Conspiracy theories feel new because we encounter them in the moment. Dr. Lee Kuhnle says most of them are not new at all.

The COVID and 5G network conspiracy had a near-identical version with H1N1 and 4G, and before that SARS and 3G. Vaccine protest signs from 1880s Lester, England, documented in Heidi J. Larson's book Stuck, carried the same arguments heard in 2020 and 2022: ulterior motives, rushed testing, government overreach. Dr. Lee Kuhnle says recognizing the recycled narrative is one of the most useful tools available for evaluating whether a new conspiracy has substance behind it.

The harder problem he identifies is that both extreme skepticism and total credulity leave people vulnerable to manipulation. Algorithms already know which end of that spectrum you sit on and feed you accordingly. His new book, Uncover Up: How to Think Clearly in the Age of Conspiracies, co-written with Nathan Radke, is built around practical tools for finding the ground in between.

Topics: conspiracy theories, vaccine hesitancy history, Uncover Up book, recycled narratives, critical thinking

GUEST: Dr. Lee Kuhnle | http://amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873/

Originally aired on 2026-05-06

Conspiracy theories feel new because we encounter them in the moment. Dr. Lee Kuhnle says most of them are not new at all.
The COVID and 5G network conspiracy had a near-identical version with H1N1 and 4G, and before that SARS and 3G. Vaccine protest signs from 1880s Lester, England, documented in Heidi J. Larson's book Stuck, carried the same arguments heard in 2020 and 2022: ulterior motives, rushed testing, government overreach. Dr. Lee Kuhnle says recognizing the recycled narrative is one of the most useful tools available for evaluating whether a new conspiracy has substance behind it.
The harder problem he identifies is that both extreme skepticism and total credulity leave people vulnerable to manipulation. Algorithms already know which end of that spectrum you sit on and feed you accordingly. His new book, Uncover Up: How to Think Clearly in the Age of Conspiracies, co-written with Nathan Radke, is built around practical tools for finding the ground in between.
Topics: conspiracy theories, vaccine hesitancy history, Uncover Up book, recycled narratives, critical thinking
GUEST: Dr. Lee Kuhnle |<a href="http://amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873/"> http://amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873/</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-06

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.