Episode 239 – Bob Blaskiewicz: “The Conspiracy Guy”

–We make up for lost time and delve into the Amanda Berry kidnapping case, and the backlash her safe return has had against “psychic” Sylvia Brown. Plus, we cover whether or not it is appropriate for skeptics to take shots at psychics for failing to predict tragedies.
–During a captivating piece of video, Newt Gingrich is “puzzled” and can’t seem to identify a smartphone.
–In what seems to be a near-weekly segment on SFR, we talk about a few modern gun-related tragedies. This time, we ask whether a recent story involving a fake gun carrying actor at an Iron Man 3 theater promotion should warrant charges.
–Dr. Kermit Gosnell, abortion doctor and convicted murderer, sentenced to life in prison after a number of disgusting incidents revealed at his trial.
–39% of people who feel that Benghazi is the “worst political scandal in history,” can’t seem to find it on a map, or even know where it’s at.
–Did a turkey hunter in Pennsylvania shoot a Bigfoot, and get the body identified by police? Nope.
–Florida mayoral candidate claiming Jesus came to her in a vision and gave His endorsement. We talk about other recent political candidates who have made similar claims.

In our second hour, “The Conspiracy Guy” Bob Blaskiewicz joins us to talk about the latest news about cancer quack Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, recent trends in conspiracy theory, as well as to chat about the many hats he wears in skeptical activism.

Listen at: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show239_full.mp3
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Repeat of Episode 216 – Mark Edward Exposes Psychic Secrets

We are back and in reasonably good spirits because our first hour free-talk segment was full of fun stuff.  First, the social media skeptic assassin known as MABUS was arrested again this past week for harassing people again.  We talk about our run-ins with him in the past and how happy Bobby was to finally get included in his Twitter spam.  We also update the news on the apparent Poasttown Elementary paranormal hoax and talk about how that story and a prank we pulled on some ghost hunting goobers has collided in spectacular fashion.  Korbus relates a conversation he had with the leader of that group and how science, evolution and ghost hunting exploded into virtual hilarity.

We were excited to welcome Mark Edward to the show in our second hour.  Mark has a new book out called “Psychic Blues:  Confessions of a Conflicted Medium.”  We talk to him about his career in mentalism and talk a bit about the secrets of the psychic trade.  For instance, how do psychics and mediums appear to be so accurate when all they’re doing is standard cold-reading techniques?  Did he ever feel guilty duping someone into thinking he had a paranormal ability?  How does he feel about the Sylvia Brown’s and James van Praagh’s of the world?  And does he ever feel the urge to ditch the skeptical activism and make a lot of money by conning people?  A very entertaining and provocative discussion where the answers may not always be what you want to hear.

Listen at:  http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show216_full.mp3

 

Episode 238 – Doc Bonn Investigates Jack the Ripper

–Man stabs multiple people in church because he thought they were Masons.  Where was God?  What if he used a gun?
–A 5 year old boy shoots his 2 year old sister with a rifle he got as a gift
–More “Ghost Box Buffoonery” from our pal Steve Hill
–NBA player Jason Collins comes out as gay.  We cover the reactions, both positive and negative.
–Kevin Trudeau, an “unsinkable rubber duck,” files for bankruptcy
–Fake bomb detector salesman James McCormick sentenced to prison
–Citizen hearing on UFOs producing nothing more than old, discredited stories and other typical nonsense.
–Known Bigfoot hoaxer Rick Dyer exposed once again as a Bigfoot hoaxer.

In our second hour, criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn joins us to help investigate the 125th anniversary of the Jack the Ripper murders.  What do the victims tell us about who Jack was?  Was the Ripper really a surgeon?  How likely is it any of the popular suspects were really guilty?  These questions and more are answered in a dark and fascinating discussion.

Listen:      http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show238_full.mp3
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Episode 237 – Guy Harrison has “50 Simple Questions for Every Christian”

–New evidence in Boston Marathon bombings investigation reveals elder Tsarnaev brother a fan of Alex Jones and interested in other conspiracy theories.
–Dzhokhar Tsarnaev charged with using WMD.  But, if a bomb that kills 3 people is a Weapon of Mass Destruction, what does that make drones?  And guns?
–Why do some feel that not charging the younger Tsarnaev as an “enemy combatant” is proof of a False Flag government coverup?
–Should white people be racially profiled as gunmen and bombers?
–Second child of faith-healing fundamentalist parents has died, after being found responsible for the death of an earlier child.
–Charges dropped against Paul Kevin Curtis in ricin letters case.  Authorities now focusing on a different suspect.
–Popular internet meme depicts 4th grade science quiz rewarding creationist ideas.  But, is it real?  Snopes and Doubtful News weigh in.

