Digest

This podcast features Josh Owens, a former employee of Alex Jones' InfoWars, who describes his four years working in what he calls a "disinformation factory." Owens details the chaotic environment where Alex Jones demanded constant output of unsubstantiated stories, often fabricated to fit conspiracy narratives about the "deep state" and "global elites." He recounts bizarre assignments, such as a trip to measure radiation after the Fukushima disaster and staging a fake ISIS border crossing. The segment also explores InfoWars' content sourcing policies, the business model involving supplement sales, and the psychological impact of working in a cult-like atmosphere. Owens discusses the "doomsday plane" incident, the investigation into the Islamberg community, and his limited but acknowledged role concerning the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories. He explains his eventual decision to leave InfoWars, Alex Jones' manipulative attempts to retain him, and his subsequent activism. The discussion touches on the appeal of conspiracy theories to young men and Alex Jones' continued influence despite massive defamation judgments.

Outlines

00:00:00

Inside the InfoWars Disinformation Factory

Josh Owens, a former employee, details his four years at Alex Jones' InfoWars, describing it as a "disinformation factory" characterized by chaotic production of unsubstantiated stories about the "deep state" and "global elites," and the pressure to ignore facts.

00:02:09

Fabricating Narratives: From Radiation Trips to Border Threats

This chapter covers bizarre assignments like measuring radiation on the California coast after Fukushima and staging a fake ISIS border crossing video. It highlights InfoWars' selective sourcing of information to reinforce Alex Jones' narratives, even when facts contradicted them, and the sensationalized "doomsday plane" incident.

00:09:15

The Business and Psychology of InfoWars

Owens shares his personal journey into the InfoWars world and discusses the business model, heavily reliant on selling supplements, influenced by figures like Joe Rogan. He also describes the intense psychological toll and cult-like atmosphere of working at InfoWars, including dangerous on-the-ground experiences.

00:21:30

Deception and Investigation: ISIS, Islamberg, and Sandy Hook

This section details the fabrication of the ISIS border threat and misleading reports on the Islamberg community. Owens also addresses his limited involvement with the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories and the profound impact of Jones' rhetoric.

00:33:13

Departure and Accountability

Owens explains his turning point and decision to leave InfoWars, Alex Jones' manipulative attempts to keep him, and his subsequent activism, including legal proceedings and documentaries aimed at holding Jones accountable.

00:39:07

Alex Jones' Enduring Influence and the Appeal of Conspiracy

The discussion explores how Alex Jones continues to broadcast and sell merchandise despite significant legal judgments, examining the complexities of his ongoing influence and the reasons why young men are drawn to hateful conspiracy theories, citing cinematic appeal and a rejection of accountability.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Josh Owens' role at InfoWars?

  Josh Owens worked as a video editor and field producer for Alex Jones' InfoWars for four years, editing videos, producing content, and participating in reporting trips.

• How did Alex Jones create and spread conspiracy theories?

  Alex Jones spun isolated events or unverified claims into pre-determined narratives, using sensational language and urgency, while undermining factual reporting.

• What was the "radiation trip" to the California coast about?

  It was an assignment to measure radiation levels after the Fukushima disaster. Despite normal readings, staff felt pressured to create a story aligning with Jones' fears of widespread radiation.

• How did InfoWars handle sourcing information?

  InfoWars selectively included mainstream sources that supported Jones' beliefs and omitted contradictory ones, focusing on headlines that fit his narrative over factual accuracy.

• Can you describe the "doomsday plane" incident?

  Alex Jones declared a routine military plane a "doomsday plane," pressuring staff to create a sensational report despite its lack of basis in reality.

• How did Josh Owens get involved with Alex Jones?

  Owens, feeling directionless, was drawn to Jones' work through movies and entered a contest to get a job at InfoWars as a video editor.

• What role did selling supplements play in InfoWars' business model?

  Selling supplements became a significant revenue stream, with Alex Jones actively promoting them on air and integrating them into reports.

• What was the experience like working for Alex Jones?

  It was a chaotic, cult-like environment with constant pressure to produce content, characterized by fear of Jones' unpredictable moods and consequences.

• How did InfoWars fabricate the ISIS border threat story?

  Owens and a reporter were instructed to stage a video of a reporter dressed as an ISIS member crossing the border with a prop, presenting it as real news.

• Why are young men drawn to hateful conspiracy theories?

  Owens suggests it's due to cinematic appeal, entitlement, loneliness, and the creation of an identity that rejects accountability and personal growth.

Show Notes