The Michael Shermer Show

Shermer and Taleblu discuss Iran's role in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the translation debate on Iran's intentions towards Israel, the spread of Sharia law, the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Iran, the state of American democracy, the complexities of the Iran-Israel conflict, and the trustworthiness of news outlets in the new media space.

Lisa Manfull and Michael Shermer discuss the feminine approach to espionage and finding Osama Bin Laden. They explore the skills needed to be a spy, the restrictions on women advancing in the CIA, and the contributions of women in the intelligence community during historical events such as World War II and 9/11.

The podcast explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the origins and goals of Hamas, the flawed narrative of Israel as the oppressor, and the complexities of finding a solution. It delves into the intricate history of land ownership in Israel and critiques religious claims. The accusation of Israel being an apartheid state is examined, and the US-Saudi relationship is questioned. The moral obligation of America to support freedom and the influence of academia on cancel culture are also discussed.

Greg Lukianoff, co-author of 'The Coddling of the American Mind', joins Michael Shermer and Rikki Schlott to discuss cancel culture. Topics covered include the definition of cancel culture, the left and right utilizing cancel culture, free speech law vs. norms, diversity and inclusion, generational change, and solutions to cancel culture.

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.