Sheldon Helms

Introduction with Marilin and Sheldon discussing defenses against some of the lame Creationist arguments against evolution. An Interview (Marilin's first!) with science defender Dr. Eugenie Scott. A Science Report about a Russian project to breed tame foxes that may shed light on the evolution of the modern dog. And a Good News report about a young man's battle against governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal to keep good science in Louisiana schools.

CLICK HERE to visit the website of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE).

CLICK HERE for information and tickets to Dr. Eugenie Scott's talk at the Commonwealth Club entitled, "Why Do People Reject Good Science?"

CLICK HERE to read about the Russian study on breeding tame foxes that's shedding light on the evolution of dogs from wolves.

CLICK HERE to read about Zach Kopplin, science defender and Bobby Jindal troll.

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing five common persuasion tactics, and personal stories of being conned. An Interview with social psychologist and fraud/con-criminal expert Dr. Anthony Pratkanis. Good News segment from Marilin about a whistle blower who uncovered a multi-million dollar scam in which perfectly healthy people were being treated for cancer.

CLICK HERE to purchase "Age of Propaganda," by Anthony Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson.

CLICK HERE to watch the AARP video "Weapons of Fraud," co-created by Anthony Pratkanis.

CLICK HERE to read more about Dr. Farid Fata, and his sentence of 45 years for medical fraud.

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing little known facts about twins. Interview with famed psychologist and twin studies expert, Dr. Nancy Segal. Science Report from Sheldon about internationally famous conjoined twins The Hilton Sisters. Good News Report from Marilin about two identical twins who were separated at birth, but found each other online via YouTube and Facebook.

CLICK HERE to visit Dr. Nancy Segal's website about twin studies, and to read information about her excellent books on twin research.

CLICK HERE to read about the Hilton Sisters, and their amazing (and sad) story as two of the world's most famous conjoined twins.

CLICK HERE to read more about Anais Bordier and Samantha Futerman, identical twins adopted from Korea who only recently learned about each others existence via social media.

Introduction in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss some surprising research results on memory production and failure. Interview with famed psychologist and memory expert Dr. Elizabeth Loftus about her research on Implanted Memories. The Science Report details cases of false memory and accusations of child molestation that led to long prison terms for innocent people. Good News report from Marilin about a case of mistaken identity that eventually had positive outcomes.

CLICK HERE to visit Elizabeth Loftus' web page and learn more about her research.

CLICK HERE to read a detailed account of the Kern County Child Molestation cases, and the witch hunt led by former D.A. Ed Jagels.

CLICK HERE to learn about "Picking Cotton: A Memoir," by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton.

Introduction includes a conversation in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss current pro-vaccination laws in California, and commentary by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about vaccine deniers. An Interview with pediatrician and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Paul Offit. A Science Report about Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research claiming a link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The Good News segment from Marilin detailing a Canadian woman's conversion from vaccine denier to vaccine proponent. And a special segment from former co-host Amanda DeVaus about new laws in Australia that seek to protect everyone by requiring vaccination for all citizens.

CLICK HERE to visit the Vaccine Education Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

CLICK HERE to read about Tara Hills, Canadian mother of 7, who converted to vaccine proponent.

CLICK HERE to see what disgraced former researcher Andrew Wakefield has to say about the current measles outbreak in California, and how he's sticking to his story about an autism link.

CLICK HERE to read details of Australia's newly introduced crackdown on religious exemptions to vaccination.

TICKETS AND INFO for SkeptiCal Conference.

INFO about Marilin Colón's talk "Embracing Mistakes," Sunday May 10th in San Jose, CA.

Introduction of the topic of Secularism with a conversation between Sheldon and Marilin about non-belief in their own lives. Interview with Catherine Dunphy (the former executive director of The Clergy Project), and Mary Johnson (a former member of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity). Science Report about how research on partial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can shed light on some types of religious experiences. Good News report about Drew Beckius, one of the former clergy members who has been helped and supported by The Clergy Project.

CLICK HERE to visit the official web site of The Clergy Project.

CLICK HERE for information about Catherine Dunphy's upcoming book, "From Apostle to Apostate: The Story of the Clergy Project."

CLICK HERE to order Mary Johnson's memoir, "An Unquenchable Thirst."

CLICK HERE to check out the Rational Doubt blog, where members of the Clergy Project post.

CLICK HERE to read more about former evangelical pastor (now atheist) Drew Bekius.

Today, April 23rd, 2015, is "Openly Secular Day"!  We here at ShelShocked have an openly, and proudly, secular worldview. And we encourage all of our openly secular friends to commit themselves to sharing their secular worldview with at least one other person today! Visibility is power!

Introduction to the topic discussing Indiana's passage of their discriminatory Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Interview with famed neuroscientist Dr. Simon LeVay about his research on the biological roots of sexual orientation. Science Report on the horrors of so-called "Gay Conversion Therapy." And a Good News segment from Marilin about progress in welcoming LGBT people into the world of baseball.

CLICK HERE to read a synopsis of Indiana's discriminatory RFRA law from the Washington Post.

CLICK HERE to visit the web site of neuroscientist Dr. Simon LeVay, and for information about his research, books, etc.

CLICK HERE to watch a documentary about a gay conversion group and its attempts to use fellowship and pseudo-therapy to generate heterosexuality.

CLICK HERE to contribute to the Oakland A's "Filling the Stands on Pride Night" campaign.

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Introduction of new co-host, Marilin Colón, and discussion about HBO's "Going Clear" documentary about Scientology. Interview with psychologist and cult expert Dr. Patrick O'Reilly. Science Report about the history of research on cognitive dissonance, and its role in cult membership. Good News about former FLDS member Sabrina Tetzner's successful battle to reunite with her children after leaving the cult.

CLICK HERE to visit the HBO web page for "Going Clear," the documentary on Scientology

CLICK HERE to check out Operation Clambake, a comprehensive resource for information on Scientology.

CLICK HERE to purchase Dr. Patrick O'Reilly's book "Undue Influence: Cons, Scams, and Mind Control. UPDATE: Dr. O'Reilly's book is undergoing updates for a new edition, with over 70 more pages of content being added. Please check back for more info as it becomes available.

CLICK HERE to purchase "When Prophecy Fails."

CLICK HERE to read about the mother regaining custody of her children from Warren Jeffs' FLDS cult.

Sheldon and Amanda discuss their roles in Operation Bumblebee, a skeptical investigation of self-described psychic medium Chip Coffey, and the reaction by some in the skeptic community. Interview with Jay Novella from the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast about his video project, "Occ, the Skeptical Caveman." Science Report on the psychological research of influence and persuasion, and how it can be used by skeptical activists. The Good News about successful activism against the Burzynski Clinic and its dubious claims to treat and cure cancer.

CLICK HERE to read Chip Coffey's response to the Operation Bumblebee investigation.

CLICK HERE to visit the YouTube channel for "Occ, the Skeptical Caveman."

CLICK HERE to order "Undue Influence" by Dr. Patrick O'Reilly, and CLICK HERE to order "Age of Propaganda" by Drs. Anthony Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson.

CLICK HERE to check out "The OTHER Burzynski Patient Group" website.

CLICK HERE for information about the SkeptiCal Conference (Saturday, June 6th, 2015).