When the internet convinces you you're being followed
Summary
Hosts Ryan Broderick and Grant Irving discuss the history and psychology of gang stalking paranoia with guest Carson Pace of Calistow. They trace the phenomenon from early 1990s forums to its modern iteration, exploring how it functions as a potential psychological operation or self-reinforcing delusion. The conversation covers the shift of these beliefs from left-wing to right-wing circles, the impact of QAnon on conspiracy communities, and the strange class dynamics of those who believe they are being targeted.
Topics discussed
Intro and Checkout.com ad
Tour mishaps: Guitarist falls off stage
Discussion on hardcore shows in Florida
Defining the genre and subreddit fears
Origins of interest in gang stalking
The ambulance poster and personal anecdotes
Academic definition and feedback loops
Gang stalking as a potential PSYOP
Webby Award and early mind control sites
QAnon, Pizzagate, and government ineptitude
Social media echo chambers and trust
Who gets targeted? Demographics and politics
Class dynamics and the 'they' narrative
Theories on who the stalkers are
Racist extremism ruining conspiracy fun
OCD and intrusive thoughts ad
Washington Post coverage in 2007
Satire, MKUltra, and the fun of paranoia
The decline of QAnon and fragmentation
Viral accounts and right-wing fragmentation
Expert opinions on delusions and social media
Personal stories of falling for theories
Why paranoia persists in modern politics
Atlanta construction and money laundering theories
The two-step process of belief formation
Show announcements and Anthropic ad
Gang stalking becoming its own thing in 2011
Impact of COVID on targeted individuals
Medication and breaking the delusion cycle
Subway Morse code and testing reality
Mass shootings and the lack of counter-sites
Why Joe Rogan hasn't covered gang stalking
Subreddit posts about Joe Rogan and Steve Beckman
Current state: YouTube and anti-government focus
Celebrity targeted individuals: Isaac Brock and Randy Quaid
Schizotypal delusions and cultural ephemera
Tour update and heavy music scene status
Band recommendations and hyperpop influence
Viral mosh pit moments
Outro and Checkout.com ad
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