Skepticality:The Official Podcast of Skeptic Magazine

Skepticality #137 - Packing for Mars - Interview: Mary Roach

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Imagine you were talented enough, ambitious enough and lucky enough to be chosen to part of a manned mission to another planet. What you might see out there? What you might learn?

And, what about going to the bathroom, taking a shower, eating, drinking, sleeping, or even sex?

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with psychologist, journalist and bestselling author Mary Roach. Her new book Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void explores how space programs, scientists and astronauts (and even astro-chimps) tackle the unexpected complexity of performing everyday activities when in space.

As with her previous books Spook (the science of the search for the afterlife), Stiff (the science of the dead), and Bonk (the science of sex), Ms. Roach’s accessible investigation into the science of space travel sparkles with humor and insight.

Skepticality #136 - Voodoo History - Guest: David Aaronovitch

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Historical precedent, eyewitnesses, academic experts — these are among the tools that critical thinkers use to verify facts and give credibility to their arguments. And yet, misuse of these same principles provides the foundation for widely accepted conspiracy theories.

Why does the public often prefer wildly improbable half-truths to the demonstrable facts of history? This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with award-winning journalist and author David Aaronovitch about his book Voodoo Histories: The Role of Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History. Deconstructing both well-known and obscure conspiracies, David illuminates how such far-fetched claims come to be believed.

Skepticality #135 - Team Skeptic TAM 8 Round Table - Guests: Daniel Loxton, Blake Smith, Tim Farley

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

This week after returning from The Amazing Meeting 8 - a conference celebrating skepticism and critical thinking sponsored by the James Randi Educational Foundation, Skepticality is pleased to host a round table discussion with a distinguished group they have dubbed "Team Skeptic".

Daniel Loxton (editor of Junior Skeptic and author of Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be), Blake Smith (paranormal investigator and creator of the Skeptic podcast Monster Talk) and Tim Farley (creator of WhatsTheHarm.net and the Skepticality contributor of This Week in Skeptic History) discuss their impressions of this year’s Amazing Meeting Las Vegas with hosts Derek and Swoopy.

Skepticality #134 - The Price of Altruism - Guest: Oren Harman

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

From "survival of the fittest" to "the selfish gene," familiar evolutionary themes advocate an amoral viewpoint that favors the individual. And yet, evolutionary biologists have uncovered countless examples of altruism in animals and humans — which has given rise to the idea that there is an evolutionary component to these selfless behaviors that can be quantified.

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Professor Oren Harman, author of The Price of Altruism: George Price and the Search for the Origins of Kindness. Both a history of the study of social evolution and a biography of George R. Price, this book explores a life which would become an illuminating experiment in altruism and lead to the development of the Price equation (a mathematical equation used to study genetic evolution).

Skepticality #133 - The Arts and Sciences - Guests: George Hrab and Scott Sigler

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 04:16:10 +0000

Over the last five years Skepticality has been pleased to interview some of the world’s most interesting and noteworthy skeptics and scientists and some of those skeptics and scientists are also gifted artists.

This week Swoopy and Derek talk with George Hrab about the release of his new album Trebuchet, which he has been kind enough to provide to our listeners in it’s entirety for free as a full album mp3. Among the many topics, and music clips, George talks about marketing this new album via his award nominated Geologic Podcast, and about the subject matter that is, as always relevant to his audience of skeptics and music lovers alike.

Additionally Derek chats with New York Times best selling author Scott Sigler, about the release of his book Ancestor (a sci-fi horror thriller steeped in hard science) by Crown books on June 22nd. Scott didn’t just stop by to chat, he also has some special give-aways for Skepticality listeners.

George Hrab’s Trebuchet (Full Album)

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The new, full length album by George Hrab. Buy a physical copy at CDBaby, or download tracks on iTunes.

Skepticality #132 - Decoding the Language of God - Interview: Dr. George C. Cunningham

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with geneticist Dr. George C. Cunningham, author of Decoding the Language of God: Can a Scientist Really Be a Believer? This book serves as a point-by-point rebuttal of the 2006 bestseller The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Dr. Francis S. Collins.

Dr. Collins was the head of the Human Genome Project during its final phases, presiding over one of the greatest scientific achievements of all time. And yet, some skeptics expressed unease about Dr. Collins’ 2009 appointment as the Director of the National Institutes of Health. At issue were the award-winning geneticist’s beliefs that our "genetic code is, after all, God’s instruction book" — and that God himself does not need an explanation since he is beyond the universe.

In this interview, Dr. Cunningham respectfully questions the proof Dr. Collins offers for his beliefs, including the Bible and the writings of C.S. Lewis. Additionally, Decoding the Language of God serves as a primer for good critical thinking, discussing points of conflict between naturalistic explanations of reality (which are anchored in scientific research) and supernatural interpretations (which are not). Cunningham’s well-reasoned discussion will appeal to people across a wide spectrum of belief and unbelief.

Skepticality #131 - The Science of the Unscientific - Guest: Jim Ottaviani

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Skeptic readers may suspect that there’s little to interest them in the pages of most graphic novels, dominated as they are by superheroes and the supernatural. However, a new generation of authors and artists are hard at work creating comics rooted in science fact — and even critical thinking.

This week Skepticality welcomes back Jim Ottaviani: nuclear engineer, librarian, lead author for GT Labs (which produces graphic novels about the history of science and prominent scientists). Swoopy talks with Jim about his most recent published works, T-Minus: The Race to the Moon; Wire Mothers: Harry Harlow and the Science of Love; and, of special interest to skeptics, The Science of the Unscientific: Levitation: Physics and Psychology in the Service of Deception.

Skepticality #130 - The Sound of Science! - Interview: Artichoke’s Timothy Sellers and Steve Collins.

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This week Skepticality welcomes two of the members of the Los Angeles-based band Artichoke: Timothy Sellers (who pursued physics before deciding on music) and Steve Collins (an engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory).

Artichoke is known to many eSkeptic readers for the song Mary Anning, their highly popular contribution to the Skeptics Mix Tape 2009 project. (As Mix Tape curator Daniel Loxton explains, "Artichoke is really top tier science music. There are vanishingly few bands who can match their catchiness and scientific depth.")

On this episode, Swoopy chats with Timothy and Steve about the special challenges in writing fun, accessible music that also portrays scientists accurately — as featured on the band’s albums 26 Scientists Volume 1: Anning – Malthus, and 26 Scientists Volume 2: Newton – Zeno.

Skepticality #129 - In the Land of Believers - Guest: Gina Welch

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In-depth inquiry is a central virtue in the realms of skepticism and investigative journalism. In both traditions, investigators immerse themselves into unfamiliar worlds in order to understand, inform and illuminate the truth.

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with author Gina Welch about her first book In The Land of Believers: An Outsider’s Extraordinary Journey Into the Heart of the Evangelical Church. Recounting her two years as a member of Jerry Falwell’s Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, the book is an honest discussion by a non-theist of her extraordinary look into the lives of the evangelical Americans who became her friends.

Skepticality #128 - Young Science Podcasters - Interviews: Princess Scientist and Aaron from Aaron’s World

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Over the past five years, Skepticality hosts Derek & Swoopy have been inspired by noteworthy scientists and skeptics—and by the many podcasters producing popular programs about science and critical thinking.

This week’s guests are science podcasters with a little something extra. Aaron’s World and Princess Scientist’s Book Club are both podcasts hosted by children under the age of nine. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with both hosts (and their parents) about the unique challenges and rewards of creating online programming by and for young science enthusiasts.

Skepticality #127 - Skepticism Through Manga - Guest: Sara E. Mayhew

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

One of our favorite things to do on Skepticality is to introduce listeners to new ways of communicating skepticism and critical thinking that may have never been tried before. This week’s guest is a perfect example. As the International award-winning author and illustrator of Secrets of Sorcerers and Love Pet, Sara E. Mayhew is a professional illustrator who specializes in producing manga artwork that embraces the themes of skepticism and critical thinking.

In 2009 Sara became a TED Fellow (short for Technology, Entertainment, Design), as part of this distinguished program built on the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world she spoke about her goal to use the art of manga to teach young readers about science and critical thinking through engaging stories and images. She spoke again at TED 2010, and recently spoke at CFI West about Skepticism Though Manga.

This week Swoopy talks with Sara about her new manga, Legend of the Ztarr about a young girl on a far off planet who must ultimately utilize critical thinking and science to help save her world. And her popular blog about critical thinking, There Are Four Lights.

Skepticality #126 - Race and Reality - Guest: Guy P. Harrison

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of race continues to affect our world in undeniable ways. Sociologists tell us that people derive their attitudes about race from their family, culture, and education, with vast and persistent differences between the popular notions of race and the scientific view of human diversity. Even among scientists, who understand the current evidence, there is controversy about the definition of "race" — and about the usefulness of thinking in terms of race at all.

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Guy P. Harrison, a part-time science and history lecturer and journalist about his latest book Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know About Our Biological Diversity. Harrison discusses scientific evidence that the human species has no races, and explores how that evidence could unite humankind.

Also featured is Atlanta Skeptic Taylor Proctor, on making this year’s Atlanta Skepticamp a celebration of "Critical Thinking for Everyone".

Skepticality #125 - The Animal Manifesto - Guest: Dr. Marc Bekoff

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In February 2010 a panicked zebra ran loose down a major Atlanta freeway at rush hour sustaining fatal injuries, the same month at Orlando’s SeaWorld a whale trainer was dragged underwater to her death by a 12,000-lb killer whale, and this week in Mumbai an angry 56-year-old female elephant killed a man who entered her enclosure by picking him up with her trunk and slamming him into a wall.

From food production to circus acts to scientific stud, animals have a long and controversial history in the lives of humans who not only learn from studying their biology but what they in turn teach us about our own behaviors.

