Transcript of Introducing Alternate Realities from NPR

It's called denying us freedom of speech. No. It's called denying us freedom of speech.

It's misinformation.

No.

Who gets the right-I'm Zack Mac, and this is my dad.

We are literally living in the matrix today.

For years, we've been having circular arguments. And like so many Americans, he's gotten swept up in conspiracy theories and has been radicalized online.

There's an alternative reality that's being thrust upon us. And unfortunately, you've been taking the blue pill.

Things felt like they were at an impasse. That is, until my dad had this unusual idea. What if we went all the way down the rabbit hole to see who's actually right? What if we took 10 of his theories?

Biden will be removed from office. Obama will be found guilty of treason. The US will come under martial law in 2024.

And gave him a year to pan out.

This is going to be the biggest shake up to ever hit the United States of America and the world at large.

And what if we put money on it? And if you are wrong, then you're $10,000 richer. This is a story about my dad, but it's really a story about what he believes and how his beliefs are impacting our family. We've been married 40 years. It's very hard to walk away from.

I want him to fundamentally change who he is and be a different person. How How can I halfway believe what I believe?

So I spent a year talking to my dad and the people around him, trying to figure out whether or not you can pull someone out of the rabbit hole. You talked to my dad the other day?

He did share with me his prophecy. What could do that to him? He's been watching too many of the X files. You could probably debunk one of his conspiracy theories, but you're just playing Whac-a-mole.

If you can become two humans with emotions rather than two warring worldviews, you have a chance. I need an endpoint.

The endpoint is December 31st.

And when January first comes around, things have to change. And now, with so much on the line, it's time to settle up. All right. Okay, here we go. We've been waiting a year to have this conversation. Listen to Alternate Realities on Embedded. All episodes out Friday, February 21st for NPR's Embedded+ subscribers, and out everywhere for everyone, Sunday, February 23rd.