Podcasts > Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy Theories • Spotify Studios

The world’s most controversial events, and the complex beliefs behind them. From Bigfoot sightings to bitcoin takeovers, alien landings to assassinations, who’s shaping the narrative — and why? Conspiracy Theories is a Spotify Original. New episodes Wednesdays.

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Conspiracy Theories • Spotify Studios

Episodes

  • Solved: The Somerton Man Mystery

    Tune in to "Conspiracy Theories" as Carter Roy unravels the enigma of the Somerton Man, the unidentified individual discovered dead on an Australian beach over seven decades ago. This episode dives into the plethora of conjectures that have swirled around this man's identity and the cryptic clues he left behind. From speculations about espionage to a possible romantic connection, the show explores the various angles that have captivated conspiracy theorists and amateur detectives alike.

    In their meticulous dissection of one of Australia's most perplexing unsolved cases, the speakers dissect the recent research by Derek Abbott and his team's efforts using DNA analysis to unlock the Somerton Man's identity. They delineate the process which leads to the notion that the mysterious figure could be Carl Webb, a man who vanished a year prior to the beachside discovery. Spanning from the cryptic "Tamam Shud" scrap to potential familial links uncovered in modern times, the podcast stitches together the fragmented history that might finally bring closure to this longstanding mystery.

    Mar 20, 2024

  • The Yuba County Five

    Dive into the perplexing tale of vanished camaraderie on the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast with Carter Roy. This episode scrutinizes the bizarre case of the Yuba County Five, where an ordinary night's leisure turns into an enduring mystery. The narrative begins on a chilly February evening in 1978 when four friends disappear following a routine stop at a grocery store. What starts as a typical post-basketball game outing unfurls into a much darker journey, as the men fail to return home, embroiling their loved ones in a nightmarish saga of loss and unanswered questions.

    The episode weaves through the chilling details of the men's eventual fate—death under mystifying conditions, with one, Gary Mathias, still unaccounted for—raising more riddles than solutions. Carter Roy thoughtfully unpacks the complexities surrounding the incident, considering the group’s intellectual and psychological challenges, alongside the enigmatic circumstances signified by the undisturbed car and supplies. As the discourse traverses through speculations on Mathias's potential involvement, given his mental health history, the episode captivates listeners with the haunting reality that the true narrative of that fateful expedition might remain forever obscure.

    Mar 13, 2024

  • Kryptos: The CIA’s Unsolvable Cipher

    Dive into the coded enigma of the CIA's Cryptos sculpture with Carter Roy in the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast. This episode takes you on a cryptic journey into the heart of the four encoded messages encrypted within the artwork that stands in bold silence at the agency's headquarter. While the first three messages have succumbed to the tenacity of codebreakers, the final section, coined K4, remains a stubborn cipher that appears impervious to the fervent efforts of enthusiasts and the cryptic breadcrumbs left by its creator.

    The discussion unfolds to explore the collaborative efforts involving both humans and computers as they fervently work to unravel K4, only to be continually stumped by its complexity. Beyond the code itself, Roy scrutinizes the sculpture’s potential as a narrative vessel for Cold War espionage tales and raises the provocative notion that it could serve as a deliberate distraction, ensnaring the public's imagination as well as that of the CIA's own masterminds. Through this engaging examination, the podcast peels back the layers of this intelligence agency riddle that continues to stir intrigue and debate.

    Mar 6, 2024

  • Julian Assange

    Dive into the intricate and controversial world of WikiLeaks with the latest episode of "Conspiracy Theories," featuring speakers Carter Roy and Advertiser. Explore the far-reaching effects of Julian Assange's creation, which shook the world with its unparalleled commitment to revealing government secrets. Assange, starting his journey as a combative computer hacker, led WikiLeaks on a path of radical information disclosure, catapulting it into notoriety with the publication of materials ranging from assassination plots to war logs. Learn about WikiLeaks' methodology, its significant impacts on public knowledge, and the ensuing international uproar.

    Grapple with the contentious aftermath as Assange and WikiLeaks endure significant criticism and legal battles due to their extensive and often risky exposures. From financial blacklisting to accusations of endangering lives and diplomatic relations, Assange's pursuit of radical transparency was fraught with consequence, leading him from whistleblower status to seeking asylum and ultimately facing arrest. As the debate between governmental secrecy and the public's right to know intensifies, this episode of "Conspiracy Theories" considers both sides of the argument, weighing the risks to national security against the imperative of an informed society.

    Feb 28, 2024

  • The 2001 Anthrax Attacks

    Join Carter Roy on the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast as he unearths the intricate and contentious details of the FBI's investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks. The narrative begins with the poignant story of Robert Stevens, the first victim of the lethal spores, mapping the grim trail that ensues with various anthrax cases across different states and even penetrating government offices. As listeners grapple with the haunting uncertainty of the early stages, apropos of the horror resonating from September 11th, they are led through a maze of scientific sleuthing and speculative connections.

    The episode then delves into the figure at the center of the investigation, Bruce Ivins - an anthrax expert whose dubious actions and untimely demise cast a long shadow over the pursuit of justice. While shedding light on the myriad of challenges faced by law enforcement, the discussion pivots to the contentious aspects of the scientific evidence against Ivins, as well as the critical views from national agencies. Exploring the limits of forensic science and the complex weight of suspicion, the podcast navigates the murky waters of a case riddled with more questions than answers.

    Feb 21, 2024