Misguided: The Podcast

• Beyond the Buzzword: Rethinking Misinformation with Claire Wardle

  Today’s guest is Dr. Claire Wardle, a professor in the Department of Communication at Cornell University and one of the world’s leading experts on misinformation, media literacy, and public trust in science. Over the past two decades, she’s trained journalists around the globe, worked with organizations like the UN and the BBC, and co-founded both the nonprofit First Draft and the Information Futures Lab at Brown University.In this conversation, we dive into the challenges of defining and labeling misinformation, the importance of clear communication during times of uncertainty, and the emotional and social reasons people share content online. We also explore what it would look like if institutions—and academics—communicated in more human, engaging ways.I’ve cited Dr. Wardle’s work many times, so it was great to speak with her directly. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!Keywordsmedia literacy, misinformation, public trust, communication, social media, information sharing, community engagement, science communication, AIClaire Wardle’s Cornell WebsiteClaire Wardle on BlueskyFirst Draft Information Futures Lab at Brown University Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Bridging the Past and Present: History, Truth, and Social Connection

  In this episode of Misguided, Matthew Facciani speaks with historian and Analog Social founder Shae Omonijo about making history accessible, the importance of community, and how digital culture is reshaping human connection. Shae shares what inspired her to pursue a PhD in history, her efforts to bring historical knowledge to the public, and the origins of Analog Social, a project focused on reclaiming real-world interactions in a digital age. They also discuss how history is shaped, erased, and distorted—and how those lessons can help us combat misinformation today.Shae’s Harvard WebsiteShae’s Personal WebsiteShae the Historian SubstackAnalog Socialkeywordshistory, public history, misinformation, community, social connection, digital life, humanities, Analog Social, critical thinking, historical narratives00:13 – Introduction01:13 – What Inspired Shae to Study History?03:26 – Making History Public & The Power of Representation06:20 – Shae’s “100 Historic Black Women” Series09:22 – How History Gets Distorted & Misinformation in Historical Narratives13:16 – The Rise of Analog Social & Reclaiming Human Connection18:30 – The Future of Analog Social20:18 – Social Isolation & Misinformation: Are They Connected?23:37 – Why We Hold on to False Beliefs25:19 – Final Thoughts: The Future of History & Social Connection Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• How to Think Like a Fact-Checker with Joel Breakstone

  In this episode of Misguided, Dr. Joel Breakstone, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Digital Inquiry Group, joins me to discuss how we can better equip students to evaluate online information in an era of misinformation and AI-driven content. We explore the challenges of digital literacy, why some traditional fact-checking methods fall short, and evidence-based strategies—such as lateral reading—that actually help students distinguish credible sources from misinformation. Dr. Breakstone also shares insights from his research on how fact-checkers, students, and academics approach online sources differently, and what educators can do to integrate digital literacy into existing curricula. If you're interested in how we can teach people to think critically—rather than just telling them what to think—this episode is for you.Digital Inquiry GroupDr. Breakstone’s Google ScholarKeywords:digital literacy, media literacy, misinformation, fact-checking, lateral reading, critical thinking, online information, disinformation, civic online reasoning, education, Joel Breakstone, Stanford History Education Group, Digital Inquiry Group Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Kate the Chemist: From Blowing Things Up to Breaking Down Misinformation

  In this episode of Misguided: The Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kate Biberdorf—also known as Kate the Chemist—to discuss her journey from chemistry professor to science communicator and her new role as The University of Notre Dame’s Professor for the Public Understanding of Science. We explore the importance of making science engaging, the challenges of combating misinformation, and how social media can be both a powerful tool and a challenge for scientists. Dr. Biberdorf also shares insights into her approach to breaking down complex topics, her experiences blowing things up on TV, and her plans for a cutting-edge STEM studio. Whether you're a science enthusiast, educator, or just curious about the role of communication in today's information landscape, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.Kate the Chemist’s website and books Kate the Chemist’s InstagramKate the Chemist’s TikTokSeeking a Scientist podcastKeywordsscience communication, public understanding of science, misinformation, AI in science, engaging audiences, science outreach, academic roles, social media, chemistry education, building bridgesChapters01:15 Journey into Science and Communication03:04 The Role of Science Communication in Academia08:18 Social Media's Impact on Science Communication13:07 Combating Misinformation in Science16:16 Navigating Science Communication Challenges22:21 The Role of AI in Science Communication28:37 Promoting Scientific Literacy and Engagement Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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• Parenting in the Age of Misinformation

  Summary In this episode of Misguided the Podcast, host Matthew Facciani interviews Kavin Senapathy, a science writer and author of The Progressive Parent. We discuss various types of misinformation in parenting, the complexities of trust in scientific organizations, and the need for a nuanced understanding of health and medicine. Kavin also addresses the societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding and advocates for a broader perspective on child well-being.Kavin Senapathy’s new book: The Progressive ParentFollow Kavin on Instagram and FacebookKavin’s websiteKeywordsscience communication, parenting, misinformation, vaccines, trust, health, social justice, progressive values, child well-being, breastfeedingChapters00:00 The Journey into Science Communication05:11 The Progressive Parent: Themes and Insights09:28 Misinformation in Parenting13:48 Navigating Trust in Science and Vaccines17:47 The Complexity of Health and Medicine22:05 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Science Get full access to Misguided: The Newsletter at matthewfacciani.substack.com/subscribe

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