Episodes
Nov. 19, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 19: Decoding the Paradox of Contradictory Conspiracy Theories
In this episode, we explore the perplexing phenomenon of individuals holding multiple contradictory conspiracy theories simultaneously. We delve into the psychology behind this paradox, examining the underlying motivations an...
Nov. 18, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 18: Overcoming Worst-Case Scenario Thinking
Episode Summary: In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore the concept of worst-case scenario thinking and examine whether it is a realistic or productive way to approach political and social issues. We delve into...
Nov. 17, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 17: The Anchoring Effect
In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we look at another cognitive bias, exploring the pervasive phenomenon known as the anchoring effect. This bias, often employed in outrage media, can subtly influence our political jud...
Nov. 16, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 16: Worst-Case Scenario Thinking
In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore the pervasive and potentially detrimental cognitive bias known as worst-case scenario thinking. What is Worst-Case Scenario Thinking? Worst-case scenario thinking is the t...
Nov. 15, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 15: Truth Bias and the Illusory Truth Effect
In this episode of Outrage Science Bites , we explore two cognitive biases that can trick us into believing things that aren't true: truth bias and the illusory truth effect. Truth bias is the tendency of our brains to initia...
Nov. 14, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 14: The Science Behind Conspiracy Theories and Other Unsubstantiated Claims
In this episode, we explore the science behind conspiracy theories and other unsubstantiated claims. We discuss why people believe in these things, even when there is no evidence to support them. We also talk about the link b...
Nov. 13, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 13: Intentionally Complicating Your Life to Improve Conflict Resolution
In this episode, we talk about the importance of intentionally complicating our lives in order to avoid oversimplification and embrace complexity. This is especially important when dealing with divisive issues. When we are pr...
Nov. 12, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 12: The E=mc² of Social Science
In this episode, we explore the fear of social death, or the fear of being ostracized or rejected by our social group. We discuss how this fear is more powerful than the fear of physical death, and how it motivates our behavi...
Nov. 11, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 11: The Science of Hate: How Political Sectarianism Is Breaking Us Apart
In this episode of the Outrage Science Bites podcast, we discuss the concept of political sectarianism and its dangers. What is political sectarianism? How does it differ from partisanship? And why is it so dangerous for our ...
Nov. 10, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 10: The Science Behind the Outrage
In today's hyperconnected world, we are constantly bombarded with information, much of it designed to evoke strong emotional reactions. This phenomenon, known as outrage culture, has become increasingly pervasive, seeping int...
Nov. 9, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 9: Naive Realism: How Our Assumptions Fuel Outrage
In this episode of the Outrage Science Bites podcast , we explore the concept of naive realism and how it contributes to outrage. Naive realism is the belief that we have direct access to reality and that our own perspectives...
Nov. 8, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 8: Unpacking Truth: The Role of Narratives in Our Search for Meaning
Welcome to the Outrage Science Bites podcast, your daily dose of insights into the complex world of politics and human behavior. I'm your host, and today, on day eight of the NaPodPoMo challenge, we cover a critical topic - t...
Nov. 7, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 7: How Neuroplasticity and Embodiment Can Help Us Think More Critically
In this episode of the Outrage Science Bites podcast, I discuss how neural plasticity and embodiment can help us break the cycle of outrage. I try to explain what neural plasticity is and how it can be exploited by outrage me...
Nov. 6, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 6: Vicious Cycles vs. Virtuous Cycles
In this episode of the Outrage Science Bites podcast, we discuss the vicious cycle of outrage messaging and how to flip the script on it. We explain what outrage messaging is, why it is so effective, and how it is polarizing ...
Nov. 5, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 5: Mirror Neurons and Our Outrage Addiction
This episode is about outrage porn and mirror neurons. David talks about what outrage porn is and why it is so attractive to us. He then explains what mirror neurons are and how they may play a role in outrage porn. He conclu...
Nov. 4, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 4: Why Just Giving People Facts Doesn't Work
The information deficit model is a theory of science communication that suggests that people will change their beliefs and behaviors if they are simply given more information. However, research has shown that this model is no...
Nov. 3, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 3: How Our Brains Respond to Moral Injustices
Moral outrage is a powerful emotion that can motivate us to take action against injustice. But too much outrage can also have negative consequences for our health and well-being. In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we d...
Nov. 2, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 2: Cross-Cutting Social Groups
In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we discuss three important concepts related to outrage: cross-cutting social groups, affective polarization, and selective exposure. Cross-cutting social groups are social groups that...
Nov. 1, 2023
NaPodPoMo Day 1: 30-day podcast challenge and Outrage Science Bites Introduction
Outrage Overload, the podcast that explores the science and psychology of outrage, is launching a new podcast for NaPodPoMo, the National Podcast Post Month challenge. The new podcast, called Outrage Science Bites, will be a ...