Unspun
Episodes
The new censorship and your right to know: UnSpun Journal Club
In this "journal club" episode, the host analyzes Ayala Pinesky’s book *The New Censorship*, which argues that populist authoritarians undermine free…
So God Made Trump: Christian Nationalism and Media
Host Amanda Sturgil examines the intersection of Christian nationalism and media, analyzing a viral video that frames Donald Trump as a divinely appointed savior.
Who Controls Your News Feed? Algorithms, Inequality, and the News You See (UnSpun Journal Club)
Host Amanda Stergel analyzes a study on "news experience" revealing how socioeconomic status dictates audience agency and perceived value.
Can You Trust Influencers? The Hidden Power of Parasocial Relationships
This Unspun episode explores parasocial relationships, where influencers use performative proximity to foster one-sided emotional bonds with audiences.
Science for the rest of us: Why experts need a megaphone (UnSpun Rewind)
Host Amanda Stergil critiques the "appeal to tradition" fallacy, using Alabama’s Confederate school names as an example of how history is misused to stifle progress.
Why quality news matters: Journalism and Democracy (UnSpun Rewind)
Host Amanda Stergil examines journalism’s role as democracy’s “fourth estate,” tracing its history from the penny press to modern challenges like declining local news and viral misinformation.