Podcasts about shermer

Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and the host of the podcast "The Michael Shermer Show."  Dr. Shermer was recently appointed to the newly formed White House UAP Science Advisory Council.For 30 years, Dr. Shermer taught college and university courses in critical thinking, and for 18 years, Dr. Shermer was a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He is the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including his new book Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters.Dr. Shermer received his B.A. in psychology from Pepperdine University, M.A. in experimental psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and his Ph.D. in the history of science from Claremont Graduate University. He has been a college professor since 1979, also teaching at Occidental College, Glendale College, and Claremont Graduate University, where he taught a transdisciplinary course for Ph.D. students on Evolution, Economics, and the Brain.FOLLOW Dr. Shermer on X: @michaelshermerVISIT: https://michaelshermer.com/VISIT: https://www.skeptic.com/ORDER: https://www.amazon.com/dp/142145372XSUPPORT OUR WORK https://www.judicialwatch.org/donate/thank-youtube/ VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.judicialwatch.org

Michael Shermer speaks with Oxford philosopher Carissa Véliz about the long human desire to know the future—from ancient oracles and astrology to AI, surveillance capitalism, predictive policing, and "data-driven" decision-making. Véliz argues that prediction is rarely neutral: the same machinery that collects personal data also tries to forecast behavior, and once institutions start treating predictions as facts, forecasts can become tools of control. The conversation gets into why privacy matters for democracy, how algorithms can turn human lives into self-fulfilling prophecies, and why extraordinary people often fall outside predictive models. Shermer and Véliz also discuss the limits of science, the replication crisis, crime statistics, effective altruism, utilitarian ethics, and free will. Carissa Véliz is an associate professor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford. Her first book, Privacy Is Power (Melville House) was an Economist book of the year and has been published in seven languages. Her academic work has been published in The Harvard Business Review, Nature, AI & Society, and The American Journal of Bioethics, among others. Her new book is Prophecy: Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI.

Matthew Browne, a high-profile advocate for pan-psychism, compels his reluctant co-host to endure a public struggle session on the topic of consciousness, hopefully for the last time.Supplementary Material 4900:00 Introduction02:47 Returning to the Emerald Isle03:44 Irish History Segment: The Titanic & Potato Famines10:45 McGilchrist Reflections12:51 Knowledge Fight has ended26:23 Podcasting Motivations34:37 Calibrated Expectations41:03 The Problem with the Patreon Members42:51 Shermer's Activist Skeptic Research47:24 Research on Support for Political Violence in the US54:35 Rob Henderson and Decorative Scholarship58:11 Ryan Holiday Stoically Flames MAGA01:04:41 Zuby and Motivated Reasoning01:07:15 Monocausal Explanations for Declining Birth Rates01:08:51 More credulity from Shermer01:10:25 Bryan Johnson and Testicular Optimisation01:14:41 Testicle Fixation Gurus01:15:24 Professor Jiang thinks Trump is Immortal01:19:57 When Dawkins Met Claude01:30:00 The Great Consciousness Debate of 202601:42:47 When Cladius met Claudia01:52:39 Chris's Concession01:54:23 Animal Minds and AI Consciousness01:56:31 Russell Brand vs Piers Morgan02:10:13 Thirsty Christian dunks on Dawkins02:13:18 Brand's Family's Response02:22:39 Hasan Piker is the one who knocks!02:27:44 Outro02:28:36 A final message of hope!LinksKnowledge Fight's Last Episode – The End of the RoadJordan's video on the OnionDan's blog on his next plansRob Henderson's thread promoting the Shermer Skeptic StudyPolarization Research Lab- Low levels of support for partisan violencePolarization Research Lab - Did the 2024 Election Change American Attitudes About Democracy?Ryan Holiday's response to the Shellenberger videoRyan Holiday responding to article that he is ‘fuming' at IvankaZuby's insights on Birth Rate DeclineVice article on the history of testicle transplants"Massive GRIFTER!" Piers Morgan Grills Russell Brand On Allegations, Prison, 'Truth' & ReligionUnHerd: When Claudia met Claudius- So are they really conscious?UnHerd: When Dawkins met Claude Could this AI be conscious?‘Professor' Jiang on Trump's ImmortalityMehdi Hasan dunking on Dawkins

Once again we traverse the Illinois landscape that is Shermer in 1985's Weird Science. Along the way we discuss the finer points of wealthy Chicago suburbs, 1980's luxury sports cars (again) and whether or not those panties would seduce a fifteen year old boy. Much fun is had along the way. So sit back and ponder "why don't people understand?" Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us on your pod catcher of choice!! Instagram discord X YouTube Dave's Instagram

