Thinking Clearly

Bob Froehlich-Retired Chemist, Counselor, Psychology Professor and Julia Mi

In this age of fake news, alternative facts and information overload, this podcast offers cognitive self-defense strategies and topics that will help you understand and master critical thinking in forming your claims beliefs and opinions.

  1. 27 JAN

    #114-Major Themes in Thinking Clearly-with Bob And Julia

    After almost 10 years of broadcasting and podcasting Thinking Clearly, a series of life events has caused Bob and Julia to say "adieu" to this labor of love. In this final episode they share their thoughts and feelings about what this project has meant to them, as they summarize and discuss some of the main themes that have emerged from their focus on critical thinking. It is their fondest hope that listeners will be inspired to use science and critical thinking to accurately reveal reality as they make decisions and form their beliefs. And that they use philosophy and moral reasoning to help guide their values in creating a better world.

    59 min

  2. 23/12/2025

    #113-Recalling Defeating Disinformation and Protecting Democracy-with guest Lee McIntyre

    Listen to the explanation at the beginning of this episode to understand why you will be hearing a replay of episode #86. The danger of disinformation to our social fabric, and to our democracy, are the focus of this discussion with philosopher, educator and author, Lee McIntyre. Lee holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and is currently a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University. His latest book, "Disinformation-How to fight for Truth and Protect Democracy", is even more relevant in 2025 than when it first came out in 2023.

    59 min

  3. 25/11/2025

    #112-Bob and Julia Unleashed

    Bob and Julia interview each other and discuss a number of topics related to critical thinking that have been on their minds for years, including: What does our show's name ("Thinking Clearly") mean to you, and how does that name represent our show? Should beliefs and opinions meet the same standards as logical arguments? Is persuasion appropriate in critical thinking? For you, what are the most frustrating aspects of our current state of information and political environments?

    59 min

  4. 28/10/2025

    #111-AI-Assisted Tools in Education and How AI Might Assist our Critical Thinking-with guest Kyle Falbo

    Our discussion with Kyle Falbo—Math and Computer Science Lecturer and Educational Technology Application Expert at Sonoma State University—focuses on how AI-enhanced teaching and learning tools (ChatGPT, Google NotebookLM, Khanmigo and others) are being explored and implemented at SSU. Our discussion also includes: the possible risks and benefits of this new technology, how AI-assisted tools can be used outside of educational institutions by life-long learners and critical thinkers, and how the future might unfold as we experience living with AI.

    59 min

  5. 23/09/2025

    #110-The Role of Emotions in Thinking and Learning-with guest Mary Helen Immordino-Yang

    Emotions are often viewed as interfering with clear, objective, evidence-based reasoning; in fact, "appeal to emotion" is considered to be a logical fallacy. However, our guest, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang—professor of education, psychology, and neuroscience at the University of Southern California and author of: "Emotions, Learning, and the Brain"—argues that this narrow perspective overlooks a substantial body of research, and, far from being disruptive, emotions are integral to cognition, learning, and decision-making. As she states in her book: "It is literally neurobiologically impossible to build memories, engage in complex thoughts, or make meaningful decisions without emotion."

    59 min

  6. 26/08/2025

    #109-The Moves that Matter in Crafting Persuasive Arguments and Communicating them Effectively-with guests Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein-Graff

    Coauthors of the widely acclaimed book, They Say/I Say-The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, explore how to craft persuasive arguments and communicate them effectively. Topics discussed include: the connection between thinking and writing; the nature of academic writing; the concept of "entering the conversation"; specific templates to improve the content of your writing, speaking, and thinking about issues that matter; the role of artificial intelligence in education; and a variety of other topics.

    59 min

  7. 22/07/2025

    #108-Teaching Critical Thinking to Kids-with guest Stephanie Simoes

    With a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, a Master's Degree in Philosophy, and experience as a teacher, our guest for this episode, Stephanie Simoes, developed Critikid, a website for kids, teens, teachers and others. Critikid offers instruction in: emotional intelligence (Learning to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions), safe and effective use of social media, principles of logic (including logical fallacies) and statistical and data literacy—by blending storytelling with interactive activities.

    59 min

  8. 24/06/2025

    #107-How Institutionalizing Deliberative Political Processes Can Lead to Deliberative Democracy and Reduce Polarization-with guest Jim Fishkin

    James Fishkin, Stanford University Professor (and Director of the Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab) discusses his extensive research and development focused on the process of "Deliberative Polling" and clarifies its relationship to Deliberative Democracy—a form of democracy in which deliberation is central to decision-making. Professor Fishkin suggests that institutionalizing deliberative processes could lead to reducing political polarization, while also increasing citizens' political involvement and knowledge of the issues, as discussed in his recent book: Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?

    59 min
See All (100)

About

In this age of fake news, alternative facts and information overload, this podcast offers cognitive self-defense strategies and topics that will help you understand and master critical thinking in forming your claims beliefs and opinions.

Information

  • Creator
    Bob Froehlich-Retired Chemist, Counselor, Psychology Professor and Julia Mi
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Thinking Clearly

You Might Also Like