Shows
Think It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 44--Misinformation, Disinformation, Bots, and TrollsSend us a textWhile it's always been the case that "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting its boots on," it's exponentially more true since the rise of the internet, particularly social media. In this episode, April looks at how and why misinformation and disinformation (which are not the same thing, btw) travel so quickly around our media landscape and affect the way we view the world.Episode 44 Show Notes (I have so many sources I can't put descriptions on them because I...
2026-01-1222 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 43: Agnotology--the Study of Ignorance and Manufactured DoubtSend us a textIn this episode, April explains that ignorance and stupidity are not the same thing. But when doubt is deliberately created as a strategic ploy by powerful entities, the ignorance that results can be not only stupid, but dangerous.Episode 43 Show NotesDefinition of "epistomology:" https://www.britannica.com/topic/epistemologyGood explanation of agnotology by Dr Mark Crislip: https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/agnotology-the-study-of-ignorance/Dr Robert Proctor on Alie Ward: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/agnotologyThe post-truth world: https://theconversation.com/scientists-have-a-word-for-studying-the-post-truth-world-agnotology-71542...
2025-09-1824 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 42: Why We Are So Good At Fooling Ourselves--Understanding Motivated ReasoningSend us a textIn this episode, April explains how this biased form of reasoning keeps our identities and emotions safe from the harsh glare of reality. Using justifications to support what we really want to be true lies at the heart of motivated reasoning, so the next time you eat a whole sleeve of Ritz crackers and wash it down with chardonnay, remind yourself that you exercised that morning, so it's ok.**note--when she says you, she means herself...Episode 42 Show Notes:The News Literacy Project article on motivated reasoning...
2025-08-0724 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 41: Fallacy Watch: No True Scotsman, Argument from Repetition, and "I'm Entitled to My Opinion"Send us a textApril confesses to being a "big ol' nerd" while discussing three sneaky fallacies that sidestep evidence and shut down discourse.Episode 41 Show Notes:It's a study guide about the No True Scotsman fallacy! Hey, they're good for adults too: https://studylatam.com/no-true-scotsman-fallacy-in-philosophy/Another good article about No True Scotsman: https://practicalpie.com/no-true-scotsman/Rational Wiki is always a good go-to for fallacies: https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/No_True_ScotsmanWhat's cognitive ease? Here you go: learning-mind.com/cognitive-ease/Great article...
2025-06-1318 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 40: Why Good Data is Essential for Good Thinking (And What Happens When It's Taken Away)Send us a textIn this episode, April talks about why good data (current, accurate, and trustworthy) is so important to good thinking. She is perturbed about the current administration's deliberate attempts to delete, change, or hide critical government data. However, she is also hopeful that the many efforts to protect and preserve this data will be successful.Episode 40 Show Notes--just citations because my explanations took up too much data... https://www.getrightdata.com/blog/why-quality-matters-the-10-biggest-data-quality-disastershttps://www.smorescience.com/data-driven-life-how-information-shapes-our-daily-decisionsexamples-of-data-in-everyday-life/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/05/06/ne...
2025-05-2124 min
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update for the Week of April 23–30: Anchoring Truth, Living with Integrity & Rooting into Your New Foundation | Ep 677As April draws to a close, we step into a period that asks for steadiness, clarity, and presence. The energy now is less about searching and more about settling into what has already shifted—choosing to align with your inner knowing and letting that guide your every step.This is a week of anchoring—not by clinging, but by clearly aligning with your values and the life you are ready to live. The external world may still feel unpredictable and unsettled, with waves of collective unrest in financial, political, and global arenas. But rather than reacting, the invi...
2025-04-2212 min
Inspiring You ShowEnergy Forecast Theme 2: Regulating the Inner Climate: From Dysregulation to Energetic Resets + Tools | Ep 675April Energy Forecast Theme 2: Regulating the Inner Climate: From Dysregulation to Energetic Resets + ToolsThis episode offers grounded support for navigating April’s energy through nervous system awareness, energetic recalibration, and trauma-informed presence. As integration deepens, many are experiencing fatigue, overwhelm, emotional waves, or shutdown—not because something is wrong, but because the system is reorganizing in response to expanded Light and frequency.Regulation is not about perfection—it’s about responsiveness. This conversation invites a gentler relationship with the body, mind, and energy field. It’s about creating new pathwa...
2025-04-221h 03
Inspiring You ShowApril Energy Forecast Theme 1: The Sacred Art of Reconstructing the Self: A Sacred Bridge to Soul Embodiment + Tools | Ep 672April Energy Forecast Theme 1: The Sacred Art of Reconstructing the Self: A Sacred Bridge to Soul Embodiment + Tools After the karmic clearing and eclipse revelations of March, April invites us into a liminal space—a place of not-yet-knowing, but deep becoming. In this episode, we walk the threshold between who we were and who we are becoming, tuning into the energetic, emotional, and psychological aspects of identity transformation.This is more than healing—it’s intentional rebuilding.✨ We...
2025-04-161h 20
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update for the Week of April 16 - 22 | Ep 669Mini Energy Update for the Week of April 16-22: Anchoring Vision, Cultivating Joy, and Embodying the New PathAs the energy field begins to stabilize, this week brings apalpable shift—a forward flow that invites clear movement, Soul-rooted decision-making, and the confidence to step into new directions with grounded purpose. After weeks, even months, of emotional excavation and karmic clearing, you may begin to feel a renewed sense of clarity rising within—a knowing that doesn’t shout, but quietly aligns.The fog of old stories lifts...
2025-04-1508 min
Inspiring You ShowLibra Full Moon: Returning to Center, Healing the Heart, and Awakening the Path Forward | Ep 665In this powerful episode, we journey into the heart of April’s Libra Full Moon, a radiant Supermoon also sometimes known as the Pink Moon — a name rooted in early spring blooms and the return of life to the land. The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, notes that some Eastern Native American tribes call April's full moon the "pink moon" due to its connection with early spring wildflowers.Occurring within the closing energies of the Eclipse Portal, this Full Moon is a cosmic invitation to pause...
2025-04-1126 min
Inspiring You ShowFeeling Gut-Tired? This Might Be Why: Solar Plexus Clearing and Activation | Ep 664This month also brings solar plexus clearing and activation—which means willpower, identity, and power patterns are being cleared and restructured.This is a quick but important update. I know I mentioned some physical symptoms in the April 2025 Energy Forecast, but I’ve been feeling them so strongly that I wanted to speak directly to them here—because chances are, you might be feeling this, too.One of the biggest things I’ve been noticing—and maybe you have too—is just how intense the solar plexus clearing and activation has been.At the end of M...
