

Serious Inquiries Only
seriouspod.com
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2024 • 42min
SIO421: More Technological Anti-Solutions
In this episode, they discuss examples of technological anti-solutions like burying trees for carbon credits and the challenges of self-driving car technology. They explore the ethics of extreme wealth, societal change, and the complexities of progress. The conversation also touches on carbon sequestration, power structures in climate change mitigation, and the role of big companies in climate solutions. They emphasize the importance of evaluating technology within a social context to prevent negative impacts.

Jan 25, 2024 • 47min
SIO420: Technological Anti-Solutions
Explore the concept of 'technology anti-solutions' with guest Alejandro Ruiz, diving into the pitfalls of Substack and Patreon, the Paris Climate Accords, and Elon Musk's tech initiatives. Learn how technology can fail to address social issues effectively and why oversimplified solutions like self-driving cars may not always be the answer.

Jan 18, 2024 • 43min
SIO419: Men Are From App and Women Are From Browser
Lydia Smith from Where There's Woke joins to discuss a study on how men and women rate online profiles on different devices. They explore implications of gender differences, app features, 'Woke Fishing' in online dating, and the importance of genuine connections in text-based interactions.

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.