In this long episode, we look at several interviews conducted by notorious 'skeptic' author Michael Shermer on his podcast and "shitty YouTube channel", as it was memorably described by Rebecca Watson... After an introductory discussion of Shermer and his... ahem... chequered history (to put it legally non-actionably), we boggle at the decidedly low-energy Mr Skepticism as he interviews psychologist of abuse and gaslighting Jennifer Fraser PhD about her book about abuse and gaslighting and her own history of being abused and gaslit, all without breaking a bead of sweat. This is Michael Shermer, remember. Then we take in some lowlights of his unbelievably vapid conversation with store-brand Bari Weiss, Bari Weiss's wife, Nellie Bowles, who is just... insufferable. We conclude by voyaging fully into the sickness as we tune into a discussion Shermer had with rabidly Islamophobic Zionist neocon warmonger and racist reactionary crank Douglas Murray, all about how Islam is a 'culture of death' and maybe Israel accidentally did some bad stuff in Gaza but, y'know, that's war, or something. Big content warnings on this one. It's what I call a 'journey episode'. Not only is it over 2hrs long (we try to keep the length down but sometimes it's not possible) but all the way through it also raises topics that are very hard to deal with, including sexual and psychological abuse, and the manifold violent crimes of the state of Israel, including the Gaza genocide. And all through it, there is the personification of self-identified rational, logical, sceptical centrism nodding along like the libertarian reactionary and alleged abuser he actually is. I've made time stamps for this one, for ease of navigation or multi-session listening. The Intro to Shermer section starts around 13:50 The section dealing with the Fraser interview starts around 24:11 The Nellie Bowles bit begins around 1:04:00 And the Douglas Murray section starts at around 1:31:00 NOTES: Rebecca Watson, "So I'm in the Epstein Files" https://www.reddit.com/r/behindthebastards/comments/1p1noab/so_im_in_the_epstein_files_rebecca_watson_on/ Rebecca Watson, "Epstein Files Reveal How Pathetic Richard Dawkins and Others Really Are" https://www.reddit.com/r/behindthebastards/comments/1p1noab/so_im_in_the_epstein_files_rebecca_watson_on/ PZ Myers, "What Do You Do When Someone Pulls the Pin and Hands You a Grenade?" What do you do when someone pulls the pin and hands you a grenade? https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2013/08/08/what-do-you-do-when-someone-pulls-the-pin-and-hands-you-a-grenade/ Mark Oppenheimer, Buzzfeed, "Will Misogyny Bring Down the Atheist Movement?" https://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movement The Michael Shermer Show, "Douglas Murray on Hamas, Iran, and the Collapse of the Two-State Solution" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTTXoQ42wP4&pp=ygUObXVycmF5IHNoZXJtZXLSBwkJ0woBhyohjO8%3D The Michael Shermer Show, "Shermer Says 5: What Went Wrong in Minnesota? Protests, Panic, and Personal Responsibility" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iZRwQ4ggFc The Michael Shermer SHow, "The Psychology of Gaslighting, Bullying, Cults, and Coercion" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w37x_mIGOIA The Michael Shermer Show, "What Happened to Journalism" https://youtu.be/uUfkVLkvPzk PZ Myers, Michael Shermer is Scum https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2026/01/14/michael-shermer-is-scum/ PZ Myers, Shermer-Shrier Interview https://freethoughtblogs.com/reprobate/2021/08/01/the-shermer-shrier-interview/ Skepchick / Rebecca Watson, The Fascists are Lying about ICE Murdering an Innocent Woman https://skepchick.org/2026/01/the-fascists-are-lying-about-ice-murdering-an-innocent-woman/ Science-Based Medicine, Michael Shermer's Anti-Trans Obsession https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/fakeskepticshermer/ Legal Planet, False Equivalence Watch: Michael Shermer https://legal-planet.org/2013/02/10/false-equivalence-watch-michael-shermer/ SHOW NOTES: Please consider donating to help us make the show and stay ad-free and independent.  Patrons get exclusive access to at least one full extra episode a month plus all backer-only back-episodes. Daniel's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/danielharper/posts Jack's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=4196618&fan_landing=true IDSG Twitter: https://twitter.com/idsgpod Daniel's Twitter: @danieleharper Jack's (Locked) Twitter: @_Jack_Graham_ Jack's Bluesky: @timescarcass.bsky.social Daniel's Bluesky: @danielharper.bsky.social IDSG on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-dont-speak-german/id1449848509?ls=1

A viral story is spreading across media: a mysterious string of scientists connected to UFOs, nuclear weapons, aerospace, and defense work have disappeared or died under suspicious circumstances. Politicians are calling it a possible national security threat. Michael Shermer takes a skeptical look.

