The Michael Shermer Show

Discover the significance of relationships, work, and spirituality in finding purpose in the present moment in this entertaining podcast.

Caylan Ford, a documentary filmmaker, charter school founder, and former political candidate, discusses education reform, the advantages of charter schools, the importance of truth in implementing change, the ideological divide between constrained and unconstrained visions, beliefs about human nature, controversy surrounding transgender issues, the purpose of land acknowledgments, motivations for starting a school, unmasking cancel culture, the boundaries of cancel culture, and standing up against it.

Dr. Michael Greger explores the science of aging and how diet can combat its effects. He discusses pathways for aging and ways to disrupt them, such as boosting autophagy with spermidine. The podcast covers the benefits of a plant-based diet, the surprising connection between dairy consumption and shorter lifespans, and the risks of cured meats. It also delves into topics like alcohol's effects on health, plant-based alternatives, resveratrol's impact on brain shrinkage, and the importance of changing our environment for healthy choices.

Imagination grows with education and reflection, debunking the myth that children have more expansive imaginations. The podcast explores sexual selection and the Montessori educational system. It emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation of knowledge, interprets different ideas about heaven and the afterlife, and explores the tension between materialism and religious beliefs. The podcast also discusses the importance of literature and fantasy for adults and the balance between realism and imagination in storytelling. It delves into anomalies in scientific theories and how to foster creativity and imagination in individuals.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Angus Deaton discusses his experiences as a naturalized U.S. citizen, the inside story of the Nobel Prize in economics, and tensions between economics and politics. They also explore the impact of minimum wage increase and distribution of profits, challenges of online dating, the impact of the sexual revolution on women, the debate on Universal Basic Income (UBI), the mystery of suicide, globalization and Trump's rise to power, and the value of seeking knowledge.

Philip Goff discusses cosmic purpose, panpsychism, and the limitations of God as an explanation. They explore living in a computer simulation and the universe as a conscious mind. The podcast also covers topics like fine-tuning, free will, consciousness, morality, and the search for meaning in an uncertain universe.

From COVID-19 to climate change, millions of Americans believe things that are simply not true. Political leaders and media organizations capitalize on our social and cultural identities to separate and mobilize us. The increasing polarization between political parties is driven by race, religion, geography, and culture. The concept of intellectual humility in determining truth is explored. The podcast also discusses the rise of political polarization, the impact of social media on mental health, the distribution and ownership of AR 15 rifles, and the evolution of an unpopular product.

A conversation with Warren Commission Assistant Counsel Burt W. Griffin, Case Closed author and Lee Harvey Oswald scholar Gerald Posner, and JFK conspiracy theory debunker Michel Gagné. They discuss: the nostalgic myth of “Camelot”, Lee Harvey Oswald and why he killed Kennedy, Cuba and the Bay of Pigs debacle, the CIA and their skeptical activities, the “magic bullet,” FBI coverups, witness intimidation, and evidence tampering.

Astrophysicist Adam Frank discusses the search for alien life and the lack of hard evidence in UFO research. The importance of scientific consensus in the search for extraterrestrial life is highlighted. The chapter explores interstellar travel challenges and possibilities. The speakers discuss the concept of techno-signatures and the transition of biological life to artificial intelligence. The fascination with ancient aliens and the need for scientific skepticism are explored. The chapter concludes by discussing the possibility of human colonization in the solar system.

In this podcast, Michael Shermer addresses Ayaan Hirsi Ali's decision to convert to Christianity despite her previous work defending women's rights. He explores the limitations of atheism as a belief system and discusses the threats Western civilization is facing. Shermer emphasizes the role of Enlightenment humanism in moral progress and highlights the significance of scientific naturalism in contributing to justice and freedom.