Media Minded by ShoutOut UK

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts They’re responsible for propping up dictators, carrying out the bidding of military juntas, and supporting coups. They leave death and destruction in their wake, accused of massacring populations and exploiting local communities. What is the infamous Wagner Group? The Kremlin-linked private military company, recently rebranded as the Africa Corps, has been hired to fight in international conflicts in places like Ukraine, Syria, and most recently Africa. In addition to Wagner’s combat operations, the group also has a large propaganda arm created to spread disinformation, undermine democracy, and advance pro-Russia views worldwide. In this episode, journalists and experts deconstruct Wagner’s strong influence in African affairs and its role in spreading disinformation and harmful views about the West. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Is West Africa turning against Democracy? Following recent coups in Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali, new governments and supporters have soundly rejected Western influence, expelling French diplomats from the countries and waving Russian flags at political rallies. In this episode, journalists take us to Nigeria, where violent extremist organisations are capitalising on deep-rooted resentment against former colonial rule to expand recruitment and support. Experts delve into the history of anti-Western sentiment in West Africa and how violent extremist organisations are exploiting current events, from the War in Gaza to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, to amplify their own messages and energise their bases. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Boko Haram is one of Africa's most deadly and infamous terrorist groups, which garnered worldwide attention and uproar in the early 2010s for a slew of bombings that killed hundreds of people at a time and the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in Nigeria’s northeast. The name Boko Haram literally translates to “Western education is forbidden” in English, and the group’s goal is just that: to rid West Africa of Western influence and establish a state that follows strict Sharia law. Today, Boko Haram and other violent extremist organisations in the region have seized upon emerging technologies, revolutionising the ways they recruit and train members, disseminate their ideology, and carry out attacks. Join us as we delve into the disturbing sphere of disinformation and propaganda spread by Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other Islamic Jihadist groups in Africa. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts In this fascinating episode, we enter the mind of a terrorist. What makes them commit violent acts and adopt radical ideologies? How do they justify the killing of innocent people? What transforms the everyman, or woman, into a terrorist? Psychologists and counter extremism experts weigh in on the key factors that contribute to the allure of misinformed and violent narratives, including social influences, identity crises, and psychological manipulation. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts This special live episode of Media Minded takes a deep dive into NATO’s role in the Ukraine crisis. The in-person panel discussion facilitates a conversation between sector experts, academics, and individuals working in NATO, discussing the recent war of aggression against Ukraine. With the Russian Federation sponsoring disinformation on an unprecedented level, the panel explores ways in which NATO can act to inoculate itself and its members from mis and disinformation, dispelling the persistent false narratives, historical revisionism, and conspiracy theories spread to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Joining us for the live episode is Paul King, Editor and Engagement Officer at NATO; Claire Halperin, Deputy Head of Mission and Spokesperson at the UK Joint Delegation to NATO; Dr Precious N Chatterje-Doody, Author of Russia Today and Conspiracy Theories: People, Power and Politics on RT and Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the Open University; and Nicholas Yap, Deputy Director & Chief of Staff at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab). Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of NATO.

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused the attention of many to the ongoing challenges of disinformation, propaganda and misinformation and the potential harm it can inflict. Disinformation seeks to deepen divisions within and between Allied nations, and to undermine people’s confidence in elected governments. In order to counteract this, NATO publicly refutes false claims, debunks the main disinformation narratives aimed at the Alliance and coordinates to share information, insight and best practice. Joining us for today’s episode is Colonel Sönke Marahrens, a career Air Force officer who previously served as Head of Research for Strategy and Armed Forces at the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies in Hamburg. He was deployed with NATO to Bosnia and Kosovo, and in 2020 served as Branch Head for Transition at HQ Resolute Support in Kabul, Afghanistan. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

How does NATO communicate with the public in order to promote dialogue around security? As an intergovernmental organization that spans across 30 countries, harmonising all public diplomacy activities and coordinating communication activities NATO-wide is of utmost importance. To help us understand how NATO’s information activities work, we are joined by Piers Cazalet, the Head of Press and Media and Deputy Spokesperson. He leads a team of 25 staff, providing the full range of media services to the Secretary General and NATO Headquarters more widely, including media engagement and monitoring, media operations, and speechwriting. We discuss how the Alliance uses a multifaceted approach to build awareness of and support for NATO’s evolving role, objectives and missions. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

From 5G coronavirus beliefs to age old antisemitic tropes, it often feels like we are witnessing the rapid spread and dissemination of conspiracy theories online, with very real offline consequences. Putting out these digital wildfires before they take hold is both vital and necessary, especially in our social media dominated and hyper-connected world. Our final episode of this season attempts to do just that. Taking the experiences, thoughts and expertise of those who understand firsthand the dangers of misinformation, we explore how conspiracy theories are created and disseminated. This is a particular point of interest for our two guests today, Daniel Jolley and Eric Oliver. Daniel is a social psychologist at the University of Nottingham who has done extensive research into the social psychological consequences of conspiracy theories. Eric Oliver is a professor at the University of Chicago and host of the podcast, Nine Questions. His research covers a wide array of topics, including the predictors of belief in conspiracy theories. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of non-state actors, the face of warfare has evolved considerably. To adapt to these changes, NATO has developed a unique and robust set of political and military capabilities to address the full spectrum of crises – before, during and after conflicts. In today’s episode, we look at NATO’s historic contributions to global security, as well as examine how the Alliance has evolved to counter emerging threats and new technological advancements. We are joined by Dr. Benedetta Berti, a foreign policy and security researcher, analyst, consultant, author and lecturer. Her work analyses the impact of insecurity on civilians, as well as crisis management and prevention. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

Not too long ago, on January 6 2021, swarms of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to win back the presidential election. A large number of those who took part in the insurrection were staunch believers in QAnon, a conspiracy theory that believes President Trump is a hero safeguarding the world from Satan-worshipping pedophiles, Democrat politicians and Hollywood celebrities. This conspiracy has moved from the dim corners of the Internet to now being referenced on some of the largest conservative media outlets. To help us understand this phenomenon, we speak to Mia Bloom, co-author of the book Pastels and Pedophiles, on the origins of QAnon and the gender dynamics at play. This conversation is supplemented by former QAnon follower, Jitarth Jadeja, on how he went from being a staunch Bernie Sanders supporter to a purveyor of Q beliefs. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an ever-expanding Alliance and is currently made up of 30 independent member states. Even so, consensus decision-making is a fundamental principle of NATO and has remained so since its creation in 1949. In today’s episode, we speak to Sir Adam Thomas KCMG, the Director of the European Leadership Network (ELN) since November 2016. Before joining the ELN, Sir Adam had a 38-year diplomatic career in the British Diplomatic Service and served as the UK Permanent Representative to NATO between 2014 and 2016. He explains how NATO members make decisions as a collective, how military decision-making is balanced out with diplomatic decision-making and what accountability measures are in place within NATO. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

Does the UK have a policing issue? In recent years, there have been reports of ongoing problems within the police service, including the increased use of stop and search on minority communities, the use of discriminatory language in both public and private spaces, and the strip searches carried out on children. These systemic failings have led to public mistrust of law enforcement; the very people who are meant to be seen as protectors of the law, are instead viewed as oppressors. In today's episode, we speak to Andy George, the President of the National Black Police Association. Andy offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a minority ethnic police officer in the United Kingdom, having previously served as a law enforcement officer in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The discussion delves into the importance of diversity in the police force, his fears around the increased stop and search powers, and how police can reconcile and build back community relations. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

Contemporary threats faced by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisaton (NATO) have changed substantially, and considering Russia’s bellicose international stance, well-documented election meddling, and invasion of Ukraine, it is crucial for the Alliance to ensure its unity and resilience. In this first episode, we develop an understanding of how NATO works, its history and how it promotes democracy across the world. We are joined by SIr Graham Stacey,who had a 39-year, internationally focussed, military career as a UK Royal Air Force Regiment officer, with his final position being the Chief of Staff of NATO Transformation. This discussion is supplemented by the insight of Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, on the contemporary threats faced by NATO. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.

The killing of George Floyd, who died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for eight minutes and forty six seconds spurred a wave of anger and protests across America and the globe. These demonstrations were an expression of outrage for the blaring racial gap in America and the many ways in which it manifests today –– from housing discrimination to police brutality. In today’s episode, we speak to Breon Wells, the founder of the Daniel Initiative and presidential aide to former President Barack Obama. He talks about his work, the difference between equity and equality and the changes he would like to see going forward. This discussion is supplemented by the academic insight of Molly Ellenberg, a research fellow at the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism, on how the ideology of white supremacy works today. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

Taken from the sci-fi classic, The Matrix, the metaphor of the red pill has taken on new meaning within the incel community. It has given rise to the extreme, fatalistic Black Pill; a philosophy that labels women as shallow creatures who are only interested in the most attractive men. The incel community, alongside Men’s Rights Groups and Pick Up Artists, are insular and radical in their ideology – collectively, they make up the manosphere. In today’s episode, we speak to Lisa Sugiura, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Cybercrime, and Maeve Park, a seasoned expert on male supremacy to help us navigate the incel movement, misogyny and violence. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

“All human beings share an equal capacity to harm or to heal; once we start to convince ourselves otherwise, we’re setting the stage for violence.” In this special edition of the Media Minded podcast on antisemitism, which took place in-person at the US Embassy in London, we were joined by two former far-right members, Arno Michaelis and Nigel Bromage. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Arno Michaelis was a leader of a worldwide racist skinhead organisation. But single parenthood and the love he had for his daughter changed his path. Nigel Bromage spent decades as part of far-right groups such as the National Front and Combat 18. After thankfully managing to escape, he founded Exit UK, an organisation dedicated to helping people out of the kinds of groups he escaped from. Moderating this discussion is Dave Rich, the Head of Policy at Community Security Trust, a charity that protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats.. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

“Demography is destiny.” On May 14th 2022, 18-year old Payton Gendron killed 10 people and injured three others inside a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Eleven of the thirteen victims either killed or injured were Black. This was not a mere coincidence; earlier, Gendron posted a 180-page manifesto online repeatedly referencing the “great replacement theory" and asserting that white people were intentionally being replaced by non-Whites. This theory has found currency in mainstream discourse and has been peddled by right-wing news outlets and several elected officials. In today’s episode, we speak to Nigel Bromage, an ex-far right member all too familiar with the discourse around white nationalism and anti-immigration. Nigel spent several decades in various extremist organisations, including the British Movement and Combat 18. Today, he helps others escape similar extremist groups through his organisation, Exit Hate UK. Also joining us for this episode is Michael Feola, an associate professor of government and law, on the origins of the Great Replacement Theory and how such hate-infused falsehoods have been injected into public discourse. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

In 2014, the internet hate campaign, known as the #Gamergate scandal, infiltrated the forums of 4chan to the comment threads of Twitter. Brianna Wu, a well-known software engineer and guest on today’s episode, was thrust into the centre of the Gamergate saga following her outspoken criticism of the movement. We discuss how this fringe group coalesced into a legitimate movement, how law enforcement responded to threats, and the lessons we can take away from this conspiracy theory going forward. Her story is supplemented by a discussion with Professor Joseph Uscinski, an American political scientist from the University of Miami, on what role –– if any –– social media platforms play in spreading conspiracy theories. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

From cult-hopping to exorcisms, leaving a cult is not a simple feat. In Part 2 of this episode on cultism, we pick up our discussion with ex-cult member Richard Turner, kicking off from the moment he left his Church group to the euphoria he felt when the group was investigated by Channel 4 News. His experience is aided by the insight of David Robertson, an expert in conspiracy theories, on how the Internet has fundamentally shifted the discourse around cults, religion, and our contemporary media landscape. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.

What goes on inside a cult, and the minds of those who join them? Matteo speaks to Richard Turner, an ex-cult member turned councilor, on how he descended into a world of deceit and deception. He recounts his experience, from being love-bombed to being surveilled by Church leaders. David Robertson, a senior lecturer at Open University, supplements this discussion with his insight into how vulnerability makes us susceptible to the potentially coercive tactics of our social groups, and what we can do to arm ourselves against these tactics. Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. This podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US embassy in London.