How do conspiracy theories take hold, and what makes them endure? The myths around The Rothschild banking family have been around (and used as anti-semitic tropes) for hundreds of years, and the theories are still very much alive. Jeffrey Epstein claimed to work for the family, so Jena dives into the Rothschild family history before journalist Mike Rothschild (no relation) helps us understand fringe beliefs and sort out the actual conspiracy – from conspiracy theories.

Mentioned in this Episode

Accountant Richard Kahn testimony before House Oversight

Britannica: Where do antisemitic tropes about the Rothschild family come from?

Le Monde: Jeffrey Epstein’s business ties with banker Ariane de Rothschild revealed

NYT: From the Court Jews’ Uneasy Heyday

Stanford: Historian explores how explusions became widespread in medieval Europe

Journalist Mike Rothschild

Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories, by Mike Rothschild

Newsweek: Who are the Rothschilds, and how much are they worth today?

Snopes: Fact Check - The Rothschild Family Wealth

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