Shows
Roots of Reality#230 Exploring the Belief in Ghosts with Ben RadfordIn this episode of Roots of Reality Experiences, historian Ben Baumann talks with Ben Radford, Deputy Editor of Skeptical Inquirer magazine and Research Fellow at the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Together, they discuss Radford’s experiences investigating ghosts, the psychological and cultural roots of ghost beliefs, and how these beliefs persist and evolve despite modern technology.
2025-10-311h 24
Roots of Reality#220 How Learning History Can Change Your LifeIn this episode, Ben Baumann discusses the transformative power of learning history, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical context rather than memorizing random facts and dates. He critiques the prevalence of pseudohistory and the influence of unqualified individuals on historical narratives. Baumann advocates for a comprehensive approach to learning history, including big history and personal ancestry, to empower individuals and enhance their understanding of their place in the world.
2025-06-0610 min
Roots of Reality#200 A Historian's Experiences in the Cold War Era with Dr. Robert BaumannIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Dr. Robert Baumann about growing up during the cold war, the history of the cold war, and his experiences living in the Soviet Union.
2024-09-241h 39
Roots of Reality#145 Investigating Monster Sightings with Ben RadfordIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with science-based paranormal investigator Ben Radford about the most popular monsters today, why cryptozoology is popular, and his investigations of various monster sighting claims.
2023-10-301h 12
Barley & MeEpisode 172: Sacramento Beer Week 2023 w/ Mai-Sam BaumannHost Ben Rice travels to Sacramento, CA, to sit down with the Sacramento Area Brewer's Guild's executive administrator Mai-Sam Baumann, to discuss Sacramento Beer Week 2023, kicking off April 22 and ending April 30. We discuss the transition to local focus, how the pandemic affected the craft industry, and adapting to changes in the general craft beer culture. Plus! Logistics! Communication pitfalls! The Rising Together collaboration effort! Instant feedback! And so much more. On episode 172 of Barley & Me. Enjoy!Learn more about Sacramento Beer Week 2023 @sacramentobeerweek on IG or at sacramentobeerweek.comCheck out the inner workings of the SABG at...
2023-04-1022 min
Roots of Reality#92 Evolution and Islam with Dr. Rana DajaniIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with biologist Dr. Rana Dajani about the compatibility between Islam and evolution.
2022-10-2933 min
Roots of Reality#91 Conspiracy Theories with Dr. Michael ShermerIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with the publisher of Skeptic magazine Dr. Michael Shermer about all aspects of conspiracy theories and his latest book Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.
2022-10-2647 min
Roots of Reality#90 The History of Religious IntoleranceHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of religious persecution throughout history, as well as in the world today.
2022-10-2412 min
Roots of Reality#89 Human Evolution and Wisdom Teeth with Dr. Julia BoughnerIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with anthropologist Dr. Julia Boughner, about how primate jaws have changed over time, wisdom teeth, and what human evolution can teach us about the practice of wisdom tooth removal.
2022-10-0543 min
Roots of Reality#88 The History of VestigialityHistorian Ben Baumann talks about human vestigial parts and how they are a reminder of our evolutionary past.
2022-10-0305 min
Roots of Reality#87 AI and Robotics with Will JacksonIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with roboticist and founder/CEO of Engineered Arts Will Jackson, about creating humanoid robots, the abilities of his company's robot Ameca, and the future of AI and robotics.
2022-09-2652 min
Roots of Reality#86 The History of Artificial IntelligenceHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of robotics and artificial intelligence.
2022-09-1906 min
Roots of Reality#85 The Beautiful Game with Peter VermesIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with US soccer legend and Head Coach of the professional soccer team Sporting Kansas City Peter Vermes, about his career as a player, the growth of American soccer, and how soccer has changed.
(Photos by Sporting Kansas City)
2022-09-0932 min
Roots of Reality#84 The History of Soccer (Football)Historian Ben Baumann discusses the history of soccer, why it is so popular, and the greatest teams and players of all time.
2022-09-0708 min
Roots of Reality#83 Rock and Roll with Kevin MartinIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Kevin Martin who is the lead singer of the rock band Candlebox, about rock music in the 1990s and how rock music has changed over time.
2022-08-3040 min
Roots of Reality#82 Making a Difference Through Music with John OndrasikIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with songwriter and performer John Ondrasik also known as "Five For Fighting", about his story of breaking into the music industry, writing the song "100 Years", and his work helping people in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
2022-08-2741 min
Roots of Reality#81 The History of Pop CultureHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the pop culture of the last several decades and the feeling of nostalgia in life.
2022-08-2011 min
Roots of Reality#80 Pop 'N' Roll with Steve EverettIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with musician Steve Everett about his journey as an independent artist, what is Pop 'N' Roll, and songwriting.
