Follow the White Rabbit

A reporter’s perspective on conspiracy theories with Gabriel Gatehouse, journalist and creator of ‘The Coming Storm’ podcast. Gabriel Gatehouse has spent many years investigating conspiracy theories, particularly in the United States. In this lecture he argues that conspiracy theories contain valuable information about the society that produces them. Rather than waste energy on debunking programmes, we should examine such tales with a critical eye and ask: what truth do they illuminate?

After the lecture, Gabriel Gatehouse will be in conversation with Professor of Sociology and fellow journalist Prof Gary Younge.

This public event is part of the workshop ‘Behind the Scenes: (Mis)trust, plausibility and scepticism in contemporary life’ held at the University of Manchester, 3-4 December 2025. The workshop is convened by Dr Peter Lockwood and Dr Constance Smith (both Social Anthropology) and is supported by the Hallsworth Conference Fund.

About the Speakers

Gabriel Gatehouse is a journalist and documentary maker. The former International Editor of BBC Newsnight, he has reported from almost every recent conflict around the world, from Ukraine to Syria, Libya to Iraq. The Coming Storm, his investigation into conspiracy culture in America, went unexpectedly viral – the podcast won awards, and the book was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize. This success has driven him deeper into the rabbit hole. He is currently making a TV documentary about UFOs.

Gary Younge is an award-winning author, broadcaster and a Professor of Sociology at The University of Manchester. Formerly a columnist at The Guardian, he is also an editorial board member of The Nation magazine and winner of both the 2025 Robert. B. Silvers prize for journalism and the 2023 Orwell Prize for Journalism. He has written six books, most recently, Dispatches From the Diaspora, From Nelson Mandela to Black Lives Matter.

Accessibility

We want to make the event a positive experience for all participants. If you have particular access needs, please let us know in advance by providing details of any accessibility needs when registering for your ticket or by emailing us at creative@manchester.ac.uk.

About Creative Manchester Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities