Skepticast

Skepticast

By Cooper Williams and Mimi ShengArts
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Skepticast episodes

  • The Invention of "White People"

    Ah, the age old question... where do "White people" come from? We interview Professor Marco Tabellini of Harvard Business School to understand how an influx of racial minorities affects our acceptance of who is "White". Plus: a bonus for Lion King fans! 

    18 min
  • Maternal Health

    We interview Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson, a public health expert, on racial disparities in maternal health. Dr. Jackson has served as an advisor to the CDC and as Professor of Applied Public Health at Emory University and a Visiting Scholar at Spelman College. 

    27 min
  • Wildfires

    The world is on fire -- for once, we're not talking about politics. Find out more about what causes wildfires, what you can do about them, and what Cooper really thinks about gender reveal parties. 

    16 min
  • History of the Electoral College

    In this episode, we interview Professor Alexander Keyssar of Harvard, author of the new book "Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?" Find out how the electoral college was devised, why it has survived several (bipartisan) efforts for reform, and which Founding Father actually wanted to go with a popular vote. 

    32 min
  • The Postal Service & Mail-In Voting

    The USPS is the center of attention these days, but do you know which president started it? In our last episode of the season, find out the truth about mail-in voting, and what happened to names like Ebenezer Hazard. 

    19 min
  • Political Polling

    If the name “Nate Silver” triggers your PTSD, this is the episode for you! Learn about political polling 101, wtf happened with the 2016 polls, and what they have to say about the 2020 election today.

    20 min
  • Joe Biden: Climate Policies

    Papa Joe decided he wants to keep Miami above water, and released a new Climate Change plan on how to do it. Learn about his $2 trillion plan, why Biden’s breaking “rules” of campaigning, and why Cooper was traumatized by a campaign website.

    19 min
  • Universal Basic Income

    Bernie Sanders and Milton Friedman agree? No, it’s not a rupture in the space-time continuum, it’s just universal basic income. Listen to how UBI works, the evidence for and against, and Mimi’s transformation into an angry Siri. 

    20 min
  • Meat Processing Plants

    The CDC warns we are creating a ninja-warrior training gym for viruses. Find out why factory farms will kill us all, and why Cooper doesn't want an Ostrich farm. 

    18 min

About Skepticast

From the publisher's feed

Two students at a small university in Cambridge, MA want to help you get smart! Each week we provide a succinct, humorous overview of some of the most interesting topics of the day including universal…