About this episode
Are 9/11 conspiracy theories dangerous myths or legitimate questions about official explanations? Ben Chertoff, research editor for Popular Mechanics magazine and distant cousin of Michael Chertoff, joins Art for an explosive discussion about their investigation into 9/11 conspiracy claims. This highly contentious program examines Popular Mechanics' systematic debunking of alternative theories about the World Trade Center collapse, Pentagon attack, and Flight 93 crash. Chertoff presents the magazine's research methodology and findings while addressing criticism from conspiracy theorists who question his family connections and motivations. The heated conversation explores structural engineering evidence, aviation mechanics, government response protocols, and witness testimonies that both support and challenge official narratives. Art acknowledges the program will be "extremely contentious" as he prepares to read listener emails that demonstrate the passionate divide on this subject. The discussion becomes a battleground between official explanations and alternative theories, with Chertoff defending mainstream scientific analysis against claims of government coverup. This confrontational examination reveals the deep skepticism many Americans harbor about official accounts of national tragedies.