Episode 90: James Underdown - Skeptical Maven

from Mavens Do It Better · host Annelise Sexton

In this episode Heather interviews James Underdown, Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles, paranormal investigator, podcast host, and writer.Tune-in to hear their conversation on:"Skepticism is not the same as cynicism, which is not the same as denialism." - James' work with the Center for Inquiry and what the goals of the CFI are."Oh, man, it's convoluted." - How stand-up comedy, filmmaking and playwriting eventually led James to a career at the CFI."We get the least amount of time and have to exercise the most patience of anyone on the show" - From calling out psychics to debunking flat-earthers, James often appears as a guest on TV programs as a skeptic, often leaving him feeling like the wet blanket."It's basically the same set of things that you value for humanity." - James breaks down what atheists, humanists and secular humanists are."The scientific world's PR people have not been the best over the years." - How skeptics get a bad rap and why they are so important, especially in these times."And I proceeded to lie me a$$ off to him." - How being held back in Sunday school and his first confession sparked the skepticism that drives him now.Visit mavensdotibetter.com for full show notes and more.

What this episode covers

In this episode Heather interviews James Underdown, Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles, paranormal investigator, podcast host, and writer. Tune-in to hear their conversation on: "Skepticism is not the same as cynicism, which is not the same as denialism." - James' work with the Center for Inquiry and what the goals of the CFI are. "Oh, man, it's convoluted." - How stand-up comedy, filmmaking and playwriting eventually led James to a career at the CFI. "We get the least amount of time and have to exercise the most patience of anyone on the show" - From calling out psychics to debunking flat-earthers, James often appears as a guest on TV programs as a skeptic, often leaving him feeling like the wet blanket. "It's basically the same set of things that you value for humanity." - James breaks down what atheists, humanists and secular humanists are. "The scientific world's PR people have not been the best over the years." - How skeptics get a bad rap and why they are so important, especially in these times. "And I proceeded to lie me a$$ off to him." - How being held back in Sunday school and his first confession sparked the skepticism that drives him now.

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This episode was published on September 28, 2020.

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