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    Part Two: How Alex Jones Got Rich at the Low, Low Price of Other People's Lives

    enSeptember 19, 2018

    Podcast Summary

    • Building community connections and personal growthEmbrace neighborly support, explore new experiences, prioritize health, and consider entrepreneurial opportunities.

      Building strong community connections can bring about meaningful social bonds and help prepare for unexpected events. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer's network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors for support and growth. On a different note, for those seeking an escape or change, there are various options available, such as ZYN nicotine pouches or online gaming platforms like Chumba Casino. Additionally, taking care of one's health through dental hygiene and nicotine alternatives is crucial. Lastly, the story of Alex Jones and Infowars Life showcases the potential for entrepreneurial success, even if it comes with controversy and ethical concerns.

    • Alex Jones's controversial supplements found to contain high levels of leadAlex Jones's Infowars sold potentially harmful supplements with excessive lead, prioritizing profits over consumer health

      The Center For Environmental Health, a group previously cited by Alex Jones as a legitimate source, discovered high levels of lead in some of his nutritional supplements, Caveman and Myco ZX. This raises concerns about the manufacturing processes and potential intent behind including lead in these products. Alex Jones's Infowars store, which started as a platform for selling conspiracy theory-related merchandise, evolved into selling overpriced health and nutrition products, including a bone broth with twice the recommended daily limit of lead. The financial success of Infowars, which was making an estimated $10 million per year in the mid-2000s, might have motivated Alex Jones to continue selling these potentially harmful products. The long-term health consequences for consumers are uncertain, but it's clear that Alex Jones has prioritized profits over the health and wellbeing of his listeners.

    • Infowars' Unique Business Model: Selling SupplementsInfowars generates revenue through selling dietary supplements using native advertising techniques, allowing them to maintain control over advertising and avoid sharing revenue with networks or syndicates.

      Infowars, hosted by Alex Jones, uses a unique business model to generate revenue primarily through selling dietary supplements, rather than relying on syndication fees or outside advertising. Jones integrates advertisements for his products seamlessly into his show, using "native advertising" techniques to disguise them as part of the content. This allows him to maintain control over the advertising on his platform and avoid sharing ad revenue with networks or syndicates. Despite the controversy surrounding some of the ingredients in his supplements, Jones' sales tactics have proven successful, with a former employee estimating that he can sell 500 supplements in an hour. The Infowars business model is a prime example of the infomercial-style approach to monetizing content, which has become increasingly popular in the podcasting industry.

    • The Power of Podcast Influencer MarketingPodcast hosts build trust with their audience, enabling effective influencer marketing through consistent communication and emotional connection.

      The trust developed between podcast hosts and their listeners through consistent communication has led to the rise of influencer marketing in podcasts. Alex Jones, a pioneer in this field, uses alarmism and preys on primal emotions to sell supplements, often making outlandish claims about their benefits. He sells these supplements, which he calls nutraceuticals, as more effective and affordable alternatives to expensive elitist supplements. The success of his approach is evident in the sales of his DNA Force pills, which he claims are developed using expensive ingredients and scientific methods, but are sold at a fraction of the cost of the elite supplements. Despite the questionable validity of his claims, Jones' fans trust him due to the relationship they've built through his podcast.

    • Infowars host Alex Jones promotes expensive, ineffective zinc supplementAlex Jones, host of Infowars, promotes a costly zinc supplement with little zinc content, while also using his platform to pressure companies for favorable deals.

      Alex Jones, the host of Infowars, promotes a supplement called AnthroPlex, claiming it to be a high-quality zinc supplement that can make people as buff as him. However, a lab report revealed that the supplement contains almost no zinc and is significantly more expensive than other zinc supplements. Additionally, Jones has been accused of strong-arming companies into giving him favorable deals for Infowars endorsements. Despite these concerns, Jones continues to emphasize the quality and purity of his products, often using himself as an example. He positions himself as part of the resistance against globalists and encourages his audience to join him in this fight. However, the validity and effectiveness of his products remain questionable.

    • Exploring new experiences and building connectionsMonopoly Go offers new challenges, Neighbor to Neighbor fosters community, Chumba Casino brings joy, and Meaningful Beauty focuses on self-acceptance. Be wary of manipulative marketing tactics.

      There are various ways to engage in new experiences, build connections in your community, and even brighten your day, as discussed in the context of Monopoly Go, Neighbor to Neighbor, Chumba Casino, and Meaningful Beauty. Monopoly Go offers constant new challenges and rewards, Neighbor to Neighbor empowers community building, Chumba Casino brings joy through free social casino games, and Meaningful Beauty focuses on confidence and self-acceptance at any age. Contrastingly, there are also examples of manipulative marketing tactics, such as those used by Alex Jones in his money bomb telethons, which exploit fear and vulnerability to sell products. It's essential to be aware of such practices and prioritize authentic connections and experiences in our lives.

