Each week, Sheldon and Marilin cover a topic from science and skepticism, including interviews with well known skeptics, authors, and scientists.
In this, Inbetweenisode, Sheldon tells the story of how a U.S. military base (now known as NORAD) began tracking Santa's trip around the world, an annual tradition for the past 60 years.
Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing the psychology of Prosocial Behavior. Interview with rock star and philanthropist Belinda Carlisle. Science Report about Sempo Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler." Good News report from Marilin about the shared kindness between a waitress and her firefighter customers.
In this, our first Inbetweenisode, Sheldon reports on the 47th anniversary of John Carlos and Tommie Smith's historic raised-fist solute at the Mexico City Summer Olympic Games in 1968, telling the part of the story that has been left out for nearly five decades.
Introduction with Marilin talking about her first awareness of James Randi and his work. Interview with James "The Amazing" Randi. A Science Report from Sheldon on the "unsinkable rubber duckie" Peter Popoff. A Good News Report from Marilin about a skeptical examination of a claim of telekinesis in Russia. A reminder by skeptic Tucker Hiatt about "The Official Houdini Seance" in San Francisco.
Sheldon and Marilin discuss myths, charlatans, and non-scientific beliefs around the world
Introduction in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss statistics on Transgender demographics, discrimination against Trans citizens, and efforts to ensure protection and fair treatment. An Interview with Trans actress and model, Cassandra Cass. A Science Report on the proper terminology and "do's and don'ts" regarding discussing Transgender issues. A Good News report on new laws in the state of New York that make it easier for Trans citizens to get equal treatment and access to services.
Sheldon and Marilin talk about research on the effects of music. Interview with musician George Hrab.
Sheldon and Marilin discuss the science behind the belief in ghosts and hauntings.
Marilin and Sheldon discuss food fads, food science, and the fallibility of Internet memes.
Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing common myths about space and space exploration. An Interview with UFO researcher and investigator Robert Sheaffer. The Science Report discussing the growing movement of people who deny that man ever landed on the moon. And a Good News report about an unlikely participant in the recent satellite mission to Pluto.
Introduction with Marilin and Sheldon discussing defenses against some of the lame Creationist arguments against evolution. An Interview (Marilin's first!) with science defender Dr. Eugenie Scott. A Science Report about a Russian project to breed tame foxes that may shed light on the evolution of the modern dog. And a Good News report about a young man's battle against governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal to keep good science in Louisiana schools.
Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing five common persuasion tactics, and personal stories of being conned. An Interview with social psychologist and fraud/con-criminal expert Dr. Anthony Pratkanis. Good News segment from Marilin about a whistle blower who uncovered a multi-million dollar scam in which perfectly healthy people were being treated for cancer.
Twins raised apart their entire lives have surprisingly similar lives and behavioral traits. Nancy Segal has been studying these rare twins for decades, and her research is fascinating!
The Science of Memory is discussed with famed memory researcher and psychology, Dr. Elizabeth Loftus.
Introduction includes a conversation in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss current pro-vaccination laws in California, and commentary by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about vaccine deniers. An Interview with pediatrician and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Paul Offit. A Science Report about Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research claiming a link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The Good News segment from Marilin detailing a Canadian woman's conversion from vaccine denier to vaccine proponent. And a special segment from former co-host Amanda DeVaus about new laws in Australia that seek to protect everyone by requiring vaccination for all citizens.
In this episode, Sheldon and Marilin examine secularism, including an interview with Catherine Dunphy and Mary Johnson of The Clergy Project.
A quick reminder about Openly Secular Day! Go out and tell at least one person that you are "opely secular," and live your life with a secular worldview, free from magic, superstition, or religion.
Sheldon and Marilin apply their skepticism to issues facing LGBT citizens, and cover research on the roots of homosexuality.
Sheldon and new co-host Marilin Colón discuss HBO's documentary "Going Clear." Interview with psychologist and cult expert Dr. Patrick O'Reilly. Science Report on history of cognitive dissonance. Good News about former FLDS member's attempt to regain custody of children from cult.
Sheldon and Amanda discuss their roles in Operation Bumblebee, a skeptical investigation of self-described psychic medium Chip Coffey, and the reaction by some in the skeptic community. Interview with Jay Novella from the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast about his video project, "Occ, the Skeptical Caveman." Science Report on the psychological research of influence and persuasion, and how it can be used by skeptical activists. The Good News about successful activism against the Burzynski Clinic and its dubious claims to treat and cure cancer.
This episode includes an unedited interview with Holocaust survivor Magda Brown about her experiences in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald death camps during WWII. The Good News from Amanda about successful efforts to prevent
Introduction of Sheldon and Amanda (how they became skeptics). Interview with psychologist & skeptic, Dr. Michael Shermer. Science Report on formation of morality and bigotry. The Good News from Amanda about women's rights activists Mahdieh Golru in Iran and Souad Al-Shammari in Saudi Arabia.