Meet The Skeptics!

Evan Bernstein is 1/5 of the Skeptics Guide to the Universe team. He's best known for preparing and hosting several different segments on the show as well as writing the Official Blog for The Skeptics Guide to the Universe, "The Rogues Gallery." Evan is also responsible for the fun, interactive segments that allow listeners to send in their answers, most notably "Who's That Noisy?" Evan has been involved with the Skeptical movement for many years. We had a chance to talk about his introduction via Perry DeAngelis and his continuation through the New England Skeptical Society and the formation of the Skeptics Guide to the Universe Podcast.

I first heard about Jamie Bernstein on an episode of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe. She had been recently kicked out of an Autism One conference for simply attending. Nice, huh? I was impressed by the fact that she was willing to get out there and do something. While it's easy to play online and post comments (I do it myself), it's not quite so easy to  check out the real problems in the real world.  Not content with simply witnessing the anti-vax movement up close, Jamie works with Women Thinking, Inc. to run vaccine clinics at various conferences. We talked about that, as well as a host of other activities she is involved with. Jamie was also recently, officially named a new Skepchick so you can check out her writing over there! This occurred after we recorded the interview, so we didn't speak about it. Jamie on Skepchick: http://skepchick.org/author/uajamie/ Follow Jamie on Twitter at: @UAJamie Check out Women Thinking, Inc. on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WomenThinkingInc?fr

Michael De Dora is director of the Center for Inquiry's Office of Public Policy and the organization's representative to the United Nations. We had a chance to chat via Google Hangout (which can be watched below) a few months ago and I was surprised to learn a few new tidbits about his background. We talked about his time working for Fox News (yep, you read that correctly), his conversion from Catholicism and his work on Capital Hill trying to sway legislators with sometimes unpopular viewpoints. Check out Michael's blog here: http://themoralperspective.com/ Link here and SIGN UP to receive action alerts!: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/opp Watch (if you dare) the LIVE, COMPLETELY UNEDITED version below, where you get to hear my dog barking and me shooing one of my kids out of the room (neither of which made the final cut for some reason).

I met Susan Gerbic at TAM (The Amazing Meeting) 2011. She immediately impressed me as someone who likes to "get things done." Susan devotes a lot of time to various projects that help make this world more rational. Probably the largest impact (my own feeling) will be from her Wikipedia editing efforts. Susan tirelessly organizes people from around the globe to keep an eye on Wikipedia entries to ensure truth and accuracy. In fact, if YOU are looking for a way to help, I realy can't think of any better options! Check out Susan's websites here: Guerilla Skepticism on Wikipedia Monterey County Skeptics Or follow her on Twitter here: @SusanGerbic And here's a quick interview Susan and I did at TAM 2012 for the JREF: 

John Rael is a Skeptical Comedian who has been producing a series of videos for several years now. The Skeptically Pwned series takes on all types of woo via a less traditional debate approach..... Moving beyond "Skeptically Pwnd," John has also gained a level of notoriety for making a short documentary about giving away his vote (apparently legal) and a series titled "Shit Skeptics Say" as seen in the first installment below. BIG NEW VIDEO RELEASE PARTY!!!: Facebook Page You can find out more about John and his unique approach to Skeptical Activism here: Website: http://skepticallypwnd.com/ YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/skepticallypwnd Twitter: @SkepticallyPwnd

Sean Carroll is a theoretical cosmologist specializing in dark energy and general relativity. In other word, this dude is smart. I had been watching his Dark Matter, Dark Energy course from The Great Courses when I happened to also hear him interviewed on The Skeptics Guide to the Universe. I knew then that I wanted to have him on my show.  A few months later, I ran into him in an elevator at TAM only hours after watching one of his lectures on the airplane out to Las Vegas. We chatted for a few minutes as I tried to act cool. After TAM, I shot him off an email inviting him on the show and he readily accepted. So, enjoy! Sean's Website: Preposterous Universe Dr. Carroll's books.      Watch the unedited video of our interview. See all the mistakes that got edited out!

