Michael Shermer

Date: 2016-03-07 | Duration: 3h 2m

Episode Overview

Michael Shermer joins Joe Rogan to explore a wide range of topics centered on skepticism, science, and human belief systems. Drawing from his background as a competitive cyclist and founder of *Skeptic* magazine, Shermer discusses the culture of doping in professional sports, particularly cycling, offering insider insights into how performance-enhancing drugs like EPO transformed the sport. He reflects on Lance Armstrong’s complicated legacy, balancing admiration for his cancer survival and charity work with the reality of doping scandals that rocked the cycling world. The conversation then shifts to conspiracy theories and the psychology behind them. Shermer breaks down popular conspiracies such as 9/11 and JFK’s assassination, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and the dangers of confirmation bias. He highlights how real conspiracies exist but warns against overgeneralizing or falling into unfounded beliefs. Shermer also touches on the appeal of pseudoscience and paranormal claims, explaining how cognitive biases and social factors drive people toward these ideas. Later, Shermer delves into futuristic topics like artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the potential for human immortality through technology. He discusses the challenges of identity in digital minds and the ethical questions surrounding synthetic biology and lab-grown meat. Throughout, Shermer encourages critical thinking and curiosity, advocating for a balanced approach to understanding the mysteries of science and culture.

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

– Professional Cycling
– Doping in Sports
– Skepticism
– Conspiracy Theories
– Population Dynamics
– Nutrition and Diet
– Artificial Intelligence
– Extraterrestrial Life
– Religious Cults
– Psychic Phenomena
– Climate Science
– Historical Assassinations
– Space Exploration
– Scientific Method
– Social Media Influence
– Animal Rights
– Mental Health
– Technology Evolution
– Consciousness
0:00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Michael Shermer
0:00:29 – Michael Shermer's background as a bike racer
0:05:09 – Discussion on doping and EPO in cycling
0:08:03 – Lance Armstrong's doping context and legacy
0:11:38 – Blood doping methods and team camaraderie
0:13:50 – Lance Armstrong's cancer battle and Livestrong Foundation
0:15:20 – Origins of Skeptic Magazine and lecture series
0:19:16 – Skepticism as a niche market for fringe claims
0:23:43 – 9/11 conspiracy theories and debunking
0:28:23 – Real conspiracies vs. conspiracy theories
0:29:54 – Population bomb and demographic trends
0:33:47 – Veganism and food sustainability debate
0:37:59 – Future of lab-engineered meat and synthetic biology
0:41:59 – History and evolution of electric cars
0:45:30 – Hemp paper and its industrial uses
0:48:21 – War on drugs and societal control
0:51:31 – JFK assassination conspiracy discussion
0:56:09 – Multiple shooters theory in JFK assassination
1:03:33 – Eyewitness reliability in 9/11 events
1:10:34 – Psychics and mentalism explained
1:21:33 – Astrology and belief systems critique
1:24:05 – UFO sightings and government explanations
1:28:10 – Social media's impact on misinformation
1:30:33 – Science fiction references and alien encounters
1:34:08 – Neanderthals and human evolution
1:37:44 – Webb Space Telescope and exoplanet atmospheres
1:41:11 – Robert Lazar and UFO conspiracy skepticism
1:43:51 – Pharmaceutical industry and drug pricing issues
1:49:08 – Autism spectrum and medical diagnosis
1:51:37 – Vaccination myths and public health
1:53:41 – Psychological investment in beliefs
1:57:20 – Reluctance to admit being wrong
2:01:06 – Scientology and cult dynamics
2:10:00 – Challenges in changing behavior patterns
2:18:58 – Brain uploading and identity questions
2:28:04 – Polygamy and Mormon fundamentalism
2:36:24 – Campus protests and free speech debates
2:42:51 – Flat Earth and space skepticism
2:49:42 – Malthusian population theory and Darwin-Wallace history
2:54:54 – Creativity and invention process insights

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And we're live. Mr. Shermer, welcome. Starting point is 00:00:29 Yeah, well, I was a bike racer from 1980 to about 1990, about 10 years in between when I was first in college. Starting point is 00:00:55 I'm a college student, but I like to write. Starting point is 00:01:18 and Jonathan Boyer was the big star. Starting point is 00:02:00 And then soon after that were all those sort of long-distance mixed sport type things where you run and hike and swim. Starting point is 00:02:33 They are, yes. Starting point is 00:02:50 You have skeptics because they're also skeptics. Starting point is 00:03:08 is a really fascinating sport Starting point is 00:03:26 Yeah. Starting point is 00:03:35 You know, I just got two left feet. Starting point is 00:04:01 Absolutely. It's all I did, you was a 40-hour a week, but Starting point is 00:04:36 They just stored it and packed it in. Starting point is 00:05:09 things like steroids, that's not going to do it for a cyclist. The miracle of EPO is that it packs Starting point is 00:05:41 This was 1976. Starting point is 00:06:17 cured. I'm a Kaiser patient and I did it 10 years ago and wiped it out within a month. And I did the Starting point is 00:06:42 Martin Shurkelly. Starting point is 00:06:56 and charging ridiculous amount of money. Starting point is 00:07:29 Yep. Is it because just because you're in a sort of a trials and it's like, this is what we do. Starting point is 00:08:03 And so by the time Lance got into the sport, you know, he didn't invent doping. Starting point is 00:08:24 I like him a lot. Starting point is 00:08:47 Probably, yes. Starting point is 00:09:09 they all have been busted for doping or admitted that they doped. Starting point is 00:09:54 Anyway, with the Festina team that got busted in 98. Starting point is 00:10:11 Let's just try anything. Starting point is 00:10:40 And then, of course, Ferrari wasn't available, so he hired this other guy Fuentes who screwed up Starting point is 00...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #770?

Michael Shermer was the guest on JRE #770. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #770?

On Joe Rogan Experience #770 with Michael Shermer, topics include Professional Cycling, Doping in Sports, Skepticism, and Conspiracy Theories.

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