Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Shermer

We may live in a post-truth society, but facts can still be verified. Michael Shermer is publisher of Skeptic magazine, the executive director of the Skeptics Society and the host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss misinformation and how to spot it, why we're vulnerable to believing falsehoods and why it's essential we reject the idea that nothing can be verified as truth. His book is “Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Why do people risk everything for love but treat sex like it's no big deal? Why is intimacy the most expensive thing in a brothel? And why do jealousy, infidelity, and heartbreak push otherwise rational people into behavior they later can't explain? Evolutionary biologist and sex researcher Justin Garcia, executive director of the Kinsey Institute and author of The Intimate Animal, joins Michael Shermer for a candid conversation about the biology of sex, the evolutionary logic of pair bonding, and why love—not lust—is what often pushes people past the point of reason. Justin R. Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and sex researcher. He is Executive Director & Senior Scientist at the Kinsey Institute. He is also the Scientific Advisor to Match Group and Match.com, where he provides expertise to the company's annual Singles in America study. His research has been featured in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, TIME, Cosmopolitan, and Vanity Fair. His new book is The Intimate Animal.

In this episode, Meghan talks with science writer and professional skeptic Michael Shermer about his new book Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, and about why agreeing on basic facts has become so difficult, even when everyone is looking at the same video. They discuss Minneapolis, ICE raids, viral "exposé" culture, the transgender movement, the lab leak theory, the Jeffrey Epstein case, the way activism distorts institutions that are supposed to care about evidence, and why humans are much better at defending beliefs than revising them. Note that this episode was recorded on January 20, four days before the killing of Alex Pretti during ICE protests in Minneapolis. We discuss the killing of Renee Good. Guest Bio Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and the host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show. For 30 years he taught college and university courses in critical thinking, and for 18 years he was a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He is the author of Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, The Moral Arc, Heavens on Earth, Giving the Devil His Due, and Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational. His new book is Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters. Follow him on X @michaelshermer.

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" talks to Michael Shermer author of "Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters" about his new book on truth, science, and skepticism; the erosion of trust in institutions after COVID; the politicization of science; how to think critically in an age of misinformation, social media, and information overload; how you can sort out truth from lies using evidence-based Bayesian reasoning; the relationship between science, religion, and meaning; the rise of conspiracy theory pushers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson; his concerns over AI, deepfakes, and conspiracy theories; and his take on the most recent revelations with UFOs, UAPs, and historical revisionism, and much more.

Michael Shermer returns for a fascinating conversation about the crisis of truth in our polarized, AI-driven world. He and Bridget discuss the fate of print magazines, shrinking attention spans, the challenges of discerning reality amid deepfakes, misinformation, and Shermer's new book Truth: What It Is, How To Find It, and Why It Still Matters. They cover political violence, ICE controversies, the power of belief to shape actions (and self-fulfilling prophecies), human gullibility, the replication crisis in science, evolving views on religion and morality, divorce, guns, the relationship between truth and trust, and what happens to truth when trust in public institutions has been eroded. Buy Truth: What It Is, How To Find It, and Why It Still Matters - https://amzn.to/4riouo2 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor Links: - Quest offers 100+ lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs, use code WALKINS25 to get 25% off - https://www.questhealth.com - If you love Walk-Ins Welcome become a supporter at https://phetasy.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy - Podcast Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn't conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there's no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she'll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PHETASY IS a movement disguised as a company. We just want to make you laugh while the world burns. https://www.phetasy.com/ Buy PHETASY MERCH here: https://www.bridgetphetasy.com/ For more content, including the unedited version of Dumpster Fire, BTS content, writing, photos, livestreams and a kick-ass community, subscribe at https://phetasy.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/BridgetPhetasy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bridgetphetasy/ Podcast - Walk-Ins Welcome with Bridget Phetasy https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/walk-ins-welcome/id1437447846 https://open.spotify.com/show/7jbRU0qOjbxZJf9d49AHEh https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I3gqggwe23u6mnsdgqynu447wvaSupport the show

Jim talks with Michael Shermer about his worldview and his new book, Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters. They discuss Michael's self-identification as a monist and realist who believes in a physical objective world, the concept of fallibilism, intersubjective verification of the interobjective, reliance on authorities and institutions, the battle between the book of authority versus the book of nature, balancing rationality with empiricism, the dependence of mathematical truths on axioms, January 6 as an example of people acting rationally on false beliefs, Shermer's journey from born-again Christian to atheist and Jim's opposite journey from Catholicism to atheism, treating religious literature like great literature with deeper truths, the study of consciousness and the hard problem versus the easy problem, separating intelligence from consciousness, consciousness as a biological process like digestion, the question of machine sentience, a critique of Donald Hoffman's interface theory, evidence for veridical perception through mimicry in nature and animals climbing trees, skepticism about brain-in-a-vat and simulation scenarios, minimum viable metaphysics, Thomas Nagel's concept of one thought too many, Jonathan Rauch's constitution of knowledge, the replication crisis in psychology, the breakdown of trust in institutions due to COVID and the noble lie, the problem of scaling laws with followership, moral realism and the survival and flourishing of sentient beings, the principle of interchangeable perspectives, discovering moral values through problem-solving, the evolution of ethics and the expanding moral sphere, and much more. Episode Transcript Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, by Michael Shermer The Michael Shermer Show Why People Believe Weird Things, by Michael Shermer The Believing Brain, by Michael Shermer Why Darwin Matters, by Michael Shermer The Science of Good and Evil, by Michael Shermer Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational, by Michael Shermer "A Minimum Viable Metaphysics," by Jim Rutt JRS EP 287 - Jonathan Rauch on the Epistemic Crisis Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and the host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show. For 30 years he taught college and university courses in critical thinking, and for 18 years he was a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, The Moral Arc, Heavens on Earth, Giving the Devil His Due, and Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational. His new book is Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters. Follow him on X @michaelshermer.

