GENERAL INTERVIEW

The Hole Truth: How misinformation became mainstream

Published on March 11, 2025

We spoke to Marnie Duke about her documentary series The Hole Truth, which launched in January, to find out what inspired her to make the show, and what challenges she faced when covering a subject that is still evolving…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name’s Marnie and I’m a trainee podcast producer at Transmission Roundhouse. We’re a socially engaged podcast platform located in London’s iconic Roundhouse venue, championing the voices of underrepresented young creatives.

The Hole Truth is a three-part documentary series about how the US fell for conspiracy theories. Through the lens of personal stories, it explores how misinformation has trickled down from the nation’s highest offices, through local politics, to a nationwide network of Americans living in different realities.

What made you decide to create this podcast?

In the lead up to the US Election, I was gripped by the battle for facts, decency, and democracy that played out on our social media feeds. Online campaigns were steeped in conspiracy; politics dominated by disinformation, and truth seemed to become a rarity.

I wanted to find out more about how misinformation became mainstream and the term “conspiracy theorist” became a badge of honour. I decided to start talking to real people whose lives had been affected by “falling down the rabbit hole”.

Your podcast launched on 6th January 2025, the fourth anniversary of the January 6 United States capitol attack, and on 20th January, after taking office for his second term, President Trump granted clemency to all January 6 rioters – can you tell us what impact that had on the podcast – did you have to make last-minute changes?

Yes. Earlier in the series, I explore how the story of January 6 was rewritten – how the rioters were made into martyrs and utilised by Trump for political gain. In granting them clemency, he cemented this narrative and it felt important to respond.

In episode three I speak to Pam Hemphill, AKA the former “MAGA granny” who was one of the only people to reject Trump’s pardon. It’s a sad story about the power of misinformation but also of her redemption and ability to escape the “rabbit hole”. I hope it can offer a glimmer of hope in these dark times.

What do you hope listeners will gain from listening to The Hole Truth?

I hope the podcast offers an alternative point of view. I’m not trying to judge the eccentricity of conspiracies but instead understand how they gain a foothold in your mind.

If you could go back to just before you recorded the first episode of your podcast and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t try and predict where the conversation is going. Let it happen and see where it takes you.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

This American Life!

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Before podcasting I worked in live radio. I loved it but found the fast pace frustrating at times. I wanted to delve deeper into stories, be more investigative, and find a slower approach to news.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I’m always interested in stories about online mistruths, those who peddle them and those who believe them. I listened to a lot of Marianna Spring’s Why Do You Hate Me? USA while making this.