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"Skepticism 101" is the best description of this real-time journey of inquiry through the eyes of a real, everyday, emotion-driven human.

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Forum		Topics	Posts	Last Post
General Discussion and Polls
	Books Here's the place to discuss books that have been featured, mentioned or alluded to on the show. You could also recommend books that may be of interest to a Truth-Driven Thinker	8	17	Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:23 pm dskidmore1981
	Articles, videos and pictures that make you think. Post your links to articles or any media that a truth-driven thinker may find interesting or entertaining.	8	16	Mon Jan 14, 2008 6:27 pm harpoonflyby
	Suggestions Have a topic idea for a future podcast or any other suggestion related to the Truth-Driven Thinking podcast, website or forum? Post it here!	13	28	Tue Dec 04, 2007 6:57 pm Steve Gibson
	General Polls and Discussions Anything goes here	5	11	Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:37 pm Iron Coyote
	Your Journey of Inquiry This is the place to share your story. What has this thing called "life" tought you? What experiences contributed to where you are in your worldview? What would you tell others in your shoes?	6	25	Thu Oct 18, 2007 2:04 pm workinprogress
	A Secret of the Universe Coming October 11th, 2007, with pre-purchase and review copies shipping in July, this is the place to engage in intellectually honest dialogue about Stephen Gibson's look at the origins of belief, and how they affect the world around us.	5	10	Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:29 pm apexMI
Truth-Driven Thinking Podcast Episode discussions
	The End Somewhat unexpected even to me, join me—and Tim Bennett too—as we look back in a self-indulgent, self-promotional, self-loathing examination of this chapter in my life that is now closing. To those who have supported me and helped teach me about my emotion-driven ways, I cannot thank you enough. I will continue to learn and ponder. Though Tim and I are both headed back to real life and the duty of day jobs, I hope that you will keep in touch and that we will see you at future skeptic events. Thank you for the most valuable gifts you could share with another human being, your time and attention.	4	14	Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:12 pm rmjarvis
	01/09/08 - The Wiring of the Skeptical Mind Tim Bennett joins Steve to discuss four prevalent and clear distinctions in the way people interact with and perceive other people and their environments, using the DISC profile model (copyright Inscape Publishing). This system has been well document and validated, and is based on the work of Dr. William Marston (Emotions of Normal People). That said, even if it were not well supported--as similar tools seem not to be (see Annie Murphy Paul's book The Cult of Personality about a popular personality test that she argues is not valid), this metaphor may provide a useful framework for understanding and bridging gaps in interpersonal communication, and even for understanding what we as skeptics do well, and where there might be room for improvement. Perhaps where Steve's other articulations of tolerance have been poorly articulated, this conceptual framework will better make the point (?????)	0	0	No Posts
	12/26/2007 - The World Unity Flag project with Diana Lindley Diana Lindley joins me for a year-end episode that is somewhat of a break from pure science and reason, yet it seems an appropriate time to look at her larger efforts toward peace and unity in the world. See the web site at www.worldunityflag.org. Steve's year-end wrap-up follows. Could you sign the pledge for truth? Would the world be better off in 2008 if everyone did? See you in 08!	1	5	Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:37 pm Steve Gibson
	12/12/2007 - A Search for Nativity Truth with Dr. Robert Price Which elements of Christmas tradition are Biblically sound? What is likely to be historically true about the birth narratives found in the gospels?	0	0	No Posts
	11/28/2007 - Random Thoughts from the Road Tim Bennett joins Steve on a brief pit stop from his book tour to discuss some conversations he's had on the road, as well as the following: inevitable inventions, over simplification, The Wizard of Oz, why we hate Benedict Arnold, and a few current events. This is the rushed episode that just may be our undoing, but listen anyway. Hey, it's free! :-).	1	1	Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:58 am RPS
	11/14/07 Increasing speed limits can save lives - James Walker Jim Walker joins Steve to argue that 70 years of data prove it is dangerous to post and enforce artificially low speed limits: namely those below the 85th percentile rate at which traffic flows under good weather conditions conditions. See http://www.motorists.org/speedlimits/ for some additional information. Mr. Walker can be reached at jcwconsult@aol.com.	3	5	Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:02 am Steve Gibson
