In episode 177 of Michael Shermer’s podcast, he speaks with neuroscientist and literature professor Dr. Angus Fletcher about 25 of the most powerful developments in the history of literature, from ancient Mesopotamia to Elena Ferrante. PLUS: From now through May 3, 2021 all print and digital back issues of Skeptic magazine are on sale for only 99 cents each! Now is the time to complete your collection!
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eSkeptic for May 1, 2021
Scott Barry Kaufman — Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization
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In Science Salon # 111 Michael Shermer speaks with psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman about his book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. Kaufman picks up where Abraham Maslow left off, unraveling the mysteries of his unfinished theory of transcendence, and integrating these ideas with the latest research on attachment, connection, creativity, love, purpose and other building blocks of a life well lived.
eSkeptic April 14, 2020
In Science Salon # 111 Michael Shermer speaks with psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman about his book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. Kaufman picks up where Abraham Maslow left off, unraveling the mysteries of his unfinished theory of transcendence, and integrating these ideas with the latest research on attachment, connection, creativity, love, purpose and other building blocks of a life well lived.
Catherine Wilson — How to Be an Epicurean: The Ancient Art of Living Well
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In Science Salon # 96 Michael Shermer speaks with Catherine Wilson about the ancient wisdom of Epicureanism: a philosophy of living well that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans.
eSkeptic for December 24, 2019
In Science Salon # 96 Michael Shermer speaks with Catherine Wilson about the ancient wisdom of Epicureanism: a philosophy of living well that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans. PLUS, Jonathan Kay tells us what board games teach us about capitalism and how to modify it.
Bruce Hood — Possessed: Why We Want More Than We Need
![](https://www.skeptic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Bruce-Hood-Salon-2x-510x287.jpg)
Psychologist Bruce Hood explains why our uniquely human preoccupation with ownership governs our behavior, even when it is often irrational, and destructive. Possessed is the first book to explore how ownership has us enthralled in relentless pursuit of a false happiness, with damaging consequences for society and the planet — and how we can stop buying into it.
eSkeptic for September 3, 2019
In Science Salon # 81, Michael Shermer speaks with award-winning University of Bristol psychologist Bruce Hood about his brand new book, Possessed: Why We Want More Than We Need, which draws on research to explain why our uniquely human preoccupation with ownership governs our behavior from the cradle to the grave, even when it is often irrational, and destructive.
Derren Brown — Magic, Happiness, and Skepticism
![Derren Brown and Michael Shermer](https://www.skeptic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/derren-brown-michael-shermer-510x287.jpg)
Derren Brown: Mind Control received immediate success after the TV show aired in 2000. His specials include Russian Roulette, Seance, The Heist, Hero at 30,000 Feet, How to Predict the Lottery, and Apocalypse. His live shows Something Wicked This Way Comes and Svengali have won him two Olivier Awards. He garnered the 2012 BAFTA for Best Entertainment for The Experiments.
eSkeptic for March 1, 2017
The media love to hype “Fountain of Youth” claims. Many diverse treatments being promoted as “anti-aging” remedies are not grounded in science, are misleading, and sometimes even illegal. In this week’s eSkeptic, Harriet Hall, M.D. discusses some of the those treatments.
Anti-Aging Claims: The Fountain of Youth is Still Only a Legend
![](https://www.skeptic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Lucas_Cranach_-_Der_Jungbrunnen_Gemaldegalerie_Berlin-2x-510x330.jpg)
The media love to hype “Fountain of Youth” claims. Many diverse treatments being promoted as “anti-aging” remedies are not grounded in science, are misleading, and sometimes even illegal. In this column, from Skeptic magazine 21.4 (2016), Harriet Hall, M.D. discusses some of the those treatments.
The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter
Face-to-face contact matters. From birth to death, human beings are hardwired to connect to other human beings. In this lecture, psychologist Susan Pinker shows how face-to-face contact is crucial for learning, happiness, resilience, and longevity.
Trying Not to Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity
In this lecture, based on his book Trying Not To Try, Edward Slingerland explains why we find happiness and spontaneity so elusive. Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives.
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