This week, Skepticality welcomes back Dr. Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado who alongside Jane Goodall co-founded the organization "Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals". Dr. Bekoff discusses his book The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint citing supporting current scientific research to outline six guiding principles designed to increase awareness of the deplorable conditions animals experience across a broad spectrum of activities, and what those of us who are concerned can do to help.

Skepticality #124 - Church and State Update 2010 - Interview: Sean Faircloth, Secular Coalition for America

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

This past week has been particularly troubling for secular humanists

and freethinkers, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the

words "In God We Trust" on American currency and "Under God" as part

of the Pledge of Allegiance are not in violation of the First

Amendment rights of nontheists.

Meanwhile, the conservative majority of the Texas State Board of

Education (whose sheer size and buying power influence textbook

content nationwide) revised its curricula to reflect a less secular

version of history, economics and sociology. Among other revisionist

changes, this reduces the role of President Thomas Jefferson as a

revolutionary author.

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Sean Faircloth (the new

Executive Director of the Secular Coalition for America) about these

troubling current events. Sean also talks about the Coalition’s recent

historic meeting with White House officials to open a policy dialog

with the Obama Administration — the first of its kind for American

nontheists.

Skepticality #123 - Imagine Science - Guest: Alexis Gambis

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Imagine you’ve just completed your PhD in molecular biology and genetics. Would enrolling at NYU film school be your next logical career step? Unlikely as it may sound, that’s exactly what Alexis Gambis, creator of the "Imagine Science Film Festival," decided to do.

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Alexis about the surprising and yet natural collaboration between scientists who dedicate their lives to studying the world we live in, and filmmakers — who have the power to interpret and share this knowledge with a broader audience than ever before.

This week also includes the debut of a new segment: "This Week in Skeptic History," hosted by notable skeptical activist Tim Farley (creator of the WhatsTheHarm.net).

Skepticality #122 - In With The New - Guest: D.J. Grothe

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Derek catches up with the new JREF President, DJ Grothe to discuss what is next for the JREF now that he has become the new President.

Skepticality #121 - Astronomy Overload Hour - Guest: Dr. Phil Plait, The Bad Astronomer

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

For a myriad of reasons, NASA is in the news this week. For an update on everything astronomical Skepticality is proud to welcome back The Bad Astronomer himself, Dr. Phil Plait (author of the popular books Bad Astronomy, Death from the Skies and his award-winning blog at Discovermagazine.com). Swoopy chats with Phil about this week’s planned launch of the space shuttle Endeavour (one of five final missions marking the retirement of the shuttle fleet by the close of 2010); the surprising recent announcement of President Obama’s plans to increase NASA’s funding but cancel the Constellation program already five years underway; and, Phil’s own tough decision to step down as president of the James Randi Educational Foundation in order to extend his skeptical outreach to a global audience through television.

Skepticality #120 - Evolution of Jr. Skeptic - Guests: Pat Linse and Daniel Loxton

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with a true skeptical original: Skeptics Society co-founder Pat Linse, co-publisher and Art Director of Skeptic magazine. She is among skepticism’s most influential pioneers — and yet, she has rarely stepped into the public spotlight. Among Pat’s many groundbreaking innovations was the creation of Junior Skeptic (the 10-page kids’ critical thinking insert bound within Skeptic magazine). Joining Pat in this interview is current Junior Skeptic editor and illustrator Daniel Loxton, here to talk about their latest creation: a full-color children’s book released this week by Kids Can Press, entitled "Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be".

Skepticality #119 - Worlds of Their Own - Guest: Lois Schadewald

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

"The Universe does not bend itself to our ignorance." This simple truism is just one of the many observations made by author, skeptic and former president of the National Center for Science Education Robert J. Schadewald, who died of cancer on March 12th, 2000. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with his sister Lois Schadewald, who compiled and published a humorous, insightful volume of her brother’s articles, essays and interviews in 2008. Entitled Worlds of Their Own: A Brief History of Misguided Ideas; Creationism, Flat-Earthism, Energy Scams, and the Velikovsky Affair, Robert Schadewald’s work reminds us that in order to understand the difference between science and pseudoscience we must investigate the unique claims and personalities of some of history’s most unorthodox thinkers. Only then can we begin to learn what leads some people to embrace critical thinking and science — and others cling to their own realities despite all the evidence in the universe….

Skepticality #118 - The Santa Situation- Guests: Heidi and Hollis Anderson

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The holiday season can be a stressful time for anyone, but for those parents raising their children to be critical thinkers and skeptics, there are some special challenges — namely, to Santa or not to Santa? This week, on a special holiday episode of Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy talk with Heidi Anderson (whose article, Skeptical Parenting: Raising Young Critical Thinkers appears in the current issue of Skeptical Inquirer) and her seven-year-old son Hollis. Young Hollis, it turns out, has his own opinions on Santa, science and truth…

Skepticality #117 - Evolution Rx Part II- Guest: Dr. William Meller

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Insomnia; depression; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; sexual infidelity. Most of us have dealt with at least one of these issues in our lives, and no wonder — so did our ancient ancestors. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy welcomes back Dr. William Meller for a second round of discussion based on his book Evolution Rx. Evolutionary medicine sheds some light on how the adaptations of early humans affect our emotions, behaviors and our modern daily lives.

Skepticality #116 - Evolution Rx - Guest: Dr. William Meller

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Water bottles, hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial soap, vitamin supplements, broad spectrum antibiotics - ancient man had none of these things, and yet in harsh conditions he not only survived, but thrived. The study of evolutionary medicine illuminates how the past adaptation of early humans to their ancestral environment now affects contemporary humans with our vastly different diet, life expectancy, degree of physical exercise, and hygiene. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. William Meller, MD about his book "Evolution RX" which delves into the latest research in genetics, biology, and early human history in order to better understand a wide array of human health conditions and the ways in which our bodies have evolved to combat them.

Skepticality #115 - The Green Fairy - Guest: Cheryl Lins, owner Delaware Phoenix Distillery

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Absinthe. The very name of this anise-flavored spirit has become synonymous with the forbidden. Associated with marijuana and other illicit drugs, it is said to cause hallucinatory and psychoactive secondary effects, delusions, criminal tendencies, convulsions, tuberculosis and death. At the start of the 20th century, these beliefs were reported by the media, widely promoted by the French wine industry, and spread via propaganda posters. This led to a ban on absinthe in Europe and the United States (lasting nearly 100 years). This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Cheryl Lins, owner of Delaware Phoenix Distilleries in Walton, New York, about how this once-accepted and popular drink came to be outlawed and misunderstood — and how it was eventually resurrected at the hands of skeptics and scientists.

Skepticality #114 - Monster Talk! - Guests: Blake Smith, Ben Radford & Dr. Karen Stollznow

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Cryptozoological creatures like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and the Chupacabra have fascinated and inspired monster hunters for generations, providing endless reports of sightings, unverified film footage and blurry photographs to feed the public imagination. Thankfully, this kind of speculation and storytelling has also given rise to a new generation of skeptical investigators who use the tools of science to dig into monster claims. This week on Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy talk with Benjamin Radford, Dr. Karen Stollznow, and Blake Smith — the team from the podcast MonsterTalk.

Skepticality #113 - Don’t Be Such A Scientist - Interview: Dr. Randy Olson

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy catches up with biologist-turned-filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson, whose latest book, Don’t Be Such A Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style deals with the image and communication issues facing scientists in the new media era. Some of the book’s key messages (don’t be so cerebral; don’t be so literal-minded; don’t be such a poor story teller; don’t be so unlikable) are also on display in Dr. Olson’s newest feature film, Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy. The new movie, a mockumentary that humorously relates just how hard it is to get a film about science made in style-conscious Hollywood, is the closing film at the Imagine: Science FIlm Festival in New York this week.

Skepticality #112 - Men Who Stare at Goats - Interview: Jon Ronson

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0000

One of the refrains of skepticism is that reality is often more amazing than fiction. This is most assuredly true of the stories reported by investigative journalist, filmmaker and author Jon Ronson, who has delved time and again into the worlds of conspiracy theorists and extremists. This week on Skepticality Swoopy talks with Jon Ronson about his experiences bonding with skeptics at the recent Amazing Meeting London, his bizarre cruise (and rare interview) with psychic Sylvia Browne, and his 2004 auto-biographical book The Men Who Stare at Goats which will be released this November as a feature film starring Ewan McGregor and George Clooney.

Skepticality #111 - Pop Goes the Controversy - Interviews: Jill Sobule, Keith Williams and The Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000

On this week’s Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy have just returned from Charlotte PopFest, a unique music festival with proceeds benefitting the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science. Unexpected local media backlash against the PopFest benefitting a group of "evolutionists" is further evidence why events like this one, the first of it’s kind, are so important. These sentiments are echoed in this week’s short interviews with PopFest musician Jill Sobule, members of the Charlotte Atheists and Agnostics and Keith Williams, a local Charlotte skeptic who wrote a letter to WBTV Charlotte to express his concern over their reporting of the PopFest as an example of "Science and religion butting heads".

Skepticality #110 - Pop for Science - Interview: James Deem, organizer Charlotte PopFest

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week, Derek and Swoopy recap Skeptrack at Dragon*Con 2009 and chat with musician James Deem about the upcoming music festival Charlotte Pop Fest. Not your average music festival, this year Charlotte Pop Fest (September 24-26th) will celebrate the life of Charles Darwin and all proceeds from the event will benefit the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science.

Skepticality #109 - Columbine - Interview: Dave Cullen

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

On April 20, 1999, two boys left an indelible stamp on American society when they carried out their plan to kill as many of their high school classmates as they could. The very word "Columbine" has come to represent a specific brand of unthinkable horror: when children make a calculated decision to murder their teachers and peers. In the chaos and aftermath of that April day, legends and misinformation quickly proliferated. A great deal of what was reported about Columbine was simply not true. Author Dave Cullen has spent the last ten years of his journalistic career studying the lives of the residents of Littleton Colorado as they were before, during, and after this shattering event. Cullen’s seminal book on the subject, Columbine, delves deep into the psyches of the killers, the victims, and their families — to set the record straight not only about what really happened on that fateful day, but why.

