Skeptoid Brian Dunning

A show about how to understand science and/or look at the world in a broad way. Not sure it'll make a difference but it's admirable

I really enjoy listening to the podcasts and bringing good skeptical views of many popular and rarely known views on paranormal, conspiracy theories, medical woo, etc.

My bone of contention is the host’s, Brian Dunning, political bias on the show. From his conversations and quips, he seems to be on the left of the political spectrum. He seems to really emphasize the craziness and lunacy of certain people on the right-wing of the political spectrum for their views but downplays or barely gives a mention of the crazies on the left. If he does give it a mention of the leftists kooks, he will not mention their political affiliation. This is a contrast to the right-wing groups and his content mentioning of the group being right-wing/conservative/extremist any time he wants to drive the point home of their political leanings.

I have no problem with Brian Dunning’s political views or stances. However, if he still wants to be a person of facts, he might either give both political sides the same amount of coverage when describing their political views or not mention it at all unless it is relevant to the topic.

Again, I do enjoy the podcasts and the use of rationalism to disprove many of the wild things being said in today’s media. Just keep the politics out if it is not relevant to he topic and I do not need to constantly hear the person’s or group’s right of center leaning every other sentence.

Conspiracy theories, scams, false advertising, and anthropomorphizing spirits are not new phenomena. What is new is the reach, as we are bombarded daily with "gate du jour”.

One could view science and facts as just another way of looking at things, I suppose. But why not have a standard process that has no bias, doesn’t ask you for money, makes no promises, doesn’t shame you, doesn’t scare you, doesn’t coerce you, is not likely to kill you, but does require a bit of time and thought? Especially when making very life-changing decisions?

I want to tolerate others’ beliefs if there is no harm. Brian Dunning has made it much easier for me to find the delicate space between one’s beliefs and the facts so that I can respond with kindness but, most importantly, with full confidence. Thank you, not only for your many hours of research, but also for teaching ethics, methods and vocabulary to make me a useful skeptic.