Jonny Zavant is a Mentalist who got his start working for James Randi himself. He travels the country doing Corporate and College shows, proving that miracles can happen, but only when the performer is in full control of the situation. We talked about his introduction to James Randi on a College Campus, how he managed to get college credit for having fun, and a little bit about his upbringing as a minister's son. Check out his website at www.JonnyZavant.com Follow Jonny on Twitter: @JonnyZavant

I met Matt Schickele and Hai Ting Chinn at NECSS 2012, where Hai Ting performed a musical ode to logical fallacies along with George Hrab. During the conference I got to know the two of them, and really grew to enjoy their approach of merging a love for science with their ample talents as musicians. Hai Ting is an Opera and Classical music singer, and Matt is a composer. Matt and Hai Ting host their own podcast, "Scopes Monkey Choir." There, they tackle various scientific topics while applying their own experience and expertise in music. www.ScopesMonkeyChoir.com Check out Libration, a great collaberation that merges Matt's composition skills with Hai Ting's beautiful voice and their love of science. And below, check out Hai Ting singing the ingredients of Twinkies on The Wendy Williams Show. No, I'm not kidding. Check it out. You'll see.

This is another of the "Live From TAM 2012" interviews & it's one I have been looking forward to for quite a long time. I have always admired the successes of the Australian Skeptics and Dr. Rachie is one of the key people fighting the good fight down under. Check out the interview! Dr. Rachie's Website The Skeptic Zone Podcast

Guy P. Harrison is a journalist and author of 3 very important books in the Skeptical Literary genre.  50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know About Our Biological Diversity 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True We talked about his books, his life as a Journalist, growing up in the Bible Belt, and much more. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, you can also watch the unedited version of this interview in video below! 

I have crossed paths with Kitty Mervine on several occasions over the past few years and she is always ready with a cheery smile and a fun story. We both attended College of Curiosity and NH Skepticamp as well as TAM 9 and TAM 2012.  Kitty is a blogger at www.TwoDifferentGirls.com, councils people who believe they have been abducted by aliens, and writes childrens books that take time honored fairy tales and mixes them up with a Skeptical blender! You can see the quick video we recorded at TAM below. This took place just a few minutes before we sat down to do the podcast episode interview. Get yourself a copy of Kitty's book today! Fairy Tales Fairly Told

The first of the "Live From TAM 2012" interviews! I had heard about Chris Stedman a while back when he was scheduled to speak for the Granite State Skeptics in New Hampshire. I was invited to attend, but wasn't able to fit it into my schedule. When I read up on Chris and his background, I knew I wanted to get him on the show. Chris is a Humanist Chaplain at Harvard University and is fast becoming a well known voice in Interfaith activism. His first book "Faithiest" is scheduled for release in November, but already has impressive sales in pre-order. Chris has also gotten the chance to both publicly tussle with PZ Myers and invite Sam Harris to join him at a Mosque. Click the book below to find and order your own copy! On Twitter: @ChrisDStedman Website: http://nonprophetstatus.com/ Harvard Humanists: http://harvardhumanist.org/

JT Eberhard crashed onto the Atheist scene with an undercover operation when he infiltrated the Vatican as a janitor. As bishops and priests passed him in the hallway, he would whisper in their ears and gradually deconvert them one by one. Eventually they discovered the cause of the thinning ranks at the top of the church and he was fired even after the Pope himself declared that the doorknobs "have never been so shiny!" He then moved on to a career as a cartoonist in Denmark with a popular strip "Mohammed and Toodles the Cat." After receiving various death threats (actually could have been anything, he doesn't understand Arabic), he moved back to the United States to intern with Oprah Winfrey. Sadly that was short lived when he once suggested that they check on the validity of one of her guest's claims. Out of a job once again, JT searched and found a home at the Secular Student Alliance. He wasn't working, just living there. When they explained that he would have to earn his keep, he took on some duties &am

