Misbelief: Why Smart People Believe Strange Things

11/02/2025 34 min

Listen "Misbelief: Why Smart People Believe Strange Things"

Episode Synopsis

Join behavioral economist Dan Ariely as he deconstructs the psychology of irrational beliefs. Each episode examines why intelligent people embrace conspiracy theories and misinformation, drawing from Ariely's personal experience as a conspiracy target. Through research and case studies, explore how stress, cognitive biases, and social dynamics shape our beliefs. Learn why debunking myths isn't enough and discover evidence-based approaches for building more resilient minds and communities. Essential listening for anyone seeking to understand why people believe what they believe and how to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.