Skepticality #108 - Stars of TAM 7 - Interviews: Jennifer Ouellette, Michael Goudeau & Ray Hyman

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week Skepticality releases the entertaining wealth of recent audio Derek recorded at the James Randi Educational Foundation’s "Amazing Meeting 7" conference in sunny Las Vegas. The diverse nature of modern skepticism is well represented in interviews featuring Jennifer Ouellette (author of The Physics of the Buffyverse) and magician Michael Goudeau (executive producer of Penn and Teller’s Bullshit!). Best of all, Skepticality shares thoughts from one of the founding fathers of the skeptical movement — psychologist Dr. Ray Hyman.

Skepticality #107 - Wild Justice -Interview: Dr. Marc Bekoff

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:14:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado and author of Wild Justice. His book examines the differences—and startling similarities—between the observed morality and emotions of human and non-human animals.

Skepticality #106 - TAM7 Recap - A view of The Amazing Meeting 7 from near and far.

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy recap The James Randi Educational Foundation’s Amazing Meeting 7 conference, which took place this past week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Derek recounts his many adventures as a TAM7 attendee, including his interviews and discussions with TAM Guests including Ray Hyman, Jennifer Oullette and MythBuster Adam Savage. Looking at this epic convention in a new way, Swoopy shares her impressions of following the conference from home via social networking websites such as Twitter, Facebook and uStream.

Skepticality #105 - Scam School! - Interview: Brian Brushwood

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:52:00 +0000

"Don’t try this at home! …This trick just might kill you! … Fool your friends, amaze your family and scam your way to free drinks!" These taglines and more invite the average college student to study with spiky-haired rabble rouser, Brian Brushwood — skeptic, author and award winning magician — via his popular podcast Scam School. This week Derek & Swoopy talk with Brian about his work. Digging into the biggest scam of all, they reveal that Brian Brushwood is the epitome of the modern skeptic. Beneath the bar room bravado lurks the mind of well-studied, articulate critical thinker.

Skepticality #104 - The Skeptic Mix Tape and Jenny McCarthy - Interviews: Daniel Loxton & Derek Bartholomaus

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Though the celebrated and the famous have long used the glare of the spotlight to highlight personal causes, rarely has fame been used to such staggering effect as by Jenny McCarthy. Since 2007, this former Playboy model now turned autism activist has advocated for parents to stop vaccinating their children against deadly diseases. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Derek Bartholomaus, creator of “The Jenny McCarthy Body Count” website. This chilling and controversial site utilizes data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to keep a running tally of illnesses and deaths from vaccine preventable diseases - a sobering reminder of the human cost of anti-vaccination rhetoric. On a lighter note, Derek & Swoopy also talk with Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton about the launch of the “Skeptics Mix Tape” project. This eclectic collection of songs of science and skepticism are available as free MP3s from Skeptic.com.

Skepticality #103 - The Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs - Interview: Dr. Donald R. Prothero

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Mass extinctions, rising temperatures, and changing glaciers may sound like current events, but Earth scientists are learning that this type of climate change is nothing new. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. Donald R. Prothero about his new book Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs: Evolution, Extinction, and the Future of Our Planet. Prothero discusses the links between the climate changes that have occurred over the past 200 million years. Dr. Prothero also discusses "Ida," a 47-million year old fossil the media is hailing as yet another "missing link." Is Ida all she is hyped up to be — or is this Darwinius masillae just one more transitional fossil supporting the theory of evolution?

Skepticality #102 - The Great Psychic Detective Challenge - Interviews: Benjamin Radford & Dr. Phil Plait

Tue, 19 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week Skepticality is pleased to have back paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford. Derek talks with Ben about his recently concluded "Great Psychic Detective Challenge" which came about through amazing claims made to Ben while he was a guest on the Skeptiko Podcast. We also catch up with JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation) President Dr. Phil Plait about the upcoming Amazing Meeting 7, to be held in Las Vegas July 9-12.

Skepticality #101 - Quirky Hauntings Interview: Professor Richard Wiseman

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:08:00 +0000

This week Skepticality is pleased to once again speak with noted ’Quirkologist’ Richard Wiseman, the Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom and fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). Swoopy talks with Professor Wiseman about his recent paranormal investigations and the initial findings from his Hauntings: The Science of Ghosts project that was presented as part of the 2009 Edinburgh International Science Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Skepticality #100 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue..

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:50:00 +0000

This week Skepticality celebrates it’s long awaited 100th episode with a look back at past shows, thoughts about future installments and well wishes from their friends the skeptic community including Dr. Phil Plait (the Bad Astronomer), George Hrab (The Geologic Podcast) and Brian Dunning (The Skeptologists).

Skepticality #099 - Confessions of an Alien Hunter - Interview: Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer - SETI

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Why do we think aliens are out there? Is Earth really being visited? Will aliens really be short, gray, and hairless? What happens if we pick up a signal from another world? These are just a few of the questions this week’s guest tackles regularly, in his role as the senior astronomer for the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute. Dr. Seth Shostak talks with Swoopy about the ongoing search for life in the universe, as chronicled in his new book Confessions of an Alien Hunter: A Scientist’s Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

Skepticality #098 - What Do I Do Next? Interview: Daniel Loxton, editor of Junior Skeptic

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:03:00 +0000

In 2007, Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton called for renewed focus on classical skeptical activism in an essay entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?" Released simultaneously as a PDF from Skeptic.com and as an audio essay on Skepticality, this article drew tremendous positive response. But many listeners wanted to know, what’s the next step? How does one become a skeptical activist? This week, Skepticality and Skeptic.com are pleased to release the follow-up project, "What Do I Do Next?: Leading Skeptics Discuss 105 Practical Ways to Promote Science and Advance Skepticism." Daniel Loxton returns to tell Swoopy how a panel of 13 skeptics contributed almost 30,000 words of impassioned, in-depth commentary to this groundbreaking document — and how skeptics like you will take it to the next level.

Skepticality #097 - Atlanta Skepticamp Recap

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0000

This week’s Skepticality hits the highlights and plays excerpts from Atlanta Skepticamp. Topics from the two day "un-conference" included: raising children to be critical thinkers; homeopathy; the question of what organic food labels really mean; and (in discussion with the hosts of the American Freethought podcast) the role of new media in promoting the growth of the skeptical community. Also, Derek & Swoopy check the Skeptic events calendar to keep listeners updated on upcoming Skepticamps and other events for skeptics around the world.

Skepticality #096 - Fossil Thursday! -Interview: Dr. John M. Harris, curator Page Museum, La Brea Tar Pits

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

On a special Thursday edition of Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. John M. Harris, curator of the George C. Page Museum at Rancho La Brea. Yesterday, it was announced that a new excavation near La Brea has unearthed the largest known cache of fossils from the last ice age including an eighty percent in-tact mammoth, named Zed.

Skepticality #095 - The Radford Files -Interview: Benjamin Radford

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality we check in with author and paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford. A regular contributor to LiveScience.com and Managing Editor for Skeptical Inquirer magazine, Ben talks with Derek & Swoopy about his recently completed fourth book and his investigations into weird paranormal mysteries — including UFO sightings in New Jersey, the haunted hotel where President Obama stayed prior to his inauguration, and the claims of police department psychics.

Skepticality #094 - International Year of Astronomy! - Interview: Dr. Pamela Gay

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The United Nations has declared 2009 the "International Year of Astronomy." Coinciding with both Galileo Galilei’s celestial discoveries in 1609 and the publication of Johannes Kepler’s Astronomia Nova (which described the fundamental laws of planetary motion), the International Year of Astronomy celebrates 400 years of discovery and exploration of our elegant universe. It is an unprecedented opportunity to showcase some amazing science — and to inspire cosmic wonder. On this episode of Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy talk with astronomer, educator, and podcaster Dr. Pamela Gay about the many exciting global events people can enjoy during the International Year of Astronomy. She also shares her thoughts about the changing face of NASA, and about some thrilling recent astronomical discoveries.

Skepticality #093 - Tales of the Investigative Atheist - Inside The Discovery Institute, Interview: Maria Maltseva

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:35:00 +0000

On a recent episode of Skepticality, guests Kate Holden and Tiana Dietz proposed their joint project, "Visit Discovery," which encourages people to visit Seattle’s Intelligent Design think tank The Discovery Institute. Is there hope of fostering better dialog between advocates of science and proponents of Intelligent Design? This week’s guest, Maria Maltseva, a Seattle skeptic and practicing attorney, talks with Derek & Swoopy about her own recent visits to The Discovery Institute, where her talks with Institute insiders yielded a wealth of interesting information.

Skepticality #092 - Numb3rs - Cheryl Heuton and Nicolas Falacci creators of Num3rs

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Rarely is mathematics a major plot component on American television. The exception, of course, is the current hit prime time CBS television drama Numb3rs. "We all use math every day: to predict weather, to tell time, to handle money. Math is more than formulas and equations: it’s logic. It’s rationality. It’s using your mind to solve the biggest mysteries we know." So begins every episode — astonishingly — of one of the consistently highest rated programs in its time slot. Now in its fifth season, Numb3rs has helped pave the way for a whole new generation of science-based programming on American television. This week Swoopy talks with Cheryl Heuton and Nicolas Falacci (the creators and Executive Producers of Numb3rs) about the challenges of creating a fictional TV drama chock full of real science and mathematics.

