This series puts aside anecdotal evidence, emotionally charged reasoning, and complacency with perceived “certainty” to explore controversial scientific topics through conversations with the actual experts. Throughout the series, we will attempt to counter pseudoscientific reasoning and eliminate—at least in our little corner of the world— misconceptions about topics such as climate change, diet culture, pornography, positive psychology, and even adulthood.
Media: Friend or Foe?
“I felt like I had blood on my hands,” said Ron Harris.
In 2001, Harris published research purporting an earthquake along the Indian Ocean was long overdue; in 2004, that 9.8 magnitude earthquake occurred, killing upwards of 230,000 people. After that day, Harris set his heart on communicating research in life-changing ways that other scientists rarely do.
But, Harris still has some qualms with science coverage in the media.
Special thanks to Mitch Rogers for allowing us to use the audio recording of his interview with Ron Harris.
Sources:
CNN, TCN, CBS, BBC
Voodoo Science by Robert Park
Music Credit:
This Moment by Jonny Easton
Up In My Jam (All Of A Sudden) by Kubbi https://soundcloud.com/kubbi
Atlantean Twilight by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
The Reformed Lazy Skeptic
Barry Bickmore used to consider himself a “lazy skeptic” when it came to climate change; now, he runs a blog called Climate Asylum” where he goes through the illogical, pseudoscientific ways people “avoid the truth about climate change.”
Music Credit:
Up In My Jam (All Of A Sudden) by Kubbi https://soundcloud.com/kubbi
Clowning Around by Gaming Sounds FX
“I Won Today”
A man goes to Facebook with a personal, controversial struggle; Dr. Brian Willoughby talks the pitfalls of catastrophizing pornography use.
Music Credit:
Emotional Background Music by Mansur atinah
Turning Diet Culture on Its Head
Health and fitness coaches hope to turn diet culture on its head by advocating a new approach towards eating.
Walk, Don’t Run
Dr. Jared Warren lays out the science behind mindfulness and why this little thing called Hedonic Adaptation can keep us from being happy.
Sources:
Kylie “Napua” Carver
The How of Happiness Sonya Lyumborsky
Music Credit:
Scheming Weasel (faster version) by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Up In My Jam (All Of A Sudden) by Kubbi https://soundcloud.com/kubbi
Marianas by Audio Library
Music by AShamaluevMusic.
Mindfulness in Action
Adam Hartshorn describes his mindful practice when jumping off buildings and over gaps — i.e. parkour.
Music by AShamaluevMusic.
Bonus: Am I an Adult Yet?
Two emerging adults (i.e. the hosts of the show, Jessica Grimaud and Cheyenne Costa) discuss the science behind the shifting definition of adulthood. The podcast also delves into the unique culture of young adult Mormons and culture’s shifting views on marriage.