We are back!! After a small hiatus we return with the 1986 comedy Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Along the way we discuss how living in the Chicago suburbs means that you are rich, who pays the consequences for Ferris' actions and our love of 80's luxury sports cars. So sit back and enjoy our journey through Shermer, Illinois.  Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us on your pod catcher of choice!! Instagram discord X YouTube Dave's Instagram

À propos du livre : « Knesset 2026 - Comprendre la politique israélienne » paru aux éditions Hermann Knesset 2026 retrace l'histoire politique israélienne comme une fresque de récits, de valeurs et de conflits. À l'heure où Israël s'apprête à voter de nouveau, ce livre propose une clé de lecture originale : comprendre les choix des électeurs à travers leurs fondations morales et leurs traumatismes collectifs. Ce n'est pas un simple guide électoral, mais un récit qui mêle histoire, sociologie et psychologie politique pour donner au lecteur des outils de compréhension. Israël ne manque pas d'événements, il manque de conversations. Ce livre en ouvre une, exigeante et nuancée, pour ceux qui veulent regarder Israël autrement.

On Easter Sunday, Michael asks whether the resurrection should be understood as history, myth, or something deeper.

On this episode of the Mind Matters News podcast, host and neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Egnor welcomes Michael Shermer, historian of science and founder of Skeptic magazine, to discuss Shermer's new book Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters. The conversation quickly evolves into a deep philosophical debate between Egnor and Shermer over whether truths about morality and the universe are created by humans or discovered as objective features of reality. Source

ID The Future listeners now get to enjoy two episode a month from our sister podcast Mind Matters News, a production of the Discovery Institute's Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence. The Mind Matters News podcast features interviews from experts in computing, engineering, science, and philosophy who bring sanity to the conversation about natural and artificial intelligence. And although the Mind Matters News podcast will not often explicitly discuss intelligent design, it regularly explores the nature of intelligence, the origin of information, and the things that make us uniquely human, concepts that are central to the theory of intelligent design. On this episode of Mind Matters News, host and neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Egnor welcomes Michael Shermer, historian of science and founder of Skeptic magazine, to discuss Shermer's new book Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters. The conversation quickly evolves into a deep philosophical debate between Egnor and Shermer over whether truths about morality and the universe are created by humans or discovered as objective features of reality. Source

What is truth, and why does finding it actually matter? Amanda sits down with Dr. Michael Shermer, founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine, longtime Scientific American columnist, and author of Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, for a conversation that starts with epistemology and ends in a full-throated debate about free will. They talk about why our brains evolved more like lawyers than scientists — to win arguments, not find facts. They get into the hard problem of consciousness, what meditation might reveal that neuroscience can't yet measure, and whether the legal system could ever be redesigned around actual truth-seeking. And then Amanda makes the case for hard determinism and nearly talks Shermer into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Shermer responds to a remarkable letter from a group of eighth graders at a Christian school in Texas who say they've been praying for him and want to talk about Christianity, Jesus, and the Bible.

In our second episode of the Welcome to Shermer series we dive into The Breakfast Club. Along the way we discuss Verner's pay, social circles and the mystery of Carl the janitor. So don't you forget about us while you sit back and enjoy. Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us on your pod catcher of choice!! Instagram discord X YouTube Dave's Instagram