    • Alex Jones' Infowars empire: Fear and salesAlex Jones built a multi-million dollar business by instilling fear and selling products, including supplements, water filtration systems, and body armor, to his trusting audience.

      Alex Jones built his Infowars empire by cultivating trust and fear among his audience, which he then used to sell various products, including supplements, water filtration systems, and body armor. The fear was instilled by convincing his audience that a conspiracy was perpetually threatening them, and the trust was built through the rapport he developed with his audience. By 2014, Alex Jones had amassed significant wealth from these sales, estimated to be over $20 million, and spent extravagantly on luxury items. However, the business model relies on spreading fear and conspiracy theories, which have been linked to inspiring violent acts. Jones' sales pitches for products often involve exaggerated claims and instilling fear, such as his claim that fluoride in water is part of a conspiracy to poison people. The use of fear and conspiracy theories to sell products raises concerns about the ethical implications of his business practices.

    • Alex Jones's Influence on Jared Loughner's RadicalizationAlex Jones's conspiracy theories and provocative rhetoric on Infowars may have influenced Jared Loughner's radicalization, contributing to his mass shooting in 2011.

      The actions and rhetoric of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, through his platform Infowars, may have contributed to the radicalization of Jared Loughner, who went on to commit a mass shooting in 2011. Loughner's post on Myspace referencing the "longest war in US history" and the "5% literacy rate" was not about Afghanistan, but about the infowar. He purchased ammunition hours before the shooting and was influenced by conspiracy theories, including those promoted by Jones and his film "Loose Change." After the shooting, Jones compared the condemnation of him and Infowars to McCarthyism, but he did not accept responsibility for inciting Loughner. Jones's content, which includes specific calls to action and targets, can be seen as contributing to a primal "them or us" mentality that may lead unstable individuals to violent action. While Jones himself does not pull the trigger, his words can be seen as implanting subliminal messages that inspire violence. It's important to note that Loughner's radicalization was not solely due to Jones, but Jones was a significant influence in his intellectual development.

    • The Power of Calls to Action in Marketing ScriptsMarketers like Alex Jones use persuasive language in calls to action, which can have unintended consequences, such as inspiring violence.

      The call to action in marketing scripts, such as those used by controversial figure Alex Jones, can have a powerful impact on audiences, even if unintended. This was highlighted in the discussion of the 2009 shooting of three police officers by Richard Andrew Poplawski, who was influenced by Jones' content on Infowars. Poplawski's beliefs in a growing police state and impending collapse aligned with Jones' rhetoric, and his frequent visits to the site led some to interpret Jones' globalist references as anti-Semitic. The term "globalist" is often used as a code word for Jews in certain far-right communities, and Jones has been accused of propagating this belief. While Jones denies any intent to promote anti-Semitism, it is clear that some of his audience interprets his messages in this way. The Poplawski shooting serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inflammatory speech.

    • The Origins of Conspiracy Theories about FEMA CampsInfowars, led by Alex Jones, popularized the false claim of FEMA concentration camps, contributing to violent incidents. Meanwhile, Monopoly Go, Neighbor to Neighbor, and Chumba Casino offer fun and potential rewards in mobile games.

      The conspiracy theory about FEMA concentration camps, which gained significant traction, can be traced back to Alex Jones's Infowars platform. This theory, which is not based on fact, has been linked to several violent incidents. Meanwhile, in a lighter vein, Monopoly Go offers endless fun and excitement in a mobile game, with new challenges and rewards. Neighbor to Neighbor encourages building stronger community bonds, while Chumba Casino offers the chance to win cash prizes. However, it's important to note that Infowars has been identified as a vector for the spread of fake news, as demonstrated in a scientific study from the University of Washington. The study found that links to Infowars were the first to appear in tweets related to a rumor about Navy SEALs planting bombs at the Boston Marathon. Researcher Kate Starbird, who was involved in the study, has since become an advocate for combating the spread of fake news.

    • Infowars and its host Alex Jones linked to violent acts through spread of fake news and conspiracy theoriesInfowars and its host Alex Jones have influenced individuals to commit violent acts through the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories, such as the gunfight incident involving Byron Williams and the baseless Pizzagate conspiracy theory.

