Noble Blood Podcast Summary: "Introducing: Hoax!"

Release Date: July 28, 2025

In the premiere episode of "Hoax!"—a new venture by Dana Schwartz and Lizzy Logan under the Noble Blood banner—the hosts delve into the intriguing world of historical deceptions. This introductory episode sets the stage for exploring some of history’s most audacious and compelling hoaxes, examining why humans are predisposed to believe what they do.

Opening the Curtain: The Cottingley Fairies Hoax

The episode kicks off with a fascinating recounting of the Cottingley Fairies incident, a notable historical hoax that even captivated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind Sherlock Holmes.

Dana Schwartz [00:01]: "In 1920, a magazine article announced something incredible. Real fairies had been photographed. Two young girls playing by the creek near their house in Cottingley, England, had been surrounded by fairies and had been able to snap pictures to prove it."

This story sets the precedent for the episode’s exploration of why even the most skeptical minds can be led astray.

Lizzy Logan [00:26]: "If you don't recognize his name, you probably know the name of his most famous character. Sherlock Holmes. Yes, the man who invented literature's most brilliant detective was fooled by two girls into thinking fairies were real."

The hosts highlight the irony of Doyle's gullibility, despite his creation of one of fiction’s greatest detectives, emphasizing the human tendency to believe in the extraordinary.

Dana Schwartz [00:40]: "The thing which you probably know is that fairies aren't real. But Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to believe they could be. And so he found ways to dismiss all of the logical ways the photos of the Cottingley fairies could have been faked."

This segment underscores the allure of the mystical and how personal beliefs can cloud judgment, even for the most logical individuals.

The Pervasive Nature of Hoaxes in History

Transitioning from the Cottingley Fairies, Schwartz and Logan broaden the discussion to the prevalence of hoaxes throughout history, shedding light on their various motivations and impacts.

Lizzy Logan [00:55]: "History is filled with hoaxes, people coming up with scams and tricks, sometimes for profit, but sometimes just for fun. In an era of misinformation, the ability to think critically and to understand what's real and what isn't seems more important than ever."

This commentary is particularly resonant in today’s digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly, making critical thinking an essential skill for discerning truth from fabrication.

Introducing "Hoax!": A New Journey into Deception

As the episode progresses, the hosts unveil their latest project—a dedicated podcast titled "Hoax!"—aimed at dissecting some of the most audacious deceptions in history.

Dana Schwartz [01:10]: "Hoax is a new podcast from me, Dana Schwartz, the creator of Noble Blood."

Lizzy Logan [01:14]: "And me, Lizzy Logan. Every episode, we'll explore one of the most audacious and ambitious tricks in history, from the fake Shakespeares to balloon boys, all trying to answer the question why we believe what we believe."

This segment outlines the podcast's mission: to explore historical hoaxes with a critical eye, seeking to understand the psychological and societal factors that make such deceptions possible and believable.

Dana Schwartz [01:27]: "The first episode of Hoax is available on August 4th. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast."

The announcement serves as a call to action for listeners, inviting them to join the hosts on this investigative journey into the art of deception.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Future Episodes

The introductory episode of "Hoax!" effectively sets up the podcast's premise, blending historical anecdotes with contemporary relevance. By examining stories like the Cottingley Fairies and promising to uncover various other hoaxes, Dana Schwartz and Lizzy Logan prepare their audience for an engaging exploration of why humans are susceptible to believing in the unbelievable.

With a promise to delve deep into each hoax's intricacies and motivations, "Hoax!" aims to not only entertain but also educate its listeners on the importance of critical thinking in an age rife with misinformation.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Schwartz [00:01]: "Two young girls playing by the creek near their house in Cottingley, England, had been surrounded by fairies and had been able to snap pictures to prove it."

• Lizzy Logan [00:26]: "Yes, the man who invented literature's most brilliant detective was fooled by two girls into thinking fairies were real."

• Lizzy Logan [00:55]: "In an era of misinformation, the ability to think critically and to understand what's real and what isn't seems more important than ever."

• Lizzy Logan [01:14]: "Every episode, we'll explore one of the most audacious and ambitious tricks in history, from the fake Shakespeares to balloon boys, all trying to answer the question why we believe what we believe."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the "Introducing: Hoax!" episode, providing potential listeners with an insightful overview of what to expect from the new "Hoax!" podcast series.