
Serious Inquiries Only
Join Thomas for some critical thinking on questions of science, philosophy, skepticism and politics. These serious topics are discussed with some serious guests, but in an entertaining and engaging way! This is not your typical interview podcast; it’s a friendly dialogue, conducted thoughtfully and with plenty of humor. It's Serious Inquiries Only; but like, not boring or anything.
Latest episodes

Jan 15, 2024 • 57min
SIO418: The Polarization Express
In this podcast, Thomas and Joe Magestro discuss the origins of political beliefs and the psychology behind polarization. They delve into the recent gerrymandering decision in Wisconsin and explore the impact of identity on political belief systems. The correlation between Trump support and racial resentment is explored, along with the driving forces of polarization. The importance of engaging in meaningful conversations, backed by research, to reduce polarization is emphasized.

Jan 11, 2024 • 52min
SIO417: Does Our Evolutionary History Doom Us To Failure?
Dr. Timothy Waring, an expert in Cultural Evolution, explores how our evolutionary history influences our ability to address global challenges like climate change. The podcast analyzes human cooperation, capitalism's impact on the environment, and the need for global collaboration in tackling environmental disasters.

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 3min
SIO416: What Is A Living Wage?
The podcast discusses the $20 minimum wage for fast food workers in California and the conservative reaction. It explores the inequality in the fast food industry, the implementation of the new minimum wage, and the perspectives of supporters and critics. The hosts debunk Glenn Beck's claim and examine the impact of minimum wage laws on businesses. They also discuss the benefits of fair wages, the debate on the minimum wage, and the concept of a living wage in California. The high cost of living in the state and the need for a living wage are highlighted.

Jan 2, 2024 • 50min
SIO415: We Don't Live In A Simulation
Exploring the theory of living in a simulation, critiquing Bayesian probability theory, and discussing the challenges of ancestor simulations. Delving into the likelihood of existing in a simulation world and the importance of being challenged. Analyzing Bostrom's Simulation Argument and the relationship between simulated and real individuals.

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
SIO414: So You Want To Simulate The Universe...
Ok, so we've done a bunch of philosophizing about whether or not we live in a simulation, but what about the physics and computing involved? Dr. Bryan Gillis takes us through what it might actually take to simulate our whole universe. Spoiler... it would not be easy. Find out why! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Dec 31, 2023 • 38min
SIO413: The Search for the Man-Hating Feminist Continues
Exploring societal biases towards men, debunking misconceptions about man-hating feminists, and analyzing feminist attitudes towards men. The significance of hypotheses in scientific research and the measures used to analyze attitudes towards feminism. Debunking the myth of the man-hating feminist and emphasizing the importance of educating people about feminism.

Dec 30, 2023 • 47min
SIO412: Do Feminists Hate Men?
Lydia Smith, an expert on attitudes toward men among feminists, joins the host to discuss whether feminists hate men. They debunk the myth of man-hating feminists perpetuated by the right, explore the perceptions and stereotypes of feminism, and share the findings of studies on feminists' attitudes towards men. The conclusion teases an upcoming episode and a bonus episode featuring Tom Curry.

Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 4min
SIO411: Zeno, Pascal, and Sleeping Beauty All Walk Into a Bar...
Do you like philosophical thought experiments and probability theory and have a structured settlement and want cash now? Have I got the podcast episode for you! Dr. Bryan Gillis takes us through some fun and fascinating philosophical quandaries related to the Simulation Hypothesis! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Dec 28, 2023 • 51min
SIO410: Futurama and Simulation Theory
Good news, everyone! Today we embark upon a bit of a miniseries! Dr. Bryan Gillis and I began with the idea to do a sort of Philosophers in Space-esque kind of thing where we talk about a Futurama episode and then discuss the science and philosophy behind it. But as we did so, and as Bryan did more and more research (including calculations of his own!) around the question "Do we live in a simulation?" what unfolded was hours of really fascinating deep dive into the issue! And so here is part 1, where we set up the arguments a bit, and talk about a great episode of Futurama. If you want to watch it before listening, it's s11e10 "All The Way Down." Hope you enjoy! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!

Dec 17, 2023 • 54min
SIO409: Can You "Boost" Your Immune System?
It's an Emergen-C episode with Dr. Rick Sullivan! With the holidays approaching, you may be wondering if there's a good way to boost your immune system and prevent getting sick. Well, there are many products that purport to do just that. Vitamins, Emergen-C, etc. Do they work? Find out! Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!
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