The Michael Shermer Show

Charles Murray, a Harvard-educated policy analyst and author, explores his intriguing late-life shift toward religious belief. The conversation delves into Bayesian theism, where he places the afterlife's probability at just over 50%. They discuss the historical grounding of Jesus, the problem of evil, and moral law's implications in light of science and atheism. Murray also reflects on terminal lucidity and how it challenges strict materialism, encouraging skeptics to thoughtfully engage with compelling near-death experiences. A mind-bending exploration awaits!

In this riveting discussion, Harvard primatologist Christine Webb dives into the myth of human exceptionalism, challenging our belief in human superiority. She explores the evolutionary roots of morality in primates and argues that our understanding of intelligence is deeply flawed and culture-dependent. Webb critiques the ethical implications of invasive animal research and highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches to tackle the ecological crisis, reminding us that we are not as unique as we think.

Is society experiencing a cultural shift back to religion? Explore the historical Great Awakenings and the debate on whether secularism can substitute for faith. Michael Shermer delves into the implications of new literature on belief, group identity, and near-death experiences. He examines arguments for and against the resurgence of religiosity, including the neuroscience of the soul and how personal narratives shape divine perceptions. Lastly, Shermer shares his own stance as a religious skeptic in this thought-provoking discussion.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Caroline Fraser delves into the chilling world of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Charles Manson, exploring how environmental factors, such as toxins from pollution, might have sparked a surge in violent crime during the 70s and 80s. She discusses the role of neurological and social influences, as well as historical data limitations, in understanding these criminals. Fraser also raises thought-provoking points about the nature of psychopathy and its presence beyond crime, from corporate leaders to AI technology.

In a thought-provoking discussion, the host explores the nuances of debate skills, emphasizing the difference between winning arguments and seeking truth. There's an intriguing analysis of why Trump wasn't considered for the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize. The complex relationship between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism is examined, alongside a candid look at vaccine risks versus COVID threats. The show also addresses Antifa's organizational status and critiques mainstream media's neutrality through the lens of Bari Weiss's career.

Barry Schwartz, professor emeritus at Swarthmore College and author of influential works like The Paradox of Choice, delves into the complexities of decision-making. He critiques traditional rational choice theory, arguing it oversimplifies human values. Schwartz explores how automatic decisions can sometimes outshine deliberate processes and highlights the role of mental accounting in choices. The conversation also touches on the societal implications of framing and how defaults in decisions can nudge behavior effectively. He advocates for a richer understanding of decision science beyond mere quantification.

Why do we crave revenge? And why can't we stop? In this episode, James Kimmel explains the neuroscience behind one of our most destructive urges. Drawing from his new book, The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction, Kimmel reveals how revenge activates the same brain circuits as drugs like cocaine—and why even imagining payback can feel euphoric. If you've ever fantasized about revenge (and who hasn't?), whether in politics or personal relationships, this episode offers a chilling yet hopeful look at the science of moral outrage and redemption. James Kimmel, Jr., JD, is a lecturer in psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, a lawyer, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. A breakthrough scholar and expert on revenge, he first identified compulsive revenge seeking as an addiction and developed the behavioral addiction model of revenge as a public health approach for preventing and treating violence. His new book is The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World's Deadliest Addiction—and How to Overcome It.

Ashlen Hilliard, a cult intervention specialist and founder of People Leave Cults, dives deep into the psychology behind cults and high-control groups. She discusses why intelligent people join these groups, unwittingly seeking positive outcomes, and highlights the trauma-coerced attachment that traps them. Ashlen shares strategies for families to support loved ones in cults, emphasizing the need for curiosity and understanding. Explaining the dynamics of coercion, she also connects exploitation in cults to broader societal issues, urging for greater awareness and education.

Mark Skousen, a renowned economist and author, shares his insights as a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. He discusses Franklin's groundbreaking contributions to science and economics, including his experiments with mesmerism and electricity. Skousen compares Franklin's forward-thinking views on commerce and currency with those of Jefferson, and debates Franklin's evolving positions on slavery and race. They explore how Franklin's principles apply to modern issues, such as fiscal conservatism and immigration, making his legacy relevant in today’s world.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease epidemiologist and director of CIDRAP, shares his insights on handling pandemics. He discusses the enduring nature of COVID-19 and critiques initial miscalculations regarding lockdowns. Osterholm warns about future pandemics and emphasizes the need for improved public health messaging, effective vaccines, and strong infrastructure. He also highlights the real risks posed by airborne viruses and calls for a bipartisan review to prepare for the next major outbreak.