Conspiracy Theories
The world’s most controversial events, and the complex beliefs behind them. From Bigfoot sightings to bitcoin takeovers, alien landings to assassinations, who’s shaping the narrative — and why? Conspiracy Theories is a Spotify Podcast. New episodes Wednesdays.
326
Operation Ajax Pt. 1
After Iran nationalized its oil fields, a seminal coup erupted in 1953.
41 min
327
Cola Wars Pt. 2
New Coke was one of the biggest commercial flops in American history, and a massive success for Coca-Cola.
38 min
328
Cola Wars Pt. 1
In 1886, an Atlanta-area pharmacist created an American institution: Coca-Cola. Seven years later, their rival, Pepsi, debuted.
37 min
329
Frankenstein
19th century author Mary Shelley is known for penning the classic horror novel, Frankenstein. But many contest her authorship.
36 min
330
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been held as a seminal book of required reading in America.
39 min
331
The Mysterious Death of Ron Brown Pt. 2
On April 3rd, 1996, the weather in Croatia wasn't great — but it wasn't bad enough to explain why experienced Air Force pilots crashed into a mountain.
40 min
332
The Mysterious Death of Ron Brown Pt. 1
In 1996, during a trade mission to Croatia, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown and 34 other passengers died in a plane crash — one that seemed too bizarre to chalk up to an accident.
42 min
333
Peak Oil Pt. 2
Many experts believe the world will run out of oil in the next 30 years, and some people think the looming scarcity inspired unconscionable acts — like the Iraq War in 2003.
40 min
334
Peak Oil Pt. 1
In 1859, a prospector invented modern drilling technology and kicked off an oil rush in the United States.
39 min
335
Danny Casolaro & The Octopus Pt. 2
Was Danny Casolaro murdered for getting too close to The Octopus?
42 min
336
Danny Casolaro & The Octopus Pt. 1
In the early ‘90s, investigative journalist Danny Casolaro claimed he’d stumbled upon a clandestine organization made up of top government officials.
46 min
337
The NFL's Concussion Coverups Pt. 2
What took the NFL so long to admit the threat of traumatic brain injuries?
46 min
338
The NFL's Concussion Coverups Pt. 1
Could one of America's favorite pastimes be a silent killer?
46 min
339
Deepwater Horizon Pt. 2
Theories multiplied in online and radio discourse about the true perpetrators of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
41 min
340
Deepwater Horizon Pt. 1
In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and then sank, kickstarting one of the largest oil spills in history.
41 min
341
Brittany Murphy’s Death Pt. 2
Fans believed it was no coincidence that Brittany and her husband Simon died six months apart from the same complications.
43 min
342
Brittany Murphy’s Death Pt. 1
Her breakout role in 1995’s “Clueless” made her America’s sweetheart. But was Brittany Murphy also a murder victim?
44 min
343
Operation Gladio Pt. 2
For decades, the C.I.A. funded Operation Gladio and hid it from the public.
47 min
344
Operation Gladio Pt. 1
During the Cold War, a secret military operation hid hundreds of weapons caches throughout Europe.
44 min
345
Asbestos Cover-Up Pt. 2
Secret files, vanished reports, called-in favors… How far did corporations, lobbyists, and possibly even high-ranking U.S. politicians go to protect the billion dollar asbestos industry?
40 min
346
Asbestos Cover-Up Pt. 1
Once called a “magical mineral,” asbestos was used in everything from curtains to cigarette filters in the 20th century.
38 min
347
Fernald School Pt. 2
During the Cold War, the U.S. government funded radiation experiments on unwitting civilians — including a group of boys at Fernald.
42 min
348
Fernald School Pt. 1
Originally billed as an education center for people with intellectual disabilities, the Fernald School exploited thousands of kids for free labor.
44 min
349
Bermuda Triangle Pt. 2
This patch of ocean is at the center of famous disappearances, from the U.S.S. Cyclops to Naval Flight 19.
41 min
350
Bermuda Triangle Pt. 1
Ships vanish. Planes disappear. And no wreckage ever seems to surface.
40 min