Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, authors of Merchants of Doubt, discuss controversial scientific consensus, media manipulation, and the tobacco industry. They touch on topics such as global warming, the SDI, and the sugar industry. The podcast also covers the tactics used by the cigarette industry, the moral dilemma of working for such companies, and skepticism about increased CO2 and plant growth. They provide tips on identifying reliable scientific information and explore various other topics including purchasing items on Amazon and the benefits of mushroom coffee.