Michael's latest book Truth: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-What-Find-Still-Matters/dp/142145372X _______________________________________ My forthcoming book Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind is now available for pre-order: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/suicidal-empathy-gad-saad?variant=44726319317026 _______________________________________ If you appreciate my work and would like to support it: https://subscribestar.com/the-saad-truth https://patreon.com/GadSaad https://paypal.me/GadSaad To subscribe to my exclusive content on X, please visit my bio at https://x.com/GadSaad _______________________________________ This clip was posted on January 28, 2026 on my YouTube channel as THE SAAD TRUTH_1983: https://youtu.be/bX2vYbd-q0A _______________________________________ Please visit my website gadsaad.com, and sign up for alerts. If you appreciate my content, click on the "Support My Work" button. I count on my fans to support my efforts. You can donate via Patreon, PayPal, and/or SubscribeStar. _______________________________________ Dr. Gad Saad is a professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author who pioneered the use of evolutionary psychology in marketing and consumer behavior. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Saad is a leading public intellectual who often writes and speaks about idea pathogens that are destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense.  _______________________________________

These days, despite the internet providing us access to every imaginable source of information, the truth is harder than ever to find.  A conversation about how to sort truth from fiction and why, more than ever, truth matters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, the executive director of the Skeptics Society and the author of Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2026), offers advice for evaluating information and sources and argues that getting to the truth is still possible.

In this episode, Michael Shermer walks through the core ideas behind his new book Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, breaking down how humans confuse meaning with reality, stories with facts, and confidence with correctness. He also explains why changing your mind is a strength, not a flaw; why extraordinary claims really do require extraordinary evidence; and why "just asking questions" isn't as innocent as it sounds. BUY THE BOOK Amazon Shop Skeptic (autographed) "Michael Shermer reminds us that the search for truth is not a luxury, but a necessity. This book is a powerful argument for why reality matters and a practical toolkit for how to find it." ―Sabine Hossenfelder "Michael Shermer has a fine record as a long-time crusader for evidenced rationality. This fascinating and wide-ranging book should further enhance his impact on current controversies." ―Lord Martin Rees "Michael Shermer is one of our most influential intellectuals. Truth lances the myth of truth's subjectivity, arguing (provocatively) that truth can generate moral absolutes. This stimulating, excellent book inspires you to spread the word that the Earth is not flat and that truth matters." ―Robert Sapolsky "Michael Shermer has spent his career grappling with the slipperiest word in our language: truth. As someone who knows firsthand what happens when truth gets lost in noise and narrative, I'm grateful for Shermer's clear-eyed insistence that truth is not only real, but necessary." ―Amanda Knox "Michael Shermer pulls no punches: in a world where opinion too often masquerades as fact, he dismantles delusion and arms us with the tools to meet reality head-on." ―Brian Greene

In this solo episode of The Michael Shermer Show, Michael Shermer responds to the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old healthcare worker who was killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis during protests over enforcement of immigration law.  As political debate intensifies, Shermer asks a tough question that most discussions are avoiding: What role does personal responsibility play in emotionally charged, high-risk situations? He separates the facts we can reasonably assert from what remains uncertain and explains why scrutinizing frame-by-frame video misses something essential about how humans behave under stress and fear.

Support The Glenn Show at https://glennloury.substack.com Video Links 0:00 The crisis of belief and the crisis of speech 4:30 Michael: Deport the criminals, leave the gardeners 10:37 Michael's list of the biggest, craziest, and most dangerous conspiracy theories 15:47 When trust in institutions breaks down 22:06 Why well-meaning people make absurd claims 26:01 Is Trump […]

Michael Shermer sits down with attorney and bestselling author Kent Heckenlively for a tense, thoughtful, and surprisingly cordial conversation about UFOs, government secrecy, and the idea of "catastrophic disclosure." Heckenlively argues that something real is being hidden. Not necessarily aliens, but information powerful enough to disrupt energy markets, military spending, and political authority. But beyond stories and secondhand testimony, where is the kind of evidence that would settle the question once and for all? The episode takes up congressional hearings, whistleblowers, classified briefings, Cold War secrecy, optical illusions, advanced military technology, and why, after nearly 80 years, the UFO story continues to produce more questions than answers. Kent Heckenlively is an attorney, science teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. His books have covered such topics as scientific fraud, bias at Google, Facebook, and CNN, promising medical therapies, as well as behind-the-scenes looks into the COVID-19 Task Force. His books have sold more than half a million copies. His new book is CATASTROPHIC DISCLOSURE: The Deep State, Aliens, and the Truth.

In a world where AI can recreate our voices, half the internet thinks the moon landing was staged, and every group chat has a cousin who's “just asking questions,” the perceived line between fact and fantasy has never been blurrier. On February 9 at the Comedy Cellar in NYC, Coleman Hughes will sit down with Michael Shermer—historian of science and author of Truth: What It Is, How to Find It & Why It Still Matters—for a live conversation. Together they'll dig into why smart people believe strange things—from conspiracy theories and moral panics to post-truth politics—and how skepticism, evidence, and reason can still help us figure out what's actually real. Is truth the only antidote to our world of cynicism and confusion? After the conversation, we'll head to a nearby bar for an informal meetup with Michael, Coleman, and fellow Free Pressers for drinks, discussion, and the rare pleasure of arguing in good faith. (Location will be shared with ticket holders only.) This New York City event is intentionally intimate and will sell out quickly. Don't delay. --- February 9, 2026 6:00pm1 Comedy Cellar @ 30 West 3rd Street, NY, NY, 10012  --- Tickets are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Michael Shermer talks with filmmaker James Fox, whose work has helped push UFOs, now often called UAPs, out of the tabloid shadows and into congressional hearings, radar logs, and sworn testimony. Fox has spent three decades interviewing fighter pilots, radar operators, intelligence officials, scientists, and firsthand witnesses. His conclusion is not that we know what these objects are, but that dismissing them no longer works. Around 90 to 95 percent of sightings collapse under scrutiny. The remaining cases do not. The question is: What are we supposed to do with what's left? James Fox is a film director widely regarded as one of the leading voices in UFO filmmaking. He is known for documentaries such as The Phenomenon, The Program, and Moment of Contact, several of which are frequently cited among the best UFO documentaries ever made.

