52: The Life Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit with John Petrocelli

Scamapalooza with Nicholas J. Johnson

Did you know the world “bullshit” might just be an Australian invention?

During World War I, Australian troops found themselves arriving at the front and suddenly under the command of British officers.

These officers were obsessed with appearances and would have the Australian soldiers bull polish their shoes constantly, regardless of whether they were dirty or not.

The Australians called this pointless activating bullshitting, and the word spread from there.

Today, we see bullshit everywhere. Not merely lies but a disregard for what is true.

On the podcast today I speak to John Petrocelli, a professor of psychology, director of the Bullshit Studies Lab, and the author of the life-changing science of detecting bullshit.

We explore what bullshit is, why we do it, and most importantly, what you can do about it!
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