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The Michael Shermer Show

Michael Shermer
Artificial Intelligence
Consciousness
Mental Health
Nuclear Weapons
Free Speech
Evolution
Philosophy
UFO Sightings
Neuroscience
Truth
Cold War
Climate Change
Social Media
Morality
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Natural Selection
Covid-19
Psychology
Happiness
Public Health

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 weeklyEpisodes621Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceNatural Sciences

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Artwork for The Michael Shermer Show

Latest Episodes

America's criminal justice debate usually gets reduced to two options: abolish the system or lock everyone up forever. Economist Jennifer Doleac thinks the data point somewhere else entirely.

In this episode, Michael Shermer speaks with Doleac abou... more

Gad Saad returns to discuss his new book Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind, a provocative argument that empathy is not a moral trump card. Empathy can illuminate suffering, but it can also distort judgment when it is treated as an unquestionable vir... more

We like to think the future can be figured out if we just gather enough information. Pick the right expert, read the right forecast, find the right framework, and the fog will lift.

Simone Stolzoff argues that this impulse often works against us. I... more

YouTube

Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to The Michael Shermer Show to talk UFOs, aliens, government files, eyewitness testimony, and his new book Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter.

The conversation moves from the limits of eye... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Simone Stolzoff
Journalist and author from San Francisco
Journalist and author
Episode: Why We Cling to Certainty, Conspiracies, and Bad Predictions
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist and author; Director of the Hayden Planetarium; host of StarTalk
American Museum of Natural History
Episode: Neil deGrasse Tyson on UFOs, Government Files, and the Physics of Alien Claims
Ashley Rindsberg
Author and commentator discussing media, truth, and the internet age
Episode: From Newspapers to Influencers: Who Controls Reality Now? (Ashley Rindsberg)
Jacob Mchangama
Founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech; research professor
The Future of Free Speech; Vanderbilt University
Episode: The New War on Free Speech: Why Power Turns Everyone Into a Censor
Admiral Timothy Gallaudet
Rear Admiral and guest discussing UFOs/UAP
U.S. Navy/NOAA leadership
Episode: The UFO Files Were Declassified Today
Stewart Brand
Co-founder of The Long Now Foundation, Global Business Network, The Hackers Conference, and The Well; author of The Clock of the Long Now and The Whole Earth Catalog
The Long Now Foundation
Episode: Why Everything Falls Apart—And How to Keep It Going (Stewart Brand)
Jesse Bering
Dr. Jesse Bering, science writer, research psychologist, head of the science communication program at the University of Otago, New Zealand
University of Otago
Episode: The Scientist Who Tried to Prove Reincarnation
Hakeem Oluseyi
Author and astrophysicist, discusses Why Do We Exist? The Nine Realms of the Universe That Make You Possible
Self / Book author
Episode: Why Do We Exist? Hakeem Oluseyi
Jack El-Hai
Award-winning writer and author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Author, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Episode: Not Monsters. Not Madmen. Just Men.

Host

Michael Shermer
Host of long-form conversations with leading scientists, philosophers, historians, and writers. Known for skeptical inquiry and rigorous discussion; founder of The Skeptic Society and editor of Skeptic Magazine.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 2.1k ratings
  • Silent war in IR

    Please talk about our future in Iran. Because “now” doesn’t have any meaning. I am a young person who doesn’t know what should l do about my job ,my education and my life. We have many subjects to study and learn about and let the world to improve anthropology problems. Think about “people” problems in Iran in these days.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    nazaninash
    United Kingdom21 days ago
  • Great intelligent podcast

    Real thinking regarding fundamental human nature discussion, I love it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A leaf in the fall
    United States23 days ago
  • Always compelling and entertaining.

    A truly favorite listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Zed_55
    United States2 months ago
  • Disappointing

    I’ve been following Michael shermer for years, ever since I discovered his skepticism 101 course, which was nothing short of transformational for me. I’ve read several of his books and been a listener of the podcast for a long time. He’s recently been sliding further and further to the right, which is fine since I like to hear different points of view. My problem is that he will have guests on who say blatantly false things and use wildly illogical reasoning and he never calls them on any of it.... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Savage 6300
    United States2 months ago
  • Do books, not blurt out anti-woke BS. So sad.

    Michael used to do book reviews with the author. No longer. He just spouts anti-woke insanity. He’s true colors come out, and they’re very hateful.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    DrM1ke
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

High-quality intellectual debates; occasionally polarizing on hot topics.
Guest diversity and challenging questions are frequently praised.
Thoughtful, rigorous discussions with interesting guests and ideas.
Some listeners value the depth and skepticism; others feel bias and partisanship.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why We Cling to Certainty, Conspiracies, and Bad Predictions
Q: What do you mean by uncertainty?
Uncertainty is a sense of doubt that prevents progress; it can paralyze people, but reframing it as a precursor to learning allows us to move forward and adapt.
Not Monsters. Not Madmen. Just Men.
Q: What else is going to ask you about some of this stuff?
The discussion moves toward comparisons with Milgram and Zimbardo, the psychology of followers versus leaders, and how that informs our understanding of obedience, ethics, and how societies resist autocracy.
Not Monsters. Not Madmen. Just Men.
Q: Go over those points again?
The first point is to reinforce critical thinking in education to help assess credible sources; the second is to make voting easier for qualified voters to cast ballots; the third is a controversial idea that political candidates undergo psychiatric examinations, which the guest argues is not a simple disqualification.
What Turns Sand Into Cells? How Nonliving Matter Becomes Alive
Q: So Dr. Cronin, what is the core idea behind assembly theory and how does it help distinguish life from non-life?
Assembly theory proposes that life is characterized by high molecular complexity and a high assembly index, meaning molecules are built through a long, low-entropy sequence of steps. This complexity, reflected in a measurable assembly index, serves as a robust signature that differentiates life-bearing chemistry from random non-living chemistry. It provides a testable framework to detect life and understand how chemistry transitions into biology.
What Really Prevents Cognitive Decline
Q: How early should you intervene for best results?
Earlier is better. The patient must maintain daily functioning and address modifiable factors early; once significant memory loss or inability to recognize people occurs, reversal becomes unlikely, but lifestyle improvements can still slow decline and improve quality of life.

Audience Metrics

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

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Age Range
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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?

Long-form conversations that explore science, philosophy, history, and culture through skeptical inquiry and rigorous questioning. Episodes typically feature deep dives with leading thinkers on topics like free speech, cosmology, cognitive health, religion, leadership, and social dynamics, often balancing empirical evidence with thoughtful critique. Highlights include nuanced debates on technology, society, and humanity's future, plus historically informed analyses that connect ideas across disciplines. The show tends to attract listeners who value analytical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and constructive dialogue, even when topics are controversial or polarizing. A notable strength is the ability to host diverse, high-caliber guests and t... more

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The Michael Shermer Show launched 8 years ago and published 621 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Michael Shermer Show?

Recent guests on The Michael Shermer Show include:

1. Simone Stolzoff
2. Neil deGrasse Tyson
3. Ashley Rindsberg
4. Jacob Mchangama
5. Admiral Timothy Gallaudet
6. Stewart Brand
7. Jesse Bering
8. Hakeem Oluseyi

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