What if the deepest human drive isn't happiness, survival, or even love, but the need to matter? Philosopher and MacArthur Fellow Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins Michael Shermer to discuss The Mattering Instinct, her argument that the desire to feel significant lies at the core of human behavior. That drive helps explain our greatest achievements, from creativity and moral courage to scientific and artistic excellence. It also helps explain some of our darkest outcomes, including extremism, violence, and ideological fanaticism. Goldstein examines why people will give up comfort, status, and sometimes even their own lives to feel that they matter. She questions why meaning cannot be captured by happiness metrics or self-help formulas, and why the same psychological force can produce saints, scientists, athletes, cult leaders, and terrorists. The conversation moves through free will, entropy, morality without God, fame, narcissism, and the crucial difference between ways of mattering that create order and those that leave damage behind. Rebecca Newberger Goldstein is an award-winning philosopher, writer, and public intellectual. She is the author of ten books of acclaimed fiction and non-fiction, including 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction and Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity. She holds a PhD in philosophy of science from Princeton University and has taught at Yale, Columbia, NYU, Dartmouth, and Harvard. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, her work has been supported by the MacArthur "Genius" grant and fellowships from the Guggenheim, Whiting Institute, Radcliffe Institute, and the National Science Foundation. Her new book is The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us.

In this unscripted solo episode, Michael Shermer reflects on a dizzying start to the year and what it reveals about truth, power, and public judgment. From events in Venezuela and the limits of exporting democracy to a viral Planet Fitness controversy, the Minneapolis ICE shooting, and renewed claims about aliens, Shermer keeps returning to the same question: What actually helps, and what only feels like a good idea in the moment?

Bret Weinstein speaks with Michael Shermer, the publisher of Skeptic magazine, the executive director of the Skeptics Society, and the host of the popular podcast The Michael Shermer Show on the subject of truth.Find Michael Shermer on X at https://x.com/MichaelShermer and “Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters” on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4qLfojC (commission earned).*****Sponsors:CrowdHealth: Pay for healthcare with crowdfunding instead of insurance. It's way better. Use code DarkHorse at JoinCrowdHealth.com to get 1st 3 months for $99/month.Helix: Excellent, sleep-enhancing, American-made mattresses. Act fast, go to  http://www.HelixSleep.com/DarkHorse for the DarkHorse exclusive offer of 27% off sitewide (valid through 1/11/2026). Timeline: Timeline accelerate the clearing of damaged mitochondria to improve strength and endurance: Go to http://www.timeline.com/darkhorse and use code darkhorse for 20% off your first order.*****Join DarkHorse on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.comCheck out the DHP store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://www.darkhorsestore.orgTheme Music: Thank you to Martin Molin of Wintergatan for providing us the rights to use their excellent music.*****Mentioned on this Episode:Paul Offit on Covid immunity: https://x.com/kevinnbass/status/1891856265292169570Reasonable Dowd: Ed Dowd on DarkHorse https://youtu.be/Trjv7-eUqt4Unsafe at Any Speed: Dr. Toby Rogers on DarkHorse https://youtu.be/QQfIo75KHIISupport the show

What if the way we approach mental health is quietly making things worse? Psychiatrist and psychotherapist Sami Timimi joins Michael Shermer to examine some of the core assumptions behind modern psychiatry. Why have diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression expanded so dramatically—and why hasn't increased access to treatment led to better outcomes at the population level? Timimi describes how diagnostic categories have broadened over time and questions whether psychiatric labels function in the same way as medical diagnoses elsewhere in healthcare. Without clear biological markers, he argues, definitions can expand to include forms of distress that were once considered part of ordinary human experience. The conversation also considers the role of meaning, identity, and culture in shaping how people understand psychological suffering. Timimi reflects on the limits of medication and therapy, the unintended consequences of the "mental illness as physical illness" model, and how social media may contribute to the spread and reinforcement of certain diagnostic categories. Dr. Sami Timimi is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He has published more than 150 academic papers and authored or edited over a dozen books, including Naughty Boys, Liberatory Psychiatry, and The Myth of Autism. His new book is Searching for Normal: A New Approach to Understanding Mental Health, Distress, and Neurodiversity.

As per tradition, we're talking all media to round out the year! Our theme is past, present, future; we're discussing what influenced both of us the most in each category. Thanks for hanging out with us this past year!   Shan: Past: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare  Present:  The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore. A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, by Sonia Purnell  Sylvia Pankhurst: Natural Born Rebel, by Rachel Holmes The Sisterhood: The Secret History of the Women at the CIA, by Liza Mundy  The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear, Kate Moore Ten Days in a Mad-House: The Original 1887 Edition (Nellie Bly's Experience On Blackwell's Island) by Nellie Bly  Nellie Bly: Daredevil. Reporter. Feminist by Brooke Kroeger The Secret Life of Dr James Barry: Victorian England's Most Eminent Surgeon, by Rachel Holmes  Future: Star Trek    Bryce: Past: Grand Theft Auto Present: The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaquui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Castaneda Future: Age of Disclosure Show Notes:  History of Grand Theft Auto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poKPUS7pu5Y The Teachings of Don Juan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Teachings_of_Don_Juan The Aliens are Here (Again)! A Review of The Age of Disclosure by Michael Shermer https://www.skeptic.com/article/the-aliens-are-here-again-a-review-of-the-age-of-disclosure/ Skeptic debunks of UFO/UAP videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHDlfIaBEqw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuhkVTJ6A_c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om0d0u1ASJY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64zlyzojpPM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsEjV8DdSbs&t=1093s   Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on the Mountain Meadows Massacre: https://youtu.be/iJWirjCyWdk  He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look!  Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g   Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social  Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on "Store" here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com  Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10  

