Persuasion shapes every part of our daily lives, from convincing a boss to give us a raise to deciding which products we buy or which beliefs we hold true. But how do we recognize when we are being persuaded or deceived? In this episode, host Alita Guillen sits down with Dr. Timothy R. Levine, Professor and Chair of Communication at the University of Oklahoma and author of Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception. Together, they explore the subtle art and science of persuasion, how it overlaps with manipulation, why emotion can be so powerful, and what it really means to communicate honestly. Dr. Levine explains how persuasion differs from coercion and conformity, why politeness combined with reason is often the key to influence, and how fear is used in health communication to shape public behavior. He also shares practical tools to protect yourself from influence that does not serve you and why trust remains essential if we want healthy, connected relationships. From decoding everyday influence to understanding how misinformation spreads, this conversation offers a clearer look at the forces shaping how we think and act. It will help anyone become a more thoughtful communicator, a more intentional consumer, and a more ethical persuader. Book: Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception Website: https://www.ou.edu/cas/comm/about/people/faculty/timothy-levine YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1_DIh33LfXaiEiOscEyGQ  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitakguillen/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/10secondstoair/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alitaguillen/  Web: https://www.alitaguillen.com/  Web: https://www.10secondstoair.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices