What if a sci-fi TV show about aliens and government coverups helped dismantle the way a democracy understands truth? In this special episode of The Gray Files, Erika Barker dives deep into The X-Files, its birth in a post-Watergate America, its haunting legacy of conspiracy culture, and how it shaped everything from the deep state, Alex Jones, Fox News, and QAnon, to women in STEM and audience psychology.
From MK-Ultra to the Scully Effect, from the Cigarette Smoking Man to the rise of conspiracy capitalism, this is a masterclass in how narrative entertainment can shift the very epistemology of a nation. If you’ve ever said “The truth is out there,” but wondered who planted the thought, you need to hear this.
Keywords: X-Files, conspiracy theories, cultural psychology, media influence, deep state, MK-Ultra, Dana Scully, Scully Effect, Alex Jones, alternative facts, American trust crisis, Fox News origins, paranoia, audience psychology, democratic discourse, sci-fi culture, Cold War legacy
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com