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It feels like the COVID-19 pandemic launched a thousand conspiracies. From microchips in the vaccines, to using bleach to treat the virus, to a shadowy cabal controlling it all, vast swaths of America fell prey to false thinking. 

But it has also enflamed a conspiracy theory that has nothing to do with viruses and vaccines. 

Journalist Kelly Weill has covered flat-Earthers for years. In her new book, “

Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything

,” she says the flat Earth movement is a microcosm of how and why conspiracy theories thrive and spread.

On this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, Weill and MPR News host Kerri Miller had a fascinating discussion about the culture of conspiracy, why flat-Earthers believe what they do,   and why presenting the facts to true believers doesn’t usually change their minds.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on 

for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations.

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Despite centuries of evidence pointing otherwise, there are still people who believe the Earth is flat — and their numbers are growing, thanks to social media and a reinvigorated culture of conspiratorial thinking. Journalist Kelly Weill has studied the flat Earth movement for years. Her new book is “Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything.”

Kelly Weill on why conspiracy theories are spreading faster than ever

Kelly Weill and her latest book, "Off the Edge"

Kelly Weill on why conspiracy theories are spreading faster than ever

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