Best Michael Shermer Podcasts (2025)

1
The Big Bang Wasn’t the Beginning? Exploring Cosmic Origins 1:34:00

9h ago1:34:00

1:34:00

By most popular accounts, the universe started with a bang some 13.8 billion years ago. But what happened before the Big Bang? And how do we know it happened at all? Cosmologist Niayesh Afshordi and science communicator Phil Halper offer a tour of the peculiar possibilities: bouncing and cyclic universes, time loops, creations from nothing, multive…

1
Why i Care About the Existence of God | A Conversation with Michael Shermer 1:34:12

4d ago1:34:12

1:34:12

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Michael Shermer for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth.This episode was filmed at as part of …

1
Is the natural world evidence of design, or the result of random processes? Rachel G Jordan vs Michael Shermer hosted by Andy Kind 1:11:42

4d ago1:11:42

1:11:42

In this episode of Premier Unbelievable? comedian and host Andy Kind welcomes marine biologist and Christian author Rachel G. Jordan, author of If the Ocean has a Soul, and sceptic science-historian Dr Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic Magazine and author of The Moral Arc, for a dynamic conversation exploring whether nature reveals divine purpose…

1
Classic: An ex-atheist faces off with an ex-Christian 59:43

10h ago59:43

59:43

Holly Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and a Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. She holds a PhD in English and serves as a subject editor for the Journal of Inklings Studies. A regular guest on The CS Lewis Podcast, Holly has a deep passion for explori…

1
Believing Is Seeing: Inside the Modern Paranormal Movement 1:22:39

3d ago1:22:39

1:22:39

In 2010, in a small New Hampshire town, next door to a copy center and framing shop, a ghost lab opened. The Kitt Research Initiative’s mission was to use the scientific method to document the existence of spirits. Founder Andy Kitt was known as a straight-shooter; he was unafraid—perhaps eager—to offend other paranormal investigators by exposing t…

1
The Big Lie is Everywhere 1:18:20

4d ago1:18:20

1:18:20

No guest this week, but a deep dig on the Big Lies shaping our world. New COVID vaccine docs prove a cover-up, and did Biden’s dementia allow for Israel’s end-game in Gaza to take root? How no respect for elder wisdom is hurting society. Follow Trish on X @woodreporting Website: www.trishwoodpodcast.com Shop: https://www.trishwoodpodcast.com/shop…

1
Sixteen Candles | S2E8 1:30:54

7d ago1:30:54

1:30:54

Welcome back to Retromade! Today, we’re flashing back to 1984 to revisit Sixteen Candles—the film that launched a thousand crushes and immortalized teenage awkwardness in this John Hughes classic and the unforgettable pop culture landscape of ‘84. Returning to the show are two of my favorite time-traveling podcasters—Jamie and Milo from The 80s and…

1
Inside the CIA’s Mind Control Experiments 1:33:18

7d ago1:33:18

1:33:18

This is the inside story of the CIA’s secret mind control project, MKULTRA, using never-before-seen testimony from the perpetrators themselves. Sidney Gottlieb was the CIA’s most cunning chemist. As head of the infamous MKULTRA project, he oversaw an assortment of dangerous―even deadly―experiments. Among them: dosing unwitting strangers with mind-b…

1
Classic: Is War ever justified? Just War, Darwinism and Christianity | Michael Ruse vs Nigel Biggar. 1:01:25

7d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In 2025, as the world is devastated by continuing wars, many are simultaneously commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Returning to this edition of Unbelievable, recorded as marks of Remembrance took place across the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 in 2018, Justin Brierley discussed just war theory, Dar…

1
Neanderthals and Us: A Complex Story of Coexistence and Hybridization 1:33:04

10d ago1:33:04

1:33:04

In this eye-opening episode, Michael Shermer chats with evolutionist Telmo Pievani about the surprising coexistence—and hybridization—of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. They discuss recent scientific discoveries, the evolving understanding of race and biology, and the crucial role of serendipity in advancing scientific knowledge. This episode offers…

