Conspirituality Episode 230: "How Did We Get Here?"

Release Date: October 31, 2024

Hosts: Derek Barris, Matthew Remsky, Julian Walker

Introduction

In Episode 230 of Conspirituality, hosts Derek Barris, Matthew Remsky, and Julian Walker delve into the complex interplay between conspiracy theories, spirituality, and political dynamics as the United States approaches a pivotal election. The discussion navigates through the rise of conspirituality, the impact of digital media, the infiltration of wellness grifters into mainstream discourse, and the looming threats posed by populist movements and authoritarian tendencies.

The Rise and Evolution of Conspirituality

Julian Walker opens the conversation by reflecting on the four-year journey of the podcast, highlighting the surge of conspiratorial and spiritual narratives that have permeated various platforms:

"Based on our work over the last four years, we have some ideas and some thoughts about moving forward whatever Tuesday's results turn out to be." [02:23]

Matthew Remsky underscores the extensive reach and content creation efforts, noting:

"Four and a half years, two elections, 230 episodes, there's 580 posts on Patreon." [05:05]

The hosts examine how the digital landscape has transformed information dissemination, emphasizing that more information doesn't necessarily equate to more truth or balance. Julian asserts:

"More information and more sources of commentary on that information does not, as it turns out, equate to more truth." [06:43]

They discuss the unintended consequences of algorithm-driven content sorting and the financial incentives that exploit audience vulnerabilities through emotional persuasion and sensationalism.

Influencers and the Monetization of Misinformation

The conversation shifts to the role of influencers who, equipped with charisma and polished backgrounds, propagate conspiracy theories under the guise of wellness and spirituality. Derek Barris highlights the alarming shift:

"They're no longer seeing the yoga people with the singing bowls saying these things. We're seeing it with people who are super polished and really good in debates and circumstances." [12:26]

The hosts scrutinize figures like Christiane Northrop and Casey Means, who leverage their educational credentials to lend credibility to pseudoscientific claims, thereby endangering public health.

Derek raises concerns about the lack of scientific rigor in wellness literature:

"This is a science book with no footnotes. They don't cite any of the research." [28:09]

This critique extends to the professionalization of wellness misinformation, where individuals with advanced degrees but lacking practical expertise exploit their status to disseminate harmful narratives.

Public Health, Vaccination Declines, and Trust in Experts

A significant portion of the episode addresses the decline in vaccination rates and the erosion of trust in public health institutions. Derek comments on the societal implications:

"We're seeing continually increasing hesitancy of basic interventions like the flu shot." [40:00]

The hosts link this trend to the rise of charismatic grifters who exploit fears and uncertainties, promoting individualized solutions that are often inaccessible to the broader population. This scenario exacerbates public health challenges, especially in marginalized communities.

The Intersection of Politics and Conspiracy Theories

As election day looms, the discussion intensifies around the synergy between QAnon, Trump's campaign strategies, and the mainstreaming of conspiratorial thinking. Julian draws parallels between contemporary movements and historical fascist rallies:

"Think about the Madison Square Garden rally that just happened and how easy it is to tie that back to the 30s." [16:00]

Matthew elaborates on the unique challenges posed by Trumpism, describing it not merely as a political faction but as a pervasive, almost viral phenomenon:

"Fascism isn't about ideas, it's about feelings of force." [55:00]

The hosts debate the efficacy of labeling Trumpism as a cult versus understanding it as a broader fascist movement, ultimately leaning towards the latter for its flexibility and pervasive nature.

Media Dynamics and the Spread of Disinformation

The podcast critically examines how new media platforms facilitate the rapid spread of disinformation, often surpassing traditional media in reach and impact. Julian attributes the bifurcation of reality among left and right-leaning audiences to algorithmic content sorting:

"The extent of it and the ramifications of it can be hard to fathom because we're swimming in it." [08:47]

They highlight the problematic nature of “independent” media, which often lacks the accountability and factual integrity of legacy media, thereby becoming breeding grounds for propaganda and manipulation.

