HowStuffWorks_Conspiracy_Theories

People around the world eat processed foods -- and it's likely that you've either just eaten (or are about to eat) something containing any number of synthetic flavors, preservatives or other additives. So what's in all this stuff?

This episode examines the alleged links between music and the Illuminati, especially in modern music. Tune in to learn why some people believe today's most popular artists are members of a secret society bent on subverting the will of music-lovers.

Could there really be groups of people conducting Satanic rites -- not philosophical stances, but actual devil worship via ritual or even sacrifice?

What is the Black Knight satellite? Why do some people think it's a UFO? Tune in to learn more about the story of the Black Knight satellite in this episode.

The ill-fated FBI raid of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas captured international attention -- but what exactly happened? Tune in to learn more about the official story -- and why some people aren't buying it -- in this episode.

Believe it or not, witch hunts still take place in the modern day -- and some countries even have laws about sorcery. Tune in to learn about witchcraft across the globe, from Malawi to Papua New Guinea and more.

Most people have heard the most popular lunar conspiracy theory -- that no one actually landed on the moon -- but what about the rest? Tune in to learn more about other moon-based conspiracy theories, including lunar structures and UFO sightings.

Mystic, Mason and alleged prophet, Albert Pike stands as one of the most unusual and fascinating personalities from the Civil War era. But who was he, exactly?

You may have not heard of the Finders before, but this organization has been accused of everything from being a CIA front to stealing children. So what's the truth?

There's a ranch located southeast of Ballard, Utah, bordering the Ute Indian reservation. Legally, it's called the Sherman Ranch -- but it has another name, too: the Skinwalker Ranch.

In certain parts of the world, groups of people from all walks of life claim to hear a continuous hum. Yet not everyone can hear this noise, and there's no hard proof of its existence. Tune in and learn more about the mysterious hum in this episode.

Whistleblowers are a controversial -- and, some would argue, crucial -- part of the modern world. Watch the first installment of this three-part series to learn more about the history and future of whistleblowing.

While mainstream historians agree that the Bavarian Illuminati was founded by Adam Weishaupt in the 18th century, conspiracy theorists think the group is much older. Tune in to hear some of the most bizarre theories about the Illuminati's history.

Do numbers have some sort of intangible, mystical properties? What exactly is numerology, and why do people put so much stock in it, even today? Listen in to learn more about superstition and the origins of numerology.

For centuries, humans have tried and failed to achieve physical immortality. Rumors have abounded throughout history, but did anyone actually achieve eternal life? Tune in to learn more about modern medicine and the bizarre story of Henrietta Lacks.

Gold is one of Earth's most widely-accepted currencies, and even in the modern age world governments still store and use it in international trade. But why? What makes gold such a universal currency?

People across the world believe that freemasons control the District of Columbia through the use of arcane symbols and geomancy. But why?

The Illuminati have been blamed for everything from the revolutions to climate change, but why? Watch this segment of a continuing series to learn more about the founding of the Illuminati -- and why some people believe it disbanded centuries ago.

While the drawbacks of using uranium as a power source are well documented, there is an arguably safer and more abundant alternative. Hear about the underutilized Thorium.

How can humans lose entire planes? Tune in to learn more about famous disappearances, current searching techniques, and theories about what happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

In the 21st century, you might assume that we already know most of the intricacies of the human brain... but you'd be wrong. We don't even have all of the basics down yet.

Are the effects of pollution exagerrated? Are they under-reported? What about agencies like the EPA, which are charged with protecting Earth - and people - from effects of pollution? Tune in to learn more Stuff They Don't Want You To Know.

What is the Club of Rome? Learn about conspiracy theories surrounding the mysterious think tank Club of Rome in this video from Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.

Cannibalism, also known as anthropophagy, is an ancient practice. But there are multiple types and they are not all created equally.

It's true: The KGB really did have deep cover spies in the United States - and they weren't the only ones. So how does infiltrating a government work? Who's done it, and why? Tune in to learn more.