Conspiracies: why people change their mind

Conspiracies: why people change their mind

Author: ABC Australia July 13, 2024 Duration: 30:31

What if your entire understanding of the world — your beliefs, how you parent, how you work, how you interact with friends at the pub — all came crashing down?

For Stephanie, Jules and Joel — who are all former conspiracy theorists — that was their reality.

And digging their way out of the conspiracy rabbit hole came with a whole lot of challenges.

Today on All in the Mind: falling into and out of conspiracy ... and rebuilding your life after breaking free.

And if you enjoyed listening, you should go back and check out our earlier episode on how to help conspiracy theorists.


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 251

All In The Mind
Podcast Episodes
Habits and making them stick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
Habits are notoriously hard to change—exercising more often, practising calmness, getting healthy—it all takes time and effort. So perhaps you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a way to get habits into your routine. We…
Tears, fears and hope — your pandemic life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:20
With restrictions easing around the country, we wanted to know how you've survived the past year and a half - what's gotten you through and what you can't wait to do next.On All in the Mind this week, we turn the show ov…
'As real as waking life' — exploring lucid dreams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Have you ever realised you were dreaming ... while in the middle of a dream?Lucid dreams are a common phenomenon, but many people don't realise that these surreal experiences of slumber can be influenced or controlled.On…
The peculiar power of talking to strangers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Are you the kind of person who loves chatting to strangers? Like people in cafes, parks or the train?Or does the thought of small talk make you cringe?On All in the Mind this week, we cover a growing body of research on…
The building blocks of wellbeing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:57
Wellbeing' has become a bit of a buzz word recently, but what does it really mean?It's not the same as simply being happy, or experiencing pleasure - it's something deeper and broader than that.It has to do with how we c…
Hey you! Tell us about your pandemic life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:22
We're working on an episode about how Australians have been coping through the pandemic, and we want your stories.We want to know what’s been getting you through the tough times, and what you’re most looking forward to w…
Whispers, taps and tingles — what is ASMR? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:15
Have you heard of ASMR?Whispery, clicky, crinkly videos are massive on YouTube - racking up millions of views.The idea is that these sounds elicit a certain tingly, calming sensation in some people.So what is ASMR and wh…
Machiavellianism, and the 'dark triad' of personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:23
Do you consider yourself a shrewd manipulator? Are you cynical about the nature of human beings? If so, you might rank highly in Machiavellianism - a personality trait that's based on the writing and views of Niccolo Mac…
Forget dad bod ... what about dad brain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
During pregnancy and then in childbirth, new mums experience some dramatic hormonal changes.But while these changes in women are relatively well studied … there’s a growing body of evidence finding that biological change…
COVID and the brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
As the pandemic continues, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are a growing concern.Much is still unknown, but one major study suggests up to a third of people who get COVID-19 will go on to develop a psychiatric or neuro…