      Infowars and its host Alex Jones have been linked to the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories that have led individuals to commit violent acts. As early as 2015, Infowars was identified as a significant source of misinformation that reached the mainstream. In this discussion, we learned about the case of Byron Williams, who in 2010 got into a gunfight with the police while wearing body armor and carrying weapons, intending to start a revolution by targeting the Tides Foundation and the ACLU. Williams was influenced by Jones' anti-ACLU and anti-Tides Foundation rhetoric. When asked about this incident, Jones dismissed the connection, using the guilt-by-association tactic. Another example is the man who entered Comet Ping Pong Pizza with an AR-15, believing there was a child molestation ring in the basement. He had liked Infowars on Facebook and listened to Jones on the radio. Jones had also promoted the Pizzagate conspiracy theory, which falsely accused Hillary Clinton and her campaign team of running a pedophile ring. The ease with which individuals can interpret normal words as code words for terrible things, such as "pizza" for "child molestation," can lead to baseless accusations and violent actions.

    • The Impact of Conspiracy Theories and MisinformationFalse narratives, as propagated by figures like Alex Jones, can inspire violent acts and have dangerous real-world consequences.

      The influence of conspiracy theories and misinformation, as propagated by figures like Alex Jones, can have dangerous real-world consequences. The discussion touched upon various instances where individuals, inspired by such content, committed violent acts. For instance, Oscar Ortega's attempt to shoot at the White House, Jared and Amanda Miller's shooting spree in Vegas, and Alex Jones' own response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. These incidents highlight the potential for harm when false narratives are spread, especially when they involve baseless accusations against public figures or the government. It's crucial to be mindful of the sources of information we consume and the potential impact they may have on ourselves and others.

    • The Harmful Consequences of Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy theories, like those about Sandy Hook, can cause harm to innocent people and erase the human aspect of history. Believers can subject victims' families to harassment and threats, forcing them to move away from gravesites for safety.

      Conspiracy theories, like those spread by Alex Jones about the Sandy Hook shooting, can have devastating real-world consequences. These theories can erase the human aspect of history and cause harm to innocent people. Lenny Pozner, whose son was a victim in the shooting, and his family were subjected to harassment and threats from believers of the false flag theory. The couple was forced to move away from their son's gravesite due to fear for their safety. Alex Jones deleted videos promoting the theory after facing a massive lawsuit, but his fans continue to believe that the government is trying to cover up the truth. However, the question remains: if the globalist forces are so powerful and amoral, why haven't they been able to silence Jones completely? The inconsistencies in Jones's career and beliefs add to the complexity of this issue.

    • Infowars: Fear, Threat, Empowerment, and ManipulationInfowars uses fear and threat to engage audiences, while offering empowerment and control. This manipulative tactic, which includes the spread of fake news and propaganda, has had real-world consequences, including inspiring violent acts. Despite lawsuits, Infowars remains influential.

      Infowars, the conspiracy theory platform led by Alex Jones, thrives on creating a constant sense of fear and threat while simultaneously offering its followers a sense of empowerment and control. This approach, which can be compared to gaslighting and warfare tactics, keeps audiences engaged and amped up, enabling the sale of products and the spread of misinformation. Infowars' use of fake news and propaganda has had real-world consequences, including inspiring violent acts. Despite facing lawsuits, including one from the Sandy Hook victims' families, Jones' platform remains influential, demonstrating the power and danger of this manipulative tactic. In the next episode of the podcast, the fall of Infowars is explored further, providing a cathartic release for those frustrated by the platform's deceit and harm.

    • Exploring Conspiracies and Odd Historical TalesFrom skeptical podcasts to community building initiatives, discover unique perspectives on history and life.

      Nolan from Stuff They Don't Want You to Know and Ridiculous History podcasts explores conspiracy theories and oddball historical tales with a mix of skepticism and fun. British lawyers wear wigs for a reason called peruks. The podcasts cover topics like potential French spies disguised as monkeys during the Napoleonic War. Listeners can find their episodes on the respective websites and buy merchandise to support. A notable episode features a cameo from Robert Evans, who coined the term "chock full of Nazis." Neighbor to Neighbor is a California volunteer network that encourages community building and connection. The Godfather slot game at Chumpacasino.com offers a chance to join a family and test your luck. The episode is sponsored by 20th Century Studios' Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Keebler's Sandy's cookies, providing a moment of comfort and pause in everyday life.

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    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Bastards
    enJune 20, 2024

    Part One: How the British Empire and U.S. Department of Defense Murdered an Island Paradise

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    (2 Part Series)

    Behind the Bastards is doing it's annual fundraiser for the Portland Diaper Bank! We had a soft start a week or so ago but will actually be plugging it this week and next. Please help if you can!

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/btb-fundraiser-pdx-diaper-bank?attribution_id=sl:a1a2d058-9511-435e-ab61-93bc1252ffa5&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=twitter 

    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Bastards
    enJune 18, 2024

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