Why do repeated lies work—even when we know they’re false? In this episode of UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explores the Big Lie in American politics, the psychology behind the illusory truth effect, and how figures like Kari Lake have used rhetoric to reshape public belief. She also talks to rhetoric expert Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, author of Demagogue for President, about how demagogues manipulate language to avoid accountability, build loyalty, and undermine democratic norms.

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What does Jan. 6 have to do with cherry picking? A lot, it turns out. Find out how. Plus Dr. Sturg tells what the research says about Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives. Can you change Aunt Gladys's mind?

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What do politicians really mean when they say “law and order,” “traditional values,” or “globalists”? In this episode of UnSpun, we explore the use of dog whistles—coded phrases that sound harmless but carry covert messages to particular audiences. From Nixon’s Law and Order to Trump’s use of “globalist,” we break down how this language works, why it’s effective, and how to spot it.

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Why are so many people turning away from evidence-based medicine? In this week’s episode of UnSpun, we explore the rise of health misinformation, the breakdown of public trust, and how philosophy, social media, and emotion are shaping our views of science. From vaccine skepticism to the raw milk debate, we walk through real-world examples and explain the logical fallacies behind modern health myths. Learn how constructivism, personal experience, and flawed definitions of “safe” and “effective” are muddying the waters—and how to push back against the infodemic.

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“Mistakes were made.” “Kinetic military action.” “Efficiency.” These phrases sound harmless—until you dig deeper. This week on UnSpun, we explore the subtle, slippery language politicians use to avoid accountability, shift blame, and reframe controversies. From Obama and Elon Musk to Stephen Miller and the 2025 immigration updates, we break down real examples of weasel words, equivocation, and blame avoidance in action. Learn how to spot vague language, passive voice, and emotional manipulation—and stay sharp in a world of political spin.

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Political grandstanding is everywhere—from Congress to Tik Tok—and it's shaping how we talk, think, and even legislate. In this week’s episode of UnSpun, we break down performative patriotism, online outrage, and the troubling new USCIS policy monitoring social media for “anti-Americanism.” What happens when dissent gets misbranded as disloyalty? And how does grandstanding erode trust and civil discourse? Listen in as we explore the narcissism behind moral posturing and its consequences for democracy.

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Metaphors shape how we think—and feel—about politics. In this episode of UnSpun, we decode the hidden power of language, visuals, and music in political messaging. From Obama’s “arc of history” to crime-as-a-stain ads, learn how metaphors manipulate perception, stir emotion, and frame entire debates. Whether it’s a red hat, a patriotic soundtrack, or a cartoon donkey at the border—nothing is accidental. #PoliticalMetaphors #MediaLiteracy #UnSpunPodcast

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On this week's UnSpun, DrSturg explores why authoritarian governments target the press and educational institutions, and how these tactics are appearing in democracies worldwide:

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• Why authoritarian governments restrict press freedom:

• Common tactics of information control:

• The consequences of information control:

• Ways to overcome the censorship

Resources mentioned:

• Survey: http://bit.ly/UnSpunSurvey
• Books: "Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News" and "We Are #AltGov: Social Media Resistance from the Inside"

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Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion

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In this episode of UnSpun, host DrSturg explores the past, present, and uncertain future of local journalism. Learn how local newspapers and TV stations went from thriving community pillars to empty shells—and why it matters. We examine the roles of money, consolidation, platforms like Facebook and TikTok, audience habits, misinformation, and AI in dismantling local media. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when no one covers city council meetings or school board votes, this episode is for you.

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