http://www.amateurscientist.org We discuss issues relating to science, religion, pseudoscience, politics, and the paranormal. Then we make fun of them. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:54:04 GMT ListGarden Program 1.3.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss AmateurScientist.org Come for the skepticism. Stay for the dick jokes. We discuss issues relating to science, religion, pseudoscience, politics, and the paranormal. Then we make fun of them. http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-15-08.mp3 It's our post-election wrap-up special, and we're six minutes more excited than normal. Barack Obama has finally beaten back the vicious two-headed hell beast known as McCain/Palin, but is his change really change in which we can believe? Also, why is it that so many first ladies turn out to be insane? Plus, we put the election predictions of psychic Elizabeth Joyce to the test. Is she a terrible psychic, or is there something about Joe Biden he's not telling us? All that and more on this super-sized episode. Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:54:00 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, obama, election, astrology, elizabeth joyce, psychic, italy, pizza, mussolini http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-5-08.mp3 This week's 50th episode marks our one year anniversary, and we're celebrating by doing the same crap we do all the time. Bees are on the decline, but they're also on the attack. Does the fact that they can do simple math threaten the existence of humanity? Plus, ancient Hebrew texts prove that no one could ever catch a break in Hollywood. And we pose the question: How important is it that a Catholic priest believes in Jesus? Finally, we look up naked pictures of you on Facebook. Come celebrate with us. Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:04:41 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, bees, hebrews, hollywood, priests, superman, facebook http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-29-08.mp3 In our own version of Oprah's Big Give, we talk up the wonders of the Amazon Kindle, only we don't receive any product placement money. And we're not giving you one. Plus, science has discovered how to sniff out disease in plants. Disco may save your life. And we learn how prostate research in mice might one day lead to a violent takeover of the United States Congress. Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:17:25 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, amazon, kindle, staying alive, cpr, plants, prostate http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-22-08.mp3 Sarah Palin has Jehovah Six-pack on speed dial, and He's telling her to drill, baby, drill. Google may be our overlords, but they seem pretty benevolent so far. Please stop questioning them. God is sued, but does he have a home address? And Doctor Who addresses the important issue of British people's filthy, filthy hands. All that and (slightly) more on this week's show. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:16:29 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, palin, god, oil, drilling, google, british, shit, doctor who, tardis http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-16-08.mp3 Should Bob and I run off to Connecticut to marry each other purely for political reasons? Is it acceptable to torture mice while finding out what makes people happy? Should you protect yourself from your cell phone's deadly rays? Is $1 million enough to shoot porn in space? Are scientific conferences just an excuse for smart people to get out of the house? The answers to all these questions and not many more on this week's show. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:13:10 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, gay marriage, happiness, cell phones, porn, exoplanets http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Douglas-Rushkoff-10-11-08.mp3 In the studio this week: author, teacher, philosopher, and social critic Douglas Rushkoff on new media, the rise of technology, open source Judaism, science vs. religion, cyber spirituality, and who would win in a back alley fight between Robert Anton Wilson and Timothy Leary. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:00:42 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, douglas rushkoff, new media, robert anton wilson, timothy leary http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-8-08.mp3 Bob's back as the regular co-host this week, and that can only mean one thing: We're talking about the hoo-ha. The president of Pakistan has come under fire and fatwa for flirting with V.P. candidate Sarah Palin. Science shows men who hate women make more money than the rest of us. An Ig Nobel is awarded for research into Coca-Cola douching. Vagina surgery is simply out of hand. And we announce the establishment of the Funderburk/Kuhn Award for America's craziest politician. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:01:42 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, palin, fatwa, coke, ig nobel, vagina, sexism, funderburk, kuhn http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-1-08.mp3 My own self-loathing fills in as guest co-host this week, ridiculing and otherwise degrading me as we discuss China's time-displaced reporting on its own spacewalk, SpaceX's successful shot into orbit, and the genetic marker for narcolepsy. Plus, I consult spiritual guru/bullshit artist Deepak Chopra about how to come to terms with my emotional problems and, failing that, try to schedule an exorcism with the Catholic Church. