This week on Let’s Figure This Out, we’re diving into the unexpected parallels between Wicked and today’s political dynamics. From Elphaba’s fight against fear-mongering to the Wizard’s smoke-and-mirrors control, this episode unpacks misinformation, its consequences, and how we can combat it.

[0:00 - 1:00] Intro

* Why Wicked is more than entertainment—it’s a mirror for our world.

[1:01 - 4:00] The Characters of Oz, IRL

* Elphaba: Marginalized communities rising above.

* Madame Morrible: Elon Musk’s power play.

* The Wizard: Donald Trump’s illusion of leadership.

* Glinda: A reflection of us all.

[4:01 - 6:00] Misinformation Unpacked

* Misinformation vs. disinformation: What’s the difference?

* Historical examples, from Roman times to social media today.

[6:01 - 9:00] Real-World Impact

* How propaganda influences elections and erodes trust in institutions.

* The dangers of echo chambers and confirmation bias.

[9:01 - 11:00] Your Voice Matters

* Personal reflections on IVF, reproductive rights, and advocacy.

[11:07 - 17:45] Why Misinformation Matters

* Real-world consequences: undermining trust in institutions, influencing elections, and perpetuating systemic inequalities.

* The role of echo chambers and algorithms in reinforcing biases.

[17:46 - 20:23] Personal Reflections

* How misinformation has affected marginalized groups and your journey as an IVF mama advocating for reproductive rights.

[20:24 - 25:50] Fighting Back

* Tips for combating misinformation: fact-check rigorously, lean into your authenticity, and engage in advocacy.

* Stories of connection and learning from advocacy events like Trending Up and the DNC.

[25:51 - End] Knowledge Is Power

* A call to action: Start conversations online and offline to challenge ignorance and make a difference.

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