Conspiracy Theories

In the 20th century, the mass production of cigarettes fueled a global addiction — but Big Tobacco had a problem. Cancer rates were skyrocketing, and smoking-related illnesses became the leading cause of preventable death in America. This is the story of how an industry in peril conspired to survive — by keeping generations of smokers in their grip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deaths of the Dyatlov Nine didn’t just seem bizarre — they seemed violent. What could explain the brutal injuries, missing tongue, radioactive clothing, and burnt trees? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In winter 1959, a group of experienced mountaineers went missing in a remote part of Siberia. When their bodies were eventually found, their injuries — and radioactive clothing — confounded investigators. The incident became one of Russia’s most enduring mysteries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When President Woodrow Wilson suffered a paralyzing stroke in 1919, First Lady Edith Wilson stepped in to maintain order in the White House. With the power she held, some have speculated that she was America’s first female president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Around the 9th century C.E., a new pope rose to power. For years, the congregation was certain Pope John filled the role perfectly... until he went into labor during an Easter processional. Had a woman ascended to the papacy in secret? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When critics didn’t understand Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece, fans stepped in to explain the secrets behind its signature dread. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The release of The Exorcist in December 1973 caused a global wave of panic and trauma. Due to a series of on-set accidents and untimely deaths, many believe the film was cursed. Others say the hype was nothing more than manipulation by the filmmakers… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly two decades after the Waco Siege, people are still wondering what transpired at the Branch Davidian compound. Though the government officially investigated and exonerated the FBI, some have found evidence of a massive cover-up. Did the government actually fire the first shot that led to 81 deaths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 28th, 1993, government agents raided a compound in Waco, Texas, belonging to a religious group known as the Branch Davidians. A 51-day standoff ensued, ending in a violent siege. Eighty-one people lost their lives, many of them children — but to this day, no one knows which side fired first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Valiant Thor's story has sparked a flurry of theories regarding our government's knowledge of UFOs. Have presidents met with extraterrestrials in the past? Are alien spacecraft shutting down nuclear facilities? And is the Pentagon actively trying to keep this information under lock and key? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1957, the Pentagon received an unexpected visitor. His name was Valiant Thor, and allegedly, he was from Venus. His mission on Earth was to convince world leaders to deactivate their nuclear arsenals. He didn't succeed — but there might be other alien visitors assisting his agenda today… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For centuries, people have debated whether or not Jesus Christ rose from the dead. From graverobbers, to Jewish High Priests, to Jesus's own disciples — a flurry of potential thieves has been placed at the scene of his empty tomb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Turin, Italy there’s a piece of cloth that has perplexed religious experts for decades. Is the Shroud of Turin one of the greatest antiquities known to us? Or nothing more than a medieval hoax? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Locals are sure that big corporations are after their coal, and started the Centralia Fire to smoke them out. Others insist the blaze was nothing more than bureaucratic incompetence. Then again, it may have sparked decades before anyone ever thought… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For nearly 60 years, a fire has been raging beneath a small town in Pennsylvania. Centralia was once an epicenter of coal mining. But after the blaze sparked in 1962, toxic fumes and sinkholes forced residents to evacuate. Now, it’s a ghost town with its own haunting questions — like who really started the fire, and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final episode of our 9/11 series, we examine the legacy of that day, and how its memory impacted — and still impacts — the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much did the U.S. government actually know about the 9/11 attacks before they happened? Was President George W. Bush angling for war since his first day in office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Throughout the 1990s, a private equity firm called the Carlyle Group began purchasing and investing in a multitude of private defense contracting and weapons companies. In the months after 9/11, they made millions as the U.S. prepared for war. Some of Carlyle's most prominent investors and associates included the Saudi royal family, the bin Laden family, and the Bush family. Did they profit off 9/11? And did George W. Bush help cover up for the Saudis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We trace the path through history to 9/11, then examine how the official 9/11 Commission Report gave conspiracy theorists a foothold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The horrific attacks of September 11th come to an end. In the aftermath, rescuers and volunteers clean up while military and government leaders decide how to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The morning of September 11, 2001 changed the world. Twenty years later, questions still linger about the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. In this special six-part series, we’re taking a look back at what we do and don’t know about the tragedy that unfolded, starting with a moment-by-moment account of the attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When U.S. forces invaded Iraq in 2003, investors began buying up Iraqi currency. Some expected a massive payup, others were scammed by unethical dealers. And some believe that terrorist cells or an international alliance of government agencies may be manipulating the dinar's value to reshape the global economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the case of the century, O.J. Simpson was found not guilty of double homicide in 1995, despite a wealth of DNA evidence. Did prosecutors let a cold-blooded killer go free — or was Simpson the innocent victim of a police frame-up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On June 12th, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were brutally stabbed to death. Today, the homicides remain officially unsolved, but many still have questions about how the prosecution handled the case against Nicole's ex-husband, football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, Prime Minister Harold Wilson made a daring confession — someone had tried to overthrow him and his cabinet. Was this the work of a media mogul, Wilson's own security forces, or did this have to do with the fact that Wilson himself was a Soviet spy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, following an abrupt resignation, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson claimed he was forced out of Parliament. As a socialist, he’d provoked liberals and conservatives alike — but with a conspiracy afoot, everyone became suspect in the alleged coup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where there's a group of