How You Were Fooled Podcast By Misty Liebisch cover art

How You Were Fooled

How You Were Fooled

By: Misty Liebisch
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 Every day, we take in countless facts, ideas, and beliefs—many of which we assume to be true. But what if some of them were never true at all? How You Were Fooled dives into the myths, misconceptions, and media manipulations that have shaped our understanding of the world. Each short, engaging episode reveals a common belief that turned out to be false, showing how misinformation spreads and how we can learn to think critically.Misty Liebisch Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 7: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis – A Popping Myth Busted

    7: Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis – A Popping Myth Busted
    May 20 2025
    This episode busts the widespread myth that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Despite the alarming popping sound, science shows that knuckle cracking is caused by gas bubbles collapsing in joint fluid, not by bones grinding or joint damage. Research, including a 60-year self-experiment by Dr. Donald Unger, found no link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. Medical institutions like the Arthritis Foundation and Johns Hopkins agree: the habit may be noisy or annoying, but it’s not harmful to your joints. The myth persists because the sound seems damaging and arthritis is common, making it easy to falsely associate the two. While excessive or forceful cracking could cause minor swelling or reduced grip strength, it won’t cause arthritis. In short, the myth is all noise — no damage.
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    4 mins
  • 6: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

    6: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
    May 5 2025
    This episode debunks one of the most popular myths in pop culture: the belief that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space. We explore how this misconception began—dating back to the 18th century—and how it spread through textbooks, media, and romanticized storytelling. In reality, astronauts and NASA confirm that the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space due to its narrow width and color blending with the natural landscape. Instead, city lights, airports, and large dams are more easily visible from orbit. The episode highlights the importance of verifying information and being cautious of “facts” that sound impressive but are actually false.
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    5 mins
  • 5: Einstein and His Math Struggles – Did He Really Fail Math in School

    5: Einstein and His Math Struggles – Did He Really Fail Math in School
    Apr 17 2025
    The popular belief that Albert Einstein failed math in school is a myth. In reality, Einstein was exceptionally gifted in mathematics from a young age—mastering algebra, geometry, and even calculus before the age of 15. The myth likely originated from a 1935 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! article, combined with mistranslations of grading systems. In Switzerland, the highest grade was a “6,” but when Einstein received this score, it was misread as a failing mark due to confusion with the German system. Einstein did struggle with rigid schooling and rote memorization, which led some to label him a poor student. However, in math and physics, he was consistently ahead of his peers. This myth persists because it's comforting and inspirational—a reminder that even geniuses can struggle. But in truth, Einstein never failed math. He was, and remains, one of the greatest scientific minds in history.
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    4 mins
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