Skepticast

Cooper Williams and Mimi Sheng
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Arts
  • Weekly

Two students at a small university in Cambridge, MA want to help you get smart! Each week we provide a succinct, humorous overview of some of the most interesting topics of the day including universal basic income, the history of the electoral college and the invention of white people.

  1. 11/18/2020

    The Invention of "White People"

    Ah, the age old question... where do "White people" come from? We interview Professor Marco Tabellini of Harvard Business School to understand how an influx of racial minorities affects our acceptance of who is "White". Plus: a bonus for Lion King fans!

    The Invention of "White People"

  2. 11/11/2020

    Maternal Health

    We interview Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson, a public health expert, on racial disparities in maternal health. Dr. Jackson has served as an advisor to the CDC and as Professor of Applied Public Health at Emory University and a Visiting Scholar at Spelman College.

    Maternal Health

  3. 11/04/2020

    Wildfires

    The world is on fire -- for once, we're not talking about politics. Find out more about what causes wildfires, what you can do about them, and what Cooper really thinks about gender reveal parties.

    Wildfires

  4. 10/28/2020

    History of the Electoral College

    In this episode, we interview Professor Alexander Keyssar of Harvard, author of the new book "Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?" Find out how the electoral college was devised, why it has survived several (bipartisan) efforts for reform, and which Founding Father actually wanted to go with a popular vote.

    History of the Electoral College

  5. 08/25/2020

    The Postal Service & Mail-In Voting

    The USPS is the center of attention these days, but do you know which president started it? In our last episode of the season, find out the truth about mail-in voting, and what happened to names like Ebenezer Hazard.

    The Postal Service & Mail-In Voting

  6. 08/19/2020

    Special Episode: TikTok and Privacy

    Influencer tweens, algorithms, and geopolitics -- oh my! Listen to Cooper and Mimi give their personal takes on TikTok and security, and find out why Cooper hates his social credit score.

    Special Episode: TikTok and Privacy

  7. 08/12/2020

    Political Polling

    If the name “Nate Silver” triggers your PTSD, this is the episode for you! Learn about political polling 101, wtf happened with the 2016 polls, and what they have to say about the 2020 election today.

    Political Polling

  8. 07/29/2020

    Joe Biden: Climate Policies

    Papa Joe decided he wants to keep Miami above water, and released a new Climate Change plan on how to do it. Learn about his $2 trillion plan, why Biden’s breaking “rules” of campaigning, and why Cooper was traumatized by a campaign website.

    Joe Biden: Climate Policies
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4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Two students at a small university in Cambridge, MA want to help you get smart! Each week we provide a succinct, humorous overview of some of the most interesting topics of the day including universal basic income, the history of the electoral college and the invention of white people.

Information

  • Creator
    Cooper Williams and Mimi Sheng
  • Years Active
    2020
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Skepticast
  • Show Website
    Skepticast