	10/31/2007 Parenting in an Emotion-Driven World What can parents to do raise kids who can think critically and independently? How should we deal with that former flower-child teacher who is teaching woo-woo wackiness in the classroom? How can we prepare our kids to make good decisions about sex, drugs, cults, etc.? We certainly do not have all the answers, but Tim Bennett and I explore the issue in this week's episode.	6	14	Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:25 am Steve Gibson
	10/17/07 - Will Irace, DifferHonestly.com Will Irace has created a forum for theists and non-theists to come together in an intellectually honest and civil fashion. Find out how it is going as Will and Steve discuss the issues and origins of the idea. Differhonestly.com was born after Will was asked to leave a Christian forum, where he was allegedly welcomed, then un-welcomed (which was certainly the right of the forum admin to do).	1	1	Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:46 pm Iron Coyote
	10/3/2007 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Critical Reaction Overview Is it too early to use the C-word--controversy? Celebrate Steve's official book release with an overview of critical reaction--the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tim Bennett joins Steve to discuss it all, hopefully without giving too much away or boring you with shop-talk. Also: Steve's new podcast is announced; plus, Ann Colter's latest comments about electing a Muslim as president of the U.S. She doesn't want that, but says there is something way worse! (hint: someone like me).	1	3	Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:02 pm Steve Gibson
	9/19/07 - A Community in Search of Knowledge Jeff Seaver, president of the Center for Inquiry-Michigan, and founder of the predecessor organization, the Freethought Association of West Michigan, is my guest. Jeff Seaver joins me to discuss the building of a social community around inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. Jeff shares his motivations for founding the organization, and how it has grown. Then, join me and Tim Bennett as we stumble further down the road, asking if pure rationality should ever be the goal. When we determine it should not, and that emotion and delusion are actually desirable parts of the human experience, we debate where the line should be drawn. But who gets to choose? Who are WE to draw it??	2	8	Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:15 pm Steve Gibson
	9/5/2007 - The "Children are Evil" Analogy Tim Bennett joins Steve to discuss 7 arguments against his call to improve inter-faith/inter-belief dialogue--including the children-are-evil analogy Steve recently heard. Also: Steve's book tour cities; Mother Teresa's 50-year crisis of faith; more on bias against the obese; criticisms of Steve's application of the word mythology to science; and much more! Plus, Tim tricks Steve into arguing that some people's brains are wired such that they are better served by a worldview that does not rely on science and reason:-). Will Steve crash and burn? You be the judge:-).	3	14	Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:28 am harpoonflyby
	8-22-2007 My Introduction to Determinism - with John Wilson John Wilson argues that contra-causal free will is an illusion, and Steve's largest remaining area of emotion-driven thinking. Have a listen as John helps Steve understand and define determinism and its implications for truth-driven thinking.	1	2	Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:28 am rmjarvis
	08/08/2007 - A Mormon Experience A listener shares his real-life story of de-conversion from Mormonism. From a brief history of Joseph Smith and LDS teachings, to a powerful illustration of the real-life social consequences of belief and unbelief, you won't want to miss this conversation.	2	2	Sat Aug 11, 2007 12:10 am tonyguy
	07/24/2007 Dr. David Sloan Wilson--Why Dawkins is wrong about religion Among other books, Dr. David Sloan Wilson is the author of "Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives." Dr. Wilson joined Steve to discuss not only evolution, but his criticisms of today's popular voices of atheism, such as Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, and Hitchens. Dr. Wilson says there is empirical evidence that religion has played useful roles in the evolution of humans, and that we are not being scientific when we leap to imply it is the root of all evil or a useless byproduct of other adaptations.	3	7	Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:35 pm StrangeBird
	06/27/2007 - The Peltzman Effect, with Dr. Sam Peltzman Economist Dr. Sam Peltzman discusses his ground-breaking work that 30 years ago showed that people sometimes react to safety improvements with riskier behavior, offsetting some of the original benefit of the initiative. Having identified the effect, Peltzman and other economists remain cognizant to look for, and try to measure, unanticipated consequences of safety regulation. Dr. Peltzman is a distinguished professor of economics at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Steve discusses a new Gallop poll showing partisan divisions over evolution.	1	2	Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:01 pm Steve Gibson
