logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
57m 47s

We Don't Need No Thought Control: The Ps...

@unbiasedscipod
About this episode
On this episode of the pod we are joined by a special guest, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, who is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University, to discuss the anti-vaccine movement, cult-mentality, and the predilection for conspiratorial thinking.  We summarize some factors that contribute to susceptibility to cult mentality and the r ... Show More
Up next
Jul 29
Summer Rerun- Protein, Creatine and "Skinny Teens?": Nutrition Science on Steroids
Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at sub ... Show More
33m 52s
Jul 22
Summer Rerun- Superbugs: The Piece de Microbial Resistance
Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at sub ... Show More
36 m
Jul 15
Summer Rerun: SSRI-ously? Separating Fact From Fiction On SSRIs
Hello Unbiased Scientists! We’re taking a little break for summer, but in the meantime we are re-airing some of our very favorite episodes as well as some of YOUR favorites. We will still be posting infographics to our socials as well as longer form content on our Substack at sub ... Show More
47m 10s
Recommended Episodes
May 2020
How the Social and Behavioral Sciences Explain Our Reactions to COVID-19 with Jay Van Bavel, PhD
Why are some people more susceptible to conspiracy theories than others? Do people actually panic during disasters, like the pandemic? And are the brains of liberals and conservatives physiologically different? Dr. Jay Van Bavel, who directs NYU’s Social Perception and Evaluation ... Show More
32m 20s
Sep 2025
The Cult of Anti-Vaxxers
This week, Amanda is joined by vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez and cultural critic Jane Borden (@janebordan) to unravel the misinformation machine and identity politics that keep this movement alive. Together, we break down not only how the anti-vax community functions like a h ... Show More
1h 17m
Aug 2024
The Psychology of Identity and Fostering Social Harmony w/ Dr. Jay Van Bavel
This week Scott is joined by NYU professor and expert on social identity, Dr. Jay Van Bavel. Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Van Bavel discuss how to escape your echo chambers and overcome your biases, the role social media plays in creating a funhouse mirror, and how to make connections wit ... Show More
49m 50s
Jan 2023
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories (2020 Rerun)
[Rerun] What is the science behind believing in conspiracy theories? Is it a mental illness? Dr. Kirk and Humberto discuss the research. From our sponsor, BetterHelp: Need a therapist? Try BetterHelp! https://www.betterhelp.com/kirkGet started today and enjoy 10% off your first m ... Show More
1h 53m
Feb 2021
#233 — The Groves of Misinformation
Sam Harris speaks with Zeynep Tufekci about the problem of misinformation and group-think. They discuss the Covid-19 pandemic, the early failures of journalists and public health professionals to make sense of it, the sociology of mask wearing, the problem of correcting instituti ... Show More
50m 55s
Apr 2020
Silent Infectors: What You Need To Know
Dr. Phil has an unbiased discussion about the coronavirus -- numbers, "covidiots," and more. Plus, hear why he says the mental and emotional impact of the disease may have a bigger impact and take more lives than the disease itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast ... Show More
53m 10s
Sep 2017
The Rise of Anti-Vaxxers
Last week we explored the science behind vaccine safety. This week we try to understand where these fears came from, and why they persist. We speak to three historians: Prof. Nadja Durbach, Prof. Elena Conis, and Prof. Robert Johnston. And a concerned mom named Noelle. Check out ... Show More
35m 17s
Nov 2023
Navigating online misinformation and improving science communication, with David R. Grimes
In this episode, we're joined by science writer and author of 'The Irrational Ape — Why We Fall for Disinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and Propaganda', David Robert Grimes, for a discussion about science communication and the unrelenting rise of misinformation on social media. ... Show More
49m 11s
Sep 2022
How to Detect a Fake Smile
Healthy//Toxic Healthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy from a scientifically informed perspective. This show centers around the topics of narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and the negative e ... Show More
16m 4s
Nov 2025
It's a Brutal Time to Be Even Remotely Intelligent
The United States is experiencing an epidemic of anti-intellectualism. We discuss that and a whole lot more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support. 
1h 21m