Episodes

Nov. 12, 2024

Healthy Conflict: How to disagree without outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 12

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore the complexities of healthy conflict: the delicate balance between fighting for justice and avoiding the destructive forces of hate and violence. Peter Coleman, a conflict ...
Nov. 11, 2024

The Psychology of Tribalism - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 11

This episode of Outrage Science Bites explores the psychology of tribalism and why we tend to stick to our sides in the political arena. Tribalism refers to the way we form groups based on shared identities, beliefs, and affi...
Nov. 10, 2024

The Polarization of America - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 10

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckemeyer explores the growing polarization in America. Social psychologist Peter Ditto introduces the concept of political sectarianism, arguing that politics has shifted...
Nov. 9, 2024

Extremism and Outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 9

This episode of Outrage Science Bites explores the link between outrage and extremism. Outrage is a powerful motivator that can lead to radicalization when it goes unchecked. The episode discusses how outrage can cloud our th...
Nov. 8, 2024

The Root Causes of Political Polarization - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 8

This episode explores the root causes of political polarization, focusing on the psychological drivers behind our toxic political environment. We explore: * Tribalism and Group Identity: Humans' innate tendency to form in-gro...
Nov. 7, 2024

Information Literacy: Combatting Disinformation and Improving Media Consumption - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 7

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore how information literacy can help us navigate the turbulent waters of modern media and political polarization. Three expert guests share their unique perspectives on the s...
Nov. 6, 2024

Digital Detox: Reclaiming Mental Health in the Age of Outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 6

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we're tackling the overwhelming digital world and its impact on our mental well-being. We'll explore the risks of passively consuming a constant stream of news and outrage-inducing c...
Nov. 5, 2024

Echo Chambers and How They Amplify Outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 5

Feeling bombarded by political outrage? This episode of Outrage Science Bites discusses the science behind why we get so riled up, especially online. Host, David Beckemeyer, explores how social media algorithms and partisan n...
Nov. 4, 2024

Disinformation and Outrage: How false information stokes the flames - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 4

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we discuss the disturbing relationship between disinformation and outrage. We explore how false information, strategically designed to mislead and manipulate, can ignite anger and dee...
Nov. 3, 2024

Outrage Porn: What it is and why it's so addictive - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 3

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we dive deep into the world of outrage porn, exploring its definition, its pervasiveness in media, and the psychological reasons behind its addictive nature. We discuss how media out...
Nov. 2, 2024

Social Media's Impact: How algorithms fuel outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 2

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we delve into the significant impact of social media algorithms on the content we consume and our emotional responses. Experts Mike Serazio, Tobias Rose-Stockwell, David Troy, and Ari...
Nov. 1, 2024

Media's Role in Amplifying Outrage - NaPodPoMo 2024 - Day 1

In this episode, we explore the challenges of traditional news media in the United States. From financial pressures to the competition for viewers, we examine the reasons why news outlets often prioritize sensationalism over ...
June 28, 2024

31: Down the Rabbit Hole: How YouTube Poisons Minds

This episode of Outrage Science Bites with David Beckemeyer dives into a troubling trend: the potential for YouTube's recommendation algorithm to lead viewers down a rabbit hole of misinformation, regardless of their initial ...
Nov. 30, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 30: Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos

Winding down the NaPodPoMo 30-day challenge with some practical guidance from personal experience and learnings from the experts I’ve had on the Outrage Overload podcast . Check out all 30 episodes of the Outrage Science Byte...
Nov. 29, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 29: Identifying and Combating Outrage Porn

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , the companion podcast to the Outrage Overload podcast, David Beckemeyer discusses how to identify and avoid outrage porn. He provides tips on how to evaluate sources, check for multi...
Nov. 28, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 28: Breaking Free from the Rage Vortex

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , host David Beckemeyer delves into the reasons why we're addicted to outrage porn and explores strategies to break free from its grip. To combat our addiction to outrage porn, Beckeme...
Nov. 27, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 27: 2024 Election - The Existential Threat of the Other Side

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , host David Beckemeyer explores the dangers of political sectarianism and the belief that the other side poses an existential threat to democracy. He discusses a recent Brookings Inst...
Nov. 26, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 26: Anger vs. Passion

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckmeyer explores the complexities of anger, passion, and moral indignation, examining their role in shaping news narratives and influencing societal discourse. He delves ...
Nov. 25, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 25: The Outrage Industry

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , David Beckmeyer explores the concept of the "outrage engine," a term he uses to describe the system of incentives and feedback loops that amplify and perpetuate outrage in society. H...
Nov. 24, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 24: Spring Forward, Fall Back, and Maybe Calm Down

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we take a lighthearted look at the outrage associated with daylight saving time (DST). We discuss the history of DST, its benefits and drawbacks, and our collective tendency to get w...
Nov. 23, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 23: De-Platforming vs. Free Speech: The Case of Father Coughlin

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore the rise and fall of Father Coughlin, a Catholic priest who became one of the most popular and influential radio personalities in the United States during the 1930s. Cough...
Nov. 22, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 22: Real-World Examples of Manufactured Outrage

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore the real-world consequences of manufactured outrage. We examine two high-profile cases, the Jesse Smollett hoax and the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, as examples of how out...
Nov. 21, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 21: Informed, Enlightened, and a Little Outraged

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we take a meta-perspective, stepping back to reflect on the journey we've been on so far and outlining the direction we're heading in. We've delved into the fascinating realm of cogn...
Nov. 20, 2023

NaPodPoMo Day 20: Dispelling Myths of the COVID-19 Response

In this episode, we talk plainly about the complex landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic response, exploring key takeaways and recommendations from a comprehensive investigative report. Key Points: * The episode provides a summa...