Podcasts about media mythmakers

0:00:00Introduction Richard Saunders0:04:50A Penny for your Thoughts with Penny ChanThis week Penny brings us Ben Radford in conversation with Brian Dunning. Ben is deputy editor of the science magazine Skeptical Inquirer and a columnist for Skeptical Inquirer magazine Skeptical Briefs newsletter, Discovery News, LiveScience.com and MediaMythmakers.com. He examines the science behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves.0:22:00Maynard's Spooky Action...Black panther sightings are reported from time to time in eastern Australia, notable in the Blue Moutains west of Sydney. Today Maynard talks to Lee Harvey who claims he saw one in the Hunter Valley, north-west of Sydney.Maynard then chats to Peter Bowditch from Ratbags.com for a more skeptical take on big cats in Australia.0:34:50The Think Tank In the tank this week are Dr Rachael Dunlop, Bastard Sheep and Richard Saunders.

Ben Radford is is one of the world's few science-based paranormal investigators, and has done first-hand research into psychics, ghosts and haunted houses, exorcisms, Bigfoot, lake monsters, UFO sightings, crop circles, and other topics. He is managing editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine and author of Media Mythmakers: How Journalists, Activists, and Advertisers Mislead Us, and Lake Monster Mysteries: Investigating the World's Most Elusive Creatures (with Joe Nickell). He also writes online at LiveScience.com, MediaMythmakers.com and Monsterscience.com. In this discussion with D.J. Grothe, Ben Radford surveys the current issue of Skeptical Inquirer magazine, which is focused on "Skepticism 2.0" and the future of the skeptical movement. He describes various articles by contributors to the issue such as Daniel Loxton, Jeff Wagg, Karen Stollznow, Blake Smith, Heidi Anderson, Reed Esau, Tim Farley and others. He talks about blogging, podcasts and youtube and the opportunities they present for new skeptical outreach. He explores ways national skeptical organizations can collaborate. He talks about why it is important to build on the important work of skeptical luminaries such as Carl Sagan, Ray Hyman, James Randi, Martin Gardner and Joe Nickel, and how to do so. And he also talks about his sacrilegious board game Playing Gods.

Ben Radford is is one of the world's few science-based paranormal investigators, and has done first-hand research into psychics, ghosts and haunted houses, exorcisms, Bigfoot, lake monsters, UFO sightings, crop circles, and other topics. He is managing editors of Skeptical Inquirer magazine, and editor-in-chief of the Spanish-language magazine Pensar, published in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The author of many books, including Media Mythmakers: How Journalists, Activists, and Advertisers Mislead Us, and Lake Monster Mysteries: Investigating the World's Most Elusive Creatures (with Joe Nickell), he also writes online at LiveScience.com and MediaMythmakers.com.In this interview with D.J. Grothe, Radford recounts some of his experiences as a paranormal investigator, drawing a contrast between his work and that of the "ghost hunters." He talks about his attempts at "steath skepticism" and also about his new board-game, Playing Gods.Also in this episode, philosopher and Center for Inquiry founder Paul Kurtz shares a special message for rationalists on Independence Day, about the Influence of the Enlightenment on America.

Marci Hamilton is a distinguished constitutional law professor at Cordozo School of Law and is the author of the critically acclaimed book God vs. The Gavel: Religion and the Rule of Law. She has appeared widely in the media, on shows such as The O'Reilly Factor and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In this interview, she explores the harms that are done to society by religion and how these harms are enabled by the courts and law enforcement because of an inaccurate understanding and application of the First Amendment. She challenges the widespread notion that all religious conduct deserves constitutional protection. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents Did You Know? detailing information about tax-payer funding of religious organizations, President Bush's fear of human-animal hybrids, and priestly child-abuse. Also, Benjamin Radford shares his segment Media Mythmakers, and in the second of a two part series entitled Investigating Ghosts and Hauntings, Joe Nickell, CSICOP's senior research fellow and renowned paranormal investigator, recounts experiences with photographing ghosts and why people might believe in them.

