Skeptical Thinker Podcast

Jamie and Leah - Father and Daughter team of skepticists
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SCIENCE

Welcome to Skeptical Thinker. A podcast where we dispel misconceptions and respect your ability to think critically about the world and everything in it! Being a skeptical thinker is so much more important today with all of the misinformation in social media. If you can't use your mind and intelligence to dig deeper into issues, you run the risk of being misled. Skepticism is all about asking questions , and being unwilling to believe without conclusive evidence. A skeptical person regularly asks themselves, "could I be wrong?"

  1. Science Smorgasbord

    09/25/2025

    Science Smorgasbord

    Welcome back! This week, Leah and Jamie dive into some science topics that you might have missed because of the news cycle's constant barrage of negative stuff! Jamie has an online subscription to National Geographic, so some of the links in the show notes may not open up, but he did find some alternative links you can go to to read some more about the topics today! Enjoy! Citations: Landau, E. (2025, September 18). This is the best evidence yet for ancient life on Mars. Science. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/mars-rock-alien-life-microbes-chemistryNASA. (2025, September 10). NASA says Mars Rover discovered potential biosignature last year - NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year/Qader, S. A. (2025, September 13). Doomscrolling and the Dopamine Loop: How endless scrolling is rewiring our brains. MedReport Foundation. https://www.medreport.foundation/post/doomscrolling-and-the-dopamine-loop-how-endless-scrolling-is-rewiring-our-brainsRosen, M. (2025, September 19). Staying on the keto diet long term could carry health risks. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/keto-diet-health-risk-glucose-high-fat?et_rid=1076472799&et_cid=5739009Wexler, J. R. (2025, September 19). The surprising way doomscrolling rewires your brain. Health. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/how-news-affects-your-brain-and-body?rid=18C5F3C8000430FA93B55AE508ED0886&cmpid=org%3Dngp%3A%3Amc%3Dcrm-email%3A%3Asrc%3Dngp%3A%3Acmp%3Deditorial%3A%3Aadd%3DDaily_NL_Tuesday_Health_20250916_US&loggedin=true&rnd=1758113813183

    1h 1m
  2. The Gender Binary is a Big Lie

    09/09/2025

    The Gender Binary is a Big Lie

    After a summer hiatus, Leah and Jamie are back with a discussion of Lee Wind's excellent book, "The Gender Binary is a Big Lie." While we both start talking about the book, we end up in some interesting personal stories and repartee about gender. For those listening who are not sure how to feel about those of us who are outside the gender binary, you may find this discussion interesting. We've added some resources here for you in case you want more. Thanks for listening! Resources: Gender & Sexuality Resources UC Santa Barbara Kirkus Review of Book This is an awesome resource for anyone who has a loved one going through gender transition/questioning. We talked about Gender Euphoria near the end. This resource is good. Citation: Wind, L. (2023). The Gender Binary is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities and Expressions.

    59 min
  3. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

    07/15/2025

    Complex Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

    This episode has us looking at Complex Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (CPTSD). While not officially in the DSM-5, CPTSD has gotten a lot of notice in recent years. We look at the book "What My Bones Know," by Stephanie Foo. Citations: Admin. (2025, March 5). PTSD hotline - Free 24/7 | 866-903-3787. Mental Health Hotline. https://mentalhealthhotline.org/ptsd-hotline/Center for Complex Trauma (CCT) | Icahn School of Medicine. (n.d.). Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/center-complex-traumaDavis, S. (2019, September 30). A closer look at the symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | CPTSDfoundation.org. https://cptsdfoundation.org/2019/09/30/a-closer-look-at-the-symptoms-of-complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder/Ham, J. (2025, January 17). Revisiting the fractal nature of relationships and the therapeutic process — Jacob Ham, PhD. Jacob Ham, PhD. https://drjacobham.com/blog/2015/3/21/revisiting-the-fractal-nature-of-relationships-and-the-therapeutic-processIDHS: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=145089Jacob Ham, PhD. (2025, April 21). Jacob Ham, PhD. https://drjacobham.com/Jess. (2024, September 8). Home - Traumatized m***********s. Traumatized M***********s. https://t-mfrs.com/Staker, P. (2025, June 22). The Healing Cycle: Dealing with Conflict in Relationships Through Rupture & Repair Therapy - SpringSource. SpringSource. https://springsourcecenter.com/dealing-with-conflict-rupture-and-repair-therapy-and-attachment-theory/What My Bones Know | Random House Publishing Group. (n.d.). https://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/658389/What really helps trauma? | Dr. Jacob Ham, Being Well podcast (F. Hanson, Interviewer). (2023, November 20). YouTube. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXBJeHz7tsYWikipedia contributors. (2025, June 24). Complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_post-traumatic_stress_disorder

    52 min
  4. Enlightenment

    06/26/2025

    Enlightenment

    Welcome Back! This week's episode has had a few technical difficulties. After loosing the whole show, we tried to re-record the episode, but it sounds like Jamie had some issues with the transmission and so, the sound work will need to continue. We appreciate you listening, and hope you will stick with us as we learn more about how to work this podcast while being in two different locations! Enjoy the episode! This week we talk about a book on Enlightenment that Leah read called, How Enlightenment Changes Your Brain, by Mike Waldmen and Andrew Newburg. resources: Andrew Newberg. (n.d.). Andrew Newberg. https://www.andrewnewberg.com/Insight Network, Inc. (n.d.). Insight Timer - #1 free meditation app for sleep, relax & more. Insight Network, Inc. Copyright (C) 2021. https://insighttimer.com/Lovering, C. (2022, March 31). How to practice Loving-Kindness Meditation. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/loving-kindness-meditation#definitionNeuroWisdom – Control your mind with neuroscience. (n.d.). https://www.markrobertwaldman.com/Newberg, A., & Waldman, M. R. (2016). How enlightenment changes your brain: The New Science of Transformation. Penguin.

