The BIG IDEAS Book Club

'There are microchips in vaccines'; '5G spreads COVID-19'; 'the Australian government is hiding a list of powerful predators.' It's easy to dismiss these as fringe concerns or imported concepts, but conspiratorial ideas are gaining traction with everyday Australians, and being wielded by those in power. The tragic event in Porepunkah, Victoria just weeks ago serves as a stark reminder of how dangerous conspiracy theories can become when they move from online forums into real-world violence. Let's gather to discuss why individuals are drawn to conspiracy theories, how these beliefs spread in communities, and what we can do to combat their harmful effects in our society.

Book: Conspiracy Nation—Exposing the Dangerous World of Australian Conspiracy Theories (2025) by Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson.

Optional Supplementary Book: Conspiracy—Why People Believe in the Irrational (2022) by Michael Shermer.

In our book this month, Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson, both experienced Australian journalists, trace the journey of conspiratorial thinking from internet forums to mainstream political discourse, examining how local Australian conspiracy movements have emerged alongside imported theories from overseas. Through boots-on-the-ground reporting, the authors meet the people dedicated to living and spreading these ideas, those who have been left reeling by their impact, and those who are fighting back.

From Port Arthur and QAnon, the rise of 'wellness' influencers and 'sovereign citizen' gurus, to the delusions that inspired the Wieambilla murders in Queensland, Bogle and Wilson show the devastating consequences of unchecked lies and radicalisation, and make a compelling case that by ignoring the looming threat of conspiratorial thinking, we put our community at risk.

For those interested in delving deeper into the psychological and sociological mechanisms behind conspiracy theories, I would also suggest looking at Conspiracy: Why People Believe in the Irrational (2022) by Michael Shermer. While this book takes an American-centric approach, Shermer provides valuable insights into the cognitive biases, pattern-seeking behaviours, and social psychology that make people susceptible to conspiratorial thinking. Drawing on decades of research in skeptical inquiry, he examines why otherwise rational people can fall prey to irrational beliefs. Furthermore, given that sometimes conspiracy theories do turn out to be real, he also proposes ways to determine their truth value and offers strategies for critical thinking that will complement our main book well.

As usual, you're strongly encouraged to read the book. Having read it will give you much more to contribute to our discussion. Links to additional resources including podcasts and interviews with the authors are also available below that you may wish to explore.

So, join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6.30pm Monday, 10th November on the 2nd floor (i.e. up two flights of stairs) at the Keg & Brew Hotel, Surrey Hills. The Keg & Brew is close to Central Station and the Light Rail.

We hope to see you there!

P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to other people if there is a waitlist.

P.P.S. Please adjust your email notification settings (particularly the 'Event updates from organizers' in the Big Ideas Book Club settings). This is useful for receiving any final details or late changes to the event.

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These are just optional links to consider. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section.

Audio-Visual

• Bogle and Wilson interviews and podcasts with the authors:

What if the key to reducing stress, sharpening memory, and even extending our lives isn’t found in a prescription bottle—but in a paintbrush, a piano, or a poem? We’ve long known that art can make us feel good—but what if it actually makes us healthier, sharper, and more resilient humans? Emerging neuroscience reveals that engaging with the arts isn’t merely a pleasant pastime or cultural luxury—it’s a powerful biological force that physically reshapes our brains, alters our body chemistry, and shows up in everything from reduced cortisol levels to stronger neural connections. Join us at our December meetup where we’ll dive into the remarkable science of what happens inside us when we encounter beauty, create with our hands, or lose ourselves in music.

Book: Your Brain on Art – How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

In our book this month, Susan Magsamen, a professor and founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University, and Ivy Ross, Vice President of Design at Google, bridge the worlds of cutting-edge neuroscience and real-world design to reveal a compelling truth: engaging with the arts isn't just for enjoyment—it's a tool for transformation. Drawing on hundreds of studies and decades of research, they show us how painting, music, dance, theatre, and even looking at beautiful objects trigger measurable changes in our brains and bodies, from reducing inflammation to rewiring neural pathways.

But this isn't just a book about what happens in a laboratory. Magsamen and Ross take us into hospitals where patients paint their way to faster recovery, schools where music programs boost academic performance across all subjects, and communities where public art reduces crime and increases social cohesion. They make a convincing case that we've been overlooking one of our most powerful resources for health, education, and human flourishing—and they give us practical ways to harness it in our everyday lives.

As always, we strongly encourage you to read the book before attending. Having read it will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion—and this is one of those books that might just change how you think about your daily life. We've also included links below to presentations and podcasts with Magsamen and Ross that explain their research and ideas.

So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 1st December, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail.

We look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to other people if there is a waitlist.

P.P.S. Please adjust your email notification settings (particularly the 'Event updates from organizers' in the Big Ideas Book Club settings). This is useful for receiving any final details or late changes to the event.
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These are just optional links to consider. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section.