1
Ken Drysdale and Karen Esperson: Suffer the Children 2:00:38

11d ago2:00:38

2:00:38

Canada’s children are not doing well. Ken Drysdale of the National Citizens’ Coalition delivers dire results from their latest hearings. And Universal Ostrich Farms continues to attract protestors, media and controversy. The owner, Karen Esperson, appears from the farm to update the story. Follow Trish on X @woodreporting Website: www.trishwoodpodc…

1
Is New Atheism Losing? | A Conversation with Matt Ridley 1:30:30

11d ago1:30:30

1:30:30

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Matt Ridley for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. Matt Ridley is a science writer and journalist whose work spans evolutionary biology, economics, and the role of innovation in human progress.Join Substack:https://richarddawkins.substack.…

1
Do humans have the right to engineer life? Prof. Keith Fox v Dr. Sam McKee 1:26:01

11d ago1:26:01

1:26:01

Should we be tampering with the genetic code of life? What are the ethical and theological implications of engineering artificial organisms?This episode of Unbelievable? explores the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology - from designing artificial microbes to help us live on Mars, to the deeper philosophical and ethical questions about humanity …

1
ChatGPT Passed the Turing test, but… | A Conversation with Brian Keating 1:32:13

14d ago1:32:13

1:32:13

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Brian Keating for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including AI, the extended phenotype, evolution, the possibility of alien life followed…

1
Classic: Can Christianity be true if Christians can't agree on doctrine? Andrew Whyte vs Nabeel Qureshi 1:01:52

15d ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Less than a year after this classic episode aired, Nabeel Qureshi, author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, one of the most compelling accounts of a Muslim’s journey to Christianity, announced he had stage IV stomach cancer. He passed away in September 2017. In this unforgettable episode, Nabeel brings his characteristic warmth and clarity as he eng…

1
AI, Trade Wars, Degrowth: What's Next for the Global Economy? 1:11:15

15d ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Amid rising concerns about AI, inequality, trade wars, and globalization, New Yorker staff writer and Pulitzer Prize finalist John Cassidy takes a bold approach: he tells the story of capitalism through its most influential critics. From the Luddites and early communists to the Wages for Housework movement and modern degrowth advocates, Cassidy’s g…

1
Will the Supreme Court Gender Case Victors Get The Apologies They Deserve? 6:23

16d ago6:23

6:23

This article was published by the Spectator on the 17th of April 2025, with the title “Will the Supreme Court gender case victors get the apologies they deserve?By Richard Dawkins

1
Is Modern Life Making Us Miserable? What’s Fueling the Mental Health Crisis & What Can Help? 1:23:23

18d ago1:23:23

1:23:23

What does your diet have to do with your mood? Is mercury in fish really dangerous? Psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey joins Michael Shermer to discuss the science behind nutritional psychiatry and how food, sleep, exercise, and social habits influence brain health. They explore why mental health issues are rising—especially among teens—and what role par…

1
FIGHTING FOR THE FLOCK: GUEST KATIE PASITNEY 1:28:53

18d ago1:28:53

1:28:53

COVID-19 brought out the cruelty in bureaucrats, and now a 400-bird ostrich flock is in jeopardy from that same mindset. On a farm in BC, they are awaiting a kill order while their desperate owners fight for the lives of these birds that they love. An extraordinary interview with a farmer fighting for her flock. And why is our new prime minister li…

1
Does true freedom exist? Max Jeganathan vs Andrew Copson hosted by Andy Kind 1:15:28

18d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Is our obsession with personal autonomy leading to fulfilment—or fracture? Max Jeganathan (author of The Freedom Trap) and Andrew Copson (CEO of Humanists UK) explore the purpose, power, and pitfalls of freedom. While Max argues that unexamined individualism breeds anxiety, disconnection, and moral confusion, Andrew defends freedom as a means to ha…

1
Beethoven | S2E7 1:21:58

21d ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Today we’re digging into the 1992 family comedy, Beethoven. Bet you never realized it was written by John Hughes, did ya? We’ll talk about the oddly dark plot(?) and its surprising box office success to unpack why this messy movie somehow became a staple of early ’90s kid culture. My guest today will sound very familiar if you listen to the Rocky s…

