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The Michael Shermer Show

Michael Shermer
Public Health
Liberal Values
Mental Health
Healthcare Reform
Cancel Culture
Covid-19
Health Inequities
Individual Autonomy
Vaccines
Socio-Economic Factors
Free Speech
Personal Growth
Meaning Of Life
Tax Incentives
Diversity and Inclusion
Identity Politics
Luck
Philanthropy
Imagination
Educational Practices

The Michael Shermer Show is a series of long-form conversations between Dr. Michael Shermer and leading scientists, philosophers, historians, scholars, writers and thinkers about the most important issues of our time.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes573Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural Sciences

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Artwork for The Michael Shermer Show

Latest Episodes

Astrobiologist Caleb Scharf joins Michael Shermer for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of our relationship with space. Drawing on his new book The Giant Leap, Scharf explains why human expansion beyond Earth may be less... more

In this episode, Michel-Yves Bolloré lays out his case for why modern cosmology, fine-tuning, and the limits of materialism point toward a creator. Drawing on physics, thermodynamics, probability, and philosophy, he argues that the Big Bang, the appa... more

YouTube

Have you ever thought about the science and history of … wind?

In this episode, Simon Winchester explains why eastbound flights are usually faster than flying west, and how the discovery of the jet stream was almost missed because the original rese... more

YouTube

In this episode, Angus Fletcher explains why the human brain doesn't work like a computer and why our deepest strengths come not from logic or data processing but from imagination, emotion, and the ability to invent new futures. Drawing on neuroscien... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Simon Winchester
Legendary author of many acclaimed New York Times bestselling books including The Professor and the Madman and The Breath of the Gods.
Episode: Why Eastbound Flights Are Faster, and Other Strange Things About Wind (Simon Winchester)
Angus Fletcher
Professor of Story Science at Ohio State University and author
Ohio State University
Episode: Logic, Creativity, and the Limits of AI: How Humans Think in Ways Machines Never Will
Nicholas Wright
Dr. Nicholas Wright, member of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Ph.D. Neuroscientist
University College London, Georgetown University, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: The Psychology of War: Could YOU Make a Moral Choice in Wartime?
Dr. Colin Fisher
Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation
University College London School of Management
Episode: Tribes, Teams, and Cults: How Groups Shape What We Believe
Anthony Vinci
Former Chief Technology Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Episode: A Former Spy Explains How AI is Changing Espionage
Charles Murray
Policy analyst and Hayek Emeritus Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, known for his works on social policy and intelligence.
American Enterprise Institute
Episode: Charles Murray: Why I'm Taking Religion Seriously
Christine Webb
Broadly trained primatologist at Harvard's Department of Human Evolutionary Biology
Harvard University
Episode: The Myth of Human Exceptionalism: Why Humans Aren't as Special as We Think
Caroline Fraser
Author of 'Murderland, Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers' and winner of the Pulitzer Prize
Independent Author
Episode: The Serial Killer Era of the 70s/80s: Lore, Patterns, and Plausible Explanations
James Kimmel Jr.
Lawyer turned science writer and researcher, expert on revenge
Yale School of Medicine
Episode: The Science of Revenge: Why Getting Even Feels So Good

Host

Michael Shermer
Host of in-depth conversations with leading thinkers in science, philosophy, and cultural issues, fostering a platform for skeptical inquiry.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 2k ratings
  • Annoying

    Ideologue posing as a rationalist as he spews half baked falsehoods. And his voice is so annoying.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Schuy1237
    United States25 days ago
  • Like all libertarians there is bias

    I used to really enjoy Shermer’s podcast, however now I have noticed his right wing slant. I suppose this is the natural way of libertarians.

    I liked his discussions with academics but now he just has influencers and people of headlines. The show has been dumbed down.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    RobSub
    United Statesa month ago
  • Peeza82 review nails it

    Confirmation bias at the expense of critical thinking. The nuclear energy episode was a perfect example of this.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    TheArtfulBadger
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Does not respect experts in humanistic fields

    Michael and the rest of the IDW figures he associates himself with often draw heavily on knowledge from the human sciences and vague humanistic truisms about literature and art that completely ignore the rigorous and highly expert scholarship of those with advanced degrees in fields such as English and Philosophy. Worse yet, Michael seems to actively REFRAIN from interviewing folks who are not disgruntled former humanities scholars to provide “perspectives” on cultural and aesthetic experience. ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mousetrap Subscriber
    United States4 months ago
  • Sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought…

    Shermer’s persona fears much and understands little beyond the finite centre of his immediate experience. Seeking the validation of men above his station and loathe to face the bogeyman he constructs, Shermer cuts an antipathetic figure that towers in an echo chamber of astounding resonance. Taken as tragicomedy, the Michael Shermer show is satisfactory entertainment.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Mousetrap Subscriber
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the intelligent discourse and unique perspectives offered by various experts.
Some critiques mention perceived biases from the host that may detract from balanced discussions.
The variety of topics keeps the content engaging and appealing to a diverse but intellectually-oriented audience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Logic, Creativity, and the Limits of AI: How Humans Think in Ways Machines Never Will
Q: How can I personally or anybody listening become smarter?
Engage in activities that foster intuition, imagination, common sense, and emotion by traveling, exploring art, and embracing novelty.
Did Lost Civilizations Really Exist? An Archaeologist Explains
Q: How do we know about the population of Native Americans at the time of Columbus?
The population was likely in the tens of millions, influenced heavily by diseases brought by Europeans.
Did Lost Civilizations Really Exist? An Archaeologist Explains
Q: What happened to the Ancestral Puebloans?
Climate change caused a mega-drought, leading to the coalescing of smaller groups and migrations south.
The Serial Killer Era of the 70s/80s: Lore, Patterns, and Plausible Explanations
Q: What is the significance of your thesis connecting toxins to crime?
It aims to help people understand the potential neurological and behavioral impacts of environmental pollutants.
The Serial Killer Era of the 70s/80s: Lore, Patterns, and Plausible Explanations
Q: What started your interest in discussing environmental toxins related to violent crime?
Growing up during the rise of the serial killer phenomenon made me relate personally to the impact of these toxins in my own community.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Michael Shermer Show

What is The Michael Shermer Show about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging deeply with contemporary scientific, social, and philosophical issues, this series features conversations with esteemed experts across various disciplines. Topics explored range from the evolution of language and the implications of social media on mental health to polarized political environments and the future of space exploration. The series is likely to resonate with listeners who appreciate a blend of intellectual discourse and thought-provoking discussions that challenge mainstream narratives and delve into complex societal themes.

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How many episodes of The Michael Shermer Show are there?

The Michael Shermer Show launched 8 years ago and published 573 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Michael Shermer Show?

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What guests have appeared on The Michael Shermer Show?

Recent guests on The Michael Shermer Show include:

1. Simon Winchester
2. Angus Fletcher
3. Nicholas Wright
4. Dr. Colin Fisher
5. Anthony Vinci
6. Charles Murray
7. Christine Webb
8. Caroline Fraser

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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