Chris Mooney, a Washington correspondent for Seed magazine, a senior correspondent for the American Prospect, and a columnist for Skeptical Inquirer magazine, focuses on issues at the intersection of science and politics in his reporting. He has contributed to a number of other publications over the last few years including Wired, New Scientist, Slate, Mother Jones, The Washington Post, The LA Times, and The Boston Globe, in addition to appearing widely in the media, on shows such as The Daily Show with John Stewart, NPR's Science Friday, and Fresh Air with Terry Gross. His blog, called "The Intersection," was recipient of Scientific American's 2005 Science and Technology web award, which noted that "science is lucky to have such a staunch ally in acclaimed journalist Chris Mooney." In this interview, he discusses his first book, The Republican War on Science, hailed as "a landmark in contemporary political reporting" by Salon.com and a "well-researched, closely argued and amply referenced indictment of the right wing's assault on science and scientists" by Scientific American. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents Did You Know? sharing facts and figures on paranormal belief in America and recent growth of religious extremism, Benjamin Radford shares his segment Media Mythmakers, commenting on social myths regarding Barbie Dolls, and in the first of a two part series entitled Investigating Ghosts and Hauntings, Joe Nickell, CSICOP's senior research fellow and renowned paranormal investigator, details specific investigations of haunted scenes he has conducted.

Eugenie Scott, a physical anthropologist, has been the director of the National Center for Science Education for nearly 20 years. A former president of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, she is one of the nation's leading defenders of the theory of evolution, and a vocal critic of creationism and Intelligent Design theory. She is the author of the widely used and comprehensive textbook Evolution Vs. Creationism. In this interview, she recounts events in the recent Dover, PA Intelligent Design case, and discusses why ID fails as a scientific theory. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents Did You Know? sharing facts and figures on church-state separation, and the Discovery Institute, a leading think-tank responsible for the promotion of Intelligent Design theory. Benjamin Radford, in his regular segment, Media Mythmakers, comments on social myths regarding disaster relief, and in the third of a three part series Can You Be Good Without God? Paul Kurtz explores the specific ethical ideals secular humanists cherish.

The great movie director Orson Welles wrote that Max Maven has "the most creative mind in magic." The New York Times observed that his "category-defying mind-reading veers into conceptual art." The Los Angeles Times stated that his "improvisational skill is enhanced by a charismatic animal magnetism." He has hosted eight TV specials in Japan (performing in Japanese) and starred in TV series in Taiwan, Sweden, Norway, Finland, England, the United States and Canada. Behind the scenes, Max Maven has been a consultant to the California ScienCenter, numerous universities, and to the magicians David Copperfield, Doug Henning, and Penn & Teller. He has published more than 2,000 articles. In addition, Maven is also the author of The Book of Fortunetelling, and is a contributor to a new traveling exhibition, "Magic: The Science of Illusion," which is touring science museums across North America through 2007. In this interview, Max Maven begins an exploration of the relationship between magic and skepticism, and how magicians may aid the skeptical enterprise. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents Did You Know? sharing quick facts on magic, skepticism, Friday the 13th, and unbelief in America, and Benjamin Radford, in his regular segment, Media Mythmakers, criticizes "tragedy journalism." In the second of a three part series Can You Be Good Without God? Paul Kurtz defends godless morality. And Joe Nickell explores the origins of superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th.

Ibn Warraq is the author of a number of books, including Why I Am Not A Muslim, considered among the most important critical looks at the negative aspects of Islam today. He is an outspoken critic of Islam who has written extensively on what he views as the oppressive nature of Islam and religion in general. Since the publication of Why I Am Not A Muslim, Ibn Warraq has appeared often in the media, including C-SPAN, National Public Radio, Canadian radio, the Washington Post, and the New York Times, in addition to consulting with Washington, D.C. think tanks, speech-writers for President Bush, international NGOs and the Center for Inquiry. In this interview, he discusses his problems with Islam, and why he argues Islam is incompatible with the democratic values of the West. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents Did You Know? breezing facts and figures about Islam, Mormonism, secular humanism, and paranormal belief in America and Benjamin Radford, in his regular segment, Media Mythmakers, casts a critical eye on blogosphere journalism. Also, in the first of a three part series entitled Can You Be Good Without God? Paul Kurtz explores the real origin of morality.