“I am in the Jeffrey Epstein files,” Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic Magazine, recently revealed. “I did get an invite to the island, the even crazier story.” Despite his name appearing in the DOJ's release of Epstein's emails, Shermer says he never went to Little Saint James or committed any crimes. The leaked emails reference a Skeptic Magazine event that Epstein attended without Shermer's knowledge. This nuance hasn't stopped the fury of the internet mob: Shermer's social media is filled with attacks by people who believe anyone who ever met or spoke to Epstein must be involved in his crimes. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine, Executive Director of the Skeptics Society, and host of The Michael Shermer Show. He holds a Ph.D. in the history of science from Claremont Graduate University. Follow at https://x.com/MichaelShermer and read his latest book “Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters” at https://amzn.to/3MOnoBW Dr. Paul E. Alexander is a clinical epidemiologist and evidence-based medicine specialist. He is a former Assistant Professor at McMaster University. He holds a PhD and with training in epidemiology and research methodology. Learn more at https://DrPaulAlexander.com and support him at https://www.givesendgo.com/drpaulalexander Jorge Ventura is a reporter for the Daily Caller News Foundation. He gained national attention covering civil unrest in 2020 and has reported extensively on the border crisis since 2021. He has produced investigative documentaries including “Cartelville, USA” and “Narcofornia.” Follow at https://x.com/venturareport 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 • STRONG CELL – If you want to feel more like your younger self, go to https://strongcell.com/ and use code DREW for 20% off. • AUGUSTA PRECIOUS METALS – Thousands of Americans are moving portions of their retirement into physical gold & silver. Learn more in this 3-minute report from our friends at Augusta Precious Metals: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/gold⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text DREW to 35052 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/fatty15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drdrew.com/paleovalley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • VSHREDMD – Formulated by Dr. Drew: The Science of Cellular Health + World-Class Training Programs, Premium Content, and 1-1 Training with Certified V Shred Coaches! More at https://drdrew.com/vshredmd • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twc.health/drew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Executive Producers • Kaleb Nation - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kalebnation.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Susan Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/firstladyoflove⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Content Producer • Emily Barsh - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/emilytvproducer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted By • Dr. Drew Pinsky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/drdrew⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I must admit that while I took a deep dive into Michael Shermer’s new book, “Truth: What It Is, How to Find It & Why It Still Matters,” I was not certain in what direction I would take the interview.  It raised so many questions about this moment when many believe that you can’t believe anything you read or see in the media and that politicians feel the bigger the lie, the harder it is to refute.  So how do you test for veracity, when you’re told there are such things as ‘alternative facts?’  It’s so confusing.  However, his great personality and sharp intellect were on full display and off to the races we were discussing scientific truths and how they’re tested and a range of other truths from spiritual to political.  Shermer, in addition to being the author of a fascinating new book about almost imponderable subject, is the publisher of ‘Skeptic’ magazine.  So why not start by asking what differentiates a skeptic from a cynic and then, well, we were off and running.

In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with science writer and sceptic Michael Shermer to debate truth, morality, atheism, and whether reason alone can ground a moral system.We examine David Hume's is-ought problem, the foundations of human flourishing, and Shermer's argument that survival and well-being provide a rational basis for ethics. I challenge him on whether this is simply a different kind of leap of faith, and whether Enlightenment liberalism ultimately rests on inherited Judeo-Christian assumptions about the individual, the soul, and human dignity.The conversation explores empiricism, pragmatism, evolution, and the limits of reason, alongside debates about Christianity, secular humanism, and whether religion provides measurable social benefits. We also tackle the legacy of New Atheism, the rise of woke ideology, environmentalism as a quasi-religion, and whether the moral arc of history truly bends toward justice.A wide-ranging and philosophical exchange about faith, reason, truth, and whether the modern West can defend its moral foundations without returning to religion.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 00:00 – Can You Derive Morality from Science?01:28 – Hume's Is–Ought Problem Explained05:00 – Why Human Flourishing Is the Moral Starting Point08:04 – Survival vs Death: The Ultimate Moral Question12:27 – Christianity vs Enlightenment Morality19:25 – Do Religious People Live Longer?23:04 – Empirical Truth vs Religious Truth25:00 – The Resurrection: Literal or Literary?28:14 – Can Reason Justify Reason?30:00 – Is Religion “Pragmatically True”?35:15 – New Atheism & the Rise of Wokeism38:06 – Environmentalism as a New Religion45:06 – Does History Bend Toward Justice?47:47 – Grooming Gangs, Slavery & Modern Injustice50:00 – Trans Ideology, Moral Reversal & Vigilance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And so it begins. This is the beginning of our exploration of Shermer, Illinois and all things John Hughes. Along the way, well you just have to listen. We have also updated our YouTube page. The link is bellow Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us on your pod catcher of choice!! Instagram discord X YouTube Dave's Instagram

Is America living in a “post-truth” era? In this episode of Book Club, Dr. Michael Shermer — founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of "Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters" — joins Michael for a wide-ranging conversation about belief, evidence, and critical thinking in a complicated age. Shermer addresses the recent surge of UFO and UAP claims, explaining why decades of investigation have left him unconvinced of extraterrestrial visits. From conspiracy theories and alternative facts to AI-generated deepfakes and declining trust in institutions, the discussion explores how we determine what's real — and why skepticism remains essential. Are we more gullible than ever? Can truth survive politics, social media, and artificial intelligence? And what does healthy skepticism actually look like? A thoughtful, timely conversation about how to separate fact from fiction — and why it still matters. Original air date 12 February 2026. The book was published on 27 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're Back!! For real this time. And with our return we are heading to one of the most famous non-existent cities in America: Shermer, Illinois. In this first episode we will determine what is John Hughes' cannon and what isn't. Along the way we disagree on a couple things and overall just have a good time. So sit back, relax and don't be a retard!!   Follow us on social media and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate us on your pod catcher of choice!! Instagram discord X Dave's Instagram

Michael Shermer recounts the moment he discovered his name in the Jeffrey Epstein files and uses it as a jumping-off point to tell a few unforgettable stories about con men he's encountered over the years, and how their tactics work.

