Podcast Debut Focuses on Conspiracy Theories

First episode of UC Davis' new podcast The Backdrop features historian Kathryn Olmsted

Conspiracy theories have circulated around the U.S. for centuries, but recently they have seeped into the mainstream consciousness like never before. On the first episode of The Backdrop, a UC Davis podcast exploring the world of ideas, historian Kathryn Olmsted discusses her work studying the history and impact of conspiracy theories on American society and politics. She also offers advice on how people can avoid falling prey to them.

Olmsted, a professor of history in the UC Davis College of Letters and Science, is author of the book Real Enemies: Conspiracy Theories and American Democracy, World War I to 9/11.  She has written two previous books on secrecy in the U.S. government.

The Backdrop podcast is a monthly interview program featuring conversations with UC Davis scholars and researchers working in the social sciences, humanities, arts and culture. It is available free, on demand at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, TuneIn and YouTube. The Backdrop is hosted by public radio veteran Soterios Johnson.

— Soterios Johnson, UC Davis News and Media Relations, wrote this article for UC Davis News & Information.