Skepticality #091 - Skeptics Undercover - Kate Holden and Tiana Dietz visted The Discovery Institute (and so should you)!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Over the past several episodes, Skepticality has endeavored to showcase an eclectic range of skeptical activism. Our recent guests have overwhelmingly agreed that everyone has something to offer — and that "activism" comes in many flavors. This week, Derek & Swoopy talk with bloggers Kate Holden and Tiana Dietz, who recently had an unorthodox adventure at the well-known Intelligent Design think tank The Discovery Institute. These unapologetic rabble-rousers discuss the controversial tactics that took them where few skeptics have gone before.

Skepticality #090 - This One Time at Skepticamp... - Reed Esau on Skepticamp, Tim Farley on helping StopSylvia.com

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:14:00 +0000

What can regular skeptics actually do to enhance the appreciation of science and skeptical inquiry? This question has been an ongoing theme for Skepticality, and this week’s guest has one answer to propose. In his audio essay, "Raising Our Game: The Rationale to Embrace Skepticamp," software architect Reed Esau argues that "Skepticamps" (self-organizing peer conferences of intimate scale) can harness the potential of the "long tail" of the skeptical movement — offering a voice to all of us who have passion and expertise to share but who cannot take on the role of a "professional" skeptic. These meetings are an experiment in the structure of a movement, and they are capturing the imagination of many new skeptics. What are the true implications for skeptical organizing? Is the advent of social networking technologies really the moment when everything changed? Also Tim Farley of Whatstheharm.net talks with Swoopy about an effort to help out a fellow Skeptical activist in need.

Skepticality #089 - Secular Values Voter! - Lori Lipman Brown at Skeptrack 2008

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:18:00 +0000

This Tuesday, November 4th, Americans head to the polls. But despite the outcome, the question remains: under the new administration, can nontheists, science advocates, and critical thinkers expect better representation in government? In recognition of Election Day 2008, Skepticality is pleased to present a talk by Lori Lipman Brown of the Secular Coalition for America (the only Washington, DC lobbyists working on behalf of skeptics, rationalists and nontheists), entitled Pastafarian, Zoroastrian, Atheist — Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Skepticality #088 - From Ghost Hunters to The Mentalist, a Skeptic’s look at Fall TV

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:50:00 +0000

On this week’s episode of Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy explore the good, the bad, and the scary among television’s current crop of offerings — from "Psychic Kids" to "The Mentalist." Also, in a lead up to her favorite holiday, Swoopy ponders the pros and cons of being a skeptic on Halloween….

Skepticality #087 - A Skeptic for Congress? - Interview: Dr. Hal Bidlack

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:20:00 +0000

With less than thirty days left until (U.S.) Election Day 2008, Skepticality checks in with noted skeptic Lt. Colonel Hal Bidlack (U.S. Air Force, Retired) — the Democratic Party’s 5th Congressional District candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Swoopy talks with Hal about the challenging and expensive process of seeking public office in the United States, and how the recent upset of financial markets is shaping this election season. Hal also explains how his study of the U.S. Constitution and experience as the nation’s premier Alexander Hamilton scholar lends valuable insight even in 2008.

Skepticality #086 - Where Do We Go From Here? - Daniel Loxton & Skeptrack Panel Discussion

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:52:00 +0000

This week, Skepticality rounds out its Dragon*Con coverage with the Skeptrack panel inspired by Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton’s op-ed essay, "Where Do We Go From Here?" Daniel also joins Swoopy to share his thoughts upon hearing the panel discussion, and about skeptical trends. Panelists for this conversation about the future of skeptical activism include the JREF’s James Randi and Jeff Wagg, Skeptical musician George Hrab, The Secular Coalition for America’s Lori Lipman Brown , Center for Inquiry’s D.J. Grothe and Benjamin Radford, Australian skeptic Dr. Karen Stollznow — and by popular demand, new JREF president Dr. Phil Plait.

Skepticality #085 - Why Magic is Important - Panel Discussion with James Randi and D.J. Grothe

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:38:00 +0000

The hosts of Skepticality are recovering from their spectacularly successful "Skeptrack" events at Dragon*Con 2008: four days of lively discussion featuring guests from some of the most prominent skeptical organizations around the world. Included were James Randi and Dr. Phil Plait from the JREF, Dr. Michael Shermer of the Skeptics Society, Benjamin Radford and D.J. Grothe from the Center for Inquiry, and Richard Saunders and crew from the Australian Skeptics—to name only a few. For those who participated in this groundbreaking weekend, we look forward to hearing your stories. For those who could not attend, Skepticality brings you the first of several recordings from last week’s panel discussions, beginning with James Randi and D.J. Grothe discussing "Why Magic is Important to Skepticism." This in-depth discussion of the entwined histories of magic and skepticism reveals how creating illusions can illuminate the truth.

Skepticality #084 - What’s The Harm? - Interview: Tim Farley

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Misinformation is everywhere, but nowhere more prolific than on the internet. A Google search for "homeopathy" or "UFO" returns a landslide list of mystery-mongering websites. Yes, there are a few skeptical web resources too — but a non-skeptic can be easily misled online. On this episode, Derek & Swoopy talk with Tim Farley, a skeptic applying his 20-plus years of software development experience to the creation of advanced tools and techniques for fighting the battle against misinformation on the World Wide Web. Tim’s popular websites include the Skeptical Software Tools blog "Skeptools" (which uses Web 2.0 techniques to aid the spread of critical thinking information online), and WhatsTheHarm.net, which has collected the stories of over 225,000 people who have been injured or killed as a result of supernatural and pseudoscientific practices from alternative medicine to hypnosis to faith healing.

Skepticality #083 - Watch this Space - Interview: Dr. Phil Plait, The Bad Astronomer

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:37:00 +0000

Long-time listeners may recall that Skepticality’s very first interview guest was Bad Astronomy author and popular science blogger Dr. Phil Plait. This past week the James Randi Educational Foundation (one of the leading organizations to promote critical thinking and examination of pseudoscience) announced that The Bad Astronomer himself will be the new JREF President. Now, Dr. Plait returns to Skepticality to tell Derek & Swoopy not only about interesting advances in privately-funded space travel and the future of NASA under a new presidential administration, but also about exciting developments in his own career — including his new role at the JREF, changes for Bad Astronomy, and Phil’s impending trips to the Galapagos and Dragon*Con 2008.

Skepticality #082 - Rationalist Rap - Interview: Greydon Square

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:07:00 +0000

The mainstream rap and hip hop communities are known not only for a way with words and penchant for controversy, but also for occasional drama. Rapper Greydon Square is no exception. On this week’s episode of Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy hang loose with Greydon and talk about his musical influences, being embraced by the atheist community — and why this Compton native (raised as a legal orphan by the Department of Children & Family Services of California) refuses to be a product of the system.

Skepticality #081 - Alpha Kids - Interviews: Banachek, Mel Lipman & Lori Lipman Brown

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:29:00 +0000

Continuing from last week’s interviews recorded at the "Amazing Meeting 6" conference, Derek & Swoopy talk with secular lobbyist Lori Lipman Brown and her father Mel Lipman (both secular humanists with backgrounds in law and government). They also speak with mentalist Banachek, who has been responsible for putting more magic and mentalism on American television than any other magic consultant in the world. While the paths of these skeptics seem widely divergent, Derek & Swoopy learn that their common decision to further skepticism within their chosen professions illuminates many similar truths…

Skepticality #080 - Skeptic Rock Stars at TAM - Interviews: Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Mythbuster Adam Savage,

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:50:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy return from the desert with highlights from "The Amazing Meeting 6" conference in Las Vegas (hosted by the James Randi Educational Foundation). Joining them are two skeptics who are changing the face of popular science: astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, and MythBuster Adam Savage. The incomparable Neil deGrasse Tyson (Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, current host of Nova Science Now, and the only astrophysicist to be named one of People magazine’s "Sexiest Men Alive") talks with Swoopy about getting the United States back on track as science innovators. (He also sets the record straight about Pluto.) and in his third appearance on Skepticality, Adam discusses his evolution from artist and model maker to skeptic and television scientist—as well as thoughts about his life after MythBusters.

Skepticality #079 - The Doctor is In! - Interview: Dr. Harriet Hall, the SkepDoc

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:13:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Skeptic magazine’s resident expert critic of alternative medicine, "SkepDoc" Dr. Harriet Hall. Dr. Hall talks about about her recent memoir Women Aren’t Supposed to Fly, which details her life as a family practice specialist, flight surgeon, pilot, and career Air Force officer. (She retired in 1989 as a full Colonel.) Dr. Hall also discusses her recent regular contributions to Skeptic magazine and "The Science-Based Medicine" blog, which is quickly becoming an invaluable source for in-depth, quality articles investigating questionable medical practices (not only in alternative medicine but within conventional medicine as well), illuminating the mysteries of medical science—and even insight into how doctors think.

Skepticality #078 - What the Fossils Say, and Why it Matters - Interview: Dr. Donald R. Prothero

Wed, 28 May 2008 03:01:00 +0000

Just this week, the discovery of the 300-million year old Gerobatrachus hottoni ("Hotton’s elder frog") confirmed the previously contentious inference that modern frogs and salamanders evolved from one group of ancient primitive amphibians. The dispute arose because of a lack of transitional forms; but, like so many "missing links," this newly discovered fossil sealed the gap. The fossil record is one of the strongest lines of evidence for evolution, yet it continues to come under attack by present-day creationists and advocates of Intelligent Design. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with eminent paleontologist and professor of geology Donald R. Prothero about his bestselling Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why it Matters. This comprehensive book explores not only the rich mosaic of fossil discoveries and transitional forms, but also the very nature of science—and the "monkey business of creationism."

