In the 60th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, Mary, and Georgia are joined by retired Purdue Northwest philosophy professor David Detmer, PhD to discuss with one of the oldest and slipperiest questions in human history, what is truth, and how do we find it? Starting with Wonder Woman’s golden lasso and the fascinating science of the left-brain interpreter, the crew explores how our minds construct reality, and why sincerity is no guarantee of accuracy. From there the conversation digs into the media landscape, corporate consolidation, the myth of objectivity, and the differences between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. David shares his decades in the philosophy classroom to explain confirmation bias, logical fallacies, and the surprisingly hard job of teaching people to think critically. The crew also discusses the theories of truth, the Liar’s Paradox, the limits of lie detectors and truth serums, AI hallucinations, deepfakes, and the ethics of compelling someone to tell the truth. Note on Language: In this episode, the term 'Eskimo' was used. We acknowledge that this term is considered outdated and offensive. Like the RHR crew, we encourage listeners to learn more about preferred terms like Inuit. Where to Find David Detmer Website and books: https://www.pnw.edu/people/david-detmer-ph-d/ Check out what the RHR crew is creating Joe: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe! Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else? Joe’s Rom-Com Novella: Tomorrow May Be Too Late Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in Fiction It’s Science for Weirdos Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes. We want to Hear From You (leave a comment): 1) Your brain is constantly filling in the gaps, has your left-brain interpreter ever caught you believing something you later realized wasn’t true? What changed your mind? 2) Comedians, philosophers, and picture books, oh my! You heard from the RHR crew, but where do you get your most honest dose of truth? Who or what do you trust to cut through the noise (besides RHR, LOL)? 3) If Wonder Woman’s lasso actually existed, would you want to use it? And more importantly, would you be willing to be lassoed yourself? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes. Future Episodes Episode 62 – The Science of Fear: Phobias, Physiology & SplatterpunkGuest: PhriqueEpisode 64 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly ImpactGuest: Charles Blue Episode 66 - Hive Mind: Plubris Guest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode) Episode 68 - Into the Deep: Humans, Caves, and the Final Frontier Guest: Ernie Bell, PhD (NASA and Blue Origin) Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-Appearances Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton RHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer Events & Conventions to hang with the Crew: 5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 2026 12-5pm) Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe reading Creative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library (Merrillville, IN) on May 23rd, 2026 ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as Guest Shore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026) Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center Dragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as Professional For more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter! Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
