Episode #846
Michael Shermer
Books mentioned
Heavens on Earth
Mentioned by Michael Shermer · at 00:28:11
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
The Power of Now
Mentioned by Michael Shermer · at 00:28:11
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
The Anatomy of Violence
Mentioned by Michael Shermer · at 00:14:18
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
Dianetics
Mentioned by Joe Rogan (host) · at 00:37:08
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
Bowling Alone
Mentioned by Michael Shermer · at 01:03:57
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
What the F?
Mentioned by Joe Rogan (host) · at 01:14:30
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
The Demon-Haunted World
Mentioned by Michael Shermer · at 01:21:58
Amazon (opens in a new tab; affiliate link) Source: Transcript (podscripts.co)
Timestamps are segment start times from the podscripts.co transcript of the audio release (includes ad reads), so they may differ from the video by a few minutes.
Science writer and skeptic Michael Shermer joins the podcast to discuss belief in conspiracy theories, flat-earth claims, and the psychology behind extraordinary ideas. They also debate free will, consciousness, meditation, addiction recovery, performance-enhancing drugs, and the ethics of mind uploading. The conversation ranges from simulation theory and religious epistemology to college costs, identity politics, and cultural sensitivity.
What they talked about
- Flat Earth conspiracy theories and gullibility
- Free will, determinism, and compatibilism
- Deepak Chopra, meditation, and wellness programs
- Eckhart Tolle and motivational speaking
- Firewalking and Tony Robbins' seminars
- Aging, longevity, and stress hormones
- Performance-enhancing drugs in cycling
- College campus sexual consent policies
Data last updated · Report a mistake · How it works: mentions are pulled from public transcripts and episode descriptions, partly with AI-assisted extraction, so details and timestamps can be off.