What's the point of the publicly funded British Royal family in the modern world? Andrew Gold puts the monarchy under a microscope on this Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: The British monarchy is a centuries-old institution that has had a significant impact on the UK's culture, politics, and history. While the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, the royal family still holds influence and plays a significant part in British society. The British Royal Family receives public fun...
May 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Should you endure a toxic marriage for the sake of your son's relationship with his father, or run for the hills while you can? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, dro...
May 17, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jonathan Haidt is here to talk about his latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness . What We Discuss with Jonathan Haidt: Social media and smartphones have drastically altered childhood since the early 2010s , leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among teens, especially girls. Virtual interactions on social media are disembodied, shallow, and can spread mental health issues among suscepti...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your disabled father's safety is jeopardized by a violent, mentally ill relative, and legal remedies have proven insufficient. Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 2/2. [ Pt 1 can be found here !] What We Discuss with Robert Mazur: How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations. Money laundering enables cartels to produce their most lethal product: corruption. Corrupt officials and government...
May 09, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 1/2. What We Discuss with Robert Mazur: How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations. The extensive planning that goes into an undercover operation , including developing a detailed backstory, establishing fake businesses, and co...
May 07, 2024•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Has technology weaponized pornography into a public health crisis? Michael Regilio takes us through modern porn's ins and outs on this Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday: High-speed internet porn is a recent phenomenon that provides an intense, novel experience unlike traditional pornography, hacking into our brain's evolutionary desires for new mates and triggering dopamine responses similar to drug addiction. Pornography use , especially among adolescents and young adults who gr...
May 05, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a l...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast What challenges can the ocean help us meet, and what must we do to safeguard its treasures? The Underworld author Susan Casey dives deep for answers here! What We Discuss with Susan Casey: The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and serves as the largest carbon sink on the planet, making its preservation essential for mitigating climate change. The ocean is home to a fascinating array of creatures that have adapted to extreme conditions , such as iron-breathing microbes,...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your brother's never-ending barrage of goat-related songs, text messages, and references has your family concerned. Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line ...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Should we worry that the complex dynamics between Israel and Iran might ignite WWIII? Intelligence analyst Ryan McBeth brings us in from Out of the Loop. Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them. On This Episode of Out of the Loop: Israel and Iran have been engaged in recent a...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Grab a front-row seat to the gritty world of bare-knuckle boxing with undefeated champ Bobby Gunn and his 'Bare Knuckle' biographer Stayton Bonner here! What We Discuss with Bobby Gunn and Stayton Bonner: The culture and traditions of — as well as the stereotypes, lifestyle choices, and challenges faced by — the traveler community in which Bobby was raised. How Bobby started fighting drunks for money at the not-so-tender age of 11. The rich history — and brutal realities — of bare-knuckle boxing...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your pregnant sister-in-law was a wild child growing up and suffers addiction. Would adopting her baby disrupt your family life? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, dr...
Apr 19, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast What's it like to be one of the only Muslim Arab Americans fighting terrorism in the US' most secret military unit? Adam Gamal shares here in part 2 of 2! [ Part 1 can be found here .] What We Discuss with Adam Gamal: How Adam Gamal went from being an Egyptian refugee who barely spoke English to an operative in the United States' most secret special forces unit. The unit's tasks range from counterterrorism and hostage rescue to counter-narcotics operations. The ethical and emotional complexities...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast What's it like to be one of the only Muslim Arab Americans fighting terrorism in the US' most secret military unit? Adam Gamal shares here in part 1 of 2! What We Discuss with Adam Gamal: How Adam Gamal went from being an Egyptian refugee who barely spoke English to an operative in the US Army's most secret special forces unit. The unit's tasks range from counterterrorism and hostage rescue to counter-narcotics operations. The ethical and emotional complexities of covert operations. How top secr...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep 978•Transcript available on Metacast We have a follow-up from our episode 904 listener on her Persian boyfriend's hesitation to advance their six-year relationship. Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, dro...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep 977•Transcript available on Metacast Children's Rescue Initiative founder Bruce Ladebu joins us to discuss the 20 years he's spent liberating hundreds of people from slavery and trafficking! What We Discuss with Bruce Ladebu: Human trafficking and slavery affect around 40 million globally , generating $150 billion per year. Exploitation includes forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking of all ages. Heartless and often sadistic traffickers prey on the most vulnerable and desperate populations , including disaster-strick...
Apr 11, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Ep 976•Transcript available on Metacast How can we achieve work/life balance when we're always so dang busy? Slow Productivity author Cal Newport helps us achieve without burning out here! What We Discuss with Cal Newport: Why we need to redefine what productivity means in an age of constant connection and unclear boundaries between work life and home life. How the pandemic's remote work "solutions" exacerbated — on a societal level — an already simmering host of workload issues. How committing to doing fewer things makes ...
