The Social Chemist
The Social Chemist
Nelson Perez
Women, Extremism and the Lure of Belonging w/ Noelle Cook
1 hour 16 minutes Posted Mar 20, 2026 at 4:00 am.
Show Intro, Episode Monologue
Introduction to Noelle Cook and Her Research on Extremism Among Women
Which Identity Did Women Prioritize During the 2024 Election? Gender or Faith?
How Does Gender Influence How People Engage in Extremism and Conspiracy Theories?
The Role of Trauma That Leads to Conspiratorial Thinking
Tammy and Yvonne's Pathway to QAnon
Developing Sympathy for J6 rioters
Tammy's Psychosocial Background and Her Interaction with Mormonism
The Epstein Files, MAGA Loyalty, and Social Belonging
An Alternative Pathway After MAGA?
Cash For Kids Scandal, Systemic Failures, MAGA Patriots with Tran Kids
Social Media and the Acceleration of Radicalization
The Cult of "Love Has Won" and Amy Carlson
The Suicide of Tammy's Trans Daughter
Accepting Conspiracists for Who They Are
Interview Conclusion
Outro, Closing Monologue
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Show notes
Send us Fan Mail On today's episode, I am joined by Noelle Cook, an ethnographer and author of The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging, which explores the stories of two middle-aged white women in America, Tammy and Yvonne, and the psychosocial influences that led them down the path of QAnon conspiracy theories and insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. We discuss how identity, social media, and trauma informed their worldview, and learn about their take on Trump dur...