When Does Healthy Skepticism Become Conspiracy-Mongering?

Guest: Colin Dickey, cultural historian and author of “The Unidentified: Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters, and Our Obsession with the Unexplained”

Two camps of Bigfoot seekers represent very different views of science: one hopes to discover a legitimately new species of animal, and one doesn't trust scientists and fears what they might do to Bigfoot. Why do some people embrace conspiracy this way? Dickey tries to understand the psychology of mistrust: it's nothing new. And with every advent of technology there has been a suspicion of its connection to the paranormal. How can we maintain wonder and protect ourselves against being vulnerable? And how can we be skeptical without losing our sense of wonder? 

 

Finding Life in Outer Space

Guest: Jill Tarter, Emeritus Chair, SETI Institute

Jill Tarter has devoted her life to the scientific discovery of alien life and technology. She claims that if we find any sign of life in the universe, we can assume the universe is full of life. Tune in to hear what the SETI Institute is looking for.