More on Critical Thinking, Skeptical Inquiry, and the Scientific Method

I don't have time to read too many blogs regularly, so I listen to several of these organizations' podcasts instead...

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Are We Alone? is a radio show and podcast put on by SETI Institute. The hosts, Molly Bentley and Seth Shostack, are imaginative and relentlessly witty. The program reports on straight science as well as skepticism.

For Good Reason "is the interview program hosted by D.J. Grothe, promoting critical thinking and skepticism about the central beliefs of society. Interviews often focus on the paranormal, pseudoscience and the supernatural."  Until recently Grothe was host of Point of Inquiry.

The Infidel Guy Show is one of the oldest skeptical podcasts on the web. It deals with religion as well as the paranormal and pseudo-science. The production values can be a little rough and more than a few podcast debates have raged out of control of the host.

Minnesota Atheists has a podcast that tends toward the dry side much of the time. They are earnest if pedantic.

Point of Inquiry is the official podcast of the Center for Inquiry that addresses “religion, human values, and the borderlands of science.”

Quackcast is hosted by Mark Crislip, MD, who takes an nearly insane glee in skewering what he refers to as "Supplements, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (SCAM)."

I've just started listening to Rationally Speaking, the official podcast of New York City Skeptics. Hosts Massimo Pigliucci and Julia Galef "explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense."

SGU 5x5 is put on by the same crew that does the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe. This format offers concise five minute talks on a single topic.

Skeptics' Guide to the Universe is a classic put on by the New England Skeptical Society. Neurologist Steven Novella, MD, is also the author of the Neurologica blog.

Also a member of the SGU Rebecca Watson is the founder of Skepchick where she hosts their podcast.

Skeptics with a K is the podcast of the Merseyside Skeptic's Society in the UK. Anti-Vaxers and homeopaths are popular topics.

Skepticality is one of the official podcasts of Skeptic magazine. Hosts Derrick and Swoopy have a nice vibe and their thoughts on outreach and education strikes a different tone than other skeptical podcasts.  Their links page is a nice reference.

At Skeptoid Brian Dunning takes 10-15 minutes to apply critical analysis to a single New Age, medical quackery, UFO sightings, or paranormal topic. Punchy and pithy. His site features transcripts and references for each episode. Good stuff in a fun format.

So, is critical thinking the same as skepticism? How does skepticism differ from cynicism? Are skeptics ever credulous when it comes to pet beliefs? Are there other podcasts I'm missing?  Please let me know...