2025-04-0911 min
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update for the Week of April 8 - 15: Sacred Boundaries, Practical Alignment & Reconfiguring What’s Yours | Ep 663This week brings a powerful invitation to clarify the energetic boundaries of your becoming. As the dust of recent inner clearing begins to settle, your system may naturally feel more sensitive, more attuned to what supports you—and what no longer does.You may find yourself instinctively protecting your energy, drawing lines around your time, your focus, or your heart. This is not withdrawal—it is wisdom. You are learning to become a conscious steward of your sacred container, and with that comes discernment: not everything deserves your access. Not everyone can walk with you into the next...
2025-04-0809 min
Inspiring You ShowA Guide to April 2025's Energy Forecast in Categories and Timeframes | Ep 662April 2025 carries the frequency of Soul embodiment, sacred reconstruction, and multidimensional integration. In this episode, I walk you through the April energy forecast—not just as a list of dates or themes, but as a living roadmap. Together, we explore the spiritual architecture of April in categories that matter: personal identity, relationships, physical health, purposeful work, environment, and the key energetic shifts of each week. This month is about more than navigating the unknown—it’s about building your next chapter from alignment, not urgency.Let this be you...
2025-04-081h 22
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update for the Week of April 1-7: Integration, Emotional Truth & Soul-Level Alignment | Ep 661Mini Energy Update for the Week of April 1-7: Integration, Emotional Truth & Soul-Level AlignmentAs April opens, we find ourselves suspended between timelines—one foot still anchored in the echoes of the March eclipse portal, the other reaching toward something new and unseen. The energetic residue of recent karmic unravelings is still clearing, inviting us to slow down and feel deeply. This is not the time to push forward with force—it’s the time to align inwardly with truth.This is an ideal time to gently...
2025-04-0305 min
Inspiring You ShowApril 2025 Energy Forecast: Crossing the Threshold: Embodying Heart Wisdom, Soul Truth & Sacred Integration | Ep 660April 2025 Energy Forecast: Crossing the Threshold: Embodying Heart Wisdom, Soul Truth & Sacred Integration 🌸✨ April 2025 isn’t just a continuation—it’s a deepening. If March awakened the intuitive heart, April invites us to live from it. In this powerful energy forecast, we explore what it means to cross a vibrational threshold and fully embody the wisdom, clarity, and heart-aligned truth we’ve been cultivating.With Eclipse season behind us, Venus now direct, and Mercury + Mars lighting a new fire, this is a month of grounded momentum, emotional sovereignty, and sacred embodiment. We’re invited into a sp...
2025-04-033h 13
Inspiring You ShowCosmic Astrology Insights for April 2025: Embodying Heart Wisdom, Soul Truth & Sacred Integration | Ep 658Cosmic Astrology Insights for April 2025: Embodying Heart Wisdom, Soul Truth & Sacred Integration 🌸April is not just a continuation—it’s a deepening. If March awakened the intuitive heart, April invites us to live from it. We now stand at a sacred threshold—a space between karmic release and purposeful emergence. With Eclipse season behind us and retrogrades beginning to clear, this is a month of embodiment, integration, and Soul-led clarity.April 2025 arrives as a powerful energetic bridge—an interdimensional threshold guiding us from karmic closures into the crystalline codes of fresh beginni...
2025-03-311h 14
Inspiring You ShowAries Solar Eclipse Quantum Energy Healing Meditation & Activation + 639 Hz | Ep 654Aries Solar Eclipse Quantum Energy Healing Meditation & Activation + 639 Hz This is not just a meditation.This is a quantum journey.This is a multidimensional reset.A sacred passage through one of the most transformative portals of the year.A sacred initiation.A quantum moment of soul remembrance.The Aries Partial Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025 is a cosmic threshold—marking the completion of a two-year karmic cycle and offering a rare opportunity to reclaim your light, your voice, and your sacred path. This is more th...
2025-03-291h 13Think It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 39: Understanding and Countering PropagandaSend us a textIn this episode, April attempts to unpack the complicated topic of propaganda, a form of persuasion used by corporations, advertisers, pundits, influencers, and political personalities. These days, it's important for critical thinkers to understand that there should be a delineation between propaganda and the kind of rhetoric used in democratic governance, to recognize propaganda and to avoid being influenced by it. If this sounds important--well, it is.Episode 39 Show Noteshttps://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propaganda--this references the origins of the word propaganda and its original...
2025-03-2023 min
Inspiring You ShowPisces New Moon: A Beneficial Portal of Transformation & the Gateway to Eclipse Season | Ep 621On February 27th, the Pisces New Moon marks an emotionally charged and profound transition into Eclipse Season, signaling a pivotal moment in the astrological year that brings transformative shifts and destiny-driven change. This is not merely a new lunar phase but a significant, beneficial portal that invites us to engage deeply with our personal growth and emotional landscapes. This lunation serves as a beneficial portal, urging deep reflection, release, and alignment with our Soul's purpose.Key Highlights:• Emotional Depths of Pisces: This New Moon in Pisces offers a rare opportunity to dive into the depths of our emotions, intuition, an...
2025-02-2507 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 38: Fallacy Watch--A Few Relevance FallaciesSend us a textIn this episode April explains some very common relevance fallacies--Straw Man, Begging the Question, and Two Wrongs Make a Right. Let's all try not to commit these fallacies, okay?Episode 38 Show Notes:https://philosophyterms.com/fallacy-of-relevance/#google_vignette--a handy reference website that gives basic explanations of terms related to philosophy as well as short biographies of many famous philosophers.https://www.historyextra.com/period/georgian/why-we-say-phrase-red-herring-hunting-origins/--a fun discussion of "red herrings" from the official website for the BBC History Magazinehttps://www.etymonline.com...
2025-02-2419 min
SOURCE NEEDEDprologueAbi & Liz introduce themselves and lay the groundwork for what SOURCE NEEDED is about. There’s some background info on the girls, rants on what makes 17th-century Dutch artwork so special, how we view artwork (monetary value versus topography), and an explanation of the podcast title. Have 38 minutes to kill? Come hang with us.Check out more of SOURCE NEEDED!!! do it. do it now.Patreon: patreon.com/SOURCENEEDEDInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/sourceneeded?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==BIBLIOGRAPHY [and notes]1. {3:35} Li...
2025-02-1838 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 37: The Language of Demagoguery--How Words Shape PowerSend us a textIn this episode, April drags herself out of bed while recovering from a wicked case of Influenza A (you might notice her somewhat gravelly vocal quality) to record this episode about an important and timely topic--the language of demagoguery. While we tend to think of it as something politicians and other powerful people use, she discovers to her dismay that we are all capable of being "nascent demagogues" and using this rhetorical technique in our everyday discussions about politics. Hey, let's try not to do that, okay?Episode 37 Show Notes
2025-01-2318 min
Inspiring You Show2025 Astrology Forecast: The Year of Cosmic Completion & Bold New Horizons | Ep 5832025 Astrology Forecast: The Year of Cosmic Completion & Bold New Horizons
Welcome to the 2025 Astrology Forecast, a year of profound closure, recalibration, and transformation. As a Number 9 Year in numerology, 2025 carries the vibration of culmination—a sacred time to reflect on past cycles, harvest the lessons we’ve learned, and release what no longer supports. It’s not just about endings; it’s about creating space for bold new beginnings.
