In this episode of The Proof, I’m joined by Dr. Steven Novella, a clinical neurologist at Yale School of Medicine and host of The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe. Steven has spent decades helping people think more clearly, spot misinformation, and navigate the increasingly noisy world of science, health, and media.

Together we explore what it really means to be a skeptic — not a cynic — and why scientific humility is more powerful than absolute certainty. We talk about how to have better conversations with people who believe in conspiracy theories, the psychology behind motivated reasoning, and why embracing “I don’t know” can actually make us more grounded, not less.

What we cover:

Scepticism vs. denialism
Why stories often override facts
What science literacy actually looks like
The cognitive traps we all fall into
How social media fuels misinformation
Rebuilding trust in science and institutions

If you enjoy this episode, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who values critical thinking and curiosity.

00:00 Introduction
05:48 Sceptic vs. Contrarian: What's the difference?
08:57 Combating Misinformation and Disinformation
12:13 The Role of Critical Thinking
18:06 Why We Reject Facts That Make Us Uncomfortable
21:09 How Echo Chambers Hijack Reality
24:41 The Hardest Choice: Truth or Belonging?
37:54 Why People No Longer Trust Experts
48:16 Debating Pseudoscience
52:53 The Deadly Cost of Misinformation
56:03 The GMO Lies People Still Believe
01:03:00 How to Teach Critical Thinking to Anyone
01:10:00 How to Think, Not What to Think
01:14:34 Why Science Sounds Uncertain and Why That’s a Good Thing
01:23:51 Being Sceptical Doesn’t Make You Automatically Right
01:35:59 The Double-Edged Sword of AI

This episode is brought to you by:

38TERA

Consider 38TERA's ⁠DMN prebiotic supplement⁠ a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.

Function Health

Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to ⁠functionhealth.com/simonhill⁠ to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States.

Momentous

My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at ⁠livemomentous.com⁠

Shopify

Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠shopify.com/proof⁠.

Birch

Sleep deeply and wake up refreshed with a Birch Natural Mattress, combining premium natural materials with unbeatable comfort. Rest easy with a 100-night trial and 25-year warranty. Get 20% off sitewide and 2 free Eco-Rest Pillows at ⁠birchliving.com/simonhill⁠.

Pique Tea

Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at ⁠Piquelife.com/simon⁠.

Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

• Creator of ⁠theproof.com⁠

• Host of ⁠The Proof with Simon Hill⁠

• Author of ⁠The Proof is in the Plants⁠

Subscribe & Connect:

• ⁠YouTube⁠

• ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

• ⁠Spotify⁠

• Instagram: ⁠@simonhill⁠

• Twitter: ⁠@theproof⁠

• Facebook: ⁠The Proof with Simon Hill⁠

Nourish your gut with my ⁠Plant-Based Ferments Guide⁠ and download my ⁠Two-Week Meal Plan⁠.

Cross Border Logistics Summit: The Infrastructure Development Supporting Increased Cross Border Trade