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PODCAST

Outrage Science Bites

David Beckemeyer

I’m publishing one podcast episode per day again in the month of November 2025 as part of a challenge called NaPodPoMo. It stands for National Podcast Post Month. November is National Podcast Post Month, and the goal of the challenge is 30 podcast episodes in 30 days. These will be bite-sized episodes related to the Outrage Overload podcast, on various topics, such as describing scientific phenomena discussed on the show. outrageoverload.substack.com

science

All Episodes

6:19

30: Down the Rabbit Hole: How YouTube Poisons Minds

Outrage Science Bites ·

2024/06/28

This episode of Outrage Science Bites with David Beckemeyer dives into a troubling trend: the potential for YouTube's recommendation algorithm to lead viewers down a rabbit hole of misinformation, regardless of their initial interests.The episode explores a recent study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) that examined how YouTube curates content for users. You'll hear how seemingly harmless viewing can take a surprising turn, with the algorithm recommending videos that raise

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14:37

NaPodPoMo Day 30: Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/30

Winding down the NaPodPoMo 30-day challenge with some practical guidance from personal experience and learnings from the experts I’ve had on the Outrage Overload podcast.Check out all 30 episodes of the Outrage Science Bytes podcast.Visit outrageoverload.net or click here to leave feedback for me. Get full access to Outrage Overload Newsletter at outrageoverload.substack.com/subscribe

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15:01

NaPodPoMo Day 29: Identifying and Combating Outrage Porn

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/29

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, the companion podcast to the Outrage Overload podcast, David Beckemeyer discusses how to identify and avoid outrage porn. He provides tips on how to evaluate sources, check for multiple perspectives, and prioritize credibility over sensationalism. He also discusses the importance of taking breaks from social media and other news sources to avoid outrage overload.Key Points:* Outrage porn is media that is designed to evoke strong emotions, particularly

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8:00

NaPodPoMo Day 28: Breaking Free from the Rage Vortex

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/28

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckemeyer delves into the reasons why we're addicted to outrage porn and explores strategies to break free from its grip.To combat our addiction to outrage porn, Beckemeyer suggests practicing empathy, inclusivity, and self-awareness. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our perceived superiority is subjective and that engaging with outrage often leads to destructive outcomes.Key Takeaways:* Outrage porn fuels negative emotions and

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8:37

NaPodPoMo Day 27: 2024 Election - The Existential...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/27

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckemeyer explores the dangers of political sectarianism and the belief that the other side poses an existential threat to democracy. He discusses a recent Brookings Institution study that found that a majority of Americans believe that the future of democracy is at stake in the 2024 presidential election. He also examines how this belief can lead to violence, as evidenced by the January 6th Capitol attack. Beckemeyer argues that we need to step

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11:28

NaPodPoMo Day 26: Anger vs. Passion

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/26

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckmeyer explores the complexities of anger, passion, and moral indignation, examining their role in shaping news narratives and influencing societal discourse. He delves into the distinction between these emotions, highlighting the positive potential of passion while acknowledging the destructive consequences of unchecked anger.Actionable Insights:* Become a more mindful and discerning consumer of information by critically evaluating the sources

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9:38

NaPodPoMo Day 25: The Outrage Industry

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/25

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, David Beckmeyer explores the concept of the "outrage engine," a term he uses to describe the system of incentives and feedback loops that amplify and perpetuate outrage in society. He discusses how this system is weaponized by politicians, media outlets, and other groups to achieve their own agendas, often at the expense of constructive dialogue and problem-solving. Beckmeyer also highlights the dangers of an outrage-fueled society, including its negative

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6:16

NaPodPoMo Day 24: Spring Forward, Fall Back, and...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/24

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we take a lighthearted look at the outrage associated with daylight saving time (DST). We discuss the history of DST, its benefits and drawbacks, and our collective tendency to get worked up about it. We conclude by encouraging us to embrace the absurdity of the situation and appreciate the relative simplicity of our modern timekeeping system.Resources:* Outrage Overload podcast: outrageoverload.net* Outrage Science Bites podcastCall to Action:* Take a

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13:21

NaPodPoMo Day 23: De-Platforming vs. Free Speech: The...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/23

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore the rise and fall of Father Coughlin, a Catholic priest who became one of the most popular and influential radio personalities in the United States during the 1930s. Coughlin's message of populism and anti-Semitism resonated with millions of Americans who were struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression. However, his influence began to decline as his rhetoric became increasingly radical and his ties to Nazi Germany were exposed.Key

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8:12

NaPodPoMo Day 22: Real-World Examples of Manufactured...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/22

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore the real-world consequences of manufactured outrage. We examine two high-profile cases, the Jesse Smollett hoax and the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, as examples of how outrage media can be used to spread misinformation and fuel violence. We also discuss the psychological phenomena and cognitive biases that contribute to the spread of false information.Key Takeaways:* The Jesse Smollett hoax and the Pizzagate conspiracy theory are just two examples