    56 min
  5. STEM, STEAM, and Your Science Identity

    06/17/2025

    STEM, STEAM, and Your Science Identity

    Hi there! Today, Jamie and Leah are discussing a class that Jamie is taking on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in science education. Particularly, how to get students to develop a STEM Identity. We are discussing a book by Dr. Christopher Emdin, an amazing advocate and visionary in the field of education. Join us as we dig deeper into science education and how students today need to identify and feel competent in everything science. Citations: D, C. E. P. (2022). Stem, steam, make, dream: Reimagining the Culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. International Center for Leadership in Education.Davis, T., PhD. (2024, May 29). Want to increase your chances of success? Then develop your growth mindset. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-for-happiness/201904/15-ways-to-build-a-growth-mindsetNotre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership | Mendoza College of Business | University of Notre Dame. (n.d.). The Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership. https://ethicalleadership.nd.edu/thought-leadership/how-to-stop-the-spreadof-misinformationPromoting Identity and Equity in STEM: Messages from the Learning. (n.d.). NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/winter-2025/promoting-identity-equity-stemPsychology, P. (2022, July 4). Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Thinking and Examples. Practical Psychology. https://practicalpie.com/fixed-vs-growth-mindset-thinking-and-examples/Romero, C. & MASTER, A. (2015). WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT GROWTH MINDSET FROM SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. https://studentexperiencenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/What-We-Know-About-Growth-Mindset.pdfShaping positive STEM identity for Student success | ASM.org. (n.d.). ASM.org. https://asm.org/articles/2023/september/shaping-positive-stem-identity-for-student-successTeaching current events. (2019, August 2). Facing History & Ourselves. https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/teaching-current-eventsThree mindset shifts that can help students succeed. (n.d.). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_mindset_shifts_that_can_help_students_succeed

    59 min
  6. How to talk to a science denier

    06/09/2025

    How to talk to a science denier

    Jamie finally finished the book, "How To Talk to a Science Denier." Join Jamie and Leah as they discuss the difficult process of unpacking denial mentality and the arduous process of trying to talk to deniers. Citations: Author Lee McIntyre. (n.d.). https://leemcintyrebooks.com/Gwazi Magnum. (2014, November 23). Vaccines cause Autism - If Google Was A Guy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77GGn-E607EKahan, D. M. (2017). Misconceptions, misinformation, and the logic of Identity-Protective Cognition. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2973067McIntyre, L. (2021). How to Talk to a Science Denier: Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and Others Who Defy Reason. https://direct.mit.edu/books/book/5169/How-to-Talk-to-a-Science-DenierConversations-with

    1h 25m
  7. Convergence Versus Consensus

    05/30/2025

    Convergence Versus Consensus

    Hi there! In today's episode, Leah and Jamie discuss the need to change the way science communicators show how they all agree on the data. It may seem like just semantics, but the word consensus has been confusing the general public for a long time, and it is easy to manipulate this confusion to sway public opinion. This will lead us to the next episode where we will discuss a 2021 book: How To Talk to a Science Denier. Enjoy today's episode! Citations: Hawks, J. (2025, April 27). Consilience, convergence, and consensus. John Hawks. https://www.johnhawks.net/p/consilience-convergence-and-consensusPodcast: Scientific Consensus: A concept past its expiration date? (2025, May 21). American Council on Science and Health. https://www.acsh.org/news/2025/05/21/podcast-scientific-consensus-concept-past-its-expiration-date-49497Starling, M. (2025, May 19). Monkeys are kidnapping babies of another species on a Panamanian island, perplexing scientists. CNN Science. Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/science/monkey-kidnappings-jicaron-island-panamaThomas, L. (2020, July 10). Single, Double & Triple Blind Study | Definition & Examples. skribbr.com. Retrieved May 20, 2025, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/double-blind-study/Thorp, H. H. (2025). Convergence and consensus. Science, 388(6745), 339. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ady3211

    1 hr
  8. State of the Heart Report, Part 2

    05/22/2025

    State of the Heart Report, Part 2

    This week's episode was a little late in getting out, but here it is: the second part of the State of the Heart Report, from 6seconds.org. Leah and Jamie discuss the idea of Emotional Intelligence and how there appears to be a downward trend in EQ (Emotional Quotient) in the world, especially in certain demographics. Check out the citations if you want to access the complete report. Citations: Affordable Counseling | Affordable Therapy | Open Path Collective. (n.d.). Open Path Collective. https://openpathcollective.org/Emotional Intelligence Test. (2025, April 10). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/personality/emotional-intelligence-testFreedman, J. (2024). State of the heart. In https://6sec.org/soh.FunkyFrogBait. (2025, May 2). How to be a MAN (According to Instagram reels) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV8RfJVwaoESix Seconds. (2022, February 2). Interactive Wellbeing Balancing Scale • Six seconds. https://www.6seconds.org/scale/

    1h 2m
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About

Welcome to Skeptical Thinker. A podcast where we dispel misconceptions and respect your ability to think critically about the world and everything in it! Being a skeptical thinker is so much more important today with all of the misinformation in social media. If you can't use your mind and intelligence to dig deeper into issues, you run the risk of being misled. Skepticism is all about asking questions , and being unwilling to believe without conclusive evidence. A skeptical person regularly asks themselves, "could I be wrong?"

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie and Leah - Father and Daughter team of skepticists
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jamie and Leah - Father and Daughter team of skepticists
  • Show Website
    Skeptical Thinker Podcast