Brain-computer interfaces are moving out of the lab and into real medical use. In this episode of The Michael Shermer Show, Michael Shermer talks with Dr. Matt Angle, founder and CEO of Paradromics, a neurotechnology company developing one of the most advanced high-data-rate brain implants in the world, similar to Neuralink. These devices record activity from individual neurons, making it possible to restore speech in people with paralysis, reconnect the brain to external devices, and potentially treat chronic pain and neurological disorders with far greater precision than existing approaches. Angle explains why progress in neuroscience has been limited not by biology, but by data—how much information we can actually read from the brain, and how fast. He describes how patients who can no longer speak may soon communicate fluently using only brain signals, why invasive implants can sometimes be safer than long-term drug treatments, and what it takes to bring a brain implant through FDA approval and into the clinic. The conversation also touches on the larger questions raised by this technology, including autonomy, consciousness, and what happens when the boundary between brain and machine begins to blur. Matt Angle is the Founder and CEO of Paradromics, a neurotechnology leader developing the world's most advanced and clinically viable brain-computer interface (BCI) platform—bridging human thought and digital capability. Paradromics' BCI platform records brain activity with unmatched precision, capturing data at the level of individual neurons. This advanced technology enables the decoding of vast amounts of brain data, opening the door to next-generation treatments for paralysis, chronic pain, addiction, mental health conditions, and more. With the power of AI, this platform has the potential to radically shift how healthcare providers approach some of the most challenging medical conditions. Angle earned his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Heidelberg, followed by postdoctoral research at Stanford University. Paradromics engineered its first clinical product, the Connexus® BCI, received two FDA Breakthrough Device Designations, and performed the first-in-human neural recording in May 2025. The company is now preparing to launch a clinical trial in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.

At the turn of the 20th century, millions of Americans, including elite scientists, major newspapers, and cultural icons, were convinced that Mars was home to an advanced civilization. In this episode, Michael Shermer speaks with award-winning science journalist David Baron about one of the most astonishing episodes in scientific-cultural history. Blurry telescopes, mistranslated words, and persuasive personalities transformed speculation into accepted fact, while more cautious scientists struggled to be heard. The discussion covers Percival Lowell's Martian canals, Nikola Tesla's claim to have detected signals from another planet, and the role of mass media and early science fiction in fueling public belief. The episode also connects this forgotten moment to present-day debates about UFOs, alien megastructures, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, raising broader questions about how scientific ideas spread and why some claims capture the public imagination. David Baron is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and author. A former science correspondent for NPR, he has also written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, and other publications. David recently served as the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation. His new book is The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America.

Happy Wednesday!    This week on Finding Something Real, we are joined with a very special guest, Greg Koukl. We are also joined with our co-hosts, Sarah and Cailee!   Sarah and Cailee ask Greg really good questions about whether or not we can trust the Bible through translations, interpretations and overall legitimacy. Greg does a great job of answering clearly and with solid evidence.    About Greg: Greg founded Stand to Reason in 1993 and currently serves as President of Stand to Reason. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including The Story of Reality—How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times. Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.   We hope you enjoy this week's episode!    - -- -- -- --    LINKS   Stand to Reason   Why People Really Don't Believe in Jesus with Xandra Grieme   Is This Even Real? - Katelyn Deal's Story   Release What God Has Already Given Us with Jesse Childress   Making the Case for Christ with J. Warner Wallace     Listen on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MuVWFbZzue3ZLgCtIJGzB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-something-real-podcast/id1481017856     Follow us on:  Instagram: finding_something_real Facebook: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood Tiktok: @findingsomethingreal Youtube: Finding Something REAL with Janell Wood

3 Incredible Proofs of Heaven: What Global Near Death Experiences Reveal. Imagine Heaven John Burke. ACU Saturday Series.  Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/vxnmDhs6Nrg?si=Jx4MuPcZR-UdWUV4 Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke 61.6K subscribers 111,168 views Dec 6, 2024 Imagine Heaven Podcast Episodes What if Heaven is more real than we ever imagined? And what will it be like? John Burke has spent over 40 years researching 1000+ near-death experiences (NDEs) and wrote the New York Times bestseller Imagine Heaven, with over 1 million copies sold. In this video, you will hear from many of the people John interviewed from around the globe as he explores 3 incredible proofs of Heaven that skeptics have not explained. He also shows ways that NDEs and the Bible correlate. From verifiable out-of-body observations to blind individuals seeing for the first time and encounters with the same God of light and love across nations, these stories challenge and inspire us with the reality of life after death. Discover how these extraordinary experiences transcend cultures, religions, and expectations, offering compelling evidence that Heaven exists. Watch now to explore these fascinating global accounts that defy conventional science and provide hope for what lies beyond. All video interviews conducted by John Burke are used with permission. Watch the full Joe Rogan and Dr. Michael Shermer 2-hour video here. The quote used starts at 13:35: https://www.youtube.com/live/x2qwRJT4WGY Watch the full Dr. Pim van Lommel 1-hour interview here:    • Consciousness Beyond Death | Dr. Pim van L...   Read Heidi Barr's full story here: https://a.co/d/4VZx2yE Read Santosh Acharjee's full story here: https://a.co/d/41mSYYQ Read Swidiq (Cedric) Kanana's full story here: https://a.co/d/6xBcpLN ------------------------- Stay Connected

Criminal profiling promises certainty in the face of horror: this is what a killer looks like, this is how they think, this is how we stop them. But what if that promise is mostly an illusion? In this episode, Michael Shermer is joined by journalist and author Rachel Corbett to dismantle the myths behind criminal profiling, from the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit to our obsession with serial killers, mindhunters, and "psychological fingerprints." Corbett explains why randomness is harder to accept than evil, and how our hunger for neat explanations can actually make us less safe. Plus, the legacy of MKUltra and Ted Kaczynski, the seductive appeal of true crime, and the uncomfortable truth behind the "Jekyll and Hyde" problem: monsters rarely look like monsters. Rachel Corbett is a features writer at New York magazine, and her writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Atlantic. She is the author of You Must Change Your Life, which won the Marfield Prize, the National Award for Arts Writing. Her new book is The Monsters We Make: Murder, Obsession, and the Rise of Criminal Profiling.

Astrobiologist Caleb Scharf joins Michael Shermer for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of our relationship with space. Drawing on his new book The Giant Leap, Scharf explains why human expansion beyond Earth may be less a choice than an evolutionary development, and he walks through the physics, history, and personalities that shaped our journey off the planet. Scharf also explains the biological toll of radiation and microgravity, and why terraforming Mars is probably unrealistic and why our future might rely more on building vast rotating habitats in space than on settling other planets. Caleb Scharf is an astrobiologist and recipient of the 2022 Carl Sagan Medal. He was Director of Astrobiology at Columbia University in New York and is now the Senior Scientist for Astrobiology at the NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. He is author of more than 120 scientific papers and over 500 popular science articles. His new book is The Giant Leap: Why Space is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life. 

In this episode, Michel-Yves Bolloré lays out his case for why modern cosmology, fine-tuning, and the limits of materialism point toward a creator. Drawing on physics, thermodynamics, probability, and philosophy, he argues that the Big Bang, the apparent beginning of the universe, and the complexity of life collectively form a compelling body of evidence for God's existence. Bolloré explains why he believes the universe is not eternal, why "nothing" cannot produce "something," how moral red lines suggest a transcendent source, and how he reconciles scientific reasoning with his Christian faith, while Michael Shermer gently but rigorously presses him with questions to elicit his strongest arguments. Michel-Yves Bolloré is an engineer and entrepreneur whose career spans industrial innovation and philanthropic investment in education. He is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieur de Toulouse and Paris-Dauphine University (Master of Science and Doctorate in Business Administration). He founded several schools, including The Laurels in London and Les Vignes in France. He is also a Knight of the Legion of Honor. His new book is God: the Science and the Evidence.

War begins in the human mind long before it unfolds on the battlefield. In this episode, Michael Shermer sits down with Nicholas Wright, a neurologist, neuroscientist, security strategist, and advisor to the Pentagon, to explore one of the biggest questions of our time: why do humans fight, and how does the brain shape violence, leadership, and geopolitical decision-making? Nicholas Wright is a member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and a neuroscientist who researches the brain, technology, and security at University College London, Georgetown University, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. He worked as a neurology doctor in London and Oxford, and has published numerous academic papers which have been covered by the BBC and The New York Times. His new book is Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.

Why do smart people join dangerous cults, follow bad leaders, or stay silent when they know something's wrong? In this episode, Michael Shermer talks with organizational psychologist Colin Fisher about the science of group dynamics and conformity. From jazz bands to political mobs, Fisher explains how our evolutionary need to belong both unites and blinds us. He discusses the psychology of revenge, polarization, social media extremism, and why our brains are wired to dehumanize "the other." What makes a group innovative instead of dogmatic? And how close are we—really—to turning everyday politics into a cult? Colin M. Fisher is an Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London's School of Management. His research focuses on helping groups and teams in situations requiring creativity, improvisation, and complex decision-making. He has written about group dynamics for both popular science and management audiences, and his work has been profiled in prominent media outlets such as BBC, Forbes, NPR, and The Times. His new book is The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.

In this episode, Michael Shermer explores anomalous experiences through personal anecdotes and historical examples. He reflects on how to balance healthy skepticism with open-mindedness, and how to reckon with the very real emotional significance of such experiences—regardless of the scientific explanations behind them.

Michael Shermer sits down with Charles Murray (author of The Bell Curve, Coming Apart, and now Taking Religion Seriously) for a riveting 100-minute conversation about Murray's late-life turn from Harvard-bred agnosticism (“Smart people don't believe that stuff anymore”) to Bayesian theism (“I put the afterlife at just over 50%”). This wide-ranging discussion explores the evidence for the existence of God and the afterlife, the problem of evil, and the historical growth of Christianity. They also delve into topics such as the nature of consciousness, terminal lucidity, and even evolutionary vs. religious perspectives on love. A thought-provoking exploration for skeptics, seekers, and anyone wondering whether the universe has a purpose. Charles Murray is a policy analyst educated at Harvard and MIT and currently serves as the Hayek Emeritus Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of several influential books, including the controversial The Bell Curve, Coming Apart, and Facing Reality. His most recent book is Taking Religion Seriously.

Are we entering a Fifth Great Awakening—a cultural swing back toward religion? An increasing number of books and articles are calling for a religious revival. “We need religion to keep our society functioning.” “People need meaning.” Michael Shermer responds to and revisits the historical waves of religious fervor that shaped American life. He also asks what today's renewed interest in faith, spirituality, and meaning says about our culture. Featuring commentary on new books by Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Charles Murray, and a preview of Helen Pluckrose's new article for Skeptic.

What really defines a cult—and why do smart, well-intentioned people get caught up in them? In this episode, Michael Shermer sits down with cult intervention specialist Ashlen Hilliard to explore the psychology of high-control groups and the people drawn into them. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets like Hulu, NewsNation, HuffPost, and BET+. In 2022, Ashlen founded People Leave Cults, offering intervention and recovery resources for survivors and concerned loved ones. As one of the few Cult Intervention Specialists in the country, Ashlen consults with a team of experts to develop personalized intervention strategies for families that have a loved one involved in a range of coercive situations, including cults, gangs, domestic violence, trafficking, and violent extremism. She also served as the Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), organizing regional and international events, workshops, and conferences for those affected by the cult phenomena and psychological manipulation. She is touring the Fall of 2025 in these cities for her show https://www.psychologyofcults.com/: October 8    Jacksonville, FL    Florida Theatre  October 9    Newberry, SC    Newberry Opera House  October 11    Huntsville, AL    Mars Music Hall  October 12    Bristol, TN    Paramount Bristol  October 14    Charleston, WV    Maier Foundation Performing Hall  October 16    Stroudsburg, PA    Sherman Theater  October 17    Morristown, NJ    Mayo Performing Arts Center  October 18    Stamford, CT    Palace Theatre  October 19    Concord, NH    Chubb Theatre  October 21    Buffalo, NY    Electric City  October 22    Columbus, OH    The Southern Theatre  October 24    Pontiac, MI    Flagstar Strand Theatre  October 26    Cincinnati, OH    Bogart's  October 28    Chicago, IL    City Winery  October 29    Indianapolis, IN    Clowes Memorial Hall  October 30    Cleveland, OH    Connor Palace  November 23 Livermore, CA    Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center 