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:30:02 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, china, spacex, narcolepsy, deepak chopra, exorcism http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Karl-Mamer-9-27-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Karl Mamer, expert on scams, conspiracies, and hoaxes and host of the excellent Conspiracy Skeptic podcast. We talk about the craziness of 9/11 Truthers, shape-shifting lizard aliens, whether the Jews can keep you from having a girlfriend, and whether all that bulk on Alex Jones is fat or muscle. Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:41:24 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, karl mamer, conspiracy, 9/11, alex jones http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-9-24-08.mp3 Former podcast co-host and current website contributor Richard Peacock returns for a limited engagement this week as we discuss the science of near death experiences, whether ducks are Catholics or Muslims, and the buff physiques of online roleplayers. Plus, our own Bob Teague is live on the scene of David Blaine's hanging upside down stunt. For real. And to round things out, famed astronomer Carl Sagan offers a lesson on the letter "A". Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:10:44 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, near death experience, nde, mmorpg, everquest, david blaine, carl sagan http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-9-17-08.mp3 With Bob on assignment in a cheap space pod near the Hubble telescope, we welcome our temporary co-host, Quackers the Podcasting Duck. Quackers offers his unique water fowl insight as we discuss the murder of Saudi Arabian satellite TV owners, new breeds of super lice, brain scanning in court, the Church of England's apology to Charles Darwin, the coming UFO awakening, and whether homeopathic burn balm can treat accidental wounds suffered by a podcasting duck during a science experiment. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:38:32 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, quackers, hubble, saudi arabia, lice, darwin, church of england, ufo, blossom goodchild, homeopathy, lord of the rings, dust in the wind http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Kevin-Grazier-9-13-08.mp3 In the studio this week: planetary physicist Dr. Kevin Grazier. Dr. Grazier works at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Cassini/Huygens mission to Saturn, and he's also the science adviser for the shows Eureka and Battlestar Galactica. Join us as we discuss the science in science fiction, what really happens when humans are exposed to the vacuum of space, and whether Bruce Willis could really take down an asteroid. Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:02:08 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, kevin grazier, battlestar galactica, space, saturn, nasa, jpl, eureka, cassini, cylon http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-9-10-08.mp3 It's a special Dragon*Con episode of The Amateur Scientist Podcast as you're given a glimpse into the amazing skeptical extravaganza that occurred this past Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, a city so hot it qualifies as a convection cooking device. We sit down with Australian skeptic Richard Saunders, host of The Skeptic Zone (formerly the TANK Vodcast), to talk about science education, making skepticism fun, and ridiculous suspenders. Plus, enjoy a clip from the live JREF Million Dollar Challenge demonstration, wherein an angry young man extols the virtues of pretend "paranormalist" and part-time wax dummy Jim Callahan. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:31:08 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, dragoncon, jref, million dollar challenge, richard saunders, tank vodcast, jim callahan http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-8-27-08.mp3 Like tapered pants and the Swatch, the deadly measles virus has come roaring back into style after morons refuse to vaccinate their children. And speaking of vaccinations, it turns out most parents want their girls to be vaccinated against HPV, despite the fact that it may encourage them to slut it up. Plus, dogs can be trained to sniff out skin cancer, China embarks on a heart-warming re-education program, and Florida biology teacher David Campbell brings evolution to Florida, a state which has never evolved. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:11:37 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, measles, hpv, skin cancer, china, david campbell, florida, evolution http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Michael-Brooks-8-23-08.mp3 In the studio this week: science writer Dr. Michael Brooks discussing his new book 13 Things That Don't Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of Our Time. We talk about death, life, the placebo effect, homeopathy, and whether it's better to have your article appear before or after the Playboy centerfold. Dr. Brooks holds a doctorate in quantum physics, is an editor at New Scientist, and his writing has appeared in the Guardian, Independent, and Observer. Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:28:44 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, michael brooks, 13 things that don't make sense, homeopathy, placebo, new scientist http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-8-20-08.mp3 Is Bigfoot on the prowl, or just shoved awkwardly in a cooler? Why might a Texas school district believe teachers should pack heat? Is Prince Charles really as much of an idiot as he seems? Why do Scots want to punish crawfish with deadly force? Could Iran really be on the verge of a technological breakthrough in thinly-veiled antisemitism? And why are Japanese video game designers so emotionally disturbed? These are the questions we ponder on this week's monumental 40th episode of The Amateur Scientist Podcast. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:27:09 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, bigfoot, texas, guns, prince charles, crawfish, iran, video games http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-8-13-08.mp3 This week we're talking psychics. You know, those fortunate persons whose only barrier to unemployment is their willingness to dupe others and themselves. James "The Amazing" Randi of the James Randi Educational Foundation joins us to expose the tricks of the trade. Plus, we delve into the mind of TV's most hilarious psychic, Chip Coffey, and phone a couple of elementary schools to see if we can set up our own X-Men-like training program for "psychic kids." Also, Matthew McConaughey is burying placentae, Catherine Zeta-Jones is trying to speak to the dead, and Bob's in a bunker to wait out the end of the world. This episode's so exciting, it makes our junk tingle. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:45:49 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, psychics, james randi, jref, sylvia browne, chip coffey, psychic http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-7-30-08.mp3 Can scientists handle smart girls? We've solved the mystery of the northern lights, but at what expense? Trans fats: deadlier than terrorism? What do gospel singers know about gay animals? Can soy eaters throw out their condoms? And in the kitchen, Rachael Ray shows us how to make an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 30 minutes or less. Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:27:32 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, math, girls, northern lights, trans fat, rachael ray, homosexuality, sperm, soy http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-7-22-08.mp3 E.O. Wilson compares humans to ants, but would we rather be sheep? How can we decrease our carbon footprints while maintaining our personal helicopter fleets? Will the exotic tongue orchid kill the wasp race with its sexiness? Does singing terrible music make female fish horny? And will we sacrifice a cute fluffy kiddy to obtain religious tax breaks? Find out on this week's show. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:35:01 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, e.o. wilson, evolution, sheep, ants, global warming, al gore, carbon footprint, tongue orchid, wasp, meat loaf, cats http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Frank-Bures-7-19-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Travel writer Frank Bures discussing his article A Mind Dismembered: In Search of the Magical Penis Thieves, an exploration of the phenomenon of witchcraft-assisted penis theft in Africa. Frank's writing has been featured in Harper's, Esquire, Outside, The Washington Post Magazine, and the L.A. Times. His work has also been anthologized in Best American Travel Writing 2004, and he's the recipient of a 2007 Lowell Thomas award for travel writing. For a fun drinking game, try taking a shot every time someone says "penis" during this interview. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:52:32 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, frank bures, penis, africa http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-7-15-08.mp3 President Bush shocks the world by acting like a dick about global warming. Can the butt-ugly flounder be the nail in Intelligent Design's coffin? Indonesia mourns the loss of its favorite penis witch. The solar system is damaged goods. Pringles aren't potato crisps, and they're also barely food. Good old fashioned white supremacy in...Canada? Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:55:29 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, dana perino, global warming, bush, flounder, evolution, solar system, pringles, penis, indonesia, mak erot, swastika, canada http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Karl-Giberson-7-12-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Dr. Karl Giberson, professor of physics at Eastern Nazarene College and author of Saving Darwin: How to be a Christian and Believe in Evolution. We discuss why Darwin has become the Christian right's new Satan, how science can harmonize with religious belief, and whether Darwin's or Lincoln's beard would be the bigger handicap in a fistfight. Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:50:57 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, karl giberson, saving darwin, evolution, christianity, intelligent design, lincoln http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-7-8-08.mp3 George W. Bush finally learns there are consequences to his actions and makes a friend for life in the process. Sen. Whoremonger and Sen. Handjob unite to defend marriage from the gays. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finds himself in the imaginary crosshairs. Anglican priests are scared of vaginae. Wales comes under alien attack. And extraterrestrials have allied themselves with Satan. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:17:20 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, china, bush, craig, vitter, gay marriage, ahmadinejad, assassination, church of england, anglican , bishop, moon, wales, ufo, impe http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Steven-Novella-7-5-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Dr. Steven Novella, host of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast, to talk about what skeptics really are, how we can market science to the public, and whether the Fourth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons is really all it's cracked up to be. