ShelShocked #18 - James "The Amazing" Randi

ShelShocked #18 - James "The Amazing" Randi

Introduction with Marilin talking about her first awareness of James Randi and his work. Interview with James "The Amazing" Randi. A Science Report from Sheldon on the "unsinkable rubber duckie" Peter Popoff. A Good News Report from Marilin about a skeptical examination of a claim of telekinesis in Russia. A reminder by skeptic Tucker Hiatt about "The Official Houdini Seance" in San Francisco.

Read More

ShelShocked #17 - International Skepticism

ShelShocked #17 - International Skepticism

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing a variety of myths, and superstitions that persist outside the United States. An Interview with Turkish blogger and skeptical activist Dr. Işıl Arican about her efforts to combat non-skeptical thinking in her home country. A Science Report about a Chinese monk who claims to be able to walk on water. And introducing a new segment called The Listeners Speak, where Marilin answers listener questions and feedback.

Read More

ShelShocked #16 - Transgender Issues

ShelShocked #16 - Transgender Issues

Introduction in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss statistics on Transgender demographics, discrimination against Trans citizens, and efforts to ensure protection and fair treatment. An Interview with Trans actress and model, Cassandra Cass. A Science Report on the proper terminology and "do's and don'ts" regarding discussing Transgender issues. A Good News report on new laws in the state of New York that make it easier for Trans citizens to get equal treatment and access to services.

Read More

ShelShocked #15 - Music

ShelShocked #15 - Music

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing the way sociologists and others study the use of music in everyday life. Interview with musician, songwriter, and podcaster, George Hrab. A Science Report about the true meaning behind some of the most popular songs of the 20th century. A Good News segment from Marilin that details a program that uses music to help those suffering from age-related dementia.

Read More

ShelShocked #14 - Ghosts and Hauntings

ShelShocked #14 - Ghosts and Hauntings

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing survey results of belief in ghosts and haunted houses. An Interview with famed "paranormal investigation team" Bryan & Baxter. A Science Report from Sheldon covering the history of the Fox Sisters and their role in the rise of Spiritualism. A Good News Segment by Marilin, detailing how real scientists called parapsychologists study the belief in ghosts, hauntings, and other paranormal events.

Read More

ShelShocked #13 - Food Fads

ShelShocked #13 - Food Fads

Introduction with Marilin and Sheldon discussing the way that food fads enter our consciousness, work their way through the market, then fade away. An Interview with sociologist and author Barry Glassner about his book The Gospel of Food. A Science Report about the science (or lack thereof) behind the Internet meme "What Happens One Hour After Drinking A Can Of Coke." A Good News segment about the hypocrisy exposed regarding the claims made by "Food Babe" Vani Hari and the products she sells on her website.

Read More

ShelShocked #12 - Myths and Misunderstandings About Space

ShelShocked #12 - Myths and Misunderstandings About Space

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing common myths about space and space exploration. An Interview with UFO researcher and investigator Robert Sheaffer. The Science Report discussing the growing movement of people who deny that man ever landed on the moon. And a Good News report about an unlikely participant in the recent satellite mission to Pluto.

Read More

ShelShocked #11 - The Theory of Evolution

ShelShocked #11 - The Theory of Evolution

Introduction with Marilin and Sheldon discussing defenses against some of the lame Creationist arguments against evolution. An Interview (Marilin's first!) with science defender Dr. Eugenie Scott. A Science Report about a Russian project to breed tame foxes that may shed light on the evolution of the modern dog. And a Good News report about a young man's battle against governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal to keep good science in Louisiana schools.

Read More

ShelShocked #09 - Twin Studies

ShelShocked #09 - Twin Studies

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing little known facts about twins. Interview with famed psychologist and twin studies expert, Dr. Nancy Segal. Science Report from Sheldon about internationally famous conjoined twins The Hilton Sisters. Good News Report from Marilin about two identical twins who were separated at birth, but found each other online via YouTube and Facebook.

 

Read More

ShelShocked #08 - The Science of Memory

ShelShocked #08 - The Science of Memory

Introduction in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss some surprising research results on memory production and failure. Interview with famed psychologist and memory expert Dr. Elizabeth Loftus about her research on Implanted Memories. The Science Report details cases of false memory and accusations of child molestation that led to long prison terms for innocent people. Good News report from Marilin about a case of mistaken identity that eventually had positive outcomes.

Read More

ShelShocked #07 - Vaccine Denial

ShelShocked #07 - Vaccine Denial

Introduction includes a conversation in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss current pro-vaccination laws in California, and commentary by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about vaccine deniers. An Interview with pediatrician and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Paul Offit. A Science Report about Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research claiming a link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The Good News segment from Marilin detailing a Canadian woman's conversion from vaccine denier to vaccine proponent. And a special segment from former co-host Amanda DeVaus about new laws in Australia that seek to protect everyone by requiring vaccination for all citizens.

Read More

ShelShocked #06 - Secularism

ShelShocked #06 - Secularism

Introduction of the topic of Secularism with a conversation between Sheldon and Marilin about non-belief in their own lives. Interview with Catherine Dunphy (the former executive director of The Clergy Project), and Mary Johnson (a former member of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity). Science Report about how research on partial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can shed light on some types of religious experiences. Good News report about Drew Beckius, one of the former clergy members who has been helped and supported by The Clergy Project.

Read More

ShelShocked #05 - LGBT Issues and Skepticism

ShelShocked #05 - LGBT Issues and Skepticism

Introduction to the topic with a discussion about Indiana's passage of their discriminatory Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Interview with famed neuroscientist Dr. Simon LeVay about his research on the biological roots of sexual orientation. Science Report on the horrors of so-called "Gay Conversion Therapy." And a Good News segment from Marilin about progress in welcoming LGBT people into the world of baseball.

Read More

ShelShocked #04 - Cults and New Religious Movements

ShelShocked #04 - Cults and New Religious Movements

Introduction of new co-host, Marilin Colón, and discussion about HBO's "Going Clear" documentary about Scientology. Interview with psychologist and cult expert Dr. Patrick O'Reilly. Science Report about the history of research on cognitive dissonance, and its role in cult membership. Good News about former FLDS member Sabrina Tetzner's successful battle to reunite with her children after leaving the cult.

Read More

ShelShocked #03 - Skeptical Activism

ShelShocked #03 - Skeptical Activism

Sheldon and Amanda discuss their roles in Operation Bumblebee, a skeptical investigation of self-described psychic medium Chip Coffey, and the reaction by some in the skeptic community. Interview with Jay Novella from the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast about his video project, "Occ, the Skeptical Caveman." Science Report on the psychological research of influence and persuasion, and how it can be used by skeptical activists. The Good News about successful activism against the Burzynski Clinic and its dubious claims to treat and cure cancer.

Read More