In an “post-truth” era of misinformation, alternative facts, and outrage media – where everyone with a keyboard can be a basement reporter – how can we wage through BS and determine fact from fiction.
And just as importantly, how can we effectively halt the spread of harmful misinformation without draconian censorship and without triggering a backfire effect?
Speaking on this excellent topic will be YouTube podcaster Thomas Westbrook. His channel, Holy Koolaid, has over 50,000 subscribers, averages over 300,000 monthly views, and has been featured on Cognitive Dissonance, The Thinking Atheist, The Ra-Men, and The Friendly Atheist.
Raised as a missionary kid in a former Soviet, Muslim country, it wasn’t until Thomas moved back to the US for college that he fell in love with science and left religion behind. His love of science and frustration with harmful pseudoscience and with religious cult tactics led him to found Holy Koolaid LLC – an anti-cult organization that creates laser-focused animated science videos debunking woo.
Thomas is also the host of a science and big idea podcast called The Here and How with co-hosts Steven Woodford (Rationality Rules) and Rachel Oates. He’s on the Board of the Atheist Community of Tulsa and is the marketing chair for the Faithless Forum Conference (the first conference organized entirely by atheist YouTubers).
This is a free event. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Reason Center is committed to the promotion of critical thinking and secular values. In partnership with other secular groups and organizations, it hosts knowledgeable and engaging speakers discussing a wide range of related topics.
