Podcast Episodes

How Foreign Governments Influence U.S. Universities

Episode 538

In an era of globalized education, where ideals of freedom and inquiry should thrive, an alarming trend has emerged: foreign authoritarian regimes influencing American academia.

In her new book Autho…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Can We Prevent Aging? Eric Topol on Genes, Lifestyle, and AI in Healthcare

Episode 537

In this conversation, Michael Shermer and Dr. Eric Topol discuss the realties of aging, with particular focus on the role of AI in enhancing patient care and disease prevention, the importance of lif…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Is Nuclear Energy Our Best Shot at Saving the Planet?

Episode 536

Isabelle Boemeke explains how nuclear energy is our best option for ensuring the future of the planet—it can power cities, desalinate water, create carbon-free fertilizer, and heat homes, all with th…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Why the Left Needs Its Own Reckoning

Episode 535

In his new book Coming Clean, Eric Heinze rejects the idea that we should be less woke. In fact, we need more wokeness, but of a new kind. Yes, we must teach about classism, racism, colonialism, patr…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Is Traditional Religion Doomed?

Episode 534

Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service a…

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Drowning in Decisions: Do We Have Too Many Choices?

Episode 533

In this episode, Michael Shermer speaks with historian Sophia Rosenfeld about how modern notions of personal choice—from Amazon shopping to Tinder swipes—emerged from centuries of cultural, religious…

Published on 3 months ago

Are We Alone? Martin Rees on Aliens, The Fermi Paradox & The Fate of Humanity

Episode 532

What can a lifetime of scientific discovery teach us about the universe—and ourselves? In this wide-ranging conversation, Michael Shermer sits down with Lord Martin Rees, renowned cosmologist, astrop…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

The True Cost of Conviction

Episode 531

When you are faced with a decision, do you consider the best outcome, or do you consider your deepest values about which actions are appropriate? Steven Sloman contrasts these two primary strategies …

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Debra Soh and Michael Shermer at FreedomFest 2025

Episode 530

Michael Shermer in conversation with Debra Soh at FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, CA.

Video courtesy of FreedomFest. Additional FreedomFest videos can be viewed on CiVL.

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Douglas Murray on Hamas, Iran, and the Collapse of the Two-State Solution

Episode 529

Drawing from intensive on-the-ground reporting in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, Douglas Murray places the latest violence in its proper historical context. He takes listeners on a harrowing journey thro…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago