The Michael Shermer Show

Author Tom Chivers discusses how Bayesian statistics impact our lives, from medical tests to court cases. Exploring cognitive biases, conspiracy theories, scientific claims, altered states of perception, and the replication crisis in social sciences.

Astrophysicist Lisa Kaltenegger discusses the search for life on faraway worlds using Earth as a reference point. She explores exoplanets covered in lava, lonely wanderers in space, and potential Alien Earths. With the James Webb Space Telescope, she pioneers new discoveries in planet hunting, sparking curiosity about life beyond our solar system. From identifying signs of life to interstellar travel possibilities, she navigates the boundless frontiers of space with humor and knowledge.

World-leading psychologist Bruce Hood shares insights on happiness, emphasizing connection over self-care. He discusses breaking negative thought patterns, controlling attention, and connecting with others. Hood explores societal challenges, neurodiversity, and the concept of ego-centric happiness. The conversation also delves into public speaking anxiety, altruism, money's impact on well-being, and navigating modern relationships in the digital age.

Renowned rhetorical scholar Robin Reames discusses the importance of learning rhetoric in today's polarized political climate. She breaks down major techniques of rhetoric, highlighting how politicians and journalists sway our beliefs. Understanding rhetoric helps us think critically and navigate ideological commitments in a post-truth world.

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.