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Skepticality

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Derek and Swoopy are your hosts, filling your pod and your brain with skeptical insight and conversation, sometimes heated, on a plethora of topics that are ripe for critical examination. Skepticality offers relevant, under reported current events, as we

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Skepticality #105 - Scam School! - Interview: Brian Brushwood

"Don't try this at home! âThis trick just might kill you! â Fool your friends, amaze your family and scam your way to free drinks!" These taglines and more invite the average college student to study with spiky-haired rabble rouser, Brian Brushwood â skeptic, author and award winning magician â via his popular podcast Scam School. This week Derek & Swoopy talk with Brian about his work. Digging into the biggest scam of all, they reveal that Brian Brushwood is the epitome of the modern sk...

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[ Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:52:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #104 - The Skeptic Mix Tape and Jenny McCarthy - Interviews: Daniel Loxton & Derek Bartholomaus

Though the celebrated and the famous have long used the glare of the spotlight to highlight personal causes, rarely has fame been used to such staggering effect as by Jenny McCarthy. Since 2007, this former Playboy model now turned autism activist has advocated for parents to stop vaccinating their children against deadly diseases. This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Derek Bartholomaus, creator of âThe Jenny McCarthy Body Countâ website. This chilling and controversial site utilizes ...

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[ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #103 - The Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs - Interview: Dr. Donald R. Prothero

Mass extinctions, rising temperatures, and changing glaciers may sound like current events, but Earth scientists are learning that this type of climate change is nothing new. Â This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. Donald R. Prothero about his new book Greenhouse of the Dinosaurs: Evolution, Extinction, and the Future of Our Planet. Prothero discusses the links between the climate changes that have occurred over the past 200 million years. Â Dr. Prothero also discusses "Ida," a 47...

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[ Tue, 2 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #102 - The Great Psychic Detective Challenge - Interviews: Benjamin Radford & Dr. Phil Plait

This week Skepticality is pleased to have back paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford. Derek talks with Ben about his recently concluded "Great Psychic Detective Challenge" which came about through amazing claims made to Ben while he was a guest on the Skeptiko Podcast. We also catch up with JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation) President Dr. Phil Plait about the upcoming Amazing Meeting 7, to be held in Las Vegas July 9-12....

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[ Tue, 19 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #101 - Quirky Hauntings Interview: Professor Richard Wiseman

This week Skepticality is pleased to once again speak with noted 'Quirkologist' Richard Wiseman, the Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom and fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). Swoopy talks with Professor Wiseman about his recent paranormal investigations and the initial findings from his Hauntings: The Science of Ghosts project that was presented as part of the 2009 Edinburgh International Science Festiva...

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[ Tue, 5 May 2009 05:08:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #100 - Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue..

This week Skepticality celebrates it's long awaited 100th episode with a look back at past shows, thoughts about future installments and well wishes from their friends the skeptic community including Dr. Phil Plait (the Bad Astronomer), George Hrab (The Geologic Podcast) and Brian Dunning (The Skeptologists)....

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[ Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:50:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #099 - Confessions of an Alien Hunter - Interview: Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer - SETI

Why do we think aliens are out there?ÂIs Earth really being visited?ÂWillÂaliens really be short, gray, and hairless?ÂWhat happens if we pick up aÂsignal from another world?Â These are just a few of the questions thisÂweek's guest tacklesÂregularly, in his role as the senior astronomer for the SETI (SearchÂfor Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute. Dr. Seth Shostak talks with Swoopy about the ongoing search for life in theÂuniverse, as chronicled in his new book Confessions of an...

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[ Tue, 7 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #098 - What Do I Do Next? Interview: Daniel Loxton, editor of Junior Skeptic

In 2007, Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton called for renewed focus on classical skeptical activism in an essay entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?" Released simultaneously as a PDF from Skeptic.com and as an audio essay on Skepticality, this article drew tremendous positive response. But many listeners wanted to know, whatâs the next step? How does one become a skeptical activist? This week, Skepticality and Skeptic.com are pleased to release the follow-up project, "What Do I Do Next?: Lead...

