The Origins of Conspiracy Theories: JFK, Suspicion, and the Rise of Distrust

Inside the Smoke and Mirrors: Unpacking the Origins of Conspiracy Theories

What do the moon landing, lizard people, and your uncle’s Facebook posts have in common? They all owe a debt to the granddaddy of modern conspiracy theories: JFK.

This week on Minds and Machines, we’re kicking off a multi-part dive into the world of conspiracy theories—where truth is stranger than fiction, and fiction is sometimes wearing a tinfoil hat. Part one takes us back in time to explore how conspiracy theories became a cultural force, why JFK’s assassination was a turning point in the public’s trust of government narratives, and what role storytelling plays in keeping these theories alive.

We’ll unpack the psychological, historical, and cultural roots of conspiracies—and yes, we do go down a few rabbit holes. But we promise to bring snacks.

Whether you’re a full-blown skeptic or the kind of person who won’t drink tap water, this episode is for you.

🎙️ New episode drops this Thursday.
Bring your critical thinking… and maybe your decoder ring.