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:20:44 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, skeptics guide, steven novella, dungeons and dragons http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-7-01-08.mp3 Our genetics may govern how often we enter the voting booth and yank that greasy lever, yet more research shows that marijuana isn't just for nausea anymore, Neo-Pagans are a growing minority in the U.S. despite the fact that no one knows what they are, assault via exorcism is legal in Texas, and scientists watch as a penguin is raped. All that and more on this week's Nerds-fueled romp. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:39:09 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, voting, genetics, marijuana, paganism, exorcism, texas, penguins, seals, rape http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Pope-Brock-6-28-08.mp3 In the studio this week: author Pope Brock discussing his book Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam, a non-fiction black comedy about notorious con man John Brinkley, who made a fortune implanting goat testicles into real-live human beings. Yes, goat testicles. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:59:02 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, pope brock, charlatan, john brinkley, pseudoscience, flimflam http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-6-24-08.mp3 A teacher burns crosses on his students' arms, lucky girl struck by lightning wins $20, God hearts evolution, lonely adult men find comfort in a tiny toy robot, our brains are hardwired to keep us from killing babies, and the marketing ratchets up for Obecalp brand sugar pills. Join us, won't you? Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:29:16 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, cross branding, ohio, lightning, lottery, evolution, god, robot, girlfriend, japan, babies, obecalp http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Holly-Wilson-6-21-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Dr. Holly Wilson, professor of philosophy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, to discuss Louisiana's so-called "Academic Freedom Bill", the implications of teaching Intelligent Design in high school classrooms, and who would win in a fight between Arthur Schopenhauer and Immanuel Kant. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:20:29 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, intelligent design, creationism, holly wilson, philosophy, discovery institute, louisiana, bobby jindal http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-6-17-08.mp3 Tom Cruise battles Dr. Drew. Older is scientifically proven to be wiser. European Muslim women are revirginized through surgery. Unicorns are finally explained. Furry lizards roam Antarctica. Herpes takes Manhattan. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal expels a demon. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:56:44 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, dr drew, tom cruise, wisdom, muslims, virgins, unicorns, antarctica, new york, herpes http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Seth-Shostak-6-14-08.mp3 In the studio this week: Dr. Seth Shostak, chief astronomer for SETI and host of Are We Alone?, to discuss the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the plan for making contact, and making sweet love to Matthew McConaughey. Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:15:42 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, seti, seth shostak, aliens, matthew mcconaughey http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-6-10-08.mp3 A man falls in the spirit, and there's no one there to catch him. The Matrix becomes (fake) reality. Vertebrates are finally having sex. The Japanese like their watermelons big and black. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is now the world's most credible fake disease. A Texas prophet dooms us all. And, finally, the Rapture. Your soul can't afford to miss this episode. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:50:47 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, spirit, watermelon, cult, doomsday, vertebrate, sex, rapture, chronic fatigue, japanese http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Robert-Price-6-7-08.mp3 It's the very first episode of Inside the Amateur Scientist Studio, a weekly interview-oriented addendum to The Amateur Scientist Podcast. In the studio this week: Bible scholar Robert M. Price. We talk about the Catholic Church's recent crackdown on female priests, the history of women in Christianity, and leather-clad nuns. Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:43:14 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, robert price, bible, catholic, priests, female, feminism, women http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-6-3-08.mp3 Flying in the face of human reason, a fake alien video charms the media. Meanwhile, tribal bacterial warfare rages in the crook of your elbow, space shuttles are launched, bowel movements are floating through zero gravity, and murderous murders of crow murderers murder their way across Japan while their scientists are busy creating tiny noodle bowls. It's a crazy world in which we live. All the more reason to listen to this week's show. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:06:26 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, alien, mars, elbow, bacteria, space shuttle, poop, crows, Japan, ramen, noodles http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-5-27-08.mp3 German comedians are losing their babies. Erections may fight heart disease. Christian dating gets kinky. California is aflame. McCain and Hagee split. And a journey to the center of Oprah's colon. All that and more on this week's action-packed episode. Wed, 28 May 2008 00:45:58 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, babies, Germany, Viagra, erection, heart disease, california, gay, wildfire, Hagee, McCain, Oprah http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-5-20-08.mp3 There's cloning fraud afoot in South Korea. The Burmese junta is hording all the good stuff. Foreigners have the oldest tree, but America has the largest organism. Depressed young stars are going supernova. Iceland is celebrating the penis. Area 51 employees are calling the show. In a crazy world like this, can you afford not to listen? Tue, 20 May 2008 12:11:55 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, clones, burma, trees, emo, supernova, penis, museum, area 51, art bell http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-5-13-08.mp3 Pollution causes baldness! Gay penguins upset people! NASA wants to bed you! Code Pink is overrun by witches! Bodies dissolve in lye! Animals are buggered in Florida! Chickens are being crucified! What's the world coming to? Find out in this week's episode. Tue, 13 May 2008 22:29:32 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, baldness, penguins, nasa, code pink, funerals, beastiality, crucichicken http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-5-6-08.mp3 Who's the new voice? Why, it's none other than Bob Teague, my new co-host and lifelong (hetero) mate (in training). We get right down to business, discussing angry Greek Lesbians, Jesus' appearance in a woman's womb, the death of Albert "I Invented LSD" Hoffman, the unsurprising powerlessness of prayer, truck nutz, Hillary Clinton's robo-calls, colossal squid, and former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld's ghost hunting. You'd be a damn fool not to listen. Wed, 07 May 2008 02:51:13 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, lesbians, lsd, ultrasound, jesus, truck nuts, prayer, albert hoffman, hillary clinton, squid, donald rumsfeld http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-5-2-08.mp3 On this week's show: the trials of human near-extinction, the plight of the hideous and mysterious narwhal, the superbly ludicrous reporting of Fox News, Mother Mary statues weeping priest blood, and the horrors of evil wizards out to steal and/or shrink penises for their own nefarious ends. It doesn't get any better, so don't even try. Sat, 03 May 2008 03:53:03 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, extinction, narwhal, kim kardashian, global warming, mary, bleeding, catholic, penis, wizard, africa http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-4-23-08.mp3 This week, our program proceeds as follows: We travel through time to hear the stunning voice of Neanderthal man, question the logic of Iran's president, wonder aloud about an apparition of Jesus Christ in a hospital door, run for our lives when a man prays on a plane, stick it to the Pope for his kiddie rape non-mea culpa, brace ourselves for the totalitarian control of Vladimir Putin, and wish the worst of fates upon a particular audience member. Plus, we finally offer our review of Expelled!: No Intelligence Allowed. Join us, won't you? Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:40:25 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, neanderthal, ahmadinejad, 9/11, conspiracy, jesus, pope, prayer, expelled, ben stein http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/Phelps_interview.mp3 BONUS: As an exciting/disturbing supplement to this week's show, we offer an exclusive interview with Fred Phelps, Jr., son of the famous pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, which runs GodHatesFags.com and pickets the funerals of people who died of AIDS. No, Mr. Phelps, Jr.'s apple did not fall far from the tree. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:52:11 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, fred phelps, god hates fags, homosexual, gay, innuendo http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-4-13-08.mp3 It's a disturbing podcast this week as we discuss the scientific reality of test tube meat, chastise a state police officer for being a jokey racist, debate the limits of the death penalty, marvel at Hillary Clinton's newfound love of guns and whiskey, decide which gang a newborn baby should join, and lampoon a quack in Florida who thinks he's cured cancer via pie plates and hot dogs. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:50:39 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, test tube meat, Hillary Clinton, KKK, gangs, cancer cure, Fred Phelps, God Hates Fags http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-4-9-08.mp3 The discussion flies fast and furious this week as we answer our critics from Botswana, weigh the Catholic Church's attitude toward using saliva as a lubricant, marvel at a diminutive Indian, worry over aliens chunking rocks, lament Florida's creationist takeover, ponder Mike Huckabee's (final) countdown, and anticipate the Internet 2.0. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:21:32 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, ge crops, botswana, spit lube, short, aliens, creationism, huckabee, grid, hadron, cern http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-4-2-08.mp3 This week, I interview self-proclaimed parapsychologist, psychic medium, and clairvoyant Michael Kingscote about possible sewer zombies, the scientific consensus on the effects of electromagnetic radiation, and whether there's any evidence at all that his powers are real. Plus, I discuss my insatiable hunger for cookies and cream ice cream and the milky thighs of Pentecostal women. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:11:36 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, michael, kingscote, psychic, medium, pentecostal http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-3-26-08.mp3 In our milestone 20th episode (yes, it's a milestone--they come in fives, you know), we deconstruct the Dalai Lama. Sure, he's cute and squishy, but what about that whole Tibetan theocracy thing? And I'm not even going to mention the child rape. Plus, we apply our two minds to India's two-faced god baby, and we call Hillary Clinton a dirty stinking liar. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:07:05 GMT dalai lama, tibet, india, hillary clinton, two-faced baby, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-3-19-08.mp3 It's a new format this week as I interview Washington insider Cliff Mintz about where scientific research funding comes from, the power of the executive branch to set a scientific agenda, and the allure of high-priced D.C. whores. Plus, I make a public service announcement regarding the real-life dangers of drum circles and those who would take part in them. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:59:31 GMT Cliff Mintz, scientific, research, funding, washington, drum cirlces, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-3-12-08.mp3 This week, we interview Alison Smith of the Skeptical Analysis of the Paranormal Society about ghost hunting, cold spots, and shackling spirits to the Earth. Plus, we examine Oklahoma congresswomen who protest to much about homosexuals, dissect the Vatican's hip new set of deadly sins, and find out what kind of decor goes with our star signs. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:02:36 GMT Alison Smith, saps, ghost hunting, oklahoma, homosexuality, deadly sins, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-3-5-08.mp3 This week, we interview Jeff Wagg of the James Randi Educational Foundation about the Million Dollar Challenge, creating objects with your mind, and using the power of God to fill and empty people's bladders. Plus, Richard tells a horror story about gangsters and G.I. tracts, and John McCain hitches his wagon to a boatload of crazies. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:40:10 GMT Jeff Wagg, James Randi, million dollar challenge, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-2-27-08.mp3 This week, we interview Rebecca Watson of Skepchick.org and The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast about the need for more women in the skeptical community, fanny packs, and bitch fests. Also, we explore Pakistan's fear of YouTube, murderous homophobia, and America's growing lack of faith. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:48:55 GMT Rebecca Watson, fanny pack, homophobia, pakistan, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-2-20-08.mp3 This week, we interview theoretical physicist Dr. Michio Kaku about space travel, time travel, teleportation, and other nerd-related things. Plus, we lampoon Ben Stein, Floridians, and crazy Brits who see zombies in sewers. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:27:26 GMT Michio Kaku, time travel, sewers, zombies, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-2-13-08.mp3 This week, we interview paranormal investigator Joe Nickell about UFOs, ghosts, and why people think they see weird things. Plus, we discuss Saudi Arabia's war on love, facilitating evolution in celebration of Darwin Day, and whether or not Bill Clinton is a dirty racist. Also, we call an actual chiropractor to see if he can treat a child's case of progeria, the rapid aging disease. Join us, won't you? Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:52:49 GMT Joe Nickell, UFO, ghosts, Valentine's day, Darwin Day, chiropractor prank call, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-2-6-08.mp3 This week, we welcome Bible scholar Dr. Robert M. Price back on the show to discuss necromancy, Sylvia Browne, and the Tower of Babel. Plus, we ponder the outcry over lesbians having babies, explore the mind of the religiously insane, and slander West Virginians. And, in an emotional exchange, one of us kicks the HeadOn habit. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:29:06 GMT robert price, necromancy, tower of babel, headon, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-1-23-08.mp3 This week, we interview author and journalist Jon Ronson about 9/11 conspiracies, shape-shifting lizard aliens, and breaking into Bohemian Grove. Plus, we lampoon the ending of a creationist's dream, call Mike Huckabee a racist, and delve into the mind of Tom Cruise. Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:19:30 GMT Jon Ronson, 9/11, lizard aliens, confederate flag, Mike Huckabee, Tom Cruise, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-1-16-08.mp3 This week, we interview our hero, James "The Amazing" Randi, about Uri Geller's recent change of heart, the end of the million dollar challenge, and just what you should use to fill a giant swimming pool shaped like a dollar sign. Plus, we examine the role of "666" in the minds of morons, explore the violent tendencies of Earth's accidental ambassadors to interstellar species, and ridicule arguments from authority. Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:27:03 GMT James Randi, Amazing Randi, Uri Geller, million dollar challenge, aliens, 666, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-1-9-08.mp3 This week, we interview The X-Files' William B. Davis about skepticism, conspiracy theories, and whether or not Gandalf is real. Plus, we discuss the increasing insanity of the pope, learn to brush off the things that don't matter, and deal with our post-Christmas slump. Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:19:20 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, x-files, william b davis, ufo, pope, conspiracy, 9/11, gandalf, christmas http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-12-25-07.mp3 Christmas comes early this year as we present our exciting holiday-themed episode of The Amateur Scientist Podcast. This week, we interview Upright Citizens Brigade member and Walk Hard co-star Matt Besser about his hatred of religion and his favorite Christmas memory. Also, we discuss feral Russian wolf children and the crucifixion of France's beauty queens. Also, Jingle Bells! Stop being a sack of crap, and listen. Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:10 GMT Matt Besser, Christmas, France beauty queen, Russian wolf babies, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-12-19-07.mp3 This week, we interview filmmaker and biologist Dr. Randy Olson about his documentary Flock of Dodos, the influence of the intelligent design movement, and why science needs another great communicator. Also, we discuss Mike Huckabee's down-home ignorance and the ongoing Green Bay nativity scene wars. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:47:45 GMT Randy Olson, Flock of Dodos, Huckabee, witchcraft, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-12-12-07.mp3 Our scheduled guest flaked out on us this week, so we bring you a very special, abbreviated episode. The Amateur Scientist Players stage a dramatic interpretation of the Truth for Youth teen Bible's anti-abortion comic strip, Castaways. To follow along, go to TruthForYouth.com and click on "abortion" under "Hot Comics". Plus, we discuss the horrible reality of fecal transplant surgery. It's our best podcast in seven days! Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:51:18 GMT truth for youth, poop, fecal transplant, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-12-5-07.mp3 This week, we interview Ole Anthony, head of the Trinity Foundation and publisher of The Wittenburg Door, about his investigations into the unchecked greed of the country's most famous televangelists. Also, we discuss The View co-host Sherri Shepherd's disbelief in a B.C. world, Sci-Fi Channel's yeti footprint publicity stunt, whether The Golden Compass will turn children into atheists, and we issue a call for your stories of being gay in a religious household. Plus, stay tuned at the end for a special surprise! Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:03:41 GMT Ole Anthony, yeti, trinity foundation, wittenburg door, televangelists, sherri shepherd, the view, golden compass, gay, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-28-07.mp3 This week, we interview comic book creator Chris Wisnia about his skeptical detective Dr. DeBunko, skepticism in the arts, and giant monsters. Also, we discuss the role of Satanism in local politics, the role of woman-hating in Muslim societies, and the role of NASA in a possible Obama administration. You know you want to listen. Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:02:23 GMT chris wisnia, debunko, comics, comic book, tabloia, satanism, politics, obama, islam, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-20-07.mp3 In this week's supersized episode, we talk with famed Bible scholar Dr. Robert M. Price about odd stories from Genesis, ancient aliens, the historicity of Jesus, and the future of faith in a global village. Also, we ridicule Will Smith's defense of Scientology and question the wisdom of home schooling children. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:30:16 GMT Robert Price, bible, expert, ancient astronauts, Lilith, Jesus Project, Will Smith, Scientology, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Islam, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-14-07.mp3 This week, we interview astronomer Nico Nell about theoretical astrophysics, dark matter, and just what the hell comets are all about. Plus, we discuss Georgia's rain prayers, the limits of anti-terror legislation, and the role of religion in politics. Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:54:08 GMT Nico Nell, astronomy, comets, dark matter, Georgia, rain, freedom of speech, terrorism, presidential race, Obama, Romney, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-11-7-07.mp3 This week, we interview Australian television personality John Safran about his show John Safran vs. God, we discuss wax dummy Jim Callahan's throwdown with Criss Angel on the set of Phenomenon, we explore the (un)surprising homosexuality of American football players, and we set up a scientific experiment to test the stomach-churning powers of fried okra from the Piccadilly. Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:32:55 GMT john safran, jim callahan, piccadilly, pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news http://media.libsyn.com/media/amateurscientistpodcast/TASP-10-30-07.mp3 In this world premiere of The Amateur Scientist Podcast, SkepticalDigest.com's Richard Peacock and AmateurScientist.org's Brian Thompson discuss Dennis Kucinich's close encounter with Shirley MacLaine, the first boring-ass episode of NBC's Phenomenon, the medical effects of a positive mood, actual items from the Harriet Carter catalog, and the craziness of conspiracy theorist Richard C. Hoagland. Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:18:55 GMT pseudoscience, skepticism, science, religion, news, Kucinich, Shirley MacLain, Uri Geller, Hoaglan