In our 2nd hour, author Guy Harrison drops by to talk about his latest book, “50 Simple Questions for Every Christian,” and give his thoughts on the value of positive skepticism.

Listen at: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show237_full.mp3
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Episode 236 – Mary Roach’s GULP

–We cover the bombings at the Boston Marathon, the false rumors and conspiracy theories that have popped up afterward, as well as the suspect apprehended by the FBI.
–Author Mary Roach drops by to talk about her adventures along the alimentary canal as documented in her latest book, “Gulp.” We are big fans of Mary’s books, particularly “Spook,” and we have a terrific time talking to her about all things disgusting and taboo about ‘number two.’
–A big foot leads to speculation of Bigfoot in Massachusetts.
–Ricin letters are sent to a Mississippi Senator and President Obama. A suspect is in custody. What was his motivation?
–A Mexican Barbie doll, which comes with accessories like a pet chihuahua and a passport, sparks outrage among Latinos. Bobby calls his mom to get her thoughts.
–Republican congressman tweets out slogan for his campaign suggesting fetuses should be armed with guns to avoid abortions.
–Trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell reveals the dark side of one abortion clinic.
–Brian Dunning, host of popular Skeptoid podcast, pleads guilty to wire fraud.

Listen at: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show236_full.mp3
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Episode 235 – Sharon Hill on the Scope of Skepticism

–SyFy renews “Ghost Mine,” and adds two series starring Meatloaf and Joe Rogan.  Will these at least be entertaining?  Or more of the same?
–The other side of the “stomp on Jesus” story is out – the professor’s.  We decide to do a better job of covering it.
–Animal psychic can’t communicate with elephant because the pachyderm was “too depressed.” Sure, that must be it.
–House Republican proves global warming not caused by human beings…by pointing to the story of the Great Flood in the Bible.  Right.
–More news about Dr. Burzynski’s cancer quackery from CFI’s “Conspiracy Guy” columnist Bob Blaskiewicz.
–NRA gun safety instructor misses event due to literally shooting himself in the foot.  Brilliant.
–Atheists mock the suicide of evangelical pastor Rick Warren’s son, Matthew.  We do not approve.

In our second hour, Sharon Hill of Doubtful News stops by to discuss the scope of skepticism, and what it means to be a Skeptic.  Great discussion!

Listen at: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show235_full.mp3
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Episode 234 – SFR is Risen!

–We’re back after our Easter break!  What went down while we were away?
–Google riled up a few Christians when they chose to celebrate Cesar Chavez over the risen JC.
–The Shroud of Turin is back in the news.  ‘Tis the season, after all.  But is there any good reason this time to suspect it’s actually the burial cloth of Jesus?
–Updating the “stomp on Jesus” story we covered a couple weeks ago.  The school has issued a public apology, and the student is back in class.
–Sam Harris and writer Glenn Greenwald duke it out our Islam and “New Atheism.”
–Bobby and Jason talk about some cool compliments we’ve gotten lately, a hilarious criticism, and respond publicly to a very sensitive email.
–The JREF released their annual Pigasus Awards.  Did the right people get called out?  Who else could have been on the list?  And what did our friend who was indirectly shamed have to say about this “honor.”
–Tim Yancey hates people in the paranormal community “patting each other on the back.” Which must explain how we have a funny example of him from Facebook patting paranormal community people on the back.
–Popular “haunted” lighthouse in Maryland keeps getting broken into by ghost hunters
–Disney shuts down LucasArts, killing all development of their future Star Wars games.  Is this a bad sign?  Or are nerds worried over nothing?
–There’s apparently been over 3000 gun deaths in the United States since the tragedy at Newtown.  And Adam Lanza was aided in committing that massacre, at least in part, by the NRA.  Is America still cool with our lack of serious gun control efforts?  How about Congress?
–Jerry Falwell and Kirk Cameron are teaming up to make a documentary aiming to explain why god allows bad things to happen
–Legendary film critic Roger Ebert dies at the age of 70.
–More evidence that vaccines DO NOT cause autism.

Listen at: http://www.strangefrequenciesradio.net/Shows/sfr_show234_full.mp3
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