The Michael Shermer Show

Adam Gopnik and Michael Shermer discuss choosing accomplishment over achievement, the secrets of stage magic, the concept of the 10,000-hour rule, and the impact of mentors. They explore the intrinsic value of passion in creative pursuits and reflect on the transient nature of external recognition. The conversation also delves into the interplay between genes, luck, and timing in shaping individuals' lives and achievements.

Pulitzer Prize finalist, Annie Jacobsen, discusses the chilling possibilities of nuclear war, consequences of bomb explosions, detection technology for nuclear rocket launches, and the urgent nature of nuclear threats. The conversation delves into launch on warning strategies, nuclear war preparedness, and the dilemma of nuclear weapons. Jacobsen also explores covert operations and the importance of transparency in society.

Nick Bostrom and Michael Shermer discuss AI utopia, post-scarcity economics, colonizing the galaxy, mind uploading, Google's Gemini AI debacle. They explore AI sentience, advancements in language models, intrinsic human value, Elon Musk, human life extension, memory storage comparison, and personal identity in a post-human reality.

Astronautical engineer Robert Zubrin discusses the future of Mars colonization and the potential for building Martian city-states. He explores how SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are enabling affordable interplanetary travel. Zubrin predicts a Martian economy driven by real estate sales, bioengineering innovation, and societal structures emphasizing freedom. The podcast also touches on topics like shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset, the necessity of nuclear power on Mars, and exploring societal structures in Martian colonies.

Award-winning science writer Eve Herold joins Michael Shermer to discuss social robots, sex robots, emotional intelligence, AI value systems, and the ethical challenges of advanced technology in warfare. They explore the potential impact of robots on society and the complexities of human-robot relationships, including the use of sex robots and emotional attachments to inanimate objects.

Exploring the diverse evolution of world religions, the podcast delves into the cognitive foundations of early beliefs, the evolution from polytheism to monotheism, and the interconnectedness of tribal behaviors and societal progress. It discusses ancient artifacts, the impact of organized religion on historical records, and the challenges of studying ideologies across different disciplines. The conversation also explores the purpose of supernatural elements in religious narratives, the evolution of religious stories, and the future of religion in modern society.

Award-winning author Maggie Jackson discusses the value of embracing uncertainty in today's volatile era, challenging the narrow-mindedness of our times. She explores uncertainty as a skill set for incisive thinking and day-to-day flourishing, highlighting its positive impact on personal growth, problem-solving skills, and resilience. The podcast delves into topics such as the impact of technology on mental health, setting boundaries for technology use, and the power of engaging in genuine dialogues for mutual understanding.

Coleman Hughes, writer and columnist, discusses colorblindness, population genetics, institutionalized neoracism, and myths of Black Weakness in 'The End of Race Politics' with Michael Shermer. They dive into affirmative action, gaps in income and wealth, reparations, and the future of colorblindness.

Constitutional law professor Maxwell Stearns discusses the flaws of the two-party system in the US, arguing for a shift to a parliamentary democracy. He explores the impact of social media, gerrymandering, and historical party overlap on political polarization. Stearns advocates for proportional representation and the need for structural reforms to repair America's broken democracy.

Discover how mental health experts may be failing America's youth in the podcast as Abigail Shrier exposes the drawbacks of current therapeutic approaches. Explore the unintended consequences of therapy, the impact of COVID on children's mental health, and the importance of resilience in navigating life's challenges. Delve into the interconnectedness of mind and body for optimal mental health, parenting styles, and the speaker's future writing projects.