Apr 09, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Ep 975•Transcript available on Metacast Are too many people abusing laws that allow service animals to accompany the legitimately disabled? Michael Regilio walks us through this Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: If you've noticed a proliferation of people threatening legal repurcussions if they aren't allowed to go absolutely everywhere with their emotional support animals , you're not alone. They're just hoping you don't know the difference between emotional support animals and service animals. Ser...
Apr 07, 2024•49 min•Ep 974•Transcript available on Metacast Your alcoholic sister's in an abusive relationship, and you worry your nieces are in danger. What can you do? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at fri...
Apr 05, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep 973•Transcript available on Metacast How has artificial intelligence (AI) become the 21st century's greatest dilemma? Microsoft AI CEO and The Coming Wave author Mustafa Suleyman weighs in! What We Discuss with Mustafa Suleyman: A deep dive into the evolution of AI and understanding how AI learns and predicts. AI's potential impact on everything from everyday jobs to gaming to national security to solving global challenges. The ethical considerations of allowing AI to replace humans in the workforce — particularly as it...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 972•Transcript available on Metacast A dinner party with friends was interrupted in one of the most embarrassing ways possible — and then it went viral. Welcome to April Fools' Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episod...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep 971•Transcript available on Metacast Are you afraid of the possibility of nuclear war? Chances are good you're not scared enough . Journalist Annie Jacobsen is here to change all that! What We Discuss with Annie Jacobsen: What checks and balances keep us safe from nuclear attacks — and prevent such attacks from being initiated accidentally? Why nuclear war preparedness and response plans are woefully inadequate under even the mildest potential scenarios. The mechanics and strategies of nuclear warfare and the fantasy of space...
Mar 28, 2024•2 hr 44 min•Ep 970•Transcript available on Metacast If you want to understand communication, emotional regulation, and bargaining under pressure, join us here with former hostage negotiator Scott Walker! What We Discuss with Scott Walker: The role of trust in successful negotiations. How emotional intelligence plays into hostage negotiations. The minimalist toolkit of a hostage negotiator. Navigating legal and ethical boundaries in negotiations. The perils of fame in kidnapping situations , and the importance of ransom discipline and social media...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep 969•Transcript available on Metacast Does the $200 billion bottled water industry provide a superior product to what comes out of your tap? Andrew Gold investigates on this Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Is the bottled water industry a $200 billion sham? Fluoride in water : myths and facts. Bottled vs. tap, and purified vs. filtered : quality, safety, and environmental impact. The benefits of spring water over other types. The dangers of drinking too much water. Connect with Jordan on Twitter ,...
Mar 24, 2024•56 min•Ep 968•Transcript available on Metacast Now in his 80s, the abusive dad who made your life Hell is experiencing domestic violence at the hands of his younger wife. Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep 967•Transcript available on Metacast How has a drug cartel operating as its own country thwarted hostile actions by its neighbors and the CIA? Narcotopia author Patrick Winn is here to explain! What We Discuss with Patrick Winn: Burma vs. Myanmar . The CIA's role in Wa State's formation. How Wa State went from a poppy-harvesting cartel to a self-sufficient, defense-capable narco nation . The evolution of Wa State's drug branding and distribution that outsells Starbucks and McDonald's. The future of Wa State and its potential global...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 966•Transcript available on Metacast Your friend is legally chained to a life of debt for something he did in his youth. Is there an ethical way to ease his burden? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger ( @JordanHarbinger ) and Gabriel Mizrahi ( @GabeMizrahi ) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, dro...
Mar 15, 2024•2 hr 36 min•Ep 965•Transcript available on Metacast How do globally organized criminals stay two steps ahead of the law? Chasing Shadows author Miles Johnson takes us into the underworld for answers! What We Discuss with Miles Johnson: The global impact of drug trafficking and sanctions busting. How the DEA internationally operates more like the CIA than the FBI . The Syrian conflict : a tangled web of alliances and interests. Innovative low-tech money laundering schemes and the shadow economy. The evolution of criminal networks and the rol...
Mar 14, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Ep 964•Transcript available on Metacast How can we build rapport and optimize our connection with others? Supercommunicators author Charles Duhigg brings us the practical steps here! What We Discuss with Charles Duhigg: The three categories of conversation : practical, emotional, and social. The biological underpinnings of communication — such as neural entrainment — that make humans unique. How to become a better active listener through looping — ask a question, repeat back what you just heard the person say in your...
Mar 12, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Ep 963•Transcript available on Metacast 