powerful world leaders, there's whispers of conspiracy and a New World Order. The Bilderberg Group is no exception. Some believe their funding comes from the CIA, others say they may have used the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Formed after WWII as a way to unite the divided nations, the Bilderberg Group consists of some of the world's most elite politicians, businessmen, and royalty. But its members are secret, its meetings are confidential, and outsiders are unwelcome. Is their stated purpose really their true purpose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov was accused of doctoring thousands of urine samples for Russian athletes. He claimed he was a pawn in a state-sponsored conspiracy. Still, the allegation shocked the sporting community and sent Dr. Rodchenkov into hiding — but not before he presented his evidence to the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When the 1984 Summer Olympics generated a massive profit for Los Angeles, cities around the world competed to host the next games. Salt Lake City, Utah was a strong contender for years — but after losing their bid in 1991, they pulled out all the stops to ensure a win. And they weren’t the only place to woo the International Olympic Committee for votes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1st century B.C.E., competition between Roman senators was stiff — even deadly. When a politician named Catiline learned he'd been knocked out of the running, he organized a coup to overthrow the Roman government entirely. And let's just say, he didn't end up getting his way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 15th century, the Medicis were the most powerful banking family in Italy. Members of a rival banking family known as the Pazzi attempted to overthrow them but failed. What would the world look like today if the Medici line had ended in 1478? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember, remember the 5th of November? You might remember it differently had Guy Fawkes and his team successfully blown up Parliament back in 1605. For two weeks, Conspiracy Theories is examining what happened when secret plots brought the world to the brink of monumental change — then backfired. Don’t miss the rest of this four-part series, running through the end of July! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1944, a group of Adolf Hitler's top-ranking officials devised a plot to kill the Nazi leader and end his reign for good. But things didn't exactly go as planned... For the next two weeks, Conspiracy Theories is examining what happened when secret plots brought the world to the brink of monumental change — then backfired. Don’t miss this four-part series, running through the end of July! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During World War II, hidden power stations below Grand Central Station may have been the target of a Nazi attack. A hidden tunnel might still be reserved for U.S. government officials. And reports suggest that police have orchestrated — and covered up — brutal acts of violence within the storied station. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s an American icon, and an important piece of United States history. When Grand Central Station opened its doors in 1913, it stood as an opulent monument to ingenuity. But the glittering surface covered decades of complicated history, and more than a few winding secrets… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Among his many high-profile roles, Franklin still managed to keep some affairs out of the public eye. The figurative and literal skeletons hiding in his closet posed many questions: Was Franklin a serial killer? Did he serve as a double agent during the Revolutionary War? And how far would he go to cover up his sexual escapades? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He’s famous for being a Founding Father and a groundbreaking inventor. But behind his electric experiments, Benjamin Franklin kept dark secrets not taught in the history books — stories marked with adultery, betrayal, manslaughter, and possible treason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years after NASA landed the first rover on Mars, theorists believe there’s more to the Red Planet than reported. Has NASA uncovered hints of an ancient civilization? Did our ancestors receive help from the Martians? Or better yet, is man already colonizing Mars? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the ancient Egyptians to 16th-century scientists to NASA today — fascination with the Red Planet spans thousands of years. But Mars holds endless mysteries. How close are we to finding them out? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Centuries after his death, Nostradamus is still a household name, but his accuracy, methods, and reputation are all up for debate. What do we know about how he made his prophecies, and how does he get connected to modern global crises — including 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deaths of kings. The makings of popes. Famines of entire civilizations. Nostradamus became famous in the 16th century for his predictions of the future. But was he nothing more than a con man? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the mysterious death of his father in 1993, Michael Jordan retired unexpectedly. The decision sparked rumors of mob connections, gambling addictions, and covered-up suspensions that NBA fans are still trying to get to the bottom of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was the 1985 NBA draft lottery rigged? Facing disillusioned fans and dwindling TV viewers, NBA commissioner David Stern changed how the draft was done. Goodbye coin toss, hello televised lottery. But some fans think he did more than change the rules — he bent them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When do conspiracy theories stop being theories? Today’s episode visits real accounts of deadly misconduct committed at scale by governments and businesses. Poisoned alcohol, contaminated medicine, mind control experiments — in every case, the truth came out… eventually. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reptile overlords. Pizzagate. QAnon. What makes conspiracy theories so alluring, and why are some more unshakeable than others? Today’s episode breaks down the driving forces behind false narratives, and what happens when true believers take extreme actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Even expert primatologists can’t agree on whether Bigfoot exists. Is it all a hoax, or is the creature more intelligent — or cosmic — than we give it credit for? Maybe there really is undeniable evidence that could lay the sasquatch question to rest… but it’s being squashed by government agencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the most-glimpsed creature that doesn’t exist. A mysterious ape-man whose legends date back centuries. But while the stories shift and morph, some elements remain the same: The giant footprints. The rancid smell. The hairy, humanoid shape. And the lingering question — if Bigfoot isn’t real, why does he keep showing up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They say a Bonesman is for life… Their secret bond might have led to the creation of another clandestine organization: the CIA. Some even wonder if it was the Bonesmen who ordered the hit on JFK. But these might just be a few small steps in a master plan for a new world order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Formed at Yale in 1832, a fraternal secret society counts media moguls, CIA operatives, even U.S. presidents in its roster. But with only 800 living members, those odds seem too good to be true — which is why some wonder if Skull and Bones is part of a plan for world domination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices