ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Conspiracies: why people change their mind
Conspiracies: why people change their mind
Conspiracies: why people change their mind
Saturday 13th July 2024
Explore the journeys of three former conspiracy theorists as they share their emotional paths to breaking free from deeply held beliefs.
31 minutes
Honest
Raw
Hopeful
Supportive
Eye-opening
About this podcast
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ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Breaking Free from Conspiracy Theories: Real Stories of Transformation
Episode Overview
- Stephanie's realisation about the harm caused by her beliefs.
- Joel's shift in perspective through higher education.
- Jules' transformation influenced by her children.
- The emotional toll of living in a fabricated reality.
- The liberating feeling of letting go of toxic beliefs.
"I didn't stop believing in conspiracy theories. I became repelled by them."
Imagine waking up one day and realising that everything you believed in was a lie. That's exactly what happened to Stephanie, Jules, and Joel, three former conspiracy theorists who share their eye-opening journeys in this episode of All In The Mind. Host Sana Khadar, along with producer Anna Kelsey Sugg, dives into the complex world of conspiracy theories and how these individuals managed to break free from their deeply entrenched beliefs.
From the belief in 9/11 conspiracies to anti-vaccine sentiments, each story is unique and raw, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of living in a fabricated reality. Stephanie recounts her obsession with 9/11 conspiracies, which began during a tumultuous period in her life. She describes the intense rush of discovering 'secret knowledge' and the eventual crash when she realised the harm her beliefs caused.
Her turning point came when a friend revealed a personal connection to the Sandy Hook tragedy, prompting Stephanie to question everything she once held true. Joel's journey started in childhood, surrounded by alternative beliefs and conspiracy theories. His faith in these ideas began to waver as he encountered new perspectives in higher education and witnessed the damaging effects of refusing medical treatment. He speaks candidly about the liberation he felt when he finally let go of these toxic beliefs.
Jules' story is equally compelling. After being homeless at 15, she found solace in an alternative community that held strong conspiracy beliefs. It wasn't until she moved to Australia and met new people that she began to question her views. A pivotal moment came when her children challenged her anti-vaccine stance, leading her to work as a PPE safety officer during the COVID-19 pandemic. These stories highlight the power of human resilience and the possibility of change.
Whether you're grappling with your own beliefs or know someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the process of breaking free from conspiracy theories. Tune in for a compelling exploration of the mind's capacity for transformation. So, are you ready to question your own beliefs and embrace a new perspective?