Skepticality #077 - Don’t Be Such a Scientist! - Interview: Dr. Randy Olson

Tue, 13 May 2008 23:37:00 +0000

Over the past several episodes, Skepticality has interviewed some of the notable scientists featured in the new pro-Intelligent Design documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. This week, the last word on the controversy goes to Dr. Randy Olson, the biologist-turned-filmmaker whose 2006 documentary Flock of Dodos: The Evolution – Intelligent Design Circus examined the communication breakdown between the science community and the rest of the world on the subject of evolution. Dr. Olson strives to improve the reputation of science in the court of public opinion, where the Religious Right and Intelligent Design movements continue to wedge their way in by "teaching the controversy." On his "Shifting Baselines" blog, Dr. Olson was one of the first scientists to express concern that the well-funded Expelled was likely to succeed in selling its message to a tremendous number of people. The "dodos" of the blogosphere responded with incredulity. At the request of many skepticality listeners, we’re pleased to feature this week’s interview with Dr. Olson about his controversial opinions — and about his new film, Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy.

Skepticality #076 - Expelled: Exposed! - Interview: Dr. Eugenie Scott, PhD

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:15:00 +0000

The contentious pro-Intelligent Design film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed is now in its second week of wide release, and the controversy is far from over. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. Eugenie Scott about her participation in Expelled, her thoughts on seeing the film — and the "Expelled: Exposed" website, created by the National Center for Science Education (where Dr. Scott serves as the Executive Director). Beyond the Expelled frenzy, Dr. Scott talks about her work with the NCSE, the future of science education, and what the average person can do to improve the public perception and understanding of science.

Skepticality #075 - Words and Music - Interviews: Slau, author Scott Sigler

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:29:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality we talk to two good friends, both skeptics and podcasters making an impact in their areas of expertise. Slavko Halatyn (known to his many fans as simply "Slau") has enjoyed a rich career as both a music producer and award-winning recording artist. Derek talks with Slau about his work with other artists (like skeptical favorite George Hrab), being an early adopter of podsafe music — and the links between his career, his world view, and his becoming legally blind at the age of 21. Author Scott Sigler sent a shot across the bow of mainstream publishing when, after first giving away his novel Ancestor for free as a PDF, the printed retail version then broke the Amazon.com top 10. As a result, Scott earned himself a seat at the table and a deal with Crown books. We talk to Scott about his new novel Infected — released on April 1st and already a bestseller.

Skepticality #074 - No Intelligence Allowed! - Interviews: Professor Richard Dawkins and Dr. Michael Shermer

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:02:00 +0000

In the upcoming a pro-Intelligent Design documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (starring comedy actor Ben Stein), several notable scientists speak in support of science and evolution, including evolutionary biologist (and outspoken atheist) Richard Dawkins, science blogger PZ Meyers, and Skeptics Society founder Michael Shermer. As Swoopy finds out this week when she talks with Dawkins and Shermer, Expelled is not the film these scientists agreed to be a part of—nor were their experiences at advanced screenings what they expected….

Skepticality #073 - Your Water on Drugs - Interview: Dr. Shane Snyder, PhD

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Last week, a widely circulated Associated Press story reported that "a vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in he drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans." Derek and Swoopy look beyond the headline hype in their interview with Dr. Shane Snyder, who published his first study on "Screening of Drinking Water for Possible Endocrine Disrupting Compounds" over ten years ago. As a doctor of Environmental Toxicology and Zoology, Dr. Snyder has devoted most of his career to studying the evidence of chemical, environmental and pharmaceutical compounds in the water supply—and what harm, if any, it poses to the organisms that utilize it.

Skepticality #072 - Mystery Hunters - Interview: David Acer (Doubting Dave)

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:24:00 +0000

Can a kids’ science and critical thinking television program be both entertaining and informative? The award-winning Mystery Hunters, beginning its fourth season, is proving that it can. On this week’s Skepticality, Swoopy talks with David Acer—known to fans of Mystery Hunters as "Doubting Dave," the skeptical scientist who helps the junior members of his team (Araya Mengesha and Christina Broccolini) investigate paranormal mysteries. David is a close up magician, comedian, and actor and writer for children’s educational programs including Popular Mechanics for Kids and Prank Patrol. David shares his thoughts about how to make debunking myths entertaining, and explains why it’s difficult to get quality kids’ science programs on TV in today’s climate.

Skepticality #071 - Dr. Karl Explains it All - Interview: Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:35:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, science educator and skeptic Michael McRae interviews one of Australia’s most recognizable scientists, Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, who is known to most Aussies simply as "Dr. Karl." Dr. Karl is the Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the University of Sydney, as well as a proud recipient of the Ig Nobel prize. He is also a popular science commentator on radio and television, and a bestselling author of 26 books—including his most recent, Please Explain, which gives the facts on everything from why we yawn, to the history of near death experiences.

Skepticality #070 - Amazing Meeting 5.5 Wrap Up - Interviews: Michael A. Stackpole, Alison Smith, and Dr. Phil Plait

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:22:00 +0000

On this week’s Skepticality, Derek talks with Dr. Phil Plait (a.k.a. "The Bad Astronomer"), Alison Smith (founder of the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society), and author Michael A. Stackpole (leader of the Arizona Skeptics) about the recent Amazing Meeting 5.5 conference on the topic of "Skepticism and Activism."

These distinguished guests also reveal details of their plans for 2008, and Phil sheds some light on possible impending "Death from the Skies", the subject of his soon-to-be-published second book.

Skepticality #069 - The Mind of the Market - Interview: Dr. Michael Shermer

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:04:00 +0000

"Watch out for gorillas!" "Don’t trade with strangers." "Buy this now!" Our brains are constantly bombarded with messages about how to behave, what to buy, and whom to trust. How do we parse these messages, and how do our choices affect the world economy? This week on Skepticality, Derek & Swoopy discuss how economic and evolutionary theory speak the same language, and how our hardwired human biology affects modern economics, with Skeptic Society founder Dr. Michael Shermer author of The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans and Other Tales from Evolutionary Economics.

Skepticality #068 - The Candidates on Church and State - Interview: Lori Lipman Brown

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Skepticality welcomes 2008 with an update from the Secular Coalition for America’s Lori Lipman Brown — the only lobbyist dedicated solely to the concerns of secular humanists and non-theists and to the preservation of the separation of church and state. Lori talks with Derek and Swoopy about why 2007 was the best year yet for the SCA, the top issues on the agenda for 2008, and how the current presidential candidates stack up on the issues important to skeptics.

Skepticality #067a - Xmas 2007 - Interview: James Randi

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:01:00 +0000

Merry Christmas? Can Skeptics actually say that with a straight face? We ask James Randi, of the James Randi Educational Foundation about his thoughts on the holiday season.

Skepticality #067 - Humanistic Judaism and Lily The Pink - Interview: Michael Adelson

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:57:00 +0000

This week Skepticality features Michael Adelson, a staff conductor for the New York Philharmonic, and conductor of the Auros Group for New Music in Boston. Mr. Adelson had the good fortune to study with the late Rabbi Sherwin Wine. Rabbi Wine founded Humanistic Judaism, a secular movement which provides atheistic and ignostic Jews around the world with a means for organization, mobilization, and a sense of community. Speaking to Swoopy as a skeptic, Mr. Adelson shares insights from his lecture series, the “Forum for New Thinking‿ (inspired by Rabbi Wine). He also takes a critical look at music history, dispelling some false beliefs about artists — creative humans who are often painted with the brush of divine inspiration. Building on the musical theme, Swoopy talks to Canadian blue grass trio The Dirty Dishes about their new rendition of “Lily The Pink‿, an ode to the late 1800’s “queen‿ of patent medicine Lydia Pinkham.

Skepticality #066 - Virtue or Vice, Naughty or Nice? - Interview: Peter Sagal

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:33:00 +0000

With the specter of the holidays looming and conspicuous consumerism running amok, Skepticality delves into the topic of vice with Peter Sagal, host of the National Public Radio’s popular quiz show Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Peter is the author of The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things and How to Do Them.

Skepticality #065 - A Secret of the Universe - Interview: Author Stephen L. Gibson

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:34:00 +0000

Many Skeptic readers are all too aware of The Secret, a slick repackaging of the principles of New Thought and Unity Christianity. This week, Skepticality tackles an altogether different secret. Derek and Swoopy talk with author and podcaster Stephen L. Gibson about his own new book, A Secret of the Universe. A far cry from most books that offer up a secret message, A Secret of the Universe is a work of dramatic allegory about how we come to form knowledge about the Big Questions: God, sexual ethics, morals, political ideology—and how those beliefs affect our actions, our lives, and the world around us. Then Derek gets an update from Jeff Wagg, General Manager of the James Randi Educational Foundation, about a recently administered Million Dollar Challenge in which Jeff himself became a test subject.

Skepticality #064 - Flock of Dodos - Interview: Dr. Randy Olson, evolutionary biologist turned film maker.

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:54:00 +0000

Recent episodes of Skepticality have touched on issues of outreach and activism in the skeptical community, and how skeptics like Jeff Wagg, Alison Smith and Daniel Loxton are using their particular talents to help nurture science and critical thinking. This week, Derek and Swoopy are pleased to continue this trend with their interview of evolutionary ecologist-turned-filmmaker Dr. Randy Olson. Dr. Olson’s film, Flock of Dodos: The Evolution - Intelligent Design Circus, is not your typical evolution versus ID documentary. Rather than simply pitting one camp against the other, this whimsical film explores how the two sides of the debate market their ideas to the public—and, more specifically, how the scientific community has failed to capture their audience as effectively as the Intelligent Design camp has done in recent years.

skepticality #063 - Where Do We Go From Here? - Op-Ed and Interview: Daniel Loxton

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:23:00 +0000

Who is the watchdog for paranormal scams and mistakes if we won’t do it? This week, Daniel Loxton (editor of Junior Skeptic) offers his own personal perspective on the future of skepticism as a movement. Presented as an original full-length audio article his op-ed essay argues that the search for a "new skepticism" is misguided—and that the early titans of skepticism had it right in the first place. Then, Derek and Swoopy sit down with Daniel to talk about the skeptics paradox: that so many people feel exhausted and fed up by the paranormal, at the very time that the most exciting new developments—from podcasts to conferences to community—are firmly focused on our core paranormal concerns. Has classic skepticism run its course? According to Daniel, we’re only now getting ready to start.

skepticality #062 - Girl Power! - Interview: Alison Smith, founder of The Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society (SAPS)

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 03:10:00 +0000

This week Skepticality has a double bill of brainy, beautiful skeptics working to educate the public about the benefits of science and evidence-based reasoning. Private Investigator Alison Smith (the founder of the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society) discusses her work and shares her thoughts about the recent lecture she gave on Skeptical Investigation as well as the Skeptic Smackdown debate she took part in, at Dragon*Con 2007. Lastly, we have a special clip of Dr. Pamela Gay explaining how astrophysicists look at Dark Matter in the Universe, recorded from a special Dragon*Con after party. We’re also pleased to present the full length video from Dragon*Con’s "Skeptic Smackdown" debate, featuring skeptics Michael Shermer and Alison Smith, and paranormal proponents Patrick Burns and Graham Watkins.

