Unspun

In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the Appeal to Purity—a tricky way people exclude others from groups to manipulate thinking. We look at how this tactic works, its history, and how to defend against it with simple strategies. From political rallies to major historical events, we'll unpack the impact of this fallacy.

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BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

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Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

How can we be drowning in information and at the same time, badly informed? In this week's UnSpun, DrSturg breaks down the relationship of journalism and democracy. Journalism came first, and democracy wouldn't exist without it. But today, journalism is struggling and around the world, democracy is struggling right along with it. Find out how the relationship works, why it's failing and what you can do about it as you get UnSpun. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

BlueSky -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) 
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

After US voters cast their ballots, some folks may try to win by acting like the election was rigged, In this episode, DrSturg goes over several ways newsmakers try to deceive, and you can check your own deception detection skills with an audio quiz. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

How do you speak truth to power when people call you biased just for checking facts? This year features several high-stakes elections, and a new threat to the truth is AI. DrSturg lets you test yourself with AI vs. real examples and she and guest, Politifact founder Bill Adair, talk about journalism's relationship with the truth. 

Check out Bill Adair's book Beyond the Big Lie. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

If a politician says something that's garbled or hard to understand, a journalist's go-to is to not quote, but paraphrase. But does that do a disservice when it obscures the fact that the politician is often like this? DrSturg breaks down how journalists choose to paraphrase and quote and how that might not work so well in the modern media climate. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

When a politician wins by 51% and says everyone he represents agrees with him, that's a fallacy of division. DrSturg breaks down this common thinking program. She and her guest, ProPublica's Craig Silverman, talk verification and how journalists and audiences can go about checking the information they get. 

Check out Craig Silverman

Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions,Tips, or just say hi!

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

Disinformation from both major political figures and social media randos has hurt relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Dr. Sturg breaks down what's happening, why and what you can do about it. 

Local article on what FEMA is actually doing in NC

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

Although mainstream media is suffering economically, grant and membership supported non-profit news is thriving. DrSturg and Oklahoma Watch's Ted Streuli talk about how the model lets experienced reporters uncover news in the public interest. Plus, DrSturg breaks down false choice in the WrapUp. 

Check out Oklahoma Watch. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

When a newsmaker is accused of wrongdoing, there can be a pattern to their response. In this week's episode, Dr. Sturg teaches you about DARVO, an acronym that can help you know when someone is trying to escape blame. Listen to 3 real world examples. 

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

When it comes to political movements, students and other young people are useful allies. In this episode, Dr. Sturg and author Kyle Spencer talk about Spencer's book, Raising them Right. Plus, friend of the show Israel Balderas breaks down the law on campaigns using songs the artist wishes they wouldn't. 

Follow journalist Kyle Spencer

Twitter - @KyleYSpencer

Website - Kyle Spencer

Twitter - @jisraelbalderas

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[email protected]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov 

List of journalists jailed for refusing to reveal sources