The Role of Education and Media Literacy

Recognizing the dire state of public discourse, the hosts advocate for enhanced media literacy and education as fundamental solutions. Julian emphasizes the importance of:

"Establishment of a stronger culture of media literacy... studying how propaganda has thrived in the Internet age." [26:16]

Matthew adds that emotional intelligence must be integrated with critical thinking to effectively counter the emotional onslaught of fascist rhetoric:

"Critical thinking is only part of that. There have to be emotional outlets and gathering places." [55:32]

They propose fostering communities that provide emotional and spiritual support as a counterbalance to the divisive forces unleashed by conspiratorial movements.

Wellness Movement’s Complicity in Political Exploitation

A poignant segment critiques the intersection of the wellness industry and political agendas, illustrating how wellness entrepreneurs exploit political instability to advance neoliberal, deregulatory agendas. Derek discusses the problematic alliance between wellness influencers and conservative think tanks:

"They want to deregulate nearly every federal agency... they're taking population health statistics to sell individualized solutions." [35:36]

This alliance undermines public health efforts and perpetuates inequality by commodifying health solutions that are inaccessible to the less privileged.

Election Implications and Future Prospects

As the episode approaches its conclusion, the hosts reflect on the impending election’s significance and the broader implications for democracy and societal cohesion. Matthew expresses concern over the potential normalization of conspiratorial and authoritarian practices:

"Conspiracism will morph into paranoia and conspiracism over time." [70:46]

Julian contemplates the strategic communication challenges for progressive candidates in countering Trumpism without alienating key voter demographics:

"It can be perceived as smug, like a brain in a jar trying to talk to a hurricane of emotions." [54:55]

Conclusion and Moving Forward

In wrapping up, the hosts advocate for a balanced approach that combines media literacy, emotional intelligence, and community-building to combat the entrenched and evolving threats posed by conspiratorial and authoritarian ideologies. They emphasize the necessity of strengthening public institutions and fostering genuine dialogues that transcend polarized narratives.

Derek closes with a call for self-care amidst political turmoil, hinting at upcoming interviews and continued exploration of the entwined nature of conspiracy theories and spirituality in shaping contemporary socio-political landscapes.

"We will see you soon." [86:10]

Notable Quotes:

• Julian Walker: "More information and more sources of commentary on that information does not, as it turns out, equate to more truth." [06:43]

• Derek Barris: "This is a science book with no footnotes. They don't cite any of the research." [28:09]

• Matthew Remsky: "Conspiracism will morph into paranoia and conspiracism over time." [70:46]

• Julian Walker: "We're swimming in it. And what we've been tracking here on the podcast is in some ways a subset of this phenomenon." [08:47]

Key Takeaways:

1. Digital Media’s Double-Edged Sword: While the internet democratizes information, it also facilitates the spread of misinformation and polarized realities through algorithm-driven content.

2. Influencers as Modern Grifters: Educated and charismatic individuals exploit their platforms to disseminate pseudoscience and conspiracy theories, undermining public trust in legitimate expertise.

3. Erosion of Public Health: Declining vaccination rates and distrust in health institutions are exacerbated by wellness movements that prioritize individualized, often unverified solutions over collective well-being.

4. Fascism as Anti-Politics: The movement away from traditional political discourse towards more authoritarian and disinformation-driven narratives poses significant challenges to democratic processes and societal cohesion.

5. Education and Community Building: Strengthening media literacy, fostering emotional intelligence, and building supportive communities are essential strategies in countering the pervasive influence of conspiracy theories and authoritarian ideologies.

6. Critical Election Analysis: The upcoming election serves as a critical juncture to assess and respond to the entrenchment of conspiratorial and authoritarian elements within the political landscape.

This episode of Conspirituality provides a thorough examination of the intricate relationships between conspiracy theories, spirituality, digital media, and political dynamics, offering insightful perspectives and calls to action for navigating this complex terrain.