrary, yet Dr. Wakefield maintains his untenable position. Why? Well, Brian is here to shed some light on that for us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/social-psyched/support