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Sheldon Helms

Sheldon W. Helmsshelshocked.com
Each week, Sheldon and Marilin cover a topic from science and skepticism, including interviews with well known skeptics, authors, and scientists.
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Episodes

ShelShocked #19 - Prosocial Behavior w/ Belinda Carlisle

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing the psychology of Prosocial Behavior. Interview with rock star and philanthropist Belinda Carlisle. Science Report about Sempo Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler." Good News report from Marilin about the shared kindness between a waitress and her firefighter customers.

Dec 05, 2015

ShelShocked #18 - James "The Amazing" Randi

Introduction with Marilin talking about her first awareness of James Randi and his work. Interview with James "The Amazing" Randi. A Science Report from Sheldon on the "unsinkable rubber duckie" Peter Popoff. A Good News Report from Marilin about a skeptical examination of a claim of telekinesis in Russia. A reminder by skeptic Tucker Hiatt about "The Official Houdini Seance" in San Francisco.

Sep 27, 2015

ShelShocked #16 - Transgender Issues

Introduction in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss statistics on Transgender demographics, discrimination against Trans citizens, and efforts to ensure protection and fair treatment. An Interview with Trans actress and model, Cassandra Cass. A Science Report on the proper terminology and "do's and don'ts" regarding discussing Transgender issues. A Good News report on new laws in the state of New York that make it easier for Trans citizens to get equal treatment and access to services.

Aug 30, 201557 min

ShelShocked #15 - Music

Sheldon and Marilin talk about research on the effects of music. Interview with musician George Hrab.

Aug 23, 201557 min

ShelShocked #13 - Food Fads

Marilin and Sheldon discuss food fads, food science, and the fallibility of Internet memes.

Aug 09, 20151 hr

ShelShocked #12 - Myths and Misunderstandings About Space

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing common myths about space and space exploration. An Interview with UFO researcher and investigator Robert Sheaffer. The Science Report discussing the growing movement of people who deny that man ever landed on the moon. And a Good News report about an unlikely participant in the recent satellite mission to Pluto.

Aug 02, 201555 min

ShelShocked #11 - The Theory of Evolution

Introduction with Marilin and Sheldon discussing defenses against some of the lame Creationist arguments against evolution. An Interview (Marilin's first!) with science defender Dr. Eugenie Scott. A Science Report about a Russian project to breed tame foxes that may shed light on the evolution of the modern dog. And a Good News report about a young man's battle against governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal to keep good science in Louisiana schools.

Jul 26, 20151 hr 5 min

ShelShocked #10 - The Science of Persuasion

Introduction with Sheldon and Marilin discussing five common persuasion tactics, and personal stories of being conned. An Interview with social psychologist and fraud/con-criminal expert Dr. Anthony Pratkanis. Good News segment from Marilin about a whistle blower who uncovered a multi-million dollar scam in which perfectly healthy people were being treated for cancer.

Jul 12, 20151 hr 7 min

ShelShocked #09 - Twin Studies

Twins raised apart their entire lives have surprisingly similar lives and behavioral traits. Nancy Segal has been studying these rare twins for decades, and her research is fascinating!

Jul 04, 201552 min

ShelShocked #07 - Vaccine Denial

Introduction includes a conversation in which Sheldon and Marilin discuss current pro-vaccination laws in California, and commentary by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about vaccine deniers. An Interview with pediatrician and infectious disease specialist, Dr. Paul Offit. A Science Report about Andrew Wakefield's fraudulent research claiming a link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The Good News segment from Marilin detailing a Canadian woman's conversion from vaccine denier to vaccine...

May 02, 201549 min

ShelShocked #06 - Secularism

In this episode, Sheldon and Marilin examine secularism, including an interview with Catherine Dunphy and Mary Johnson of The Clergy Project.

Apr 25, 20151 hr 4 min

ShelShocked Reminder About "Openly Secular Day"

A quick reminder about Openly Secular Day! Go out and tell at least one person that you are "opely secular," and live your life with a secular worldview, free from magic, superstition, or religion.

Apr 24, 2015

ShelShocked #04 - Cults and New Religious Movements

Sheldon and new co-host Marilin Colón discuss HBO's documentary "Going Clear." Interview with psychologist and cult expert Dr. Patrick O'Reilly. Science Report on history of cognitive dissonance. Good News about former FLDS member's attempt to regain custody of children from cult.

Apr 12, 20151 hr 1 min

ShelShocked #03 - Skeptical Activism

Sheldon and Amanda discuss their roles in Operation Bumblebee, a skeptical investigation of self-described psychic medium Chip Coffey, and the reaction by some in the skeptic community. Interview with Jay Novella from the Skeptics' Guide to the Universe podcast about his video project, "Occ, the Skeptical Caveman." Science Report on the psychological research of influence and persuasion, and how it can be used by skeptical activists. The Good News about successful activism against the Burzynski ...

Apr 05, 201545 min

ShelShocked #02 - Denialism

This episode includes an unedited interview with Holocaust survivor Magda Brown about her experiences in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald death camps during WWII. The Good News from Amanda about successful efforts to prevent

Mar 29, 201557 min

ShelShocked #01 - Morality and Bigotry

Introduction of Sheldon and Amanda (how they became skeptics). Interview with psychologist & skeptic, Dr. Michael Shermer. Science Report on formation of morality and bigotry. The Good News from Amanda about women's rights activists Mahdieh Golru in Iran and Souad Al-Shammari in Saudi Arabia.

Mar 22, 201546 min
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