We descend once more into the Gurusphere, encountering secret peasant archmages, decline narratives, Epstein emails, and endless moral panics.The full episode is available to Patreon subscribers (1 hour, 37 minutes).Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/DecodingTheGurus00:00 SM 44 PF00:23 Introduction01:30 Konstantin Kisin: Not Left Or Right, Just Right05:20 Boghossian is shocked by pessimistic French people08:50 Konstantin and Warren Smith as relics of the anti-SJW era12:45 A PSA! Hyper Capitalism Tier Update!18:36 Matt's AV Setup20:01 Recommendation: Successville (British version)21:40 My peasant farmer dad is secretly an Archmage!28:14 Scott Galloway talks with Gwyneth Paltrow40:18 American Capitalist Culture and the Gurus48:54 Bryan Johnson vs AG151:45 Bryan Johnson & Epstein Schmoozing58:09 Bari Weiss's Peter Attia Woes59:14 Epstein and QAnon Conspiracies01:03:23 Overinterpreting Epstein emails01:09:04 Shermer promotes Dave Rubin to hawk his book on Truth01:10:37 Conspiracy Theory prevalence on left and riht01:17:44 Jonathan Haidt and his anti-social media crusade01:23:15 Plato on the Corruption of the Youth01:24:30 The Eternal Appeal of Decline Narratives01:26:22 They won't let you enjoy things anymore...01:30:24 Matt's laissez-faire parenting tips01:31:45 Life lessons from Lord of the Rings01:34:17 The Witch King of Angmar defeated by a Woke White WomenSourcesKonstantin Kisin on not being left or rightBoghossian and Kisin bemoan civilisational decline narrativesThe Guardian on Bari Weiss's new CBS “Podcastistan” hiresNiall Ferguson on how Trump “won Davos”The Guardian: Elon Musk had more extensive ties to Epstein than previously knownMy Farmer Dad Is Secretly an Archmage – viral short-form fantasy dramaBehind the Scenes of My Farmer Dad Is Secretly an ArchmageOriginal Chinese version of

Epstein proved the unthinkable: some "conspiracy theories" are horrifyingly real. Join the Heretics Community For Bonus Videos: https://andrewgoldheretics.com/ Join world-renowned skeptic Michael Shermer on Heretics for a gripping, evidence-driven conversation that redefines conspiracy theories. From Jeffrey Epstein's elite blackmail network and secret island to the once-banned COVID lab-leak theory, Bill Gates emails, vaccine controversies, moon-landing doubts, and elite power plays, Shermer uses Bayesian reasoning to distinguish real conspiracies from speculation—showing why even die-hard skeptics must update their views when hard evidence emerges. SPONSORS: Organise your life: https://akiflow.pro/Heretics  Earn up to 4 per cent on gold, paid in gold: https://www.monetary-metals.com/heretics/  Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics  He also tackles the decline of religion, Jordan Peterson's secular appeal, transgender ideology as potential social contagion with growing regret lawsuits, objective morality versus cultural trends, immigration politics, and whether true progress is happening or we're just cycling through extremes. Real cases like Epstein remind us: dismissing everything as paranoia can blind us to what's actually true. Epstein proved conspiracies can be real. Michael's links: https://www.skeptic.com https://michaelshermer.com #ConspiracyTheories #Epstein #MichaelShermer Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com  Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates  Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok   Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Heretical Mindset 04:55 Bayesian Thinking & Changing Your Mind 09:50 COVID Origins, Lab Leak & Politicized Science 14:40 Vaccines, Boosters & Precautionary Principle Failures 19:25 Epstein Files, Bill Gates Emails & Elite Blackmail Theories 24:30 Why Epstein Was Real – & What It Means for Other Conspiracies 29:45 Moon Landing Hoax Claims Debunked 34:20 Decline of Religion, Jordan Peterson & Secular Morality 39:55 Transgender Surge, Social Contagion & Regret Lawsuits 44:50 Objective Moral Truths vs Cultural Fashion 49:55 Immigration, Empathy & Political Strategy Conspiracies 54:50 Progress, Backsliding & Hanlon's Razor 59:55 A Heretic Michael admires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

First installment of our new series Shermer Says.  Topics covered: Debate Skills Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Autism & Tylenol COVID Vaccines & Myocarditis ANTIFA Bari Weiss & CBS News New Skeptic Research Center Study

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.

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 episode of How to Get the Girl (formerly known as Ask Women), Kristen and Marni are joined by certified sex therapist Dr. Tina Shermer to tackle one of the biggest silent confidence-killers for men: sexual shame. Whether it's shame around performance, desire, past experiences, or just not knowing what's “normal,” this shame often goes unspoken — but it's sabotaging your confidence, your connection with women, and your ability to feel powerful in your own skin.Dr. Shermer breaks down where this shame comes from, how to reframe it, and what to do right now to stop letting it control your dating life. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever felt like your anxiety in dating or sex is coming from something deeper… because chances are, it is.>>> Become the most magnetic, witty and attractive version of yourself. Apply for Kristen's fully-transformative coaching here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendly.com/kristenandchill/magneticmanstrategysession⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠>>> Get A FREE Dating Playbook Session with Marni's Wing Girl Team. Apply Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://winggirlmethod.com/letmehelp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

Send us a textPut Jack Black, rock and roll, and bunch of precocious kids together and what do you have? The 2003 classic School of Rock! While the movie was a star making turn for Black, the kids try to steal the show, and the music melts your face. We break down all the details and stick it to the man in this episode.In addition to all that fun, we are drafting our favorite fictional schools. Who wouldn't want to spend a week at Shermer, Bayside, West Beverly, or a host of others? Check out all the schools that graduated to the tops of our lists!If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts app or wherever you listen. Or better yet, tell a friend to listen!Want to support our show and become a PCY Classmate? Click here!Follow us on your preferred social media:TwitterFacebookInstagramSupport the show

While not the first, but perhaps the most memorable to highlight the life of teenagers, John Hughes made some of the most influential films of the 1980s. Two of those films, Weird Science (1985) and The Breakfast Club (1985) both dealt with teens finding out who they truly are and how to navigate adolescent life. Lets us know if these films stuck with you and if you identified with any of the characters.Also Play:Cinema Chain Game--------------------------------------------Subscribe, rate, and review:Apple Podcasts: Our Film FathersSpotify: Our Film FathersYouTube: Our Film Fathers---------------------------------------------Follow Us:Instagram: @ourfilmfathersTwitter / X: @ourfilmfathersEmail: ourfilmfathers@gmail.com

A few reflections on religion following The Free Press debate in Austin, TX on February 27, 2025. Michael Shermer and Adam Carolla (atheists) faced off against Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Ross Douthat (Christians). You can watch the debate here: https://www.thefp.com/p/watch-does-the-west-need-a-religious

The Nicest Debate I Have Ever Heard. Michael Shermer of Skeptic Interviews/Debates Dr. Stephen Meyer. The Return of The God Hypothesis. Stephen Meyer—Return of God Hypothesis: 3 Scientific Discoveries Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief — that science and belief in God are “at war.” Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin's Doubt, Meyer claims that discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about “who” might have designed life. Now he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. Shermer responds to each claim and a stimulating and enlightening conversation ensues. Watch this interview at- https://youtu.be/On-4lOWuWQQ?si=1JxDA_vpGoOMou0Q 124K subscribers 159,391 views May 29, 2021

The guests today are co-authors of a new paper in Science Advances titled: “A reassessment of the ‘hard-steps' model for the evolution of intelligent life.” Jennifer Macalady is a Professor of Geosciences at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research is focused on microbial ecology and evolution, and interactions between microorganisms and Earth materials like minerals and water through geologic time. Daniel B. Mills is a postdoctoral researcher in the Orsi Geomicrobiology Lab at The University of Munich in Germany. His research focuses on the co-evolutionary history of Earth's surface environment and eukaryotic life—a topic he approaches by studying modern marine organisms and environments. He also applies this research to the ongoing search for exoplanetary biosignatures and technosignatures. Shermer, Mills, and Macalady discuss the Hard Steps model of the evolution of intelligent life, the Drake Equation, the Fermi Paradox, the Great Filter, and the Great Silence. They also cover the Rare Earth hypothesis, major transitions in evolution, the uniqueness of humans, and the search for biosignatures and technosignatures.

