Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Michael Shermer, science writer and founder of Skeptic Magazine, explores truth, reasoning, and misinformation. He discusses why truth feels under attack and defines truth as provisional, evidence-based assent. He shares tools like Bayesian thinking, steelmanning, and respectful conversation to navigate consensus, conspiracy spread, and changing minds.

Loretta Ross, a longtime activist and educator focused on racial, gender, and sexual violence justice, shares her journey of moving from anger to empathy. She discusses the pitfalls of 'calling out' for public shaming, advocating for 'calling in' through curiosity and dialogue. Ross reflects on her personal trauma and experiences founding a rape crisis center. She emphasizes the importance of human connections and addresses how to support individuals leaving hate movements, all while maintaining hope and joy through challenging conversations.

Marc Abrahams, founder of the Ig Nobel Prize, reveals the quirky charm behind celebrating bizarre research that often surprises with its practicality. He shares wild stories like anal respiration’s potential in medicine and the humor in odd patents, such as the centrifugal birth device that inspired an opera. Discussions include the fascinating tradition of paper airplane throwing at the ceremony and the importance of curiosity in science. Abrahams proves that sometimes the most ridiculous ideas lead to genuine insight and innovation.

Elena Hoicka, a psychology professor at the University of Bristol, explores the fascinating world of infant humor. She reveals how babies laugh long before they grasp language, linking humor to social bonding and cognition. From the joys of peekaboo to how parents nurture comedic skills, Elena shares insights on the developmental timeline of humor in children. She emphasizes the importance of laughter in building trust and connection, showcasing how humor fosters relationships among siblings and its role in cognitive growth. A delightful dive into what makes babies giggle!

Almost 60 years ago she defied television conventions with her depiction of a young woman succeeding on her own in the big city. And for the last 30 years, along with her own busy career, she's helped keep alive and thriving her father’s dream of a research hospital for children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Morgan McSweeney, aka Dr. Noc, is a biotech researcher and social media science communicator who started creating engaging videos during the pandemic to fight misinformation. He discusses his transition from formal scientific presentation to captivating storytelling, emphasizing the importance of blending entertainment with scientific fact. McSweeney shares his strategies for producing concise, impactful videos and the challenges of competing with sensationalism. He advocates for transparency among scientists and explains how evolving scientific guidance can build public trust.

This season features an array of fascinating guests. Dr. Morgan McSweeney dives into how to communicate complex medical concepts in fun ways for social media. Marlo Thomas shares heartwarming stories about St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and her father's inspiring legacy. Mark Abrahams explains the quirky Ig Nobel Awards that celebrate humor in science. Elena Hoyker reveals how laughter in infants can foster social skills, while Michael Shermer discusses the elusive nature of truth, emphasizing evidence and open-mindedness.

Alex Pentland is a computer and social scientist at the forefront of studying the societal impacts of AI. He discusses how technology has shaped culture throughout history, drawing parallels with bees and their communication methods. Pentland addresses the echo chamber effect of social media, how AI can improve public discussions, and the importance of curiosity for healthier lives. He also emphasizes the role of personal AI agents in safeguarding consumer interests and explores the balance between exploration and tradition in societal change.

Jelani Cobb, a prominent journalist and Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism, dives into the evolving landscape of news. He highlights the decline of public trust in media and its impact on local news, which has left significant coverage gaps. Cobb also discusses the challenges posed by AI and the shift from traditional journalism to digital formats. Despite these hurdles, he emphasizes the resilience of journalism students and innovative strategies—like bundling news with engaging content—to attract readers and sustain the industry.

MASH changed Alan’s life as well as the lives of the rest of the MASH cast. In this revisit of a free-wheeling conversation recorded in 2019 Alan, and the gang reminisce about an extraordinary eleven years of connecting and communicating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.