Astrologically, 2025 stands out as a remarkable year with major celestial movements and rare alignments:
Four major planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—shift into new signs.
The Lunar Nodes move into Pisces...
2025-01-011h 20
The Punch Bowl DiariesEpisode 94: A Husband's Perspective: A Follow-Up with Caitlin Hebert's Husband AndrewSend us a message! Click here!In this episode, the ladies had the unique opportunity to get "the other side of the story" for what it was like for Caitlin Hebert's husband Andrew to go on her journey from Houma to Holy. This interview is incredibly dynamic and captivating as it highlights the trust and commitment needed of your spouse to navigate such a raw season of spiritual growth. It's sure to leave you with your faith on fire for Jesus. Enjoy!Follow us on Instagram at @PunchBowlDiaries_Podcast Watch on YouTube: https...
2024-11-1152 min
I Love Old Time RadioPhilco Radio Time - Guest - Al Jolson (Ep1575)"Rainy Night in Rio" - Bing Crosby; "The Anniversary Song" - Skitch Henderson; "April Showers" - Bing Crosby & Al Jolson; "My Blushing Rosie" - Al Jolson & Bing Crosby; "Swanee" - Al Jolson Bing Crosby; "Philco Ad" - Bing Crosby & Al Jolson; "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" - Bing Crosby & Al Jolson;
---
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iloveoldtimeradio/support
2024-11-0834 min
Dover DownloadMeet Kevin Hebert, Dover's New Recreation DirectorIn this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kevin Hebert, Dover's new Recreation Director, who replaced longtime director Gary Bannon in April. Hebert discusses his 25-year background in education and athletics, including roles as Athletic Director at various schools, including Somersworth High School and Spaulding High School in Rochester. As a Dover resident with three children in the school system and a wife teaching at Dover High School, Hebert brings both professional expertise and a local perspective to his new role. He shares his vision for regional recreation collaboration, plans to evaluate...
2024-11-0522 minThe Punch Bowl DiariesEpisode 92: Part 2- From Houma to Holy: A Transformation Story with Caitlin HebertSend us a message! Click here!On this episode, the ladies finish their interview with Caitlin Hebert as she shares her story of how her childhood shaped her adulthood and how an encounter with the Lord changed her life, her marriage and her approach to parenting. It's such a great conversation of redemption and healing and a tender reminder that God can heal all hearts. Please share this episode with a friend. Follow us on Instagram at @PunchBowlDiaries_Podcast @aprilhillyogastudio90 @leigh_moss_ @yogastudio90 @dreamers.cottage.natchezSchedule a hot yoga class www.yogastudio90.c...
2024-10-2838 minThe Punch Bowl DiariesEpisode 91: Part 1- From Houma to Holy: A Transformation Testimony with Caitlin HebertSend us a message! Click here!On this episode, the ladies interview Caitlin Hebert as she shares her story of how her childhood shaped her adulthood and how an encounter with the Lord changed her life, her marriage and her approach to parenting. It's such a great conversation of redemption and healing and a tender reminder that God can heal all hearts. Please share this episode with a friend. Follow us on Instagram at @PunchBowlDiaries_Podcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchBowlDiaries-jb7dq Email Us: punchbowldiaries@gmail.com
2024-10-2131 min
Inspiring You ShowIgnite Your Inner Fire: Aries Full Moon’s Path to Courage and Transformation | Ep 507Ignite Your Inner Fire: Aries Full Moon’s Path to Courage and Transformation
As we step into the dynamic energies of the Aries Full Moon on October 17th, we are invited to embrace our courage, passion, and inner strength. This Full Moon radiates an invigorating wave of transformation, illuminating the path forward as we emerge from September's Lunar Eclipse and Eclipse Season.
Aries, the bold leader of the zodiac, calls you to ignite your inner fire. If you’ve been feeling stagnant or unsure, this cosmic energy offers the spark needed to move forward with confidence. Reflecting on the less...
2024-10-1508 min
Inspiring You ShowUnderstanding Neptune Retrograde 2024: Key Effects and Insights | Ep 493In this episode, we dive into Neptune's retrograde from July 2 to December 7, 2024, as it journeys through the final degrees of Pisces. This period marks the culmination of a transformative cycle that began in April 2011, inviting us to reflect mindfully on our spiritual journeys and creative pursuits.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Essence of Neptune in Pisces: Discover how Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, and creativity, shines most brightly in Pisces. We explore its dual nature—offering deep spiritual connection and creativity while also highlighting potential illusion and escapism.
Creative Blocks: Understand how feelings of being stuck can lead to a...
2024-10-0511 min
Inspiring You ShowEclipsing Into Balance: Harnessing the Libra Solar Eclipse: A Time for New Beginnings | Ep 484On October 2nd, we welcome the transformative energy of the annular Libra Solar Eclipse. Often referred to as a "Ring of Fire," this celestial event invites us to reflect on the illumination that arises when the Sun's center is briefly obscured, leaving a radiant halo.
Solar eclipses are powerful catalysts for new beginnings,
offering us the chance to harvest the fruits of our past efforts while planting fresh seeds for the future. This is a moment to embrace the potential for change, opening doors to new pathways and opportunities in our lives.
While solar eclipses...
2024-09-3010 min
Inspiring You ShowUnlock Your Intuition: Scorpio Full Moon Mindful Reiki Meditation | Ep 381Mindful Reiki Meditation for the Full Moon in Scorpio
In this episode, we dive into the powerful energies of the Full Moon in Scorpio. This lunar phase invites us to release, transform, and connect with our intuition. Join us for a guided to align with this cosmic event.
Key Points:
Full Moon Energies:
The Full Moon in Scorpio occurs on April 23, 2024.
It’s a time of completion, reflection, and deep emotional healing.
The moon acts as a cosmic magnet, drawing away energies that no longer serve us.
Connecting with Your Higher Self:
Imagine your ce...
2024-04-241h 26
Inspiring You ShowMoonlit Secrets: Navigating Full Moon in Scorpio’s Cosmic Dance | Ep 380The Full Moon in Scorpio on April 23, 2024 brings intense energies and transformation. It’s a time to confront shadows, release old patterns, and embrace your intuitive power. The moon’s calling us to reveal buried emotions and secrets and bring in healing and transformation. Trust your gut and pay attention to those around you during this powerful lunar phase.
Scorpio is often considered a formidable host for the moon in conventional astrology. It's a position where the moon finds itself grappling to fully unleash its potential, thus brewing a complex dynamic.
On one hand, you might wres...
2024-04-2414 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 36: Beyond Logic: Magical Thinking and How It Affects UsSend us a textIn this episode, April reveals that her husband is a rain god. Well, he's not, but he thinks he is. She discusses this uniquely human thing we do called magical thinking.Episode 36 Show Notes (oooh, so many sources!)Good basic explanation of magical thinking:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/magical-thinkingWait, here's another one:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/magical-thinkingHow is magical thinking a cognitive distortion? https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/magical-thinking-effects-cognitive-distortionAmanda Montell's awesome book:https://www.amazon.com...
2024-04-1629 min
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update: April 9-16 | Ep 378Mini Energy Update: April 9-16
Emerging from the profound wave of the recent eclipse, we are likely to witness compelling developments, eye-opening discoveries, and a more clearly defined road ahead. Giving prominence to our forward vision is crucial, coupled with recognizing the aspects of our life that are primed for a transformative shift. You aren't required to force or grapple to determine your next move. It will become evident, perhaps even cropping up in surprising ways. Keep your senses alert for fresh sparks of inspiration and the chance to approach things from a new angle. It's a...
2024-04-1016 min
Inspiring You ShowApril New Moon Reiki Energy Healing Meditation - Solar Eclipse - Aries Fire - New Beginnings | Ep 375Cosmic Rebirth: A Solar Eclipse in AriesOn April 8th, 2024, the cosmic stage is set for a New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Aries—a celestial event pulsating with the energy of renewal and rebirth. As the Moon gracefully veils the Sun, it marks a pivotal moment for introspection, release, and the initiation of new beginnings.🌑 Solar Eclipses: Turning Points and Unpredictable Shifts:• Solar Eclipses are cosmic turning points, often accompanied by unexpected shifts in our lives. They invite us to rewrite our stories, leaving behind what no longer serves us.• In the dynamic sign of Aries...
2024-04-0444 min
Inspiring You ShowThreshold of Transformation: Super New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aries Insights | Ep 374In this episode, we dive into the upcoming Super New Moon in Aries and Total Solar Eclipse happening on Monday, April 8th—a cosmic event of profound significance. Imagine this celestial alignment as a beneficial gateway, an invitation to explore new realms of possibility. But there’s a caveat: you’re being called to shed your old baggage. The past cannot accompany you into this fresh volume; we’re letting go of one chapter and beginning anew.🌙 Key Discussions: Transitioning Volumes: Progression and Resolution: Reflect on the transition from one life volume to another. Understand the im...
2024-04-0318 min
Inspiring You ShowMini Energy Update for April 1-7 | Ep 373Mini Energy Update for April 1-7
The beginning of the month is marked with Mercury entering retrograde, a period which invites introspection about one’s personal truths, limitations, unnecessary indulgences, supportive elements, and burdensome aspects. This stage will allow us to rearrange our current situations to facilitate resolution and future progression. It calls for us to acknowledge our current state of affairs and be ready to embrace a future that could be drastically different. Tune in to hear more. 💗🙏🙌
#mindfulness #energyforecast #energyhealing #energyupdate #meditation #mindfulnessmeditation #selfempowerment #transformation #selfdevelopment #selfhealer #selfhealing
2024-04-0303 min
Inspiring You ShowUnlocking Personal Power: A Guide to April’s Energy Forecast in Categories and Timeframes | Ep 372Unlocking Personal Power: A Guide to April’s Energy Forecast in Categories and Timeframes.
In this enlightening episode, we go into the April energy forecast in various categories and significant dates and timeframes.
Let’s explore the key themes for this transformative month:
Personal Development and Healing: April invites us to embark on a journey of self-improvement and healing. By embracing our inner wisdom, we can tap into harmony, understanding, and personal growth.
Reclaiming Power: As we shed past limitations, we reclaim our power. This month provides an opportunity to step into...
2024-04-0332 min
Inspiring You ShowEnergy Forecast for April 2024 | Ep 371In this episode, we delve into the transformative energies
of April 2024. Let’s explore the themes that will shape our experiences during this pivotal month:
1. Resolution, Progression, and Self-Trust: The energy
forecast emphasizes the importance of self-trust. As we face challenges, anchoring into our own Light becomes crucial. Trusting ourselves allows us to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
2. Letting Go and Writing New Intentions: April invites us
to release the past. Imagine this phase as a fresh volume in the book of our lives. We are empowered creators, capable of scripting new intentions. It’s time to r...
2024-04-031h 16
Inspiring You ShowEclipse Season 2024: Partial Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra | Ep 365Partial Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra
Date: March 25th
Theme: Relationships, balance, and harmony
Key Points:
Libra’s Influence:
Libra, ruled by Venus, emphasizes connections and equilibrium.
Focus: Relationships and power dynamics.
Examine where you’ve given away power or where imbalances exist.
Shed light on unhealthy relationship patterns (like codependency or conflict avoidance).
Reflect on personal and collective injustices; contribute to rebalancing the scales.
Eclipse Type:
This is a penumbral lunar eclipse, subtly dimming the moon rather than a total lunar eclipse.
The energy will be palpable in the hours befor...
2024-03-2439 min
Inspiring You Show🌙 Embracing the Super New Moon in Pisces: A Cosmic Awakening | 358 Super New Moon in Pisces: A Realm of Dreams and Promise
On March 10, 2024, the celestial stage welcomes the Super New Moon in Pisces, enveloping us in a magical tapestry of enchantment, dreams, and boundless potential. As we step into this mystical realm, let’s explore its significance and how it shapes our cosmic journey.
Key Points:
Eclipse Season Begins: The Pisces New Moon kicks off the lunar cycle, setting the stage for manifestation. Just a week later, the lunar eclipse on March 25 and the solar eclipse on April 8 add celestial support to aid in bringing...
2024-03-1041 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 35: Fallacy Watch: the Gish GallopSend us a textIn this episode, April discusses an unfair and unethical debate tactic used by many politicians, conspiracy theorists, and anyone else who insists on "winning" arguments. She also revisits Brandolini's Law, which means she gets to say "bullshit" more than a few times.Episode 35 Show Noteshttps://www.logicallyfallacious.com/logicalfallacies/gish-gallop.htmlA good basic description of the Gish Gallop.https://effectiviology.com/gish-gallop/Itamar Schatz's website, Effectiviology, is one of my go-to places for everything fallacy-related. “On the Trail With RFK Jr." On...
2024-03-0719 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 34: The (Surprisingly) Positive Aspects of Existential Dread and Terror Management TheorySend us a textIn this episode, April warns people that they might need a break while listening; but in the end, it's surprisingly positive. Just like her!!!Episode 34 Show Noteshttps://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-to-know-existential-dreadGood discussion of the basics of existentialism, existential dread, why existential crises occur and how to handle them.https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220929-the-unsettling-power-of-existential-dreadDavid Robson's article explains how existential dread changes the way we think, reporting on the upswing in conspiracy theories after distressing events that trigger existential dread.
2024-02-1321 min
Endless Vigilance: A Star Trek Fan ProductionCure After Sunset - Admiral April HebertRelease Date: January 24, 2024
Kylee Wainman interview Admiral April Hebert in this episode of CURE after Sunset.
Original Score: Nate Reynolds-Welsh
For a full cast list please visit us at http://www.twosoberdwarvesproductions.com
Special thanks to Modiphius Games, for use of their material.
Please Visit us at http://www.twosoberdwarvesproductions.com, on Twitter @twosober, @Vigilancetrek and facebook.com/Twosoberdwarvesproductions
2024-01-2507 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 33: Gratitude as a Tool for Clearer ThinkingSend us a textTo kick off a new year, April looks at the impact that the emotion of gratitude can have on our mental, emotional, and even physical health. The message here is--the better you feel about yourself and the world around you, the better your cognitive processes will be.Episode 33 Show NotesThe Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy's article on gratitude is, um, kinda deep and intense (and hard to read), but then, it IS the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, so...https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/gratitude/...
2024-01-1512 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 32: Heuristics: How Our Brains Get Through the Day Without ExplodingSend us a textIn this episode, April admits that she doesn't always calmly and rationally think things through; but hey, neither do you. Why? Heuristics, that's why. She discusses these handy, if sometimes problematic, mental shortcuts that help get us through the day without our brains literally exploding. And by literally, I mean figuratively; but literally sounds better, plus it makes a great mental image--KABOOM!!!Episode 32 Show Notes:I've recommended Daniel Kahneman's book before, and I'll probably do it again:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slowInteresting article...
2023-11-0521 min
I Love Old Time RadioMy Favorite Husband - "April Fools Day"As an April Fool's joke, Liz plans to plant a lipstick-smeared handkerchief in George's coat pocket. April Fool's Day program
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iloveoldtimeradio/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iloveoldtimeradio/support
2023-09-2625 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 31: Science vs PseudoscienceSend us a textIn this episode, April realizes that the difference between science and pseudoscience isn't a distinct line, it's more of a continuum. Nevertheless, science remains scientific, while pseudoscience is, well, not so much.Episode 31 Show Notes:Here's the Science Council's definition of science:https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-science/ Great discussion of the topic by Lillienfeld, Lynn, and Amaratti:https://scottlilienfeld.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lilienfeld2015-5.pdfAn extensive discussion of the differences from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:https://plato.stanford.edu/entries...
2023-08-1729 min
Heavy Hockey Network: Your One-Stop NHL and Hockey UniverseOilerslive Playoff Preview April 17 - Guest: Dash in the ParkThe Edmonton Oilers enter the playoffs on a high note. The best team in the regular season since January 11, 2023. EASTERN CONFERENCE Matchups: Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders New York Rangers vs New Jersey Devils WESTERN CONFERENCE Matchups: Las Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild Heavy Hockey is home to some of the top Oilers podcasts, NHL podcasts...
2023-04-171h 07
Inspiring You ShowEp 200: Libra Full Moon Reiki Energy Activation Meditation + Healing Tones 768 hzEp 200 | Libra Full Moon Reiki Energy Activation Meditation + Healing Tones 768 hz
The Libra Full Moon peaks on April 5 but we are already feeling its Libra is a sign associated with our relationships and how we interact within them. It is also connected to justice, fairness, and the needs and well-being of others. vibrations building. This Full Moon holds some beautiful healing energy - a month of new beginnings and new opportunities. This Full Moon really encourages us to clear blocks that prevent us from making meaningful and beautiful connections with others. It guides us to think about o...
2023-04-0655 minInspiring You ShowEp 198: Mini: Monthly Energy Forecast for AprilEp 198 | Mini: Monthly Energy Forecast for April
Mini-Energy Update: The theme for March: “Boundaries and Balance." To support Boundaries and Balance, this month will require focus, perseverance, and discipline. The turbulence of the firey energies for March has certainly stirred things up and there is a need now to reground and get a better footing on life, relationships, health, self-care, projects and clarity on personal intentions. Sifting through the bits of any emotional experiences left to process as well as all the opportunities available for change and transformation can at times be overwhelming for the Human – that is wher...
2023-04-0612 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 30: Grief and Your BrainSend us a textIn this short episode, April discusses how grief affects our brains--hers in particular, because she just lost one of her best friends and it hurts. So this might be more for her than for you, but you should listen anyway.The good news is that she'll be ok. Eventually...Episode 30 Show NotesGreat article from the Today Show website about how our mind deals with death:https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/grief-changes-brain-rcna13613Two excellent NPR articles that reference works and interviews with grief s...
2023-03-3009 min
Inspiring You ShowEp 194: Aries New Moon Reiki MeditationEp 194 | Aries New Moon Reiki Meditation
This Aries season brings us the rare occurrence of two new Moons. The first new Moon in Aries, on March 21, serves as an astrological new year. New Moons are a time for rejuvenation and manifestation.
The current New Moon offers us a powerful opportunity to align with the energy of the Equinox and renovate our lives. Energetically, the sign of Aries, the 0º degree, and the New Moon are all indicating a time of new beginnings: this lunation is offering us an invitation to start something new, mak...
2023-03-2224 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 29: Ethics in Journalism: an Interview with Eunette GentrySend us a textIn this episode, April talks to Dr. Eunette Gentry about the public's lack of trust in the press and why we should have more faith in journalists and reporters. It's about codes of ethics, people! Episode 29 Show NotesThis Gallup poll shows the low percentage of trust that the public has in the media: https://news.gallup.com/poll/394817/media-confidence-ratings-record-lows.aspxHere's the article about the press as the "Fourth Estate:" https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-fourth-estate-3368058Marianne Jennings' great article on journalistic ethics: https://imprimis.hillsdale...
2023-01-2335 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 28: Ambiguity and EquivocationSend us a textIn this episode, April explains linguistic ambiguity, equivocation, and the equivocation fallacy. She also tells some really bad jokes. Episode 28 Show Notes:Moore, Brooke and Parker, Richard. Critical Thinking. McGraw Hill. 2017.This is current textbook I use to teach my Critical Reasoning class. Much of what I say here about the types of linguistic ambiguity is taken from this excellent text. ThoughtCo is a reference site that focuses on educational content. Their articles are written by highly qualified educators and experienced instructors.https://www.thoughtco...
2022-10-2822 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 27: Intellectual Humility: Why It Needs To Be Okay To Say "I Was Wrong About That"Send us a textIn this episode, April discusses the concept of intellectual humility, which is something that people could use more of (and by "people," she means herself).Episode 27 Show Notes (so many really good sources!!!):Here's Ed Kang's article from the website YouEQ: https://www.you-eq.com/news-events/emotional-intelligence-skills-intellectual-humility#:~:text=According%20to%20Pepperdine%20University%2C%20there%20are%20four%20dimensions,intellect%204%20Willingness%20to%20revise%20one%E2%80%99s%20own%20viewpointAnother good article from the John Templeton Foundation website (there's also a great YouTube video there called "The Joy of Being Wrong"...
2022-08-0216 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 26: Just Asking Questions...Send us a textApril discusses the importance of questions and the difference between questions designed to gain knowledge and questions used to manipulate. Plus she says the word "bullshit" several times so she has to label this episode "explicit." Oh well. Show Notes:Kids and questions: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/curious-children-questions-parenting-mum-dad-google-answers-inquisitive-argos-toddlers-chad-valley-tots-town-a8089821.htmlhttps://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/importance-kids-asking-questions/ Guy who used his dead mom's ballot to vote for Trump:https://news.yahoo.com/officials-finally-found-case-dead-225210492.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20...
2022-06-1318 min
Inspiring You ShowEp 87: A Mindful Difficult Discussion about Suicide with Therapist Melody Murray#87 | A Mindful Difficult Discussion about Suicide with Therapist Melody Murray
On the Inspiring You Show, we have decided to start having mindful conversations on difficult subjects. May is Mental health awareness month so we are going to talk about Suicide. We encourage all of you to listen to this discussion of one of the most ‘taboo’ topics that is begging for a frank and open discussion. Talking about suicide can be uncomfortable yet it’s important for all of us to become better educated on the issue, work on prevention and remove the stigma.
If you th...
2022-05-171h 41Think It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 25: Algorithm LiteracySend us a textYes, she's back!!! In this episode, April discusses "algorithm literacy" as a critical part of overall media literacy. It's important to understand that algorithms, while they are a necessary and useful part of the online universe, also play a big role in online polarization and the normalization of extreme viewpoints. The more you know about them, the more effectively you can control what you see online. Episode 25 Show Notes:Here's the article discussing the results of the study by Project Information Literacy:https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-01-1...
2022-05-1721 minInspiring You ShowEp 83: Libra Full Moon Reiki Energy Healing MeditationSpring is well underway, and the first full moon of the season (and the astrological new year) arrives this Saturday. Here's what to know about this full supermoon, plus how to maximize its energy, this moon is also a supermoon, meaning it's a bit closer to Earth than usual, making it appear bigger and brighter. Supermoons are known to be more energetically potent, and this moon happens to fall in the sign of Libra. The moon will also be squared with Pluto. Pluto is looking at rebirth, and Libra is all about truth and balance, so what is trying...
2022-04-151h 11
Scholar MinorA Bit About BeesSome myth and science about our pollinator friends!*Correction note! 3 million years, in reference to cave art, should be 300,000.*Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Bartolotti, Laura and Cecilia Costa. "Chemical Communication in the Honey Bee S...
2022-04-0914 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 24: Fallacy Watch: the Perfection Fallacy (Perfection Ain't All That)Send us a textOk, I'm back from running my half-marathon and, as promised, here are the sources I used in this episode:Some great ideas about how to avoid giving up on your resolutions:https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2020/02/11/this-is-the-month-when-new-years-resolutions-fail-heres-how-to-save-them/?sh=d96f742272f0Here's a great article from psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-perfect/201901/the-number-one-mistake-people-make-while-making-resolutionsAnother great article about the ways the perfectionist fallacy can hinder our progress:https://medium.com/syndicate-post/the-perfectionist-fallacy-and-how-to-overcome-it-c8cef7fc6c9Blogger and self-professed...
2022-01-0513 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 23: Hey Sherlock, Why Is Deductive Reasoning So Difficult?Send us a textIn this episode, April can't decide whether to pronounce "deductive" as "DEE-duk-tiv" or "de-DUK-tive," so she just switches back and forth between them to see if anyone notices. Episode 23 Show Notes:Why Sherlock Holmes is more an inductive than a deductive kind of guy:https://medium.com/@daniellekkincaid/the-sherlock-holmes-conundrum-or-the-difference-between-deductive-and-inductive-reasoning-ec1eb2686112http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/5306/1/Holmes.pdf Some good basic information about deductive reasoning:https://www.criticalthinking.com/articles/induction-vs.-deductionhttp://www2.fairmontstate.edu/users/ffidura/cogpsy/cpthnkng.html...
2021-12-0321 minScholar MinorJohnny AppleseedThe wandering apple advocate of legend!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Cornett, Peggy. "Encounters with America's Premier Nursery and Botanic Garden." Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. Monticello and the University of Virginia in C...
2021-11-2711 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 22: Fallacy Watch: A Few Induction FallaciesSend us a textIn this episode April discusses the hasty generalization fallacy, the weak analogy fallacy, and the mistaken appeal to authority. Can you tell she really likes to talk about fallacies? Episode 22 Show Notes:A brief description of deductive and inductive reasoning, in case you wondered:https://www.livescience.com/21569-deduction-vs-induction.htmlSome good examples of hasty generalization fallacies:https://www.bettercognitions.com/articles/hasty-generalization-fallacy-examples/I don't know about the "Captain Bligh" reference, but this Time article does explain what happened to Captain...
2021-10-2718 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 21: Fallacy Watch--The False Dilemma FallacySend us a textIn this episode, April discusses the false dilemma fallacy, in which a person attempts to persuade to you to choose between a limited number of options when there are actually more options available. Episode 21 Show Notes:Here's a great definition and discussion of the false dilemma fallacy:https://examples.yourdictionary.com/false-dilemma-fallacy-examples.htmlAnother good explanation of this fallacy:https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/black-or-whiteI admit to taking an example or two from this very good article about this fallacy:https://www.developgoodhabits.com...
2021-10-1215 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastSeason 3 TrailerSend us a textIt's almost time for new episodes--stay tuned!
2021-10-0401 minScholar MinorHoudini the DebunkerThe legendary illusionist takes on the Spiritualists!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Andrews, Evan. "What Killed Harry Houdini?" History. October 31, 2016. Accessed September 13, 2021. https://www.history.com/news/what-killed-harry-houdiniBrown, Raymond J. "The M...
2021-09-1818 minScholar MinorMyths of the Zodiac, Part 2: Cancer, Leo, and VirgoThe stories behind the signs!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Forest Walk" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Allen, Richard Hinckley. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning. Dover, 1963. The Editors of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Leo." Encyclopaedia Britannica. June 15, 2021. Accessed August 4, 2021. ht...
2021-08-0610 minScholar MinorOwls and LiminalityOwls and the in-between!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Bachmann, Thomas and Hermann Wagner. "The three-dimensional shape of serrations at barn owl wings: towards a typical natural serration as a role model for biomimetic applications."...
2021-07-3017 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 20: Who Do You Trust? Part 3: Trusting Experts (And Why We Often Don't)Send us a textIn this episode, April discusses the importance of experts in society and why it's so hard for some people to trust them. And, as promised, she put lots of articles in the show notes below, because she wants you to trust her. Episode 20 Show NotesFor science information that's both educational and entertaining, subscribe to Phil Plait's astronomy blog:https://www.syfy.com/tags/bad-astronomyDaniel Newman's article about expertise is focused more towards marketing, but still applies:https://www.forbes.com/sites...
2021-06-1818 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 19: Who Do You Trust? Part 2: How Skepticism Should Lead You to "Trust the Science"Send us a textIn this episode, April explains what skepticism is (and what it is NOT). She also discusses its importance in the scientific method, and shows how it can help you "trust the science." She also confesses that she is one of those annoying people who looks up stuff on Google to prove their spouses wrong.Episode 19 Show Notes:Richard Popkin's Britannica article on skepticism:https://www.britannica.com/topic/skepticismA great discussion explaining why scientists must also be skeptics:http://www.ces.fau...
2021-06-0114 minScholar MinorA Brief History of BeerThe story behind your summertime brews!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Barnes, Christopher. "The Brewing Monks: A Brief History of the Trappist Order and Monastic Brewing." ithinkaboutbeer. May 9, 2013. Accessed May 26, 2021. http://ithinkaboutbeer.com/2013/05/09/the-brewing-monks-a-brief-history-of-the-trappist-order-and-monastic-brewing/
2021-05-2818 minScholar MinorConcerning Hobbits . . . And HippiesHow a counterculture movement fell in love with the Hobbit folk!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Ashley, Mike. "The Golden Age of Pulp Fiction." The Pulp Magazines Project. Accessed May 18, 2021. https://www.pulpmags.org/contexts...
2021-05-2119 minScholar MinorThree Awesome GoddessesThree cool ladies of mythology in celebration of Mother's Day!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Anderson, Rasmus Bjørn. Norse Mythology: Or, The Religion of Our Forefathers, Containing All the Myths of the Eddas, Systematized a...
2021-05-1317 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 18: Who Do You Trust? Part I: Interpersonal TrustSend us a textOver the next three episodes (she only meant to do two episodes on the topic but it turned out she needed three!), April explains the connection between trust and critical thinking. In Part I, she discusses the importance of interpersonal trust, why it's so necessary, what can go wrong when we trust, and ways to avoid putting our trust in the wrong people. And she uses both "who do you trust (because it just seems right)" and "whom do you trust (because it's probably grammatically correct)" in the episode. Hey, she's not an...
2021-05-1117 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 17: Is Optimism Logical?Send us a textIn this episode, April outs herself as an optimist and spends a little over 12 minutes justifying her attitude.Episode 17 Show Notes:The American Psychological Association definiton of optimism: https://dictionary.apa.org/optimismOxford Language Dictionary definition of optimism: https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/optimismPsychology Today's article on optimism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/optimismProfessor Brian Martin's blog post about the value of optimism: https://documents.uow.edu.au/~bmartin/pubs/comments/0701optimism.htmlA good description of...
2021-04-2712 minScholar MinorThe Weird History of Garden GnomesThe surprisingly strange origins of these quirky statues!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Borzelleca, Joseph F. "Paracelsus: Herald of Modern Toxicology." Toxicological Sciences. Oxford Academic: January 1, 2000. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://academic.oup.com/toxsci/article/53/1/2/1673334
2021-04-2114 minScholar MinorChickensThe folklore of these oft overlooked birds!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Subscribe to Scholar Minor on YouTube!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Wonderland" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:Abbott, George Frederick. Macedonian Folklore. United Kingdom: University Press, 1903.Adler, Jerry and Andrew Lawler. "...
2021-04-1413 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 16: Using evidence and logic to find the "Unfound:" An interview with Ed DentzelSend us a textIn this episode, April talks with Ed Dentzel, host of the Unfound Podcast, which focuses on missing person cases with the stated goal of turning up new information that might lead to a resolution of the case. Ed discusses how he approaches each case, using research, interview skills, and good logic and reasoning to uncover information and present it to his listeners in a straightforward manner with little or no speculation or conjecture. If you've ever wondered what it takes to put together a true-crime podcast, this is a must-listen! ...
2021-04-131h 06Scholar MinorMyths of the Zodiac, Part 1: Aries, Gemini, and TaurusThe stories behind the signs!Visit Scholar Minor at http://www.ursaminorcreations.com!Say hello at ursaminorcontact@gmail.com!Overhead forest photo by Spencer Watson via Unsplash.Book spine photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash.Music: "Forest Walk" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bibliography:"Aries, the Ram." StarDate. McDonald Observatory, University of Texas at Austin. Accessed April 3, 2021. https://stardate.org/astro-guide/aries-ram-0Bulfinch, Thomas. Bulfinch's...
2021-04-0714 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 15: Logical and Personal InconsistencySend us a textIn this episode, April talks about inconsistency. While logical inconsistency is always wrong (it's known as the fallacy of inconsistency), personal inconsistency is a little more complicated. When people say one thing and then later do or say another thing, we tend to think that's a bad thing (and we are certainly right, at least sometimes). But, because consistency is so important, do we run the risk of being labeled a hypocritical flip-flopper if we should happen to come to a different conclusion than we came to previously? When is saying...
2021-04-0617 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 14: Kirk, Spock, McCoy and...Aristotle? An Interview with John ChampionSend us a textIn this episode, April and her friend John Champion, co-host of "Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast," get all nerdy and philosophical about the ways in which the Trek triumvirate of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy epitomize the Aristotelian proofs of ethos (appeal to authority), logos (appeal to logic), and pathos (appeal to emotion). Plus they reminisce about the good old days when Star Trek: the Experience was the coolest thing ever. Sigh...Episode 14 Show NotesHere are the episode numbers for the Star Trek: The Original S...
2021-03-1646 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 13: How Skeptics "Do the Research"--an Interview with Celestia WardSend us a textApril talks with Celestia Ward, one of the hosts of Squaring the Strange, a podcast that focuses on evidence-based analysis covering a very wide variety of topics. In this episode, April finds out how Celestia got started as a skeptical researcher; they also discuss some of the techniques Celestia uses to focus on finding facts while still acknowledging that she, like all of us, has biases. Along the way they mention skeptic icon James Randi, Penn and Teller, folklorist Jeannie Thomas, and Mick West, author and founder of metabunk.org. April also find...
