The Michael Shermer Show

Phil Gramm, a retired U.S. senator and economics professor, joins Donald J. Boudreaux, a noted economist and author, to dissect the interplay between capitalism and government intervention throughout American history. They discuss how key events like the Industrial Revolution and Great Depression shaped perceptions of government roles. The duo argues against common beliefs about income inequality and welfare, advocating for personal responsibility and the transformative power of capitalism. Their insights challenge the conventional narratives on economic policies and social mobility.

Niayesh Afshordi, a physicist from the University of Waterloo, and Phil Halper, a popular science communicator, dive into the cosmos' biggest mysteries. They explore intriguing theories like cyclic universes, black hole births, and the multiverse. The duo discusses the evolution of the Big Bang theory, the concept of singularities, and how new research could challenge our understanding. With a blend of science and philosophy, they highlight the wonder of exploring cosmic origins, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, a freelance journalist and author of 'The Ghost Lab', dives into the quirky world of modern paranormal beliefs. He discusses a ghost lab in New Hampshire that aimed to document spirits scientifically but attracted a mix of paranormal enthusiasts. The conversation highlights the clash between personal experiences and scientific skepticism, exploring how media shapes our beliefs in the supernatural. From ghost hunting to alien abductions, Hongoltz-Hetling unravels the intriguing relationship between these beliefs and societal trust in science.

Join historian John Lisle, author of 'Project Mind Control', as he unveils the chilling secrets behind the CIA's MKULTRA. Lisle discusses the dark tactics employed by Sidney Gottlieb to manipulate minds, from hallucinogenic drugs to psychological torture. Dive into the harrowing stories of victims seeking justice and the complex ethical landscape of covert operations. With newly uncovered testimonies, he sheds light on the legacy of these experiments and their lingering impact on society, while questioning the very nature of human behavior and accountability.

Join evolutionist Telmo Pievani, a leading thinker in the philosophy of biological sciences, as he delves into the intriguing coexistence of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The conversation reveals how hybridization has shaped modern human diversity and health. Discover the complexities of human evolution, the roles of serendipity in science, and the tension between established theories and new anomalies. Pievani also discusses how a deeper understanding of our ancestors reshapes views on race and biology.

John Cassidy, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the complexities of capitalism and its critics. He sheds light on the paradox of capitalism, revealing its role in both alleviating poverty and exacerbating inequality. The conversation spans China's unconventional economic success and Adam Smith's cautious perspective on free markets. Cassidy discusses the effects of income inequality on democracy and draws parallels between historical exploitations like the East India Company and today's monopolistic trends. It's an eye-opening look at the future of our global economy.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Drew Ramsey, a leading voice in nutritional psychiatry and author of 'Healing the Modern Brain,' reveals how our diets impact mental health. He examines the alarming rise of mental health issues, especially among teens, connecting them to social media and modern lifestyles. The conversation also covers the science behind SSRIs, the role of inflammation, and the critical importance of sleep. Listeners gain insights into practical dietary changes that can boost mood and cognitive function.

Jacob Mchangama, founder of the Future of Free Speech and professor at Vanderbilt University, dives into the critical state of free expression today. He discusses the tense clash between free speech and government regulations, especially regarding non-citizens' rights. Mchangama sheds light on influential cases like Ranjani Srinivasan’s deportation for activism, the complexities of social media’s influence on mental health, and how current political climates are shaping attitudes toward free speech globally.

Olga Khazan, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of *Me, But Better*, dives into the intriguing possibility of changing one’s entire personality within a year. She shares her own transformative experiment, filled with challenges like improv and meditation, showing how intentional actions can lead to genuine change. The conversation spans the science behind personality traits, societal influences, and the complexities of personal happiness. Olga emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and resilience on our journey toward self-improvement.

The ways that statisticians and governments measure the economy were developed in the 1940s, when the urgent economic problems were entirely different from those of today. Diane Coyle argues that the framework underpinning today’s economic statistics is so outdated that it functions as a distorting lens, or even a set of blinkers. When policymakers rely on such an antiquated conceptual tool, how can they measure, understand, and respond with any precision to what is happening in today’s digital economy? Coyle argues that to understand the current economy, we need different data collected in a different framework of categories and definitions, and she offers some suggestions about what this would entail. Diane Coyle is a Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge and author of The Soulful Science: What Economists Really Do and Why it Matters and GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History. Her new book is The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters. Read Diane Coyle’s new article for Skeptic.