Hoax!

Summary

Why do we fall for the unbelievable? In Hoax!, hosts Dana Schwartz and Lizzie Logan peel back the layers of history’s most daring deceptions, clever grifts, and elaborate tall tales. From the 18th-century ghost stories that gripped London to the early-internet sci-fi legends of time travelers, this show examines how and why humanity gets swept up in narratives that simply aren’t true. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific moment where reality was bent, exploring everything from the high-stakes cultural flashpoints of modern media scandals to the bizarre, localized hysterias of the distant past. Rather than just recounting the facts of these scams, Dana and Lizzie analyze the societal pressures, personal motivations, and psychological gaps that allow these stories to take hold. They treat each topic as a case study in human nature, questioning how our grief, political alignments, and technological anxieties make us susceptible to being fooled. Hoax! is part investigative history, part cultural critique, and entirely addictive. Whether they are uncovering the theatrical stunts of self-proclaimed psychics or the carefully crafted personas of digital-age tricksters, the hosts provide a thoughtful, balanced look at the intersection of truth and performance. It is a must-listen for anyone who wants to sharpen their critical eye and understand why, even in an era of endless information, we still find the most unbelievable stories the most compelling. New episodes arrive every other week.

Updated Jun 30, 2026