	06-13-07 "The Gospel of Food" by Dr. Barry Glassner As the subtitle of his new book says, "Everything You Think You Know About Food is Wrong." Dr. Glassner is Steve's guest on this episode. Also, Steve discusses the anonymous email about Thinker's Anonymous; China's obesity problem; autism lawsuits; and the terror suspects' error in thanking god for informants, which proves they are capable of misunderstanding what they thought was a divine act.	1	2	Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:19 am Steve Gibson
	05/30/2007 - 9/11 and Global Conflict: The Elephant in the Room Also, should we ban incandescent light bulbs? A discussion of Rod Elliot's whitepaper about the science behind the call for universal use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Tim Bennett joins Steve as Steve praises the Pope, defends thinking against the heuristic of achievement--even in the case of the moon-hoaxers.	2	4	Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:32 am dionysuseatsyou
	5/16/07 Is the end near? Tim Bennett returns to discuss Kirk Camron and Ray Comfort's appearance to debate the Rational Response Squad on ABC's Nightline, and also the future of the Truth-Driven Thinking podcast. Also: John Paul II heals Sister Marie-Simon-Pierre's Parkinsons; Creationism's global expansion; paranormal classes; doctors fall prey to cognitive illusions; atheist congressman; spiritual state of the union; clarifications about Dawkins' DVD title.	2	6	Sun Jun 10, 2007 8:03 am Steve Gibson
	05/02/2007 Alonzo Fyfe, The Atheist Ethicist Alonzo Fyfe challenges Steve's recent use of terms like militant and intolerance. Having dedicated his life to the study of philosophy and ethics, Alonzo provides some important insights on morality and atheism. Central to the conversation is Steve's recent "Call for Inclusion at the Inter-faith Table."	4	13	Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:13 am Steve Gibson
	4/18/2007 Humor, Science, and Reason - Comedian Basil White Comedian Basil White joins Steve to discuss the art and science of humor, as well as his use of skepticism in his comedy. Basil White's web site is www.basilwhite.com. Now at the end of the show, this week's announcements and commentary include feedback from Steve's "call for inclusion at the inter-faith table" and a related announcement.	0	0	No Posts
	04/04/2007 - Atheist's call for inclusion at the inter-faith table In a departure from the tradition of anti-faith atheism, Steve runs a new approach up the flag pole to see if you'll salute. As if speaking to an upcoming Christian-church audience, he outlines "An Atheist's Call for Inclusion at the Inter-faith Table." If supernaturalism and literalist intolerance could be put aside, isn't there a great deal of good in religious traditions and the infrastructure of support, community, and personal improvement they provide? What would the world be like if faith systems could embrace the original, mythically inspired messages of moving beyond one's self to find acceptance, tolerance, and love, without the flawed, dogmatic misunderstandings of ancient texts (sounds like the Jesus myth message, doesn't it)? Or what if they could at least agree to disagree as so many great leaders have done (think Ghandi)?	4	19	Wed May 23, 2007 1:52 pm Steve Gibson
	3/21/2007 - Politics and Economics with Dr. Benjamin Chabot (plus comments on new global warming documentary) U of M Assistant Professor of Economics Dr. Benjamin Chabot discusses the real-world complexities of the simple economic solutions promoted by politicos on all sides. Also, despite Steve's acceptance of anthropogenic global warming, he asks your help in understanding the issues raised in a new Channel 4 documentary called The Great Global Warming Swindle. Help create pre-release buzz about A Secret of the Universe by pre-purchasing a copy today at www.truthdrivenstrategies.com.	2	7	Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:04 pm AlonzoFyfe
	3-7-2007 Free Will and why I'm wrong again Is "free will" an illusion? Is it true that "All men are created equal?" Tim Bennett joins Steve to discuss the latest ways in which Steve has discovered his flawed worldview. Also, the expectation bias; is morality defined by thought or action; and what we would miss if we died today.	2	6	Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:33 pm RPS
	2/21/2007 - Skepticism Through Fiction Skepticism through fiction: How can we do for reason and rational thinking, what "Left Behind" has done for dogmatic literalism? Steve Gibson has a plan, and you can help--long before October 11th, 2007, when A Secret of the Universe will be revealed!	1	3	Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:09 am Steve Gibson
	2/7/2007 - The Emotions of Skepticism Unique observations from TAM5; thoughts on NBC's "To Catch a Predator"; adultery crimes; thinking about exercise makes you healthier; winning against cancer; praying for appliances; bottled water; Steve on drugs? Tim Bennett joins Steve to discuss these issues and more.	4	9	Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:47 pm Steve Gibson
	1/23/2007 - Reginald Finley - Moving Beyond Religion Steve features an interview with Reginald Vaughn Finley, Sr., who has astounded the freethought community via his webcast at http://www.infidelguy.com, and is now moving beyond religion with thedebatehour.com. Reginald is more well known as "The Infidel Guy" and has been active in the freethought community for over 8 years. In this episode Steve also covers James Randi's headline story from The Amazing Meeting in Las Vegas, as well as listener comments. Join the discussion at www.truthdriventhinking.com/forum. Feedback to sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com; or 888-247-2103.	0	0	No Posts