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[ Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:03:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #097 - Atlanta Skepticamp Recap

This week's SkepticalityÂhits the highlights and plays excerptsÂfrom Atlanta Skepticamp. Topics from the two day "un-conference" included:Âraising children to be critical thinkers; homeopathy; the question of whatÂorganic food labels really mean; and (in discussion with theÂhosts of the American Freethought podcast) the role of new media in promoting the growth of the skeptical community. Also, Derek & Swoopy check the Skeptic events calendar to keep listeners updated on upcoming Skeptic...

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[ Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #096 - Fossil Thursday! -Interview: Dr. John M. Harris, curator Page Museum, La Brea Tar Pits

On a special Thursday edition of Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Dr. John M. Harris, curator of the George C. Page Museum at Rancho La Brea. Yesterday, it was announced that a new excavation near La Brea has unearthed the largest known cache of fossils from the last ice age including an eighty percent in-tact mammoth, named Zed....

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[ Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #095 - The Radford Files -Interview: Benjamin Radford

This week on Skepticality we check in with author and paranormal investigator Benjamin Radford.ÂA regular contributor to LiveScience.comÂand Managing Editor for Skeptical Inquirer magazine, Ben talks with Derek &ÂSwoopy about his recently completed fourth book and his investigations intoÂweirdÂparanormalÂmysteries â including UFO sightings in New Jersey, the haunted hotel where President ObamaÂstayed prior to his inauguration, and the claims ofÂpolice department psychics....

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[ Tue, 3 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #094 - International Year of Astronomy! - Interview: Dr. Pamela Gay

The United Nations has declared 2009 the "International Year of Astronomy."ÂCoinciding with bothÂGalileo Galilei'sÂcelestialÂdiscoveries inÂ1609Âand the publication of Johannes Kepler'sÂAstronomiaÂNovaÂ(which described the fundamental laws of planetaryÂmotion), the International Year of Astronomy celebrates 400 years ofÂdiscovery and exploration of our elegant universe. It is an unprecedentedÂopportunity to showcase some amazing science â and to inspire cosmic wonder. On this episo...

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[ Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #093 - Tales of the Investigative Atheist - Inside The Discovery Institute, Interview: Maria Maltseva

On a recent episode ofÂSkepticality, guests Kate Holden and Tiana Dietz proposed their joint project, "Visit Discovery," which encourages people to visit Seattle's Intelligent Design think tank The Discovery Institute. Is there hope of fostering better dialog between advocates of science and proponents of Intelligent Design? This week's guest, Maria Maltseva, a Seattle skeptic and practicing attorney, talks with Derek & Swoopy about her ownÂrecent visits to The Discovery Institute, where her...

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[ Tue, 6 Jan 2009 06:35:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #092 - Numb3rs - Cheryl Heuton and Nicolas Falacci creators of Num3rs

Rarely is mathematics a major plot component on AmericanÂtelevision.ÂThe exception, of course, is the current hit prime time CBSÂtelevision drama Numb3rs.Â "We all use math every day: to predict weather, to tell time, to handleÂmoney.ÂMath is more than formulas and equations: itâs logic. Itâs rationality. Itâs using your mind to solve the biggest mysteries we know." So begins every episode â astonishingly â ofÂone of the consistently highest rated programs in its time slot.ÂNow in...

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[ Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:43:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #091 - Skeptics Undercover - Kate Holden and Tiana Dietz visted The Discovery Institute (and so should you)!

Over the past several episodes, Skepticality has endeavored to showcase an eclectic�range of skeptical activism.� Our recent guests have�overwhelmingly agreed that everyone has something to offer � and that "activism"�comes in many flavors.�� This week, Derek & Swoopy talk with bloggers Kate Holden and�Tiana Dietz, who recently had an unorthodox adventure at the�well-known�Intelligent Design think tank The Discovery Institute.�These�unapologetic�rabble-rousers�discuss the controversial�tactics ...

