Michael Shermer

Date: 2019-01-10 | Duration: 2h 52m

Episode Overview

Michael Shermer joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation that delves into skepticism, conspiracy theories, and the nature of belief. They explore the challenges of testing psychic phenomena, with Shermer emphasizing the importance of clearly defining claims before evaluating them. The discussion touches on the allure of conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding events like the JFK assassination and 9/11, where Shermer highlights how cognitive biases and the human desire for pattern recognition often fuel unfounded narratives. Shermer shares insights into how randomness and misinformation contribute to these persistent myths. The episode also examines cultural dynamics, including the contrast between tight and loose societies and how environmental factors shape behavior. Shermer reflects on secularism and the human need for community and meaning, suggesting that secular, ethics-driven gatherings could fulfill roles traditionally held by religious institutions. Additionally, the conversation covers the evolution of science communication and public understanding, with Shermer praising figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson while acknowledging the challenges scientists face in engaging broader audiences. Throughout, Shermer offers a thoughtful perspective on maintaining curiosity and critical thinking in an age saturated with information and misinformation.

About Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer is a prominent science writer and historian of science, best known as the founder of The Skeptics Society and Editor in Chief of its magazine, *Skeptic*. With a Ph.D. in the history of science, he has dedicated his career to dissecting pseudoscientific claims and promoting critical thinking. Shermer is also a prolific author, with several books including *Why People Believe Weird Things* and *The Moral Arc*, where he explores the intersection of science, belief, and morality. His engaging approach to debunking myths and championing rational inquiry makes him a compelling figure in the realm of skepticism and science communication.

Key Moments

– Skepticism
– Psychic Phenomena
– Conspiracy Theories
– JFK Assassination
– Space Exploration
– Climate Change
– Secularism
– Social Psychology
– Scientific Method
– Cognitive Bias
– Mental Health Research
– Cultural Differences
– Political Polarization
– Media Influence
– Self-Help Strategies
– Historical Assassinations
– Technology and Society
– Religion and Morality
0:00:00 – Introduction and greetings with Michael Shermer
0:03:02 – Discussion on horoscopes and vague psychic claims
0:07:32 – Rupert Sheldrake's psychic power hypothesis
0:11:30 – Advice on goal setting and optimism
0:14:35 – Concept of small wins in daily life
0:18:22 – Description of Pasadena's decline and revitalization
0:20:15 – Amazon's business strategies and innovations
0:26:36 – Tight versus loose cultures explained
0:29:54 – Germany's stance on Scientology
0:34:38 – L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology origins
0:41:08 – Philosophical thoughts on life and the universe
0:43:13 – Christopher Hitchens analogy about dying
0:48:25 – Incremental medical problems and aging
0:50:07 – Humorous questions about heaven's amenities
0:54:07 – Internet culture and mocking public figures
0:58:32 – Discussion on Trump's political image and ethics
1:01:28 – Mention of 'The Coddling of the American Mind' book
1:06:44 – Study 'Being Sane in Insane Places' overview
1:11:30 – Scientists' public personas and popular science
1:14:12 – Self-help reminders and life optimization
1:18:01 – Google memo controversy and gender discussions
1:24:31 – Critique of conspiracy theories' absurdity
1:29:56 – JFK assassination and the Umbrella Man story
1:33:39 – One World Trade Center building facts
1:36:07 – Limitations of scientific theories discussed
1:37:08 – Claims about space being fake and NASA skepticism
1:40:27 – Spacewalks and astronaut experiences
1:44:16 – Admission of limited astrophysics knowledge
1:47:25 – Discussion on 9/11 conspiracy theories
1:51:03 – Details on JFK assassination bullet trajectories
1:56:27 – Opinion on grand conspiracy likelihood
2:00:00 – Oliver Stone film impact on JFK theories
2:07:25 – Historical assassination examples
2:18:59 – Comparison of public hatred for Bush and Trump
2:22:21 – Cuban Missile Crisis negotiation story
2:26:08 – Science Salon and maintaining social order
2:29:19 – Challenges in climate change belief shift
2:32:00 – Idea for secular community and ethics
2:41:23 – Diversity and agreement in society
2:47:33 – Trends in societal progress over 200 years

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 and we're live hello michael schirmer hello joe rogan i'm doing well thank you good to see with Starting point is 00:00:39 I mean, I'm not a physicist. Starting point is 00:00:54 When I see those guys writing down on legal papers with all that scritchety-scratchety, crazy-looking, fake alien language mathematics, like, thank God you guys are out there. Starting point is 00:01:41 person who was talking about the purpose of life Starting point is 00:02:04 There are, yes. Starting point is 00:02:23 And he's saying something about, you know, it's okay for you to forgive yourself. Starting point is 00:02:38 If you're just vague enough, I mean, like horoscopes. Starting point is 00:03:02 What do you think about all that stuff? Starting point is 00:03:24 And yet you like the quiet solitude of a walk on the beach, you know, people going, Starting point is 00:03:52 yeah for his travel after he was shot she got real paranoid about that well so part of the problem is Starting point is 00:04:23 They gave him a book, The Three Ring Binder. Starting point is 00:04:34 just going through there. Starting point is 00:04:42 And you're thinking about travel. Starting point is 00:04:58 So one of the problems that Psychic Friends Networks had was people were not paying their phone bills Starting point is 00:05:36 Now you get a dollar per minute or whatever. Starting point is 00:06:06 product when it's not. But if, say, in that case, it's under food rather than drugs, or say, no, Starting point is 00:06:54 that uh statistically more people can recognize that people are staring at them yeah like when Starting point is 00:07:32 Now, the guy that does this, Rupert Sheldrake, he believes that it's actually some kind of psychic power through the medium. Starting point is 00:08:07 But in that case, it's best to just say, Starting point is 00:08:33 You mean in terms of just psychic ability? Starting point is 00:08:56 So the hard part in testing psychics is to pin down ...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1222?

Michael Shermer was the guest on JRE #1222. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1222?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1222 with Michael Shermer, topics include Skepticism, Psychic Phenomena, Conspiracy Theories, and JFK Assassination.

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The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1222 with Michael Shermer is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.