	1/10/2007 - James Randi & TAM5 in Vegas James Randi teases us with details of this year's Amazing Meeting #5. Register at www.randi.org. Also: Pat Robertson's predictions, pot vs. acetaminophen, and more. Join the discussion at www.truthdriventhinking.com/forum. Feedback to sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com; or 888-247-2103.	1	1	Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:06 am dbzvin
	12/20/2006 It's About You -new forum announcment The new forum is available at www.truthdriventhinking.com/forum (your looking at it now), plus organic foods; 81 years of contemplation; religious makeup of Congress; thanks to Joe, Bruce, Rachel!	0	0	No Posts
	12/6/06 News and Your Feedback - with Tim Bennett Orgasms for peace; ET's picture on a rock; Ken Ham's comments about Dawkins; Mormon missionaries discouraged from listening to news & world events; how important are credentials; why the web site looks like it was made in the 1980's; and much more! As promised, with the help of Tim Bennett we'll get to current events and your feedback!	1	1	Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:11 am yakimicki
	11/22/06 Do you "believe in" flu shots? - Dr. Richard Van Enk, Director of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at Bronson Methodist Hospital What's to "believe?" This isn't black magic, but what's the truth? Should you get a flu shot? What are the real odds of the $30 investment saving you from a week of misery? What are the most common misconceptions about flu? Dr. Richard Van Enk is an infectious disease specialist who provides Steve the straight scoop on the science, benefits, effectiveness, and "moral issues" surrounding this vaccine.	0	0	No Posts
	11/8/2006 Dr. Alan Wallace - Consciousness, Buddhism and Science Dr. Wallace is the founder and President of the Santa Barbara Institute for the Study of Consciousness (www.alanwallace.org). Dr. Wallace, a scholar and practitioner of Buddhism since 1970, has taught Buddhist theory and meditation throughout Europe and America since 1976. Ordained by the Dalai Lama, he has an undergraduate degree in physics and the philosophy of science at Amherst College, and a doctorate in religious studies at Stanford. He joins Steve in this episode to introduce concepts of Buddhism, and to explore the limits of materialist approaches to consciousness.	3	9	Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:36 am Steve Gibson
	10/25/2006 Dan Mages - Seminarian & www.hungertruth.com founder an Mages discusses with Steve his unique path to seminary, Christianity and Judaism, the genesis of his www.hungertruth.com web site and mission, and his own plea for intellectual honesty. Could we have been separated at birth?	1	1	Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:26 am dionysuseatsyou
	10/11/2006 The Case for Decriminalizing Prostitution - Edward Tabash Visit Mr. Tabash's web site at http://www.tabash.com. See also, Steve's editorial about the "moral issues" surrounding the new HPV vaccine. Feedback at sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com; or 888-247-2103. My favorite podcasts were mentioned: My favorite podcasts: http://www.infidelguy.com/; http://www.centerforinquiry.net/ ; Audiomartini with Rick Wood http://audiomartini.podshowcreator.com/; and Skepticality - the official podcast from the Skeptic Society at http://www.skeptic.com/ . Also mentioned The Teaching Company at http://www.teach12.com.	0	0	No Posts
	9/27/06 Skepticism for the Unworthy - with Jody Wheeler Screenwriter and social worker Jody Wheeler joins me to discuss how we "mere mortals" can contribute to the skeptic movement. He also shares stories from his own path of inquiry in the real-world trenches of L.A. The discussion includes: The Pen and the Pistol; the power of stories in film and movies; how religion fits the "human story;" militancy in skepticism or atheism; and more. Jody Wheeler's web and blog are at www.jodywheeler.com. Other links in this episode include the Lubienski article review about public vs. private education http://www.asu.edu/educ/epsl/EPRU/ttreviews/EPSL-0608-207-EPRU.doc, and the James Randi Educational Foundation regarding TAM V in January.	0	0	No Posts
	9/13/2006 Dr. Michael Shermer - Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and a leading author and expert on science, skepticism, the history of science, and evolution. On shows from Oprah and 20/20, to Dateline, Tom Snyder, and many others, Dr. Shermer has appeared to explain "Why We Believe in Weird Things," and to promote science and reason. He joins us in this episode to discuss his long history of debating the proponents of creationism and intelligent design, and his latest book "Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design." Learn more about Dr. Shermer at http://www.skeptic.com. Learn more about the "science" of some of the "competitors" referenced at www.irc.org, or www.answersingenesis.org.	0	0	No Posts
