
About this episode
Yascha Mounk and Michael Shermer discuss the challenges of debunking conspiracy theories while preserving free speech.
Yascha Mounk and Michael Shermer delve into the art of debunking dangerous ideas without silencing free speech. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and the host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show. His new book is Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters. In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Michael Shermer discuss conspiracy theories from the plausible to the wild, how to assess whether a conspiracy theory is accurate, and discovering the truth in a convoluted world. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: leonora.barclay@persuasion.community Podcast production by Jack Shields and Leonora Barclay. Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google X: @Yascha_Mounk & @JoinPersuasion YouTube: Yascha Mounk, Persuasion LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Yascha Mounk
Guest: Michael Shermer
Topics covered
- conspiracy theories
- truth
- free speech
- debunking ideas
- critical thinking
Keywords
- conspiracy theories
- truth
- free speech
- debunking
- Skeptic magazine
- Michael Shermer
- Yascha Mounk
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Skeptic magazine, The Michael Shermer Show
Books & works: Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters
More episodes of The Good Fight
- Rebecca Haw Allensworth on How Professional Licenses are Rigging the Game for Insiders · June 9, 2026 · 49 min
- Steve Stewart-Williams on Sex Differences and Human Nature · June 6, 2026 · 60 min
- Jeremiah Johnson on Why Gen Z Isn’t Actually Doomed · June 2, 2026 · 49 min
- Kathryn Paige Harden on How Genetics Shapes Human Behavior · May 30, 2026 · 1h 4m
- H.W. Brands on the Making of George Washington · May 26, 2026 · 1h 17m
- James Traub on Why American Classrooms Are Failing Democracy · May 23, 2026 · 54 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Good Fight podcast page.