Michael Shermer sits down with economist and Franklin descendant Dr. Mark Skousen to explore the wit, wisdom, and modern relevance of Benjamin Franklin, the man who bridged science, politics, and philosophy like no other. Shermer and Skousen discuss Franklin's contributions to science, moral philosophy, economics, and religious thought, while asking: What would Franklin make of today's America—its economy, politics, and culture? Mark Skousen holds the Doti-Spogli Chair of Free Enterprise at Chapman University. Known as “America's Economist,” he is the editor of Forecasts & Strategies, an award winning investment newsletter, and producer of FreedomFest, “the world's largest gathering of free minds.” He is the author of over 25 books, incl. his latest, The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World's Most Versatile Genius.

Send us a textAmy Alkon is an independent investigative science writer specializing in “applied science”—using scientific evidence to solve real-world problems. Amy critically evaluates and synthesizes research across disciplines and then translates it into everyday language, empowering regular people to make scientifically informed decisions for the best of their health and well-being.Amy is the author of several bestselling books, including Unf*ckology: How to Live with Guts and Confidence, and most recently, her “science-help” book Going Menopostal: What You (and Your Doctor) Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopause.Amy has given two TED talks, and has been profiled in The New York Times, TIME, The Washington Post, The Independent/UK, and Macleans. She has appeared on numerous national TV and radio shows, including Good Morning America, Today, NPR, CNN, Nightline, Anderson Cooper, Coast to Coast, and Canada's The Agenda with Steve Paikin, along with podcasts by Adam Carolla, Joe Rogan, Michael Shermer, Robert Wright, and Scott Barry Kaufman.Find Amy at-Amazon- Going Menopostal: What You (and Your Doctor) Need to Know About the Real Science of Menopause and Perimenopausehttps://www.amyalkon.net/TW- @amyalkon.Find Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Why are we never invited to these dinners? We wonder if it was something we said or if our invitation just got lost in the mail, as we endure the inevitable discourse wave that followed in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder.The full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (2 hours, 21 minutes).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurusSupplementary Material 3700:00 Introduction01:10 Cooking Gurus?05:39 Sensemaking Overindulgence07:19 Feedback on The Elephant Graveyard Segment14:07 Gary is awarded an Honorary Doctorate by SOAS19:15 On the Murder of Charlie Kirk24:49 Murder is Bad & Charlie Kirk was a Polemicist38:07 Hypocritical Calls for Violence: Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson41:32 The Superficial Celebrations of Luigi Mangione44:52 Michael Shermer is an entirely non-skeptical partisan47:16 Eric Weinstein and the rush to post49:48 Joe Rogan argues with his friend on vaccines58:11 Predictable Pivot01:05:30 Blocked and Reported discuss the Interpersonal Psychodramas of the Heterodox01:07:07 The Thick Skin of Michael Shellenberger01:11:41 Being Bret Weinstein's +101:13:39 Dave Rubin does not appreciate public criticism01:16:29 A Heterodox DM encounter01:21:01 Money and Macro's Video on Gary's Economics01:27:56 The DTG approach vs Debunking01:29:43 The Nature of Expertise and Criticism01:31:17 Researching Guru Claims01:36:37 Destiny invokes the Prisoner's Dilemma and Tit for Tat strategies01:40:59 Generous Tit for Tat01:46:28 Konstantin Kisin's warning about alternative media01:54:26 Konstantin's "Consistency"02:01:44 Next Gurus and Fake Outro02:03:44 Decoding the Gamers: Caves of Qud and Two Point Museum02:08:11 Retro School Games: Drug Wars, Beachhead and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?02:11:53 Real OutroSourcesSOAS honorary awardees for 2025What did Elon Musk say at far-right UK rally and did his remarks break the law?“We Either Fight Back or Die” – Elon Musk's Fierce Speech at London 'Unite The Kingdom' Rally | APTShermer's tweet after Charlie Kirk's murderJoe Rogan and Bryan Callen on vaccinesHe Had One Product, $80K in Funding, and One Influencer - And Unilever Just Acquired His Company for 9 FiguresMichael Shellenberger Mixed Up Two Guys With Sorta Similar Names And Falsely Told His Readers — And Congress — One Of Them Might Be A Spy As A ResultBlocked and Reported Premium: Taylor Lorenz And The Perils Of Journafluencing (Part...

In this solo commentary, Michael Shermer reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and places it in the larger context of political violence, the psychology of radicalization, the dangers of false beliefs, and the role of free speech in intellectual discourse.

In this conversation, Amy Alkon, an award-winning author and applied behavioral science expert, discusses her journey into medical science and the importance of understanding menopause and perimenopause. She emphasizes the need for women to be informed about their health, particularly regarding hormone levels and the impact of diet and exercise. Alkon also addresses common myths in medical care, particularly those affecting women's health, and provides key takeaways for both women and doctors to improve health outcomes.Amy Alkon is an independent investigative science writer specializing in “applied science”—using scientific evidence to solve real-world problems.Alkon critically evaluates and synthesizes research across disciplines and then translates it into everyday language, empowering regular people to make scientifically informed decisions for the best of their health and well-being.For 25 years, Alkon wrote an award-winning, science-based nationally syndicated advice column, distributed by Creators. With GOING MENOPOSTAL, Alkon has authored five books—most recently, her “science-help” book Unfuckology: How to Live with Guts and Confidence (St. Martin's Press, 2018).Alkon is the past President of the Applied Evolutionary Psychology Society, which brings evolutionary science to public policy, education, and medicine.Alkon has given invited talks to academics on applied science at scientific conferences and to large groups at universities, as well as to general audiences. She has given two TED talks, and the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office hires Alkon, a State of California-certified mediator, to do behavioral science-based dispute resolution talks and training videos.Alkon has been profiled in The New York Times, TIME, The Washington Post, The Independent/UK, and Macleans. Alkon has appeared on numerous national TV and radio shows, including Good Morning America, Today, NPR, CNN, Nightline, Anderson Cooper, Coast to Coast, and Canada's The Agenda with Steve Paikin, along with podcasts by Adam Carolla, Joe Rogan, Michael Shermer, Robert Wright, and Scott Barry Kaufman. GRAB HER BOOK "GOING MENOPOSTAL" FROM AMAZON!

