Unspun

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...

Join DrSturg to explore the complex relationship between journalism and bureaucracy. From the history of the spoils system and civil service reform to modern challenges like restricted access and regulatory capture, this episode examines how journalism holds bureaucracies accountable while facing its own pressures Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redci...

Social media manipulators are using age-old communication tactics to keep you angry and to get you to click and share. In this episode of UnSpun, learn the tactics that can change everything from what you think to how you act. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of  UnSpun , we look at social proof—how the popularity of an idea, product, or belief can influence our decisions in ways we don’t even realize. From political mandates to viral crowdfunding campaigns, and even robots gaining our trust, we’ll uncover the hidden forces of social proof in our daily lives. With clips from newsmakers so you can try your skills, this episode will leave...

Test the murky waters of access journalism—the practice of prioritizing relationships with sources over journalistic objectivity. Dr. Sturg discusses cases including the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, a reflection on Trump’s media strategy, and Bob Woodward’s books, to explore how access can shape the stories you hear. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://r...

There are complex dynamics to online anonymity and how we act when we think we won't get caught. From cyberbullying to support communities, discover how anonymous interactions shape your digital lives. Dr. Sturg uses research insights, real-world cases to give you practical strategies for responsible online engagement. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: http...

Dr. Sturg gets into the question: Who should fact-check online information? Meta's recent decision to end its professional fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram in favor of a community-based system sparked a significant debate. For years, professional fact-checkers with rigorous training have been the gatekeepers of truth, meticulously investigating claims and ensuring accuracy with...

In this week's episode of UnSpun, Inspired by the tragic New Year's attack in New Orleans, we explore the research on how social media can create echo chambers that manipulate and radicalize people online. But it's not all doom and gloom—we also highlight the positive aspects of social media, such as connecting with loved ones, finding communities, and online organizing. Join DrSturg a...

If you feel like we're divided, you're not wrong. Dr. Sturg takes you though the strategic manipulation of public opinion through the wedge strategy. This week, explore how politicians deliberately create and weaponize wedge issues to manipulate voter emotions, exploit social tensions, and even reshape the political landscape. From the civil rights movement to the COVID-19 pandemic, this e...