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[ Tue, 2 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #090 - This One Time at Skepticamp... - Reed Esau on Skepticamp, Tim Farley on helping StopSylvia.com

What can regular skeptics actually do to enhance the appreciation of science and skeptical inquiry? This question has been an ongoing theme for Skepticality, and this week's guest has one answer to propose. In his audio�essay, "Raising Our Game: The Rationale to Embrace Skepticamp," software architect�Reed�Esau argues that "Skepticamps"�(self-organizing peer conferences of intimate scale) can harness the potential of the "long tail" of the skeptical movement � offering a voice to all of us who...

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[ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:14:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #089 - Secular Values Voter! - Lori Lipman Brown at Skeptrack 2008

This Tuesday, November 4th, Americans head to the polls. But despite the outcome, the question remains: under the new administration, can nontheists, science advocates, and critical�thinkers expect better representation in government? In recognition of Election Day 2008, Skepticality is pleased to present a talk by Lori Lipman�Brown of the Secular Coalition for America (the only Washington, DC lobbyists�working on behalf of skeptics, rationalists and nontheists), entitled�Pastafarian, Zoroastri...

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[ Tue, 4 Nov 2008 22:18:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #088 - From Ghost Hunters to The Mentalist, a Skeptic's look at Fall TV

On this week's episode of�Skepticality,�Derek & Swoopy explore�the good, the bad, and the scary among�television's current crop of offerings � from "Psychic Kids" to "The Mentalist." � Also, in a lead up to her favorite holiday,�Swoopy ponders the pros and cons of being a skeptic on Halloween�. ...

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[ Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:50:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #087 - A Skeptic for Congress? - Interview: Dr. Hal Bidlack

With less than thirty days left until (U.S.) Election Day 2008, Skepticality�checks in with noted skeptic Lt. Colonel Hal Bidlack (U.S. Air Force, Retired) � the�Democratic Party's�5th Congressional District�candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Swoopy talks with Hal about the challenging and expensive process of seeking�public office in the United States, and how the recent upset of financial�markets is shaping this election season. Hal also explains how his study of the U.S.�Consti...

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[ Tue, 7 Oct 2008 22:20:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #086 - Where Do We Go From Here? - Daniel Loxton & Skeptrack Panel Discussion

This week, Skepticality rounds out its Dragon*Con coverage with�the Skeptrack panel inspired by�Junior Skeptic Editor�Daniel Loxton's�op-ed essay, "Where Do We Go From Here?"� Daniel also joins Swoopy to share his thoughts upon hearing the panel discussion, and about skeptical trends. Panelists for this conversation about the future of skeptical activism include the�JREF's James Randi and Jeff Wagg, Skeptical musician George Hrab, The Secular Coalition for America's Lori Lipman Brown , Center ...

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[ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:52:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #085 - Why Magic is Important - Panel Discussion with James Randi and D.J. Grothe

The hosts of Skepticality are recovering from their spectacularly�successful "Skeptrack" events at Dragon*Con 2008: four days of lively�discussion featuring guests from some of the most prominent skeptical�organizations around the world. Included were James Randi and Dr. Phil Plait�from the JREF, Dr. Michael Shermer of the Skeptics Society, Benjamin�Radford and D.J. Grothe from the Center for Inquiry, and Richard Saunders and�crew from the Australian Skeptics�to name only a few. For those who p...

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[ Tue, 9 Sep 2008 22:38:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #084 - What's The Harm? - Interview: Tim Farley

Misinformation is everywhere, but nowhere more prolific than on the internet. A Google search for "homeopathy" or "UFO" returns a landslide list of�mystery-mongering websites. Yes, there are a few skeptical web resources too ��but a non-skeptic can be easily misled online. On this episode,�Derek & Swoopy talk with Tim Farley, a�skeptic applying his 20-plus years of�software development experience to the creation of advanced tools and techniques for fighting the battle against misinformation on ...

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[ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:55:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #083 - Watch this Space - Interview: Dr. Phil Plait, The Bad Astronomer

Long-time listeners may recall that�Skepticality's very first�interview guest was Bad Astronomy author and popular science blogger�Dr. Phil Plait.� This past week the James Randi Educational�Foundation (one of the leading organizations to promote critical thinking�and examination of pseudoscience) announced that The Bad Astronomer himself will be the new�JREF�President. Now, Dr. Plait returns to Skepticality�to tell Derek & Swoopy�not only about�interesting advances in privately-funded space t...

