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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