1
Free Speech Under Fire? From Campus Protests to Deportations 1:17:54

21d ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Jacob Mchangama, author of Free Speech: A History from Socrates to Social Media, joins Michael to examine the evolving landscape of free expression amid rising political and cultural tensions. They discuss how far governments, universities, and tech platforms should go in regulating speech, and what’s at stake when they do. In this episode: Should …

1
Classic: Why I changed my mind about Christian history - Tom Holland v Larry Hurtado 50:40

22d ago50:40

50:40

Back in October 2016, renowned historian Tom Holland penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. In this classic show Holland claims that, despite secular arguments t…

1
I Sympathize with Trans People, but... | Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Colin Wright 1:33:30

23d ago1:33:30

1:33:30

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Colin Wright for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, gender, science, and culture - They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including the nature of truth, the reliability of science, evolution, and the controversi…

1
Is It Possible to Change Your Entire Personality? 1:19:12

24d ago1:19:12

1:19:12

Is it really possible to change your entire personality in a year? An award-winning journalist experiments with her own personality to find out—and reveals the science behind lasting change. Research shows that you can alter your personality traits by behaving in ways that align with the kind of person you’d like to be—a process that can make you h…

1
Guest: MartyUpNorth 1:43:08

25d ago1:43:08

1:43:08

As Mark Carney and Donald Trump settle into their bromance, the truth about a dirty political campaign is seeping out. Carney voters who hate Trump were duped while the country was whipped into a mass hysteria event for nothing — except an assured Liberal victory. The social fabric is in tatters, and the Elbows Up crowd are exposed as gullible, low…

1
Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind 1:15:15

26d ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible?In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, an…

1
A Conversation with Nick Gillespie in Milwaukee | Richard Dawkins' Final Tour 1:33:00

28d ago1:33:00

1:33:00

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Nick Gillespie, for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead, along with his previous works such as The Selfish Gene. The discussion expands into science’s ongoing tensions with id…

1
The Trouble with Economic Data: Flawed Metrics, Flawed Decisions 54:13

28d ago54:13

54:13

The ways that statisticians and governments measure the economy were developed in the 1940s, when the urgent economic problems were entirely different from those of today. Diane Coyle argues that the framework underpinning today’s economic statistics is so outdated that it functions as a distorting lens, or even a set of blinkers. When policymakers…

1
Classic: Memes, archetypes, and the meaning we live by: Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore 49:29

29d ago49:29

49:29

In this classic edition of Unbelievable? - The Big Conversation we ask: do we need God to make sense of life? In a 2018 debate, Jordan Peterson and Susan Blackmore explore the psychology of belief through the lenses of memes and archetypes. Peterson argues that religious structures underpin even secular life, while Blackmore sees religion as a cult…

1
Did Shutting Down Schools Help or Hurt? A COVID-19 Postmortem 55:45

1M ago55:45

55:45

David Zweig’s new book An Abundance of Caution (MIT Press) is an account of the decision-making process behind the extended closures of public schools during the pandemic. In fascinating and meticulously reported detail, Zweig shows how some of the most trusted members of society—from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists to eminent health officials—r…

1
Indy Journos Gone Wild 1:36:33

1M ago1:36:33

1:36:33

From the campaign trail, three indies who've seen it all and are winding down after disrupting legacy media’s stranglehold on the democratic process. Alternatively frightening and hilarious, compelling stories you won’t hear on your TV. Video version with photos is available on Substack. Follow Trish on X @woodreporting Website: www.trishwoodpodcas…

1
Is the Problem of Suffering the strongest argument against God? David Robertson vs Stephen Law hosted by Andy Kind 1:13:54

1M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Can the reality of suffering disprove a good God? Oxford Philosopher Dr. Stephen Law and Christian minister Rev. David Robertson debate the problem of evil, the evil God hypothesis, and whether suffering is evidence for or against theism. Does Christianity provide a meaningful answer, or does the sheer amount of suffering make belief in God irratio…

1
Dennis the Menace | S2E6 1:24:00

1M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

Today, we go back to 1993 to revisit Dennis the Menace, the classic comic strip troublemaker who comes to life with nonstop chaos. I’m thrilled to introduce you to new guest, Amy Lewis of the Pop Culture Retrospective podcast, which she started 5 years ago as a way of dealing with the grief that came from tragically losing her sister. She lives in …

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