Skepticality #061 - Skeptics invade a Sci-Fi Con - Interview: Jeff Wagg of the JREF and George Hrab

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:38:00 +0000

It seems for any particular social or interest group, there is a convention—including skepticism. The danger is that niche meetings may speak best to those who have already heard the message. For over a decade, Dragon*Con has been integrating factual science and space programming with science fiction material from popular literature, film, television and gaming, such as Star Wars and StarTrek. This year, Derek and Swoopy worked alongside the directors of Dragon*Con’s Space and Science programs to bring a contingent of notable skeptics to the world’s largest culture convention. On this episode, Jeff Wagg, general manager of the James Randi Educational Foundation and musician, author and skeptic George Hrab share their Dragon*Con experiences, and discuss how skeptics can promote their views at conventions to help the skeptical movement find a broader audience.

Skepticality #060 - Interview: Professor Richard Wiseman by Michael McRae

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 +0000

This week’s episode of Skepticality features an interview with psychologist, skeptic, and author Dr. Richard Wiseman, recorded at the Australian Science Festival. Dr. Michael McRae (previously a guest on Skepticality to discuss integrating critical thinking into the classroom) sits down with Wiseman to discuss new approaches to skepticism and the role of new media in promoting interest in science. Also, Derek and Swoopy briefly talk about the skeptic turn out at Dragon*Con 2007.

Skepticality #059 - Engineers, Astronomers, Lobbyists Updates: Kelly Comstock, Dr. Pamela Gay, Lori Lipman Brown

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:04:00 +0000

This week, Skepticality tackles matters of politics on Earth, and discoveries out in the universe. First up, environmental engineer Kelly Comstock returns to answer listener questions from our bottled water episode and address concerns about potential dangers lurking in municipal water systems (like chlorine and fluoride). Then, Derek and Swoopy check in with their favorite lobbyist, Lori Lipman Brown from the Secular Coalition for America, regarding ongoing investigations into abuses of non-theists serving in our military, how the question of separation of church and state is being highlighted in recent political debates, and what to look for when the legislature reconvenes in the Fall. Lastly, astrophysicist Dr. Pamela Gay shares her insights about recent media attention paid to NASA troubles, the paper by two German physicists who claim to have broken the speed of light, and the potential discovery of inorganic cosmic dust with lifelike properties.

Skepticality #058 - Back to the Tap, the truth about Bottled Water. Interview: Kelly Comstock, Environmental Engineer

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:04:00 +0000

Put down that designer bottle of H20! Did you know that If you choose to get your recommended eight glasses a day from bottled water, you could spend $1,400 US dollars annually? That same amount of tap water would cost about 49 cents. Wealthy nations like the United States have some of the cleanest, cheapest and best tasting tap water in the world. The US is also the world’s largest consumer of bottled water: 8.3 billion gallons in 2006 (about 26 gallons per person)! Will our rising demand for bottled water harm our nation’s aging water distribution and filtration infrastructure? And why are groups like Presbyterians for Restoring Creation boycotting bottled water? On this week’s Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy speak to Kelly Comstock, an environmental engineer and hydrologist who specializes in potable drinking water filtration technology, to answer these questions—and get to the bottom of the bottled water debate.

Skepticality #057 - On being a Skeptic of Faith, Dr. Hal Bidlack, Ph.D.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:58:00 +0000

Does a belief in God undermine one’s ability to be a skeptic? This is the question Hal Bidlack seeks to answer this week, as he movingly recounts his own personal experiences as a man of faith—and as a skeptic and prominent member of the James Randi Educational Foundation. Atheism is relatively common within the skeptics community, and so it is sometimes supposed (especially in press accounts) that skepticism implies atheism. Dr. Bidlack is one of those who disagrees.

Skepticality #056 - The Search for iPhones and Aliens Interviews: Rob Walch of Today in iPhone, Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:14:00 +0000

What’s with all the media hype over the latest must-have electronic device, the iPhone? This week on Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy talk to Rob Walch, host of the Today in iPhone podcast, about the cult of Apple’s newest release and ask whether if it lives up to the hype. While it seems most humans on Earth are busy looking for iPhones, the National Academy of Sciences has published a report that states we need to start looking for alien life with novel biochemistries. Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay, hosts of the Astronomy Cast, help Derek and Swoopy interpret the new report "The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems", and what it means for the search for life in the universe.

Skepticality #055 - Santa Fe Courthouse Ghost Interview: Benjamin Radford solves the case of the "ghost" caught on video.

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 21:38:00 +0000

On the last episode of Skepticality, the "Skeptical Inquirer’s" own Benjamin Radford discussed new Nessie sightings and other lake monsters from his comprehensive book on the subject. This week, Ben is back to tackle a brand new paranormal mystery from his own back yard. Almost over night, a video of a glowing, orb-like apparition at the courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico has soared into the media spotlight, with widespread news coverage and nearly 100,000 views on YouTube. Was it the spirit of an infamous murderer, the ghost of a construction worker who met his demise, or a disturbed Indian burial ground? Derek and Swoopy discuss paranormal investigation in the age of viral video with author Benjamin Radford, who examined the video tape and went to the site to investigate the mysterious Santa Fe Courthouse Ghost.

Skepticality #054 - Rock Ness! Interview: Benjamin Radford co-author of Lake Monster Mysteries

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:57:00 +0000

Last week, new video surfaced of the elusive and famous Loch Ness monster and a £1 million prize was offered for proof of the creature’s existence. There were over 30 sightings reported in 24 hours by concert goers at the "Rock Ness" festival who were offered "Nessie Snapper" cameras to keep an eye on the water as they rocked out through the weekend. On this week’s Skepticality Derek and Swoopy talk to the Center for Skeptical Inquiry’s own Benjamin Radford about his definitive book that investigates sightings of Nessie as well as other prominent lake monsters, Lake Monster Mysteries: Investigating the World’s Most Elusive Creatures, co-authored by fellow skeptical investigator Joe Nickell.

Skepticality #053a - Uncut RRS Interview Bonus Addition

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:00:00 +0000

The full un-cut portions of the RSS interview from Episode 53

Skepticality #053 - Atheists Are People Too. Interviews: Lori Lipman Brown and the Rational Response Squad

Tue, 29 May 2007 21:32:00 +0000

On our last episode, Skeptic publisher Dr. Michael Shermer shared his thoughts about a recently televised Nightline debate between evangelical ministers Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron and "Rational Response Squad" members Brian Sapient and Kelly. Brian and Kelly contacted Skepticality, and Swoopy had a chance to talk with them this week about the work of the Rational Response Squad, and about what went on behind the scenes of the Nightline debate. Most relevant to skeptics, the gang discusses Brian’s recent involvement in a lawsuit against Uri Geller, who recently pressured online video host YouTube to remove a James Randi Nova expose regarding his spoon-bending psychic claims. Also, Skepticality’s Washington DC correspondent former Nevada State SenatorÂ LoriÂ Lipman Brown, theÂ federal lobbyist for the Secular Coalition for America updates Derek and Swoopy about legislative issues pertaining to nontheists.

Skepticality #052 - Help Me Figure This Out: Dr. Michael Shermer and Dr. Phil Plait

Tue, 15 May 2007 23:10:00 +0000

Last week on ABC’s Nightline, british journalist Martin Bashir was set to moderate a debate between members of The Rational Response Squad and Christian ministers Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. Comfort and Cameron claimed that they could prove scientifically, without invoking the Bible or faith, that their god exists. Disappointingly the program that aired (after much editing) ran more like The Debate that Wasn’t. Instead of letting the nonsense get to us, we called upon voices of reason and great debaters Dr. Michael Shermer and Dr. Phil Plait to cheer us up, and help make sense of it all.

Skepticality #051 - Interview: Lynne Kelly

Tue, 01 May 2007 21:57:00 +0000

Why does Australia give the world so many great skeptics? This week on Skepticality, Derek has a great time chatting with author, educator and noted Australian skeptic Lynne Kelly to find out the answer. It’s been over a year since Derek and Lynne last spoke, and they catch up on topics ranging from current science, Australia’s drought, critical thinking in the classroom and her latest book "Crocodile: Evolution’s Greatest Survivor."

Skepticality #050 - Interview: Scott Sigler

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:59:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, author and skeptic Scott Sigler talks to Derek and Swoopy about finding the skeptic movement, and the recent success of his newly released, science-informed horror novel Ancestor (an Amazon.com bestseller). Scott also tackles the future of traditional book publishing in the age of podiobooks. Before we let him go, Scott reveals the names of the folks who will be receiving autographed copies of his books Earthcore and Ancestor.Â

Skepticality #049 - Interview: Dr. Michael Shermer talks to Philip Zimbardo.

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:50:00 +0000

Skepticality is pleased to bring our listeners another great interview conducted by the founder of the Skeptic’s Society, Dr. Michael Shermer. In this nearly hour long meeting of the minds, Dr. Shermer talks to author and Stanford emeritus Professor Philip Zimbardo on the release of his new book, The Lucifer Effect which ponders the question, what causes some people to commit acts of evil while others become unexpected heroes.

Ancestor by Scott Sigler (Full novel in PDF form)

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 03:39:00 +0000

On a remote island in Lake Superior, scientists struggle to solve the problem of xenotransplatation - using animal tissue to replace failing human organs.

Skepticality #048 - Infidels and Free Books: Reginald Finley and Scott Sigler’s Ancestor

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 03:12:00 +0000

This week Derek and Swoopy talk to a legend in Skeptical broadcasting, Reginald Finley, known to his friends as The Infidel Guy and we take part in Monday Bloody Monday as we help launch the publication of author Scott Sigler’s newest podiobook to print: Ancestor.

Skepticality #047 - More from TAM: Hal Bidlack, Kylie Sturgess and Michael McRae.

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:32:00 +0000

This week, Skepticality nears the end of its Amazing Meeting 5Â wrap-up. Derek & Swoopy are honored to sit down with retiredÂ Lieutenant Colonel Hal Bidlack PhD, who is one of the warmestÂ people in skepticism. Hal discusses not only his Master ofÂ Ceremonies role at past and future Amazing Meetings, but also hisÂ role as an Alexander Hamilton scholar and his own future careerÂ in politics. Then, Swoopy interviews Aussie educators Kylie Sturgess and Michael McRae about their work in bringing skepticism and critical thinking into their classrooms.

Skepticality #046 - TAM Audio: Adam Savage, Lori Lipman Brown and Benjamin Radford

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 20:44:00 +0000

On this week’s Skepticality, we continue our coverage of The Amazing Meeting 5. Derek and Swoopy talk with some of their favorite Real Skeptical Heroes including author and CSICOP spokesman Benjamin Radford, Mythbuster Adam Savage and the first Congressional lobbyist for non-theists and director of the Secular Coalition for America, Lori Lipman Brown.

Skepticality #045 - TAM Audio: James Randi, Tory Belleci, Julia Sweeney, Jill Sobule, Michael Shermer and God

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:00:00 +0000

This week we’ll begin sifting through four days of audio and video with some of the best candid moments from the four day brain expanding extravaganza of The Amazing Meeting 5, featuring a cast of familiar characters as well as some brave new voices in skepticism.

Skepticality #044 - Interview: Michael A. Stackpole

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:21:00 +0000

This week Derek and Swoopy are practically out the door on the way to The Amazing Meeting 5, but before they go they talk with New York Times Best Selling author Michael A. Stackpole, chairman of the Phoenix Skeptics about the group’s 2007 predictions list, and the accuracy of their 2006 predictions. Mr. Stackpole also discusses balancing skepticism in his daily life with his work as a science fiction author and role playing game designer, and gives his views on practical methods for teaching critical thinking.

Skepticality #043 - Skeptic’s Caltech Lecture Series: Sam Harris

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 02:26:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, we kick off the first show of 2007 with a recording of author and lecturer Sam Harris speaking at the Symposium on Science, Religion & Politics, part of the Skeptic sponsored Caltech lecture series. Mr. Harris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers, The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation. Additionally, he makes regular appearances on television and radio to discuss the danger that religion now poses to modern societies.

Skepticality #042 - The Mythbusters (Adam, Jamie and Kari) from TAM 4

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 20:42:00 +0000

This week the long awaited Mythbusters interviews finally surface. Conducted by Skepticality correspondent David Federlein, live at The Amazing Meeting 4, we bring you candid conversations with Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman and Kari Byron of the explosively successful Discovery Channel science show, The Mythbusters.

Skepticality #041 - Naked Skeptics and The Amazing Meeting.

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 22:08:00 +0000

What do pin up photos of famous Skeptics and The Amazing Meeting have in common? This week’s episode of Skepticality of course. Skepticality correspondent David Federlein interviews Skepchick founder Rebecca Watson about the 2007 Skepchicks and Skepdudes calendar followed by Derek and Swoopy talking to The Bad Astronomer Dr. Phil Plait about his Skepdude photo as well as his contributions to the upcoming Amazing Meeting 5. Plus a sneak peak at next week’s Mythbusters interviews.

Skepticality #040 - Listener Feedback and Commentary

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 21:00:00 +0000

This week Derek and Swoopy play some great listener feedback, mostly stemming from the highly popular Episode #34, Dr. Michael Shermer’s excellent interview with James Randi. We also get some listener surprises, and James Randi himself makes a quick appearance.

Skepticality #039 - Interview: Ann Druyan

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:49:00 +0000

This week on Skepticality, we’re very pleased to present Dr. Michael Shermer’s new, in-depth interview with author and editor Ann Druyan, wife of the late Dr. CarlÂ Sagan. In this insightful hour, Ann gives us a look into Dr. Sagan’s thoughts on science, religion, and her decision to collect his acclaimed Gifford Lectures in the new book "The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A PersonalÃ�Â View of the Search for God.

Skepticality #038 - A Very Houdini Halloween with James Randi and the Houdini Museum

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 03:44:00 +0000

On this special Halloween themed episode of Skepticality Derek and Spooky..er, Swoopy delve into the mysteries surrounding the life and death of the great Harry Houdini who died on Halloween, 1926. We have interviews with the curators of the Houdini Museum; Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brooks, regarding their annual Houdini Halloween Seance and the Amazing James Randi helps Swoopy in sorting out fact from fallacy in the Houdini mythos.

Skepticality #037 - Interview: Fraser Cain interviews Dr. Simon Singh.

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 03:08:00 +0000

This week Fraser Cain of Universe Today interviews popular British author, journalist and particle physicist Dr. Simon Singh about dodgy homeopathy and his work to bring to light some of the dangerous practices of homeopaths in his country. Also, Derek and Swoopy play and discuss some listener voicemail, including Bad Astronomer Phil Plait, and provide a sneak peak at next week’s Halloween Special!

Skepticality #036 - Interview: Jim Ottaviani

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:35:00 +0000

Jim Ottaviani’s G.T. Labs is one of the biggest producers of Science comic books. Join Derek and Swoopy as they delve into the world of graphic novels based on some of the most notable scientists in history. This is the second episode of our Big Science and Skeptical comics Double Issue.

Skepticality #035 - Interview: Chris Wisnia

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:31:00 +0000

Did you know there were comic books made for lovers of Science? This week we interview not one, but two authors of comic books and graphic novels dealing with the themes of Science and Skepticism; Chris Wisnia of Tabloia and Jim Ottaviani of G.T. Labs.

Skepticality #034 - Interview: Dr. Michael Shermer and James Randi

Sun, 24 Sep 2006 23:53:00 +0000

Skeptic founder Dr. Michael Shermer provides us with a special one on one interview with the "Amazing" James Randi, recorded for Skepticality while at sea during the JREF’s Amazing Adventure cruise to the Bermuda Triangle.

Skepticality #033 - Interview: Dr. Michael Shermer, Why Darwin Matters

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 06:21:00 +0000

Derek and Swoopy wax nostalgic over Dragon*Con 2006, and Derek interviews Skeptic founder Dr. Michael Shermer about his new book, Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design.

Skepticality #032 - Interview: The Bad Astronomer talks Pluto

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 07:20:00 +0000

We check in with Skeptic Magazine’s founding publisher Dr. Michael Shermer about the dubious claims regarding Steorn’s perpetual motion machine and Dr. Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer weighs in on the trials and tribulations of Pluto.

Skepticality #031 - The Return of Skepticality!

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:17:00 +0000

Michael Shermer joins us for a short interview highlighting his love for podcasting and why we are now the OFFICAL podcast of Skeptic Magazine!

Skepticality #030- Evolution Sunday and Jeff Wagg Interview

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 23:00:00 +0000

Derek and Swoopy celebrate Darwin Day by not singing, and David Federlein interviews Jeff Wagg, webmaster for Randi.org

Skepticality #029 - The Scary QLink and Bob Carroll from TAM 4

Sat, 04 Feb 2006 02:00:00 +0000

This week Derek and Swoopy discuss the bizarre, and pointless, QLink device and rave about David Federlein’s excellent interviews from TAM 4. First up, Bob Carroll of the Skeptic’s Dictionary.

Skepticality #028 - Interview: Professor Lawrence Krauss

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 03:42:00 +0000

Derek and Swoopy whine a little, and more importantly Fraser Cain interviews Professor Lawrence Krauss on the subject of Intelligent Design.

Skepticality #027 - Interview: Fraser Cain interviews Daniel Loxton

Thu, 05 Jan 2006 04:17:00 +0000

Derek and Swoopy chat about TAM4, PodcasterCon and Skepchicks in fishnets. Fraser Cain interviews Daniel Loxton, editor for Skeptic Magazine’s Junior Skeptic. (re-posted 1/4/06, error fixed)

Skepticality #026 - The UnChristmas Episode featuring Tom Flynn

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:51:00 +0000

Derek and Swoopy discuss their holiday plans and Swoopy interviews author Tom Flynn about his book The Trouble with Christmas. Will Swoopy take the Yule Free pledge?

Skepticality - Derek answers the Skeptical 5 Questions

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 05:39:00 +0000

The Five Skeptical Questions version of 5 Questions and Skepticality was a lot of fun. We were just missing one thing: Derek’s answers. In a sit down last weekend, Derek and Swoopy recorded together for the first time over three months. Also, monkey news and a great promo for the new season of the Signal podcast.

Skepticality Special: 5 Skeptical Questions

Sat, 10 Dec 2005 18:51:00 +0000

The Five Skeptical Questions version of 5Questions and Skepticality are here!

Skepticality Special: Answer the 5 Questions

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 08:31:00 +0000

Next week’s episode of Skepticality will be a mash-up with the interactive podcast quiz show, Five Questions. This short podcast will give you all the information you need to participate in the fun, including the 5 Questions for the skeptical episode.