Get my My new book, Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner -- https://a.co/d/hi50U9U It's just 99¢ on Kindle for launch week ONLY. It's the perfect companion to this conversation—lessons in thinking clearly, staying curious, and pushing past conventional wisdom from my conversations with 22 Nobel Prize winners! Brian Keating sits down with Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb and renowned skeptic Michael Shermer to dissect the latest enigma sweeping through our solar system—3I/ATLAS. • What makes 3I/ATLAS extraordinary? • It's the third confirmed interstellar object to visit our solar system—after ʻOumuamua and Borisov—racing through space at hyperbolic speeds and exhibiting an orbit intriguingly aligned with our ecliptic plane • Observations by Hubble and James Webb reveal a coma dominated by carbon dioxide, with traces of water, carbon monoxide, nickel, and cyanide—an unusual chemical signature even among comets. • Avi Loeb's provocative hypothesis: He and collaborators propose that 3I/ATLAS might not be natural at all—but potentially a piece of alien technology, given its improbable trajectory, ecliptic alignment, and close approach to Mars and other planets—arguably orchestrated rather than accidental. • Michael Shermer pushes back: A constructive skeptic's view on whether the evidence truly supports Loeb's scenario, grounding the discussion with a critical evaluation of observational data versus speculative inference. Don't miss this rare convergence of cutting-edge astrophysics and disciplined skepticism—because how we interpret 3I/ATLAS could redefine our understanding of interstellar visitors. Key Takeaways: •00:00 NASCAR Fascination with 3i Atlas •07:40 Cosmic Anomalies Suggest Tech Origins •13:02 Interstellar Comets: Ubiquitous Wanderers •17:11 Interstellar Object Frequency Dilemma •23:46 Challenging Mainstream Scientific Conformity •31:09 Balancing Exoplanet Exploration Funding •35:33 Comet Nickel Detection, No Iron •38:39 Open-Mindedness in Scientific Consensus •45:53 "Trusting Experts vs. Skepticism" •50:09 "Assessing Extraterrestrial vs. Natural Objects" •55:48 Hallucinations During Transcontinental Bike Race •01:02:13 Eyewitness Testimony's Unreliability •01:05:34 Government Secrecy and National Security •01:12:54 Seeking Direct Evidence of UFO Claims •01:16:44 Comet: A Dirty Iceberg Analogy •01:21:27 New Astrobiology Approach: Onsite Sampling •01:29:18 Analyzing Spacecraft Non-Gravitational Acceleration •01:31:52 Free Moon Rocks: Myths and Offers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Michael Shermer Show, Michael Shermer interviews Alan Stern, a prominent planetary scientist and astronaut. Stern discusses his recent suborbital flight, the differences between government and private space initiatives, and the scientific implications of UFO sightings. He also shares insights about the evolution and future of space exploration, including details about the rarely talked about upcoming termination of dozens of already paid-for NASA missions. Alan Stern is a planetary scientist, astronaut, and author. NASA has selected him to be the first researcher NASA funded to fly to space as a crewmember aboard a commercial suborbital space mission. Since 2001 he has led NASA's $900M New Horizons mission that explored the Pluto system and is now exploring the Kuiper Belt—the farthest exploration of worlds in history. In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Stern served as NASA's chief of all space and Earth science programs, directing its $5B/year Science Mission Directorate (SMD), with 93 separate flight missions and a program of over 3,000 research grants. In 2022, he took part in a deep-sea expedition to explore the RMS Titanic in a submersible.

Welcome to Old School, where we revisit some of our best episodes from previous years with some current reflections on why these episodes are still fascinating. In this “Old School” episode, Dr. Michael Shermer joins Amanda to unpack why convictions, from religion to conspiracy theories, grip us so tightly—and how skepticism can help us stay grounded in an age of polarization and misinformation. Reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.amandaknox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠amandaknox.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: @amandaknox IG: @amamaknox Bluesky: @⁠⁠amandaknox.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free: My Search for Meaning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Waking Up Meditation App ⁠⁠⁠https://www.wakingup.com/Amandaknox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Michael Shermer and Dr. Eric Topol discuss the realties of aging, with particular focus on the role of AI in enhancing patient care and disease prevention, the importance of lifestyle factors, and the limitations of genetic testing in predicting health outcomes. Topol also explains the dangers of ultra-processed foods, their link to inflammation, and the role of GLP-1 drugs in promoting healthier eating habits. The conversation also covers diet, particularly the differences between chicken and red meat, and the significance of sleep for overall health. Plus, consumption of microplastics, cholesterol management and statins, the critical role of social connections in maintaining mental and physical health, and the future of personalized medicine in cancer prevention. Eric Topol is a cardiologist and one of the top ten most cited researchers in medicine, known for his groundbreaking studies on AI in medicine, genomics, and digitized clinical trials. Topol is also the executive vice president and a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research, the largest nonprofit biomedical institute in the United States. He was named one of the Top 100 most influential people in health in 2024 by Time. His new book is Super Agers.

