Unspun

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 civil discourse? Listen in as we explor...

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 accidental. #PoliticalMetaphors #MediaLi...

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:

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• 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://...

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 wondered what happens whe...

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 consumer, can do to stay informed.

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 reshaping the conversation today. W...

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 tactics newsmakers use to reshape reality....

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.

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-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/in...

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.

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 you questioning ...

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.

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.

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 a systematic approach.

Now, Meta is ...

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 as we discuss mindful consumpt...

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 episode provides a comprehensive analy...