What's the best explanation for the origin of complex life? And while skepticism is healthy, can perpetual skepticism prevent us from moving closer to the truth? On this ID The Future, enjoy the second half of a stimulating conversation between philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer and historian of science and Skeptic Magazine founding editor Michael Shermer. The conversation was hosted by comedian and podcaster Bryan Callen on The Bryan Callen Show. In Part 2, Meyer and Shermer both address where they think complex life comes from. They also discuss the mind-body problem and debate the merits of skepticism. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. We're grateful to the producers of The Bryan Callen Show for permission to share this exchange on ID The Future! Source

What is a sugar daddy, really? The answer might disturb you. Brook Urick takes us into the shadowy world of sugar dating, where young women are lured into dangerous situations under the guise of financial security. From being a would-be sugar baby to becoming the public face of SeekingArrangement, Urick unveils the unsettling truth about these platforms and their role in enabling predatory behavior. Urick's revelations go beyond personal experience. She exposes how these websites intentionally protect exploiters, with their founder even caught in a sting operation attempting to meet a minor. With the passage of FOSTA-SESTA in 2018, making these platforms criminally liable, she questions why they still exist. Her goal? To bring public awareness and legal scrutiny to an industry built on deception and harm. Shermer and Urick discuss the realities of sugar dating, the blurred lines between sex work and exploitation, and the psychology of men and women in the industry. They explore legal and ethical debates, feminist perspectives, and societal consequences of prostitution and pornography. Urick shares her experiences at SeekingArrangement, including the dangers young women face and the website's role in fostering systemic abuse and deception.

Humans seem to be drawn in a certain direction toward truth and beauty. Is that an accident of nature? Or is there a higher truth prompting it? On this ID The Future, we're pleased to share the first half of an engaging conversation between philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer and historian of science Michael Shermer about science, God, the origin of information, and the nature of mind. The conversation was hosted by comedian and podcaster Bryan Callen on The Bryan Callen Show. In Part 1, Meyer and Shermer discuss arguments for design, the Big Bang, the origin of information, and the role of mind in the universe. This is Part 1 of a two-part interview. Look for Part 2 in a separate episode of ID The Future. We're grateful to the producers of The Bryan Callen Show for permission to share this conversation on ID The Future! Source

Dr. Rachel Toles, a licensed forensic psychologist, delves into the psychology of criminals, addressing the motivations behind some of the world's most notorious killers. Her expertise spans trauma, addiction, and impulse control, culminating in her upcoming U.S. theater tour, The Psychology of a Murderer. Through captivating case studies, Toles sheds light on the dark corners of human behavior. In her show and forthcoming book, Toles examines the pathways leading ordinary people to commit extraordinary violence. She explores infamous cases, including Jeffrey Dahmer and Charles Manson, while revealing a proprietary formula for understanding evil. Her work intertwines cutting-edge psychology with gripping storytelling, leaving audiences both disturbed and enlightened. Shermer and Toles discuss the psychology of mass murderers, causes of evil, and the fascination with true crime. They analyze infamous killers like Dahmer, the Menendez Brothers, and Manson, exploring traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Topics include experiments like Milgram's and the Stanford Prison Study, factors driving violence, and why ordinary individuals can commit atrocities.

William Green delves into the lives of iconic investors like Buffett, Munger, and Templeton, unraveling how their approaches extend beyond financial success. These super-investors possess unique skills such as rigorous thinking, resilience, and intuition. Through years of interviews, Green reveals how their principles can improve decision-making, manage risks, and help us thrive in uncertain environments. William Green has written for top publications like Time, Forbes, and The Economist, and edited Time's Asian and European editions. He coauthored several books, including Guy Spier's The Education of a Value Investor. Born in London, he studied English at Oxford and earned a journalism master's at Columbia. Now based in New York, he lives with his family. His latest book is Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life. Shermer and Green discuss the financial literacy of Americans, the mechanics of wealth creation, and the psychology behind investment decisions. They cover the stock market, the importance of resilience, and the relationship between money, happiness, and luck. The conversation includes wisdom from legendary investors, the power of compound interest, and practical strategies for financial independence.

In the U.S. alone, more than $400 billion are donated to charity each year—equivalent to two percent of American GDP. This generosity is wonderful, but these gifts don't do nearly as much good as they could. In recent years, researchers have started studying the effectiveness of different charities, just as investors study the effectiveness of different companies. These researchers ask questions like: How much money does it cost for this charity to save someone's life? The answers are stunning. Charity experts estimate that the most effective charities are about 100 times more effective than typical charities. For example, you can do more good by donating $100 to a highly effective charity than by donating $10,000 to a typical charity. Shermer and Greene discuss effective altruism, evidence-based philanthropy, and GivingMultiplier's unique model for maximizing charitable impact. They explore moral judgment theories, from deontology to consequentialism, and delve into complex topics like donor fatigue, public vs. private solutions, abortion, capital punishment, and political polarization. Greene shares practical insights into addressing societal divides and inspiring collective action. Joshua Greene is a Professor of Psychology at Harvard, where he teaches “Evolving Morality: From Primordial Soup to Superintelligent Machines,” one of the university's most popular courses. He is also the author of Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason, and the Gap Between Us and Them, which integrates moral philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to explain the underlying causes of modern conflict. Josh's latest applied research has led to novel, evidence-based strategies for reducing political animosity and inspiring thousands of people to support nonprofits addressing extreme poverty, climate change, and other pressing societal issues. His new organization is GivingMultiplier.org.