Greg answers questions about whether it's normal for a believer to struggle with doubt, resolving alleged contradictions in the Gospels, why Greg thinks Paul isn't the author of Hebrews, people's old ages in Genesis, and reasons to think all sentient beings have a soul.   Topics: Is it normal for a believer to struggle with doubt? (01:00) How do you resolve the alleged contradictions in the Gospels about how many Marys and angels were at the tomb? (11:00) What are your reasons for thinking Paul didn't write Hebrews? (31:00) It's a logical fallacy to say God created time without time already existing. (36:00) Should we take the ages of people in Genesis symbolically or literally? (39:00) What is the biblical evidence for the idea that all sentient beings have a soul? (45:00) Mentioned on the Show:  The Thomas Factor: Using Your Doubts to Draw Closer to God by Gary Habermas (also available for free online) Greg Koukl and Michael Shermer at the End of the Decade of the New Atheists – Transcript Easter Enigma: Are the Resurrection Accounts in Conflict? by John Wenham God's Unbreakable Word by Jon Noyes and Greg Koukl STR U Online Training The Soul: How We Know It's Real and Why It Matters by J.P. Moreland Related Links: God, Time, & Eternity by William Lane Craig

In this episode, Michael Shermer speaks with historian Sophia Rosenfeld about how modern notions of personal choice—from Amazon shopping to Tinder swipes—emerged from centuries of cultural, religious, political, and economic transformation. Was there ever a time when choice wasn't synonymous with freedom? Why were early ideas of “common sense” and “free will” so limited? And what happens when choice itself becomes overwhelming? From Enlightenment ideals to the sexual revolution and the abortion debate, Rosenfeld traces how our expanding range of options—and the meaning we attach to them—has shaped everything from our romantic lives to our political systems. A revealing look at the hidden history of freedom in a world that sometimes offers too much. Sophia Rosenfeld is Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania. Her new book is The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life.

What can a lifetime of scientific discovery teach us about the universe—and ourselves? In this wide-ranging conversation, Michael Shermer sits down with Lord Martin Rees, renowned cosmologist, astrophysicist, and former Astronomer Royal, to reflect on the forces that shape scientific success, from personal luck to cultural context. Rees shares insights on the mysteries of cosmology, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the paradoxes that still puzzle humanity. Rees also shares intimate reflections on his friend and Cambridge colleague Stephen Hawking, thoughts on Fermi's Paradox, and why some truths may forever lie beyond human comprehension. The discussion also turns toward urgent global issues: the promise and peril of AI, ethical dilemmas in a rapidly advancing world, and how religion and terrorism could shape our future.

Michael Shermer in conversation with Debra Soh at FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, CA. Video courtesy of FreedomFest. Additional FreedomFest videos can be viewed on CiVL.

Straight from the stage at FreedomFest, witness a powerful courtroom showdown as Big Pharma faces public prosecution in a live mock trial featuring Dr. Robert Malone, Michael Shermer, Del Bigtree, and more. With expert testimony, real debate, and an audience verdict, this is your chance to revisit the most explosive medical freedom event of the year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-highwire-with-del-bigtree--3620606/support.

Greg explains that spirituality is measured by spiritual fruit, not spiritual gifts, then he answers questions about preterism, evidence for a beginning of the universe, the law requiring rapists to marry their victim, and whether or not Genesis 1 indicates God created chaos.   Topics: Commentary: Spirituality is measured by spiritual fruit, not spiritual gifts. (00:00) What are your thoughts on preterism? (05:00) Isn't the universe eternal? Can you provide any evidence for a beginning of the universe or a God? (23:00) How can you explain God forcing rape victims to marry their rapist in Deuteronomy 22:28–29? (44:00) If God subdued and controlled chaos in the creation account, bringing order out of disorder, then does that mean he created chaos? (52:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Greg Koukl and Michael Shermer at the End of the Decade of the New Atheists – Transcript of their dialogue

A debate on the mind, soul, consciousness, and the afterlife. Michael Egnor, MD, is Professor of Neurosurgery and Pediatrics at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. He received his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and trained in neurosurgery at the University of Miami. He has been on faculty at Stony Brook since 1991. He is the neurosurgery residency director and has served as the director of pediatric neurosurgery and as vice-chairman of neurosurgery at Stony Brook Medicine. He has a strong interest in Thomistic philosophy, philosophy of mind, neuroscience, evolution and intelligent design, and bioethics and has published and lectured extensively on these topics. His new book is The Immortal Mind: A Neurosurgeon's Case for the Existence of the Soul. Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles—The Feeling of Life Itself: Why Consciousness Is Widespread but Can't Be Computed, Consciousness: Confessions of a Romantic Reductionist, and The Quest for Consciousness: A Neurobiological Approach—Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. His latest book is Then I Am Myself the World.

What began as a call for justice has, in many cases, become an engine of conformity. In this searching conversation, Andrew Doyle (author, satirist, and cultural critic) joins Michael Shermer to unpack the trajectory of the woke movement: from its roots in anti-bigotry and awareness to its current entanglement with censorship, identitarian dogma, and ideological rigidity. Drawing on his new book, The End of Woke Doyle traces the intellectual history of contemporary activism, explores the authoritarian impulses emerging on both the left and the right, and makes the case for a return to classical liberalism as a defense against escalating cultural tribalism. Together, Shermer and Doyle explore themes ranging from the legacy of Shakespeare and Milton, the tension between equality and meritocracy, and the broader sociopolitical dynamics shaping public discourse. This episode offers a sharp, historically grounded analysis of one of the defining cultural shifts of our time—and a call to revive liberal principles in the face of rising ideological orthodoxy. Andrew Doyle is a writer, satirist and political commentator. He was formerly a Visiting Research Fellow at Queen's University Belfast, and a lecturer at Oxford University where he completed his doctorate in Renaissance Literature. He is the creator of satirical character Titania McGrath, under whose name he has written two books: Woke: A Guide to Social Justice and My First Little Book of Intersectional Activism, both published by Little, Brown. Titania McGrath has over half a million followers on X. His previous books include Free Speech and Why it Matters and The New Puritans: How the Religion of Social Justice Captured the Western World. His new book is The End of Woke: How the Culture War Went Too Far and What to Expect from the Counter-Revolution.