Susan Jacoby is the author of Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism, now in its tenth hardcover printing and recently published in paperback. Freethinkers was hailed in the New York Times as an "ardent and insightful work" that "seeks to rescue a proud tradition from the indifference of posterity." Named a notable nonfiction book of 2004 by The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, Freethinkers was cited in England as one of the outstanding international books of 2004 by the Times Literary Supplement and The Guardian. Since the publication of Freethinkers, Susan Jacoby has been interviewed on NOW with Bill Moyers, The O'Reilly Factor, and the Dennis Miller Show. She has been a guest on numerous National Public Radio programs, including the Diane Rehm and Tavis Smiley shows, as well as regional NPR programs broadcast from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, and Madison, WIS. In this passionate and insightful interview, she discusses America's freethought heritage and the Dover intelligent design ruling. Also in this episode, Tom Flynn presents a new segment called simply, Did You Know? detailing punchy facts about Campus Crusade for Christ, Jimmy Carter and UFO's, and the growth of superstition on American campuses; contributer Lauren Becker shares her personal reflections on her experiences working at a national park in the Bible belt. Also, Ben Radford, in his regular segment, Media Mythmakers, casts a critical eye on President Bush and his war on terror and Paul Kurtz examines the secular humanist pursuit of excellence.

Andrew Skolnick, Executive Director of the Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health, is a nationally renowned science journalist who has won numerous national awards and honors for his reporting in biology, medicine, and human rights. Among those honors are Amnesty International USA's Spotlight on Media Award; World Hunger Year's Harry Chapin Award for Impact on Hunger and Poverty; the John P. McGovern Medal from the American Medical Writers Association; and a Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism. For nearly a decade, he served as an associate news editor for the Journal of the American Medical Association. He has been published in Smithsonian, Natural History, Ranger Rick Nature Magazine, National Geographic World, The New York Times, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and many other publications. In this interview, he discusses the dangers of alternative medicine, including unregulated dietary supplements, homeopathy, and more. Also, in the second of a two part interview entitled The Real War on Christmas, Tom Flynn, editor of Free Inquiry magazine, urges listeners to wage an actual war on Christmas, in defense of America's religious diversity and the rights of nonbelievers. Point of Inquiry contributer Lauren Becker offers some insight into the recent ruling in the Dover Pennsylvania Intelligent Design case. Finally, In Ben Radford's regular commentary, Media Mythmakers, he discusses recent terror hoaxes.

Joe Nickell, Senior Research Fellow for CSICOP, is considered the world's leading paranormal investigator. A former professional stage magician and private investigator, he taught at the University of Kentucky before joining CSICOP, the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. Using his varied background, Nickell has become widely known as an investigator of myths and mysteries, frauds, forgeries, and hoaxes. He has been called "the modern Sherlock Holmes," "the original ghost buster," and "the real-life Scully" (after the character in "The X-Files" ). He has investigated scores of haunted-house cases, including the Amityville Horror and the Mackenzie House in Toronto, Canada. A veteran of hundreds of TV and radio appearances, he is the author of over 20 books, including Inquest of the Shroud of Turin, Secrets of the Supernatural, Looking for a Miracle, Entities, Psychic Sleuths, Real Life X Files, The UFO Invasion and the new title Secrets of the Sideshows. In this interview by DJ Grothe, Joe Nickell cautions the skeptic against debunking, and argues for open-minded investigation of paranormal claims. Also, in the first of a two part interview entitled The Real War on Christmas, Tom Flynn, editor of Free Inquiry Magazine, urges listeners to wage an actual war on Christmas, in defense of America's religious diversity and the rights of nonbelievers. In Ben Radford's regular commentary, Media Mythmakers, he discusses recent irrational scares over violent video games.

We have a very special guest, Benjamin Radford, editor of Skeptical Inquiry and Pensar Magazine. Author of Media Mythmakers, and employee/expert at CSICOP. Benjamin joins us for a lively discussion on how the Media and Activists use myth, emotion and bad statistics to mislead us.