The Michael Shermer Show

Robert Sapolsky, professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, discusses free will, determinism, and the influence of beliefs on behavior. Topics include reductionism, punishment, restorative justice, the illusion of self, evolution of punishment, luck, and the meaning of life.

Rabbi David Wolpe, an influential figure, discusses Israel's security, Zionism, Palestine, Hamas, U.S. support for Israel, Iran, Shia and Sunni, rise of anti-Semitism, and the Two-State Solution. Topics include conflicts, challenges, and complexities in the Middle East, dehumanization, evil, tribalism, and the tragedy of Jewish history.

The podcast discusses the concept of emotional labor and its unequal division in relationships. It explores gendered expectations and treatment of emotions, as well as the value of emotional labor in the workplace. The hosts also touch on the history of racism and segregation in Detroit, the breakdown of the Black family, and the need for reparations and addressing intersectional poverty.

Daniel Dennett, preeminent philosopher and cognitive scientist, reflects on his career and discusses the role of luck in success. He explores the challenges of writing for different audiences and the concept of responsibility. They also discuss free will and determinism, consciousness, beliefs, and desires. Evolutionary explanations for traits like intelligence and humor are explored, along with the role of sexual selection.

Historian Matthew Dallek discusses the radicalization of the American right, connecting the John Birch Society to figures like Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Donald Trump. The podcast explores the origins of the Society, the evolution of conservatism, and the impact of conspiracy theories on the right-wing movement. It also delves into the connection between the theory of evolution, abortion, and the conservative movement, and raises concerns about the future of the Republic and the potential for a civil war.

Environmental scientist Michael Shellenberger, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond, philosopher Peter Boghossian, and scientist Michael Shermer gather for a public event by the Skeptic Society and Skeptic Magazine. They discuss workshops, live podcast recordings, great food, and hanging out with the speakers during the event.

Polina Marinova Pompliano, founder of T... discusses personal journey, distinguishing the truly exceptional, genius, victimhood, fear, updating beliefs, pursuing goals, and trust. Topics include building trust, hidden genius, luck and genes, building competence, characteristics of successful creators, childhood obsession, and overcoming fear.

Guest Lee McIntyre, Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University, discusses disinformation and protecting democracy with Michael Shermer. They cover topics such as the source of disinformation, erosion of democracy under Trump, the impact of misinformation on voter behavior, effectiveness of masks, balancing extremism, and engaging in meaningful conversations to fight disinformation.

History of church-state separation in the US • Founders' views on religious freedom and minority protection • Inequalities in tax exemptions for religious institutions and secular nonprofits • Cultural preferences and the risk of favoring a specific religion • Influence of the Federalist Society on Supreme Court appointments • Religious freedom and discrimination cases • Defining religion and discrimination against nonbelievers • Abortion rights debate and state authority • Religious right's impact in the 1980 presidential election • Supreme Court rulings on church-state separation • Threat of a constitutional convention to freedom and separation of church and state

Nancy Segal, author of Twin Children of the Holocaust and Gay Fathers, Twin Sons, discusses the fascinating world of twins, including accidental and intentional separations, reunions, and twins in different family arrangements. They delve into twins' history, the gay fathers and twin sons case, immigration and naturalization issues, eugenics, and the relative role of nature and nurture in shaping lives.