Episode
Rumor Mills, Propaganda Machines, and Debunking Anti-Vaccine Misinformation with Renée DiResta
- Podcast
- Rethinking Wellness
- Published
- Jan 5, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2168
- Processing state
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Summary
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit rethinkingwellness.substack.com Social media researcher, professor, and author Renée DiResta joins us to discuss how anti-vaccine messaging spreads online – including ways we can combat the rise of wellness misinformation in 2026 and beyond. We also discuss how viral rumors spread on social media, why wellness influencers have become invisible rulers, the difference between moderating “good” and “bad” information, and how algorithms become propaganda machines. Behind the paywall, Renée offers advice on how to defend science in our local communities, simple ways to amplify good information online, what appropriate skepticism looks like, and why she still uses and recommends Reddit. Paid subscribers can hear the full interview, and the first half is available to all listeners. To read the full post and upgrade to paid, go to rethinkingwellness.substack.com . More from Christy: Christy's second book, The Wellness Trap , is available wherever books are sold! Order it here , or ask for it in your favorite local bookstore. If you're looking to make peace with food and break free from diet and wellness culture, check out Christy's Intuitive Eating Fundamentals online course . Subscribe on Substack for full interviews and more! Support the podcast by becoming a paid subscriber, and unlock great perks like extended interviews, subscriber-only Q&As, full access to our archives, commenting privileges, and a place to connect with other listeners.