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4:50

NaPodPoMo Day 21: Informed, Enlightened, and a Little...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/21

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we take a meta-perspective, stepping back to reflect on the journey we've been on so far and outlining the direction we're heading in. We've delved into the fascinating realm of cognitive biases, uncovering the mechanisms behind these mental shortcuts and their profound impact on our perceptions and behaviors. We're now transitioning from the theoretical realm of cognitive science to the practical applications of this knowledge.Call to Action:Join us as we

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24:25

NaPodPoMo Day 20: Dispelling Myths of the COVID-19...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/20

In this episode, we talk plainly about the complex landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic response, exploring key takeaways and recommendations from a comprehensive investigative report.Key Points:* The episode provides a summary of a book titled "Lessons from the COVID War, An Investigative Report" compiled by 34 experts, offering insights into the U.S. response to the pandemic.* Key takeaways include the complexity of the challenge, inadequate leadership at the federal level, and the exacerbation of

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13:12

NaPodPoMo Day 19: Decoding the Paradox of...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/19

In this episode, we explore the perplexing phenomenon of individuals holding multiple contradictory conspiracy theories simultaneously. We delve into the psychology behind this paradox, examining the underlying motivations and psychological factors that drive such beliefs.Key Points:* The ability to simultaneously believe in contradictory conspiracy theories is a real and observable phenomenon.* Several psychological factors contribute to this phenomenon, including a general distrust of authority

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8:55

NaPodPoMo Day 18: Overcoming Worst-Case Scenario...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/18

Episode Summary:In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore the concept of worst-case scenario thinking and examine whether it is a realistic or productive way to approach political and social issues. We delve into two specific examples: the fear that if a particular candidate wins the presidency, the country will be destroyed. We analyze the likelihood of such outcomes and discuss the resilience of the United States as a democracy.We look at two commonly expressed fears:* If Donald Trump

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6:53

NaPodPoMo Day 17: The Anchoring Effect

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/17

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we look at another cognitive bias, exploring the pervasive phenomenon known as the anchoring effect. This bias, often employed in outrage media, can subtly influence our political judgments and decisions, fueling affective polarization.What is the Anchoring Effect?The anchoring effect refers to the tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information we encounter, particularly if it involves numbers. This initial information, or "anchor," can shape our

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5:36

NaPodPoMo Day 16: Worst-Case Scenario Thinking

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/16

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore the pervasive and potentially detrimental cognitive bias known as worst-case scenario thinking.What is Worst-Case Scenario Thinking?Worst-case scenario thinking is the tendency to focus on the most negative and improbable outcomes, often driven by fear and anxiety. This bias can manifest in various ways, influencing our perceptions, decisions, and actions.Impact of Worst-Case Scenario Thinking:The pervasiveness of worst-case scenario thinking can

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7:33

NaPodPoMo Day 15: Truth Bias and the Illusory Truth...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/15

In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, we explore two cognitive biases that can trick us into believing things that aren't true: truth bias and the illusory truth effect.Truth bias is the tendency of our brains to initially tag incoming information as true. This can make us more vulnerable to misinformation and manipulation.The illusory truth effect is the tendency to believe information is true if we hear it repeated a lot. This is why fake news and propaganda can be so effective.We can combat

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8:18

NaPodPoMo Day 14: The Science Behind Conspiracy...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/14

In this episode, we explore the science behind conspiracy theories and other unsubstantiated claims. We discuss why people believe in these things, even when there is no evidence to support them. We also talk about the link between conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and paranormal beliefs.Key Takeaways:* People who believe in one conspiracy theory are more likely to believe in other conspiracy theories, even if they are unrelated. This is because there is a general tendency to believe in

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5:09

NaPodPoMo Day 13: Intentionally Complicating Your...

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/13

In this episode, we talk about the importance of intentionally complicating our lives in order to avoid oversimplification and embrace complexity. This is especially important when dealing with divisive issues.When we are presented with information about a divisive issue, we tend to focus on the information that confirms our existing beliefs. We also tend to ignore or dismiss the information that challenges them. This is because we have a natural tendency to want to feel comfortable and secure in

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6:21

NaPodPoMo Day 12: The E=mc² of Social Science

Outrage Science Bites ·

2023/11/12

In this episode, we explore the fear of social death, or the fear of being ostracized or rejected by our social group. We discuss how this fear is more powerful than the fear of physical death, and how it motivates our behavior in a variety of ways. We also explore how the fear of social death plays into our relationship with outrage and outrage media.Key Points:* The fear of social death is the fear of being ostracized or rejected by our social group.* It is more powerful than the fear of physical

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