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How You Were Fooled

How You Were Fooled

By: Misty Liebisch
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 Every day, we take in countless facts, ideas, and beliefs—many of which we assume to be true. But what if some of them were never true at all? How You Were Fooled dives into the myths, misconceptions, and media manipulations that have shaped our understanding of the world. Each short, engaging episode reveals a common belief that turned out to be false, showing how misinformation spreads and how we can learn to think critically.

Misty Liebisch Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 8: Did People Really Believe the World Would End in 2012 – The Mayan Calendar Misunderstood

    8: Did People Really Believe the World Would End in 2012 – The Mayan Calendar Misunderstood
    May 30 2025
    This episode explores the widespread myth that the world would end on December 21, 2012, based on a misunderstanding of the Mayan Long Count calendar. While that date did mark the end of a significant calendar cycle (the 13th bʼakʼtun), the Maya saw it as a time of renewal, not an apocalypse.

    The myth was fueled by Western misinterpretations, media hype, and pseudoscientific claims — including solar flares, magnetic pole reversals, and the fictional planet “Nibiru.” Hollywood further amplified the fear with the release of the movie 2012, turning speculation into sensationalism.

    Although many didn’t take it seriously, some people built bunkers, joined survivalist groups, or altered life plans out of fear. NASA and scientists actively debunked the myths, but the idea persisted because of its emotional power and viral spread.

    In the end, nothing happened on December 21, 2012. The episode highlights how fear, media, and misinterpreted history can combine to create global myths — and how easily we can be fooled when we stop questioning the facts.
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    5 mins
  • 7: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis – A Popping Myth Busted

    7: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis – A Popping Myth Busted
    May 20 2025
    This episode busts the widespread myth that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Despite the alarming popping sound, science shows that knuckle cracking is caused by gas bubbles collapsing in joint fluid, not by bones grinding or joint damage. Research, including a 60-year self-experiment by Dr. Donald Unger, found no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. Medical institutions like the Arthritis Foundation and Johns Hopkins agree: the habit may be noisy or annoying, but it’s not harmful to your joints. The myth persists because the sound seems damaging and arthritis is common, making it easy to falsely associate the two. While excessive or forceful cracking could cause minor swelling or reduced grip strength, it won’t cause arthritis. In short, the myth is all noise — no damage.
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    4 mins
  • 6: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

    6: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
    May 5 2025
    This episode debunks one of the most popular myths in pop culture: the belief that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space. We explore how this misconception began—dating back to the 18th century—and how it spread through textbooks, media, and romanticized storytelling. In reality, astronauts and NASA confirm that the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space due to its narrow width and color blending with the natural landscape. Instead, city lights, airports, and large dams are more easily visible from orbit. The episode highlights the importance of verifying information and being cautious of “facts” that sound impressive but are actually false.
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    5 mins

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