Reptile overlords. Pizzagate. QAnon. What makes conspiracy theories so alluring, and why are some more unshakeable than others? Today’s episode breaks down the driving forces behind false narratives, and what happens when true believers take extreme actions. 
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Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Pt. 1

The world’s most controversial events, and the complex beliefs behind them. From Bigfoot sightings to bitcoin takeovers, alien landings to assassinations, who’s shaping the narrative — and why? Conspiracy Theories is a Spotify Podcast. New episodes Wednesdays.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

True crime

In Granby, Colorado, a petty feud with neighbors and the town council left Marvin Heemeyer feeling backed into a corner. Little did they know that he had his own plans for justice, and revenge.
Conspiracy Theories is now on Instagram @theconspiracypod and TikTok @conspiracy.pod! Follow us to keep up with the show and get behind-the-scenes updates from Carter and the team. 
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Killdozer

October 9th, 1995, Amtrak's 12-car Sunset Limited train was powering through the Arizona desert with 258 passengers on board when it suddenly separated from the tracks. The horrible derailment left one person dead and dozens of passengers injured and stranded in the desert. But it wasn't an accident. And more than 25 years later, investigators still have no leads.
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The Sunset Limited Train Derailment

In September 1944, as World War II raged overseas, the small town of Mattoon, Illinois felt under attack. Dozens of people reported smelling a sickening sweet odor drift into their bedroom at night. It allegedly smelled like gardenias and left them feeling ill and, in some cases, paralyzed. The town’s leading theory was that a madman was running around town spraying a toxic gas through people’s windows at night.
Conspiracy Theories is now on Instagram @theconspiracypod and TikTok @conspiracy.pod! Follow us to keep up with the show and get behind-the-scenes updates from Carter and the team. 
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The Mad Gasser of Mattoon

“You have been watched: Failure to comply and you shall suffer: no one can help: no one can protect you: Obey: Obey:” 
In 1976, anonymous letters started appearing in mailboxes around Circleville, Ohio. Someone was watching the town’s residents. They called themselves the Circleville Writer and claimed to know intimate details about their private lives: secrets they threatened to expose. Investigators tried to find the person responsible, but the letters continued for almost twenty years. Has the culprit finally been identified?
Conspiracy Theories is now on Instagram @theconspiracypod and TikTok @conspiracy.pod! Follow us to keep up with the show and get behind-the-scenes updates from Carter and the team. 
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The Circleville Letters

If you find the world bewildering, but also sometimes enjoy being bewildered by it, Search Engine is here for you. Search Engine is an explainer show that tackles mysteries and conspiracies, big and small. On this episode: is host PJ Vogt the victim of an international sushi scam?
Search Engine was named one of the top podcasts of the year by Time Magazine, The Economist, and New York Magazine (Vulture). To find more episodes of the show or to submit a mystery of your own, head over to pjvogt.com.
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Psychology of Conspiracy Theories Pt. 1

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