Science for the People

We talk to researcher Dr. Kathleen Taylor, the author of Cruelty: Human Evil and the Human Brain. Has the human brain evolved the capacity for evil? We'll examine cruelty as a scientific phenomenon, using the latest research from psychology and neuroscience. On Speaking Up we talk with Marc-Julien Objois of the Greater Edmonton Skeptics Society on their upcoming Skepticamp.

Our guest is Ben Radford, columnist and managing editor for Skeptical Inquirer magazine. Ben is a veteran investigator of paranormal incidents, and the author of Scientific Paranormal Investigation: How to Solve Unexplained Mysteries. He'll share stories about his favourite investigations, and the techniques he uses to bring real science to bear on paranormal claims. On Speaking Up we talk to Markus Volter with Omega Tau Podcast.

We explore the predictions and the problems in the quest to "enhance" human beings. We're joined by George Dvorsky of Sentient Developments and the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, and blogger Greg Fish. How will advancing technology affect our bodies, our lives, and our society? And it's time for another installment of Everything You Know is Sort Of Wrong with Greg Laden. This week: Did Humans Evolve from Apes?

Paula Begoun is the bestselling author of "The Beauty Bible" and "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me." We'll examine the science behind some popular beauty products, and find out what real research says about makeup myths. On Speaking Up we talk about The Amazing Meeting with Austin Luton, Jeff Wagg and K.O. Myers.

Pharmacist and blogger Scott Gavura returns to give us the evidence-based perspective on vitamins and the claims that are made about them. Which ones are beneficial, which ones are bunk, and how is this billion-dollar industry regulated? And on Speaking Up we talk with Steve Wereley on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Please note, due to technical issues during the recording, the sound quality of this week's episode is not up to our usual standard. We apologize for the inconvenience.

We're joined by John Cook, author of Skeptical Science, a website that examines climate change denial. What are the most common arguments used to create doubt about global warming? Are they supported by scientific evidence? On Speaking Up we talk to Meg Askey, Director of the Flagstaff Film Festival.

Journalist and author Vanessa Woods joins us to discuss her new book Bonobo Handshake.  The memoir takes us inside Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, a refuge for orphaned baby bonobos in the Congo. What can studying these highly social primates tell us about ourselves? And science blogger Greg Laden joins us for Everything You Know Is Sort of Wrong, a new regular feature exposing the truth behind some commonly held beliefs. Our first segment: Primitive Cultures.

Philosophy professor and author Dr. Massimo Pigliucci joins us to discuss his new book Nonsense On Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk. We'll discuss why people embrace pseudoscientific beliefs, and how it affects our culture. And on Speaking Up we talk to Noisy Astronomer Nicole Gugliucci with Dark Skies, Bright Kids.

We're joined by three members of the Young Australian Skeptics: Jack Scanlan, Elliot Birch and Jason Ball. We'll find out what's it like to discover reason before you're eligible to vote, how they communicate with their more credulous peers, and where they think we should go from here. On Speaking Up we talk to Alex Swan from WooFighters.org.

Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow, two of the hosts of MonsterTalk, join us to share some of their favorite stories of fictional fauna. On Speaking Up, we talk with Myron Getman of themadskeptic.com on The Dangers of Cryptozoology.