What you learn about conspiracy theories by starting one

This Matters

Guest: Satirical conspiracy theory leader Peter McIndoe

It all started when Peter McIndoe, a self-described “obnoxious teenager,” went to a women’s march and scrawled the most random phrase he could think of on a sign: “Birds Aren’t Real.” When asked by people around him what he meant, he improvised a whole back story, someone posted a video of him online, and a fake movement was born. He spent a couple of years zigzagging across the U.S. in his van, playing the part of a conspiracy leader, doing interviews and leading crowds of his followers in chants. Many of his fans were in on the joke, while others — including some journalists — did think he was serious. He joins “This Matters” to talk about the challenge of staying in character as a conspiracy leader, how he thinks these movements get sparked, what sustains them. He also talks about why those reasons may not be what you think.

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