In The Suggestible Brain, cognitive psychologist Amir Raz delves into how suggestions can influence everything from wine preferences to memory and emotional reactions. As society grapples with misinformation, Raz's research spans across cognitive psychology, sociology, and culture, emphasizing the profound impact of suggestion on both personal and collective levels. Raz's expertise, merging magic with neuropsychology, unveils actionable insights for utilizing suggestion to enhance mental resilience and defend against manipulation. Dr. Raz's career includes roles as Canada Research Chair and Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Brain and Behavioral Sciences. A speaker and author, his insights on suggestion have been widely recognized by media and academic audiences. His work, grounded in extensive research and engaging storytelling, highlights the interconnectedness of suggestion with consciousness, memory, and identity. Shermer and Raz discuss: the evolutionary basis of suggestibility, how brain imaging captures the power of suggestion, and the psychology behind hypnosis, meditation, and placebos. They discuss historical influences like Milgram's obedience studies and explore suggestibility's role in social contagions and cults. Raz also shares insights on psychedelics, neurofeedback, and using suggestion to manage conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Guy P. Harrison is an acclaimed author of nine thought-provoking books that encourage curiosity and critical thinking. In this engaging episode, he and Michael Shermer discuss how science fiction inspires us to think beyond the ordinary and explore the vast possibilities of human progress. From his latest work to his passion for rational dialogue, Harrison's insights are both inspiring and accessible. Shermer and Harrison tackle a diverse range of topics, including the societal value of science fiction, the flawed debates about religion and evolution, and why humanity might ultimately prevail despite existential threats like AI. They examine UFOs and the Fermi Paradox, discuss redefining atheism, and share optimism about human progress. Harrison's engaging insights inspire curiosity and critical thinking throughout the episode. Guy Harrison is an award-winning writer and author of nine books, including Think: Why You Should Question Everything, At Least Know This, 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God, and Good Thinking. His work has been featured in Skeptic, Reader's Digest, The Institute of Arts and Ideas, Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, Big Think, and many other publications. Guy is a longtime essayist for Psychology Today and contributed a chapter about race and racism to The Cognitive Science of Beliefpublished by Cambridge University Press. Random House featured his book Think: Why You Should Question Everything as recommended reading for all first-year university students, and the San Diego Union-Tribunenamed At Least Know This a top-five summer read. His new book, Damn You, Entropy! 1,001 of the Greatest Science Fiction Quotes was a New Scientist magazine “Best Science Fiction Books of the Month” selection.

Dave Rubin of “The Rubin Report” talks to Riley Gaines and Sage Steele about Lizzo's reaction to “South Park's” The End of Obesity episode which mocked her and the body positivity movement; high school transgender athlete Veronica Garcia winning the Washington state championship in the 400 meter; Neil deGrasse Tyson insulting and talking over Michael Shermer as soon Shermer points out some obvious facts about transgender athletes competing in women's sports; how “South Park” accurately predicted the problems with trans women in sports five years ago in their Board Girls episode; MSNBC's Joy Reid accidentally exposing that she doesn't believe her own woke talking points in her interview with Brittney Griner; TNT's “Inside the NBA” hosts Charles Barkley, Shaq and Kenny Smith having their hypocrisy on their attacks on Kyrie Irving for not caving to vaccine mandates exposed; and much more. WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ Check out the NEW RUBIN REPORT MERCH here: https://daverubin.store/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: Preserve Gold - Protect your retirement from inflation. Preserve Gold can get physical gold and silver delivered right to your door or inside your IRA, 401k or other qualified retirement account. Rubin Report viewers will get up to $10,000 in free Gold and Silver with a qualifying purchase or retirement account rollover. Preserve Gold will even throw in an immediate $500 account credit if you request your investor guide today. Go to: https://preservegold.com/dave Morning Kick - Ever wondered how Chuck Norris is still able to kick butt, stay strong and work out like he's in his 50s despite being in his 80s? Chuck made a special video that explains everything. Go to: https://ChuckDefense.com/Rubin Grand Canyon University – A private Christian university in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona that believes that we're endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights; to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University. Private. Christian. Affordable. Visit https://www.gcu.edu/dave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices