Renowned author Michael Shermer took some time out on his birthday to talk to me about, among other things, rationalism, conspiracy theories, religion, critical thinking, and teaching. I've tried to link below to all of the ideas and names he mentions in this wide-ranging and insightful interview. LINKS Michael Shermer | Skeptic.com His latest book The Moral Arc Some people Dr. Shermer mentions who are doing similar work to his: Matt Ridley Steven Pinker Robert Wright Behavioral economists such as Dan Ariely, Daniel Kanheman, Cass Sunstein, and Amos Traversky. More links: Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Caroll Tavris and Elliot Aronson When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger (A book about cognitive dissonance and how people double down on beliefs when challenged) Christopher Hitchens on Henry Kissinger Subscribe to the WET Podcast in iTunes | Main page for The WET Podcast You can follow me on Twitter at @emarsh. Music: Double the Daily Dose by Revolution Void (http://www.revolutionvoid.com)