	8/30/2006 911 Conspiracy Emotion + Holy Fountain Why do 911 conspiracies make me mad, and how does that emotion relate to truth-driven thinking? Tim Bennett joins me to discuss our informal, casual review of the "evidence," as well as to discuss the "holy water" appearing in John Paul's hometown. We also talk about the dollar value of end of life care. For the first time I've also included a "blooper" reel at the end, due to an odd, offline conversation Tim and I had during the podcast. Enjoy!	1	7	Thu Jan 25, 2007 5:08 pm ltwalt
	8/16/2006 Bible Expert Dr. Robert Price Dr. Robert M. Price is a longtime teacher philosophy and religion, holds twice over Ph.D.'s on matters of systematic theology and the New Testament, and is a fellow of the controversial Jesus Seminar at the Westar Institute. He is the founding editor of The Journal of Higher Criticism, the author of several books, including: The Da Vinci Fraud: Why the Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction; Deconstructing Jesus (1999); The Incredible Shrinking Son of Man; and also appeared in Brian Flemming's movie, The God Who Wasn't There. Dr. Price's web site is http://robertmprice.mindvendor.com/	0	0	No Posts
	8/2/2006 Evidence Based Medicine - Dr. Jerry Hoffman of UCLA is our guest. Just how much of current "orthodox" medicine is based upon solid research? The answer may surprise you. Dr. Jerry Hoffman joins us to discuss how many conventional medical practices and standards of care are NOT evidence-based, why that is, and also the limitations that the real world imposes upon the ideal of evidence-driven action. Dr. Hoffman (UCLA Medical Center and publisher of "Emergency Medical Abstracts") provides valuable insights from his years of abstracting medical journals for other physicians, insights that transcend medicine and apply to many aspects of the real world.	0	0	No Posts
	7/5/2006 Listener mail; special disclosure; July 5 audioblog Listener praise and pans; coming podcast changes and special announcement of novel beginnings; skeptic's bible; what to do when evidence is insufficient (always is); what do cell phones and immunizations have in common (don't hold your breath)...It's all in this special July 5th audioblog episode of Truth-Driven Thinking.	0	0	No Posts
	6/21/2006 The Pagan Christ - book by Tom Harpur Jesus was never physically on earth; but, "To take the Gospels literally as history or biography is to utterly miss their inner spiritual meaning," says Tom Harpur in his book "The Pagan Christ". This Rhodes Scholar, former Anglican Priest, Professor of New Testament Theology, author of 8 best-selling books, and long-time religion editor for the Toronto Star has poked a hornets nest with his conclusions about the mythical origins of the Christ figure. (Links to environmental blogs mentioned are at http://www.truthdriventhinking.com/links_for_truth.htm	0	0	No Posts
	6/14/2006 Questions about Ethanol - Dr. David Pimentel Dr. David Pimentel is a professor of ecology and agricultural sciences at Cornell University. His research (with Tad Patzek) indicates that ethanol consumes more energy to produce, than can be gained from it's use - a 30% energy loss. Do you think our lawmakers have reviewed the science on both sides of this story before investing $3 billion annually? There seems little dialogue, and near unanimous euphoria over ethanol these days. I don't know that they are, but what if Dr. Pimentel's figures are right? If nothing else, you'll at least have a side of the story and the data that few others appear to have heard. Link to story at Cornell is www.news.cornell.edu/stories/july05/ethanol.toocostly.ssl.html.	0	0	No Posts
	6/7/2006 Coming out on Religion - Why we must go there. Why can't I ignore this sensitive topic? Oh how I wish I could never discuss religious beliefs again. Believe me. But alas, they so profoundly shape people's actions in the world (think "suicide bombers"), that ignoring discussions of why we believe what we believe with regard to religion, seems an abdication of the integrity and authenticity of any search for truth. Includes a personal sharing of my explicit statement on religion that was made to friends and family some months ago. Also includes a summary of reactions elicited.	2	5	Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:46 am rjpryor
	5/31/2006 Do private schools really outperform public schools? Is it possible that our public schools, on average, are actually outperforming private and charter schools? Dr. Sarah Lubienski and Dr. Christopher Lubienski join us to discuss their research findings. The links to their research papers - "Charter, Private, Public Schools and Academic Achievement: New Evidence from NAEP Mathematics Data", located at http://www.ncspe.org/publications_files/OP111.pdf; and "A New Look at Public and Private Schools: Student Background and Mathematics Achievement" http://www.pdkintl.org/kappan/k_v86/k0505lub.htm.	0	0	No Posts
	5/24/2006 Truth and the Environment? - Ronald Bailey Ronald Bailey has written several books on the state of the environment, and is the science and environment reporter for Reason magazine. Steve asks if there are still deniers of Global Warming, and how much oil is left. Visit Mr. Bailey's site at www.reason.com/rbmain1.shtml	1	3	Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:37 pm ltwalt

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