The Skeptic - a podcast by Cat and Rebecca

In this episode Cat interviews Rebecca, The Skeptic.

Rebecca explains what being a skeptic means to her and why she is passionate about spreading ‘the good news’ of reason and compassion. Cat digs into Rebecca’s past and they talk about her previous life as a Wiccan and what made her change course from a spiritual to a scientific worldview.

Exploring esoteric, paranormal and spiritual topics from two completely different perspectives it’s The Seeker and The Skeptic.

 

Skeptical Books

The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark
Astrophysicist and science communicator Carl Sagan’s 1995 book intended to explain the scientific method to lay-people. Considered a key text by many skeptics.

Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why we Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts
Social psychologists Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson’s 2007 book explores numerous cognitive biases and their impact in our political and personal lives.

Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience Superstition and Other Confusions of Our Time
Renowned skeptic and editor of skeptic magazine Michael Shermer’s 1997 book reflects on the psychology behind belief in the incredible.

 

Skeptical Websites

What’s the Harm?
A website which documents the stories of people who have been harmed by lapses in critical thinking leading to financial loss, physical injury or death.

 

Skeptical Podcasts

Skeptics with a K
British fortnightly podcast. Each episode the irreverent hosts chat about current affairs and topics of perennial interest to skeptics.

Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe
American weekly podcast. Each episode the hosts skeptically examine several issues and present a game that allows listeners to hone their own critical thinking skills.

The Reality Check
Canadian weekly podcast. The hosts discuss topical ‘controversies and curiosities’ using critical thinking skills and wit to separate science-fact from science-fiction.

 

Sceptical Education

Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills
24 lecture course presented by professor Steven Novella, M.D. empowers students with knowledge and techniques which will improve their critical thinking skills.
Available directly from The Great Courses or on Audible.com.

 

Skeptics on YouTube

Rethinking Doubt: The Values and Achievements of Skepticism
An impassioned TedX talk from prominent skeptic George Hrab which introduces the audience to skepticism and explains its critical importance.

Captain Disillusion
A YouTube channel produced by independent filmmaker Alan Melikdjanian. In monthly installments The Captain humorously debunks viral videos.

James Randi Educational Foundation
A YouTube channel curated by the James Randi Educational Foundation featuring lectures from prominent skeptics on many topics.

 

Skeptic Socialising

Skeptics in the Pub
Informal meetups held all over the world predominantly in the U.K. and U.S. events usually feature a talk, a Q&A session and a chance to socialise with fellow skeptics.

Your Local Skeptic Society
Try Googling your location and the word skeptic, most countries have at least one skeptical organisation that hosts social and educational events. You could also try looking for skeptically themed events on meetup.com.

Further episodes of The Seeker and the Skeptic

Further podcasts by Cat and Rebecca

Website of Cat and Rebecca