Interview: Lynne Kelly Part 1

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 07:03:00 +0000

Swoopy talks about upcoming shows and Skepticality format changes as well as recent mentions of Skepticality in the media and part 1 of Derek’s lengthy interview with Lynne Kelly is featured.

Interview: Fraser Cain interviews Richard Saunders

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 16:47:00 +0000

Derek says Hi, Swoopy does some Halloween themed news, and Universe Today’s Fraser Cain interviews noted Australian Skeptic Richard Saunders.

Interview: Fraser Cain interviews Tony Youens

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 14:30:00 +0000

Our friend Fraser Cain of Universe Today fame, helps out Skepticality by interviewing noted UK Skeptic Tony Youens, who is the founding member of the Association for Skeptical Enquiry (ASKE). Also, Swoopy raves about her new George Hrab cd, and rants about avian flu.

Special Show (iPod Winner Announced)

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 00:12:00 +0000

We announce the winner of the iPod contest, enjoy a Skeptic Moment and get some long overdue Monkey News.

Interview: Dr. Marc Zimmer, PhD.

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 18:17:00 +0000

Skepticality returns with an interview recorded the week of September 3rd with Dr. Marc Zimmer, author of Glowing Genes: A Revolution in Biotechnology. Dr. Zimmer shows us that phosphorescence isn’t just for jellyfish and fireflies anymore, and Swoopy gives a big thank you to everyone who is keeping Derek’s family and Skepticality going.

Co-Conspirators

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 03:52:00 +0000

From Michael A. Stackpole.

Faith

Sat, 10 Sep 2005 22:30:00 +0000

Our friend Patrick talks about having faith during tough times like these.

The_Message

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 05:14:00 +0000

An Important Announcement regarding Skepticality.

Special Guest: James Randi

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 08:55:00 +0000

James Randi comes back to Skepticality! This time around Randi shares his thoughts on Bad Book Authors, The Amazing Meeting 4, A story from the Million Dollar Prize, and Intelligent Design vs. Evolution.

Whimsicality: Mirror Mirror

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 20:15:00 +0000

The world has had a love affair with the mirror through all of history. Be it your own image, the cars behind you, or just a way to check your haircut, mirrors are everywhere and a needed element in day to day life. Join Swoopy as she trips through the world of the reflective surface.

Interview: w/Bob Carroll of Skepdic

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 07:56:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Bob Carroll, author of the book, ’The Skeptics Dictionary and founder of the online encyclopedia of skeptical knowledge; Skepdic. Join our conversation with Dr. Carroll as we talk about some of the topics he covers on his site and in his book.

Special Guest: The Bad Astronomer Corner!

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 08:51:00 +0000

In this episode, we had special guest, Phil Plait, on the show to answer some questions sent in over the past week by several listeners; A New Planet? Mars as big as the Moon? The War of the Worlds Re-Make, and the new Mars Observer launch. (comment on this episode) Special Links: Podcast Pickle, Donal Hinely, Bad Astronomer

Interview: Seth Shostak from SETI

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 20:13:00 +0000

We talk with SETI Astronomer, and SETI Radio host Seth Shostak. We talk a little about new planets, the skeptical nature of SETI Radio, and what it is really like to work at SETI.

Whimsicality: I Love My Car

Sat, 06 Aug 2005 04:26:00 +0000

Our sidetrack through the Whimsical in life. This week Swoopy comments on how humans always try to add human traits and feelings to things... stuffed animals, boats, cars, etc... Wrapped in a fun story about the love she has for her Jetta.

Interview: George Hrab (Musical Guest)

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 06:28:00 +0000

Philosophunk! In this installment of Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy interview acclaimed musician and skeptic, George Hrab. George talks to us about his musical and philosophical influences, and we listen to some amazing tracks from his body of work, plus briefings on Skepticality at DragonCon, and a word about that new planet; Xena.

(patched) Win an iPod 20GB, Mesmer, Casino Monkey, and Video Sex

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 04:57:00 +0000

Our Color iPod 20GB Giveaway! In this episode we discuss the legend of Mesmer, the GoldenPalace.Com Monkey, and Video Game Sex! And, we make up for a big error!

Whimsicality: Book Smart

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 00:25:00 +0000

This week, Swoopy digs into our obsession with books. Why do some of us put so much importance on them, where do they fit in our lives? On the heels of the recent Harry Potter bookÃ¢?Â¦ you might want to arm yourself with a little Whimsicality! My Odeo Channel (Code: 1e5b45f60b2a5540)

Interview: Dr. Michael Shermer

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 19:51:00 +0000

In this episode we talk with Dr. Michael Shermer about the Science of Good and Evil, Past Government Pseudoscience programs, and the Skeptics Society. Dr. Shermer is one of the most published Skeptics in the world, and has an incredible resume of work and appearences behind his name. This is one show not to be missed!

Whimsicality: The Number 5

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 16:22:00 +0000

You ever notice how the number FIVE seems to pop up everywhere? Five Fingers, Five Toes... The ’Fifth’ Element... Throughout history there have been people facinated with the number 5. Since this is our fith Whimsicality, we thought why not explore everything to do with that dreaded number...

Interview: Jennifer Michael Hecht (Doubt)

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 04:25:00 +0000

We discuss our new website, Swoopy covers the news, and we have an incredible discussion with Jennifer Michael Hecht. Author of the book ’Doubt: A history’. We talk about how doubt and skepticism has existed throughout known history, and how is has been viewed over time. An interesting discussion about religion, doubt, skepticism, and humanist views.

Interview: James Randi (JREF)

Thu, 30 Jun 2005 20:13:00 +0000

In this episode, we are honored and excited to present to you, an interview with James Randi! James was kind enough to spend some time with us on the phone talking about the JREF, the Million Dollar Prize, and those pesky folks that think they can talk to the dead! Come join us and Mr. Randi for a great conversation.

Whimsicality: EVIL EYE!

Fri, 24 Jun 2005 03:26:00 +0000

Ever wish that a look really could kill? Why is there a giant eye on the back of the one dollar bill? The eye is everywhere, and like Swoopy, sometimes it’s up to no good.

Interview: Benjamin Radford (Media Mythmakers)

Tue, 21 Jun 2005 23:40:00 +0000

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

Interview: Tom Flynn (Free Inquiry)

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 05:44:00 +0000

We have a very special guest, Tom Flynn, one of the Editors of Free Inquiry, Member of CSICOP, and the Center for Inquiry. Tom is also an accomplished book author, and well respected Secular Humanist. Come join us with Mr. Flynn as we discuss the meaning of Secularism, and how it applies to current events.

Interview: Rob Irving (Crop Circles)

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 23:26:00 +0000

We have a very special guest, Rob Irving, from Circlemakers! Rob joined us to talk about the ’myth’ of the crop circle and how he and the team of folks he works with create some of the beautiful and no-so-mysterious circles we see in the wheat.

Round Table: Astronomy Podcast of Doom

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 19:37:00 +0000

The aPOD, (Astronomy Podcast of Doom!). This was a joint podcast which included 5-6 different science and astronomy based podcasters. The show/gathering was made possible by the folks at Slacker Astronomy, who gave us permission to play it as well! Since we are going on vacation today, this was a great little gift so we could bring you something cool to listen to! We hope you have as much fun listening as we did creating it.

Whimsicality: White Buffalo

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 05:11:00 +0000

Welcome to Whimsicality. This is our ’in-between’ show, a short segment by Swoopy on one aspect of life that is whimsical, strange, or bizzare. An investigation into the lighter side of life, where non-sensical crap is fun, for just under 10 minutes.

Roswell UFO Crash, Wiccan Parents...

Sat, 28 May 2005 04:12:00 +0000

The Roswell UFO Crash, Bad Judgement of Wiccan Parents, Salt, What Darth Vader Brings to Bed...

Whimsicality: FORTUNE COOKIE!

Tue, 24 May 2005 03:04:00 +0000

This episode we investigate the mythos of the fortune cookie. Why does this little folded treat have that little kernel of wisdom inside? Who put it there, and what power does it really hold? Come inside, and find out!

Interview: Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy)

Fri, 20 May 2005 07:14:00 +0000

This is our first interview show! We have a very special guest, Phil Plait, PhD Astronomer, Author of Bad Astronomy, and popular skeptic seen on the most recent episode of Penn and Teller’s ’Bullshit’ on Showtime. Join us with Phil, he’s a great guy and proves that critical thinking can be FUN!

Flat Earth, Private Property, Sweden...

Sun, 15 May 2005 09:03:00 +0000

Ancient people believed the earth was flat, Private Property Rights, Ugly Ripe Tomatoes, Sweden - (You can love your pets... just don’t LOVE your pets!)

Whimsicality: ROCK!

Sat, 14 May 2005 06:31:00 +0000

This episode we investigate the power of ROCKS! People throughout history revere, worship, study, and keep rocks as cuddly, low-maintenance pets. But do they have mystical powers?

U.S. Founding Fathers Beliefs, Two-Spirits

Wed, 11 May 2005 04:20:00 +0000

Founding Fathers Beliefs, and the Two-Spirit tales.

Machiavelli Might Have Been Cool

Wed, 11 May 2005 04:18:00 +0000

Machiavelli (He’s really not that bad...)

All About Ghandi and Alternative Medicine

Mon, 09 May 2005 12:01:00 +0000

Ghandi, and Alternative Medicine

Real Skeptical Heroes (Internet Debater)

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 15:31:00 +0000

Real Skeptical Heroes: We salute, the Internet Forum Debater!

What is Skepticality?

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 22:36:00 +0000

Just what is skepticality? It is science, critical thought, humanist discussion, physics, history, astronomy, the de-bunking of pseudo-science and the paranormal. Come join us, and don’t forget to subscribe via iTunes!