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[ Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:37:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #082 - Rationalist Rap - Interview: Greydon Square

The mainstream rap and hip hop communities are known not only for a way with words and penchant for controversy, but also for occasional drama. Rapper Greydon Square is no exception.� On this week's episode of Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy hang loose with Greydon and talk about his musical influences, being embraced by the atheist community � and why this Compton native (raised as a legal orphan by the Department of Children & Family Services of California) refuses to be a product of the syst...

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[ Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:07:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #081 - Alpha Kids - Interviews: Banachek, Mel Lipman & Lori Lipman Brown

Continuing from last week's interviews recorded at the "Amazing Meeting 6" conference, Derek & Swoopy talk with secular lobbyist Lori Lipman Brown and her father Mel Lipman (both secular humanists with backgrounds in law and government).� They also speak with mentalist Banachek, who has been responsible for putting more magic and mentalism on American television than any other magic consultant in the world. While the paths of these skeptics seem widely divergent, Derek & Swoopy learn that the...

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[ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:29:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #080 - Skeptic Rock Stars at TAM - Interviews: Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Mythbuster Adam Savage,

This week on Skepticality, Derek and Swoopy return from the desert with highlights from "The Amazing Meeting 6" conference in Las Vegas (hosted by the James Randi Educational Foundation). Joining them are two skeptics who are changing the face of popular science: astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, and MythBuster Adam Savage. � The incomparable Neil deGrasse Tyson (Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, current host of Nova Science Now, and the only as...

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[ Tue, 1 Jul 2008 20:50:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #079 - The Doctor is In! - Interview: Dr. Harriet Hall, the SkepDoc

This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with Skeptic magazine's resident expert critic of alternative medicine, "SkepDoc"�Dr. Harriet Hall. Dr. Hall talks about about her recent memoir Women Aren't�Supposed to Fly, which details her life as a family practice specialist,�flight surgeon, pilot, and career Air Force officer. (She retired�in 1989 as a full Colonel.) Dr. Hall also discusses her recent regular contributions to Skeptic magazine and "The Science-Based Medicine" blog, which is quickly b...

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[ Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:13:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #078 - What the Fossils Say, and Why it Matters - Interview: Dr. Donald R. Prothero

Just this week, the discovery of the 300-million year old Gerobatrachus hottoni ("Hotton's elder frog") confirmed the previously contentious inference that modern frogs and salamanders evolved from one group of ancient primitive amphibians. The dispute arose because of a lack of transitional forms; but, like so many "missing links," this newly discovered fossil sealed the gap. � The fossil record is one of the strongest lines of evidence for evolution, yet it continues to come under attack by pr...

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[ Wed, 28 May 2008 03:01:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #077 - Don't Be Such a Scientist! - Interview: Dr. Randy Olson

Over the past several episodes, Skepticality has interviewed some of the�notable scientists featured in the new pro-Intelligent Design documentary�Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.� This week, the last word on the�controversy goes to Dr. Randy Olson, the�biologist-turned-filmmaker whose 2006 documentary Flock of Dodos: The�Evolution � Intelligent Design Circus�examined the communication breakdown�between the science community and the rest of the world on the subject of evolution. � Dr. Olson s...

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[ Tue, 13 May 2008 23:37:00 GMT ]

Skepticality #076 - Expelled: Exposed! - Interview: Dr. Eugenie Scott, PhD

The contentious pro-Intelligent Design film Expelled: No�Intelligence Allowed��is now in its second week of wide release, and the�controversy is far from over.� This week on Skepticality, Swoopy talks with�Dr. Eugenie Scott about her participation in Expelled, her thoughts on�seeing the film � and the "Expelled: Exposed" website, created by the National�Center for Science Education (where Dr. Scott serves as the Executive Director). Beyond the Expelled frenzy, Dr. Scott talks about her work wi...

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[ Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:15:00 GMT ]

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