Misguided: The Podcast

• Misguided: A Lunchtime Chat About Misinformation with Matthew Facciani and Elisabeth Marnik

  Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video with Elisabeth Marnik, PhD! We discussed my new book Misguided, the social science of misinformation, and how we can promote critical thinking and better media literacy. We also discussed the psychology and sociology behind false beliefs, the importance of trust and identity, and what actually works when combating misinformation and promoting science communication. Thanks to everyone who tuned in — more live chats to come! Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Between Worlds: Identity, Vulnerability, and the Power of Critical Thinking

  I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Esha Lovrić—social scientist, educator, and advocate for critical thinking—about how life transitions and emotional vulnerability shape the way we interpret the world around us.Esha shares her personal journey as a Fijian Indian immigrant navigating Western culture, and how those early experiences led her to sociology—and eventually to teaching critical thinking as a tool for self-understanding. We explore the concept of liminal spaces—those uncertain, in-between phases of life—and how they can leave us more open to misinformation, conspiracy thinking, and ideological pull, especially in today’s hyper-connected digital landscape.Esha’s insights reinforce a theme I return to often: confronting misinformation isn’t just about having the right facts—it’s about understanding the emotional, social, and psychological conditions in which beliefs form. Our emotional and relational needs shape how we process information in the first place—and understanding that is a crucial component of critical thinking.Read about Esha’s work on her website and subscribe to her newsletterFollow Esha on ThreadsKeywords: Critical Thinking, Misinformation, Liminality, Social Psychology, Identity and BeliefVulnerability, Sociology, Culture, Cognitive Bias, Social Media and TrustMisguided: The Podcast - Apple PodcastsMisguided: The Podcast | Podcast on SpotifyMisguided - YouTube Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Thinking Is Power: Helping People Navigate Truth, Science, and Bias

  In this episode, I talk with Melanie Trecek-King — biology professor, science communicator, and creator of Thinking Is Power. I’ve been a fan of her content for years, and it was great to finally chat with her on my podcast. We discuss her journey from teaching biology and ecology to developing a critical thinking course that teaches skills, not just facts. Melanie shares how her frustration with traditional science education inspired her to focus on critical thinking education, skepticism, and understanding our own biases. We also talk about the challenges of engaging with misinformation online (and social media), building trust in science, and how to teach critical thinking without triggering defensiveness — all with a healthy dose of humor.Keywordscritical thinking, science communication, misinformation, skepticism, media literacy, cognitive biases, trust in science, education, social media, identity and belief, Thinking Is PowerThinking is Power websiteThinking is Power on FacebookThinking is Power on Instagram Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Preparing High School Students to Navigate Disinformation and Polarization

  In this episode of Misguided, I’m joined by Dr. Kevin Meuwissen, professor of education at the University of Rochester, to explore one of the most urgent questions in education today: how do we prepare young people to navigate a world overflowing with disinformation, political polarization, and fractured trust?We discuss Kevin’s journey from high school teacher to researcher, and how those experiences shaped his work training educators to tackle tough topics like conspiracy theories, fake news, and historical distortion in the classroom. He shares how his professional learning cadre helps teachers engage students in meaningful conversations about truth, credibility, and civic responsibility, all while contending with social, political, and institutional pressures.Keywordsmedia literacy, misinformation, disinformation, political polarization, civic education, critical thinking, information literacy, social studies, public trust, high school education, communication, Kevin MeuwissenKevin Meuwissen’s University of Rochester website‪Kevin Meuwissen‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬Kevin Meuwissen on Bluesky Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Beyond the Buzzword: Rethinking Misinformation with Claire Wardle

  Today’s guest is Dr. Claire Wardle, a professor in the Department of Communication at Cornell University and one of the world’s leading experts on misinformation, media literacy, and public trust in science. Over the past two decades, she’s trained journalists around the globe, worked with organizations like the UN and the BBC, and co-founded both the nonprofit First Draft and the Information Futures Lab at Brown University.In this conversation, we dive into the challenges of defining and labeling misinformation, the importance of clear communication during times of uncertainty, and the emotional and social reasons people share content online. We also explore what it would look like if institutions—and academics—communicated in more human, engaging ways.I’ve cited Dr. Wardle’s work many times, so it was great to speak with her directly. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!Keywordsmedia literacy, misinformation, public trust, communication, social media, information sharing, community engagement, science communication, AIClaire Wardle’s Cornell WebsiteClaire Wardle on BlueskyFirst Draft Information Futures Lab at Brown University Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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