2021-03-0237 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 12: Fallacy Watch: the Misplaced Burden of ProofSend us a textApril talks about one of the sneakiest fallacies, the misplaced burden of proof. Here's an example:Friend: George told me he's not getting the vaccine because it's dangerous.You: How do you know it's dangerous?Friend: I'm just telling you what George said. How do you know he's wrong?You: I...um...what?Here's what it is, and what to do when it happens to you.Show Notes:Here's an explanation of the misplaced burden of proof:https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/burden-of-proof...
2021-02-1612 minScholar MinorThe Birth of the BestiariesOrganizing the natural world.Check out the great sources mentioned in this episode using these links! Full citations are listed in the Bibliography.Aberdeen Bestiary via University of Aberdeen. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/bestiary/The Ashmole Bestiary via Digital Bodleian. https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/faeff7fb-f8a7-44b5-95ed-cff9a9ffd198/surfaces/bb83ca90-bbe4-45e8-be56-36a649d4cacf/Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia via Tufts University. http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=urn:cts...
2021-02-0417 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 11: Outrage Culture: How Anger Keeps Us Engaged OnlineSend us a textApril begins Season 2 by talking about why we seem to be so angry these days, and what we can do to take it down a notch. Episode 11 Show NotesHere's Nancy Rommelmann's op-ed describing the fallout from the online outrage against her and her husband: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-rommelmann-me-too-portland-20190222-story.htmlHarvard's Elizabeth Bartolet writes about the things that trouble her about the MeToo movement: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/1/16/bartholet-metoo-excesses/An NPR story about outrage with Steve Inskeep and Shankar Vedantam...
2021-02-0219 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastSeason 2 TrailerSend us a textApril's pretty excited for her upcoming season!
2021-01-1901 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 10: Misunderstanding Probability and RiskSend us a textApril explains why we are all so bad at determining probability and risk. Well, maybe you're not, but she is. Anyway she talks about death a lot, which is a topic lots of people find interesting; but don't worry because she avoids the gory details. Unless you like the gory details, in which case...sorry about that. Episode 10 Show NotesAn interesting probability calculator: https://www.calculators.org/math/probability.phpMichael Shermer's article discussing our inability to grasp probabilities: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/w...
2020-11-1025 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 9: The Epistemic Irresponsibility Known as "Bullshit"Send us a textIn this episode, April uses the definition of “bullshit” described by American philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt in his seminal 1985 essay, “On Bullshit” to discuss its impact on our lives and ways to see through it. As you can probably tell, she also says “bullshit” a lot. Episode 9 Show Notes I purchased the big red Bullshit Button that you hear in this episode from Amazon if you want one. I use it to annoy my students, but it’s also handy for annoying your kids, significant other, and pets....
2020-11-0317 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 8: Mindfulness--A Tool For Clearer Thinking?Send us a textIn this short episode, April explains what mindfulness is and its potential use as a tool for better critical thinking.Episode 9 Show NotesThe Niroga Institutes' definition of mindfulness:https://www.niroga.org/media/news/2019-what_is_mindfulness.php?gclid=Cj0KCQjw8rT8BRCbARIsALWiOvSf6DfTkjHq-ZMMjqbicowM3dtk3UC3huZgTbBZKCaOe-hLVlBxGwkaAjv8EALw_wcBThe Happier Skeptic's definition of mindfulness:https://happierskeptic.com/critical-thinking-and-mindfulness/Even more definitions of mindfulness you may find enlightening:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-matters-most/201711/3-definitions-mindfulness-might-surprise-youYou can...
2020-10-2809 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 7: Taking Media Literacy Beyond the ClassroomSend us a textApril discusses media literacy in a wide-ranging conversation with Shanna Gilkeson, a doctoral candidate in media and communication at Bowling Green State University. They talk about what does and doesn't work when applying traditional media literacy skills to today's media landscape. Shanna gives some great tips about how she approaches fact-checking, talks about how she determines a source to be credible/reliable, and shares her favorite credible sources and fact-checking sites. Episode 7 Show Notes: A good article discussing the basics of media literacy: https://mediastudies.pressbooks.com/chapter/th...
2020-10-2042 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 6: What Do We Mean When We Talk About "The Media?"Send us a textApril interviews journalism professor Jennifer (Jenny) Mitchell about today's media landscape. Topics include what qualifies as media, who owns giant media conglomerates, the difference between hard news and opinion pieces, professional journalists vs. citizen journalists and bloggers/vloggers, the ethical principles that professional journalists should follow, and the credible news sources that Jenny relies on. Episode 6 Show Notes:A list of top media conglomerates:https://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/021815/worlds-top-ten-media-companies-dis-cmcsa-fox.aspxA list of media billionaires:https://www.forbes.com/sites/katevinton/2016/06/01/these-15...
2020-10-1347 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 5: Where Do Our Beliefs Come From? The Moral Foundations That Define UsSend us a textApril discusses Jonathan Haidt's "Moral Foundations Theory," that has its roots in evolutionary psychology and attempts to explain how we view politics and social policy. We use the same basic moral foundations to create our beliefs and opinions, but we interpret and layer them differently. When we recognize which of these foundations people are using to build their moral framework we can see how they come to hold certain beliefs. Understanding is the key to opening dialogue and eventually resolving conflict.Episode 5 Show Notes:Here's a great...
2020-10-0627 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 4: The Principle of Charity--the forgotten component of argumentSend us a textIn this short but important episode, April explains what the principle of charity is, how it seems to have been forgotten in today's discourse, and ways we can incorporate it into our face to face and online discussions.Show Notes:Jeff Stolle explains how the principle of charity fits into civil discourse:https://www.registerguard.com/story/business/names-faces/2020/06/02/bluechip-stolle-two-rules-of-civil-discourse/42103329/The Ethics Centre's article says we should try to understand an opponent's arguments before criticizing them:https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-the-principle-of-charity/Jonathan Maloney's...
2020-09-2216 minThink It Through: the Clearer Thinking PodcastEpisode 3: FallaciesSend us a textIn this episode, April discusses why fallacies are so powerful and persuasive, and gives examples of some common ones to show how prevalent they are in our lives. She talks to Stephanie Willes, who teaches COM and rhetoric at UNLV and is researching how online anti-vaccine communities use fallacies in their arguments to recruit and keep followers. Follow COMteacherapril on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/COMteacheraprilEpisode 3 Show Notes:Why fallacies are effective: http://jmbeach.blogspot.com/2012/03/power-and-danger-of-fallacies-double-ad.html Explanation of validity and soundness in...
2020-09-1548 min