The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe The Skeptics Guide #1068 - Dec 27 2025
Dec 27, 2025
The hosts reflect on the tumultuous year of 2025, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing the importance of honest end-of-life conversations. They highlight significant scientific breakthroughs like gene therapies and quantum advances while lamenting funding cuts. The panel honors notable skeptics and scientists who passed away, and debates misinformation on social media. They also recognize contributions from key figures within the skeptical community and advocate for strategic optimism as they look forward to continued engagement in science and skepticism.
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Family Optimism Delayed Hospice Care
- Ian described attending a funeral where family optimism delayed hospice and worsened the patient's final days.
- The family ordered equipment and kept hoping for recovery until it was too late for proper hospice care.
Positivity Can Become Harmful Denial
- The “power of positivity” can become harmful when it morphs into denial and prevents timely hospice or end-of-life planning.
- Clinicians should gently but clearly engage patients and families early to normalize death conversations and improve quality of life.
Begin Honest End‑Of‑Life Talks Early
- Start end-of-life conversations early and use plain language like “death” and “dying” to normalize the discussion.
- Give patients time to adjust while forcing necessary decisions about interventions and preferences before crises occur.