Unspun

In today’s wars, the battlefield is more than land, sea, or air—it’s information. This episode of  UnSpun  examines how media has become both a weapon and a target in the age of hybrid warfare. From Russian deepfakes in Ukraine to meme wars in U.S. politics, information has become the terrain where global power is contested. Learn how disinformation systems are built, how governments—both authorit...

In this episode of  UnSpun , we trace the invisible architecture that keeps truth alive when communication is forbidden. From Phyllis Latour Doyle’s coded knitting in Nazi-occupied France to encrypted mesh networks during Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests,  “The Geometry of Trust”  reveals how humans build secret systems of meaning under surveillance. This episode explores how  communication itse...

In this episode of  UnSpun , we examine a phenomenon hiding in plain sight — the rise of  civil religion . From stadium memorials that look like worship services to presidents who sound like preachers, faith and politics have fused into something new — and dangerous. We trace how America’s patriotic rituals became sacred texts, how global leaders have learned the same language, and what happens wh...

What exactly is “hate speech”—and who gets to decide? This episode of  UnSpun  traces the shifting definitions of hate speech across a century of mass media. From Henry Ford’s antisemitic newspaper in the 1920s to Father Coughlin’s radio sermons, from Rwanda’s radio-fueled genocide to Roseanne Barr’s infamous tweet, Don Imus’s firing, and the recent suspensions of Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert—...

Law and Order” — it sounds reassuring. But what does it really mean? In this week’s episode of  UnSpun , we unpack how those three words have been used across centuries — from 1500s England to 1960s Alabama to 2020s America — not just to fight crime, but to reshape societies. In this episode, we explore: The hidden history of “law and order” as a political weapon How leaders like George Wallace, R...

“You either agree with us… or you’re out.” Ever felt like saying the wrong thing—even gently—could get you exiled from your community, your party, your friend group? In this episode of  UnSpun , Dr. Sturg explores the rise of ideological purity tests: Why your social feed feels like a loyalty gauntlet How politicians, religious leaders, and even scientists use purity rhetoric to silence dissent Th...

Have you ever believed a video, article, or photo—only to realize it was completely fake? Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are making it cheaper and easier than ever to create convincing misinformation. In this UnSpun, Dr. Sturg explores the unsettling rise of AI-driven lies, what it means for journalism, politics, and democracy, and how you can keep yourself from falling for convin...

Politicians don’t just post online—they surf the trends. In this episode of  UnSpun , Dr Sturg explores agenda surfing: hijacking trending topics to gain attention, distract from controversy, or push unrelated agendas. From Germany''s far-right 120 decibels campaign to Trump's Twitter distractions and coordinated WhatsApp groups in India, we show how political actors use digital platfo...

Ever wonder why the same protest looks peaceful on one news channel and chaotic on another? In this episode of  UnSpun , Dr. Sturg looks at how media coverage frames public demonstrations. Learn about the "protest paradigm," explore how journalists' choices shape your perception, and discover real-world examples from Black Lives Matter to historic marches in Birmingham and Occupy Wall...

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 lang...

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? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. Advertising...

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 my...

“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 b...

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 ci...

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 acc...

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: 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/UnSpunSu...

Satanic Panic to Gaza Protests: What Happens When News Misunderstands Religion Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 wondere...

This week, Dr. Sturg looks at the accidental Signal chat leak involving U.S. officials and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, digs into the rising influence of artificial intelligence in journalism. AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and automated content generators are reshaping how news is gathered, produced, and consumed. Learn about the ethical risks, misinformation potential, and what you, as a news co...

What does it mean for journalism to be “objective”—and has that ideal outlived its usefulness? In this episode, DrSturg traces the rise of objectivity as a professional norm, examine how it shaped newsrooms, and look at the moments where it fell short—from Civil Rights reporting to vaccine coverage. She explores how political polarization, social media, and the calls for “moral clarity” are reshap...

How do once-radical ideas become mainstream? In this episode of  UnSpun , explore the Overton Window—the concept that explains how political and social boundaries shift over time. From the Green New Deal to gun control laws, media coverage, and social movements, I break down how public opinion is influenced, often without us realizing it. Join me as we unpack agenda-setting, framing, and the tacti...

Who really controls the news? In this episode of  UnSpun , we explore the role of the press in an oligarchy—where a small, powerful elite shapes public perception through media ownership, restricted access, and censorship. From billionaire-backed news outlets to state-controlled narratives, we break down how information is manipulated and what journalists can do to fight back. Advertising Inquirie...

In today’s media landscape, distinguishing between  news ,  commentary , and  editorials  has become harder than ever. With publications shifting editorial policies (like Jeff Bezos’ recent changes at the Washington Post), cable news blending reporting with opinion, and social media amplifying misleading content, it’s no wonder audiences feel lost. Image credit: By Ed! at English Wikipedia, CC BY-...

Ever notice how politicians & public figures claim their most controversial statements were "just a joke"? It’s not by accident. In this episode of  UnSpun , we dive into how humor is used as a shield—and a weapon. Then, @DrSturg breaks down the techniques of investigative journalism, a struggling but vital part of a news organization's work. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircl...