Embedded – "Alternate Realities: A Question for Listeners" (October 9, 2025)

Host: Zach Mack | Podcast: Embedded (NPR)

Episode Overview

The episode is a brief, personal update from host Zach Mack, building on the themes of his recent "Alternate Realities" season, which explored the rise of conspiracy theories—especially within his own family. This installment centers on Zach’s outreach to listeners: after hearing many accounts of loved ones entangled in conspiratorial thinking, he seeks stories of hope and effective intervention. The core question: Has anyone actually succeeded in changing a conspiracy believer’s mind, and how?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Frustrations and The Genesis of "Alternate Realities"

• Zach describes the challenge of reaching his father, who is deeply invested in conspiracy theories.
  • "We'd been having these circular debates about his beliefs for years." (00:24, Zach Mack)
  • His father even wagered on a list of ten conspiracy theories he was convinced would happen by the end of 2024, offering a $10,000 bet if they didn’t (00:36).

2. Listener Reactions to the Series

• Unexpected Influx of Emails: After airing the series, Zach was flooded with responses from listeners.
  • "My inbox was flooded with people whose friends and family members had also fallen under the spell of conspiracy theories." (00:45, Zach Mack)
• Many listeners reported frustration and failure in their own attempts to reverse their loved ones’ beliefs.

3. The Open Call for Stories of Success

• The episode pivots to a participatory appeal to Embedded’s audience:
  • "Has anyone had success at this? What would it take to change someone's mind?" (01:00, Zach Mack)
• Zach outlines interest in interventions or creative experiments that have actually worked—like bets, professional psychological help, field trips, or other unique strategies:
  • "Did you try your own bet? Did they talk to a psychologist? Did you take them on a field trip to a vaccine lab? Did they get tired of waiting for the Epstein files? I want to know what actually changed their mind." (01:08, Zach Mack)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Zach Mack (on intergenerational conspiracy debates):
  • "We'd been having these circular debates about his beliefs for years." (00:24)
• Zach’s Father (illustrating the extent of belief):
  • "Number 10, the US will come under martial law." (00:36)
• Zach Mack (the challenge at hand):
  • "Has anyone had success at this? What would it take to change someone's mind?" (01:00)
• Direct call to action:
  • "Please shoot us an email at embedded@npr.org with the subject line alternate realities and tell us a little bit about your story. I want to hear from you, and I want to hear about what worked." (01:15)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – 00:24: Zach frames the ongoing issue—his father’s deepening belief in conspiracies.
• 00:36: Introduction of the $10,000 conspiracy theory bet—a memorable anecdote from the previous season.
• 00:45: Zach details the overwhelming listener response of shared frustration.
• 01:00 – 01:20: Zach issues the central question and open call for successful intervention stories.

Conclusion

This episode serves as both a reflection on the challenges of reaching loved ones caught in alternate realities, and a heartfelt invitation for listeners to share experiences—ideally positive, proven interventions—so others can learn what (if anything) has worked. Zach’s tone is candid, vulnerable, and community-driven, emphasizing the ongoing difficulty and emotional toll of these family and friend divisions.

To share your story, email embedded@npr.org with the subject line "alternate realities."