Michael Goudeau is a juggler, unicyclist, stage performer, writer, pancake artist, barbecue grill cover creator and former clown with the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was the lead writer on  Penn & Teller's "Bullshit," and co-hosts the podcast "Penn's Sunday School." For 19 years, he appeared as the comdey act in Lance Burton's Las Vegas show. Some have called him the most successful juggler in Las Vegas history.  Aside from stage performing and juggling, Michael shared some great stories of his life, his concerns about the harm being done by anti-vax activists, the real reasons he didn't go to church as a child, and much more. Website: http://www.mikegoudeau.com/ Book: Extreme Pancakes And you HAVE to check out this video clip!

Seth Shostak is the lead Astronomer for SETI, The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. I have to admit that I was a bit giddy about this interview, as the movie Contact is one of my favorites. In the movie, Jodie Foster plays an astronomer who finds the signal sent by an alien civilization. The reality is a bit different, as Seth explains. Seth also hosts a radio show/podcast titled "Big Picture Science," which I cannot recommend highly enough. He is the author of the book "Confessions of an Alien Hunter."

Hemant Mehta is best known for his work as the blogger "The Friendly Atheist." He began his public activism career with a curious and creative Ebay auction that eventually became the inspiration for his book I Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist's Eyes. His efforts to personally understand religion have informed his unique approach to promoting an Atheistic worldview as a better moral choice. Hemant has also worked on the board of the Secular Student Alliance and helps run the charity Foundation Beyond Belief. You can read Hemant's Blog at www.FriendlyAtheist.com. Follow him on Twitter at: @Hemantmehta.

We've hit the big 5-0! I'm really excited an happy to be able to offer this interview with Dr. Steven Novella. The Skeptics Guide to the Universe was one of my earliest, favorite podcasts and was my primary introduction to the whole world of active Skepticism. Steven Novella is one of the figureheads of the movement and is a tireless advocate for reasoned, scientific approaches to societal problems.  In addition to the Skeptics Guide Podcast, Dr. Novella writes blogs at Science Based Medicine, Neurologica, and has produced 2 lecture series for The Great Courses:  Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us. Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills You can also catch him at Skeptical conferences all over the world.

Michael Diaz is a college student better known as "Chattiestspike2" on YouTube. He has made some extremely clever videos, one of which caught my eye and encouraged me to check out the others. He hit it big with his "Question Gravity" video as seen below. Michael has a unique talent for producing humorous, funny videos that also pack a skeptical punch. Check out his YouTube channel or find him on any of the social networks as seen below. Twitter: @chattiestspike Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Chattiestspike2 Blog: http://chattiestspike.blogspot.com/ BUY A "QUESTION GRAVITY" SHIRT HERE!: http://spikeattire.spreadshirt.com/

Dezrah Blinn is a professional Magician who uses his skills to spread a message of scientific skepticism and curiosity. I first met him at Skepticamp New Hampshire, where he had a friend break a large concrete block with a sledgehammer as he held the block on his chest while laying on a bed of nails. He then proceeded to explain the physics behind the stunt, demystifying it and teaching the lesson that things are not always as unbelievable as they seem. I had a chance to visit Dezrah at his home to get the full scoop on the man behind the show. Enjoy! Website: www.Dezrah.com Twitter: @Dezrah Facebook: Dezrah on Facebook Google+: Dezrah's Page Make your own slide show at Animoto.

What can I say about Michael Shermer that hasn't already been said? Author, Magazine Publisher, College Professor, Consistent debate opponent to Deepak Chopra, and on, and on.  In our interview I got to ask about his early days as an author, his participation in founding the "Race Across America," and his position as a Libertarian in a Liberal world. Skeptic Magazine The Believing Brain Why People Believe Weird Things Follow Dr. Shermer on Twitter! @MichaelShermer