Podcast Summary: Introducing: Hoax!

Podcast Information:

• Title: SNAFU with Ed Helms
• Episode: Introducing: Hoax!
• Release Date: August 4, 2025
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 3: Formula 6, titled "Introducing: Hoax!", Dana Schwartz and Lizzy Logan delve into the intriguing world of historical deceptions and scams. This episode sets the stage for what listeners can expect from the new series, focusing on some of history's most audacious hoaxes and the psychology behind why people believe in them.

Unveiling Historical Hoaxes

The episode opens with a recounting of the Cottingley Fairies incident from 1920. Dana Schwartz narrates:

"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." [00:01]

This story serves as a prime example of how even prominent figures can be deceived by elaborate hoaxes. Lizzy Logan adds context by highlighting the involvement of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes:

"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." [00:26]

The Allure of Belief

The hosts explore why such hoaxes are compelling. Dana Schwartz points out:

"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." [00:40]

This segment underscores the human tendency to prefer belief over skepticism, even when evidence suggests otherwise.

The Prevalence of Hoaxes in History

Lizzy Logan broadens the discussion to the wider landscape of hoaxes:

"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." [00:55]

This observation sets the foundation for the podcast's mission to dissect various historical hoaxes and understand their impact on society.

Introducing the Hosts and Podcast Goals

The episode transitions to introducing the creators behind "Hoax":

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

"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." [01:14]

Key Insights and Future Episodes

Dana and Lizzy outline the podcast's objectives:

• Exploration of Audacious Hoaxes: Each episode will delve into a specific hoax, examining its creation, execution, and the societal factors that allowed it to gain traction.

• Psychological Underpinnings: The hosts aim to uncover the reasons behind why people fall for these deceptions, offering insights into human psychology and critical thinking.

• Historical Impact: By analyzing past hoaxes, the podcast seeks to shed light on their lasting effects and the lessons they impart for today's world rife with misinformation.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrapping up the introduction, Dana Schwartz invites listeners to tune in:

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

This call to action encourages the audience to engage with the series and embark on a journey through some of history's most fascinating deceptions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Schwartz [00:01]: "In 1920, a magazine article announced something incredible. Real fairies had been photographed."

• Lizzy Logan [00:26]: "Sherlock Holmes... was fooled by two girls into thinking fairies were real."

• Dana Schwartz [00:40]: "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to believe they could be [fairies]."

• 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... all trying to answer the question why we believe what we believe."

Overall Impression

"Introducing: Hoax!" serves as a compelling gateway into the "Hoax" podcast series, promising in-depth explorations of historical deceptions and the human psyche's role in their perpetuation. Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, Dana Schwartz and Lizzy Logan aim to enlighten listeners on the intricate dance between belief and skepticism that has shaped some of history's most intriguing scams.