2022-08-0149 min
Roots of Reality#79 Making Music with Anton MakarovIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Anton Makarov who is the lead singer of the Russian band "Dictaphone", about his journey as an independent musician in Russia, the meaning of music, and making music in a changing world.
2022-07-281h 03
Roots of Reality#78 The History of MusicHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of music from ancient history to our modern world. (Pictured is Opera singer Marion Baumann)
2022-07-2606 min
Roots of Reality#77 The Tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Dr. Vijoy SahayIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with anthropologist Dr. Vijoy Sahay about his research on the tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the cultures of these tribes, and the challenges they face.
2022-07-221h 07
Roots of Reality#76 The History of Isolated TribesHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the various isolated tribes around the world, what we know about them, and the threats they face.
2022-07-1709 min
Roots of Reality#75 How the Media Has Changed and Changed Us with Dr. Alison DagnesIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with political scientist Dr. Alison Dagnes about how money fuels media partisanship, the problem of false equivalence in the political media, and how all this has impacted American society.
2022-07-0859 min
Roots of Reality#74 The History of False Equivalence in PoliticsHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the historical dangers of underestimating authoritarian political parties or candidates, and treating them like they are normal.
2022-07-0611 min
Roots of Reality#73 Helping Victims of Gun Violence with Pastor Donovan PriceIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Pastor Donovan Price about gun violence in Chicago, how communities can unite and help victims of gun violence, and why Americans need to care more about gun violence.
2022-06-3041 min
Roots of Reality#72 The History of Mass ShootingsHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of mass shootings in the United States, why it continues to happen, and what the U.S. can learn from other nations.
2022-06-2411 min
Roots of Reality#71 Conspiracy Theories in American Politics with Dr. Joseph UscinskiIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Political Scientist Dr. Joseph Uscinski about why conspiracy theories have always been around and how conspiratorial thinking is a bipartisan issue in the US.
2022-06-1951 min
Roots of Reality#70 The History of Confirmation BiasHistorian Ben Baumann talks about some historical examples of confirmation bias from ancient times to today, and why it has always been an issue.
2022-06-0942 min
Roots of Reality#69 Lab Grown Seafood with Dr. Lexi DuscherIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Scientist Dr. Lexi Duscher about the process of creating cultured seafood, the effort to make it cost-effective, and the effects of cultured seafood on marine life.
2022-05-2136 min
Roots of Reality#68 The Future of Meat with Dr. Reza OvissipourIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Scientist Dr. Reza Ovissipour about lab grown meat, how it works, and it's potential to revolutionize food.
2022-05-1932 min
Roots of Reality#67 The History of FaminesHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of famines, why they occur, the potential for future famines, and the ways human society can help prevent them.
2022-05-1611 min
Roots of Reality#66 Nuclear War Prevention with Dr. Scott SilverstoneIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with political scientist Dr. Scott Silverstone about the risk of nuclear war, what to make of authoritarian nations with nuclear weapons, and how to prevent the use of nuclear weapons in modern warfare.
2022-05-0842 min
Roots of Reality#65 The History of the Threat of Nuclear WarHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of the nations being close to nuclear war and why nuclear war is still a threat today.
2022-05-0108 min
Roots of Reality#64 Protests in Authoritarian Nations with Dr. Zachary Steinert-ThrelkeldIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Political Scientist Dr. Zachary Steinert-Threlkeld about his research on the role of the internet in mobilizing protests under authoritarian regimes, what determines a successful protest, and the ways authoritarian governments try to stop protests.
2022-04-2342 min
Roots of Reality#63 North Korean Culture and Propaganda with Dr. Immanuel KimIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with expert on North Korean culture Dr. Immanuel Kim about his experiences in North Korea, what North Korean culture is like, and how prevalent propaganda is in North Korean society.
2022-04-1754 min
Roots of Reality#62 The History of Government PropagandaHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the various propaganda promoted by dictators throughout history and how it has been used.
2022-04-1325 min
Roots of Reality#61 Censorship in China with Jeremy DaumIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with expert on Chinese Law Jeremy Daum about the legal aspects of censorship in China, how censorship in China works, and what is being censored.
2022-04-0758 min
Roots of Reality#60 The History of Government CensorshipHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of government political censorship, why it happens, and more.
2022-03-2812 min
Roots of Reality#59 The Relationship Between China and Russia with Andrew SmallIn this episode of Roots of Reality Experiences, historian Ben Baumann speaks with Chinese foreign policy expert Andrew Small about China’s relationship with Russia and its role in global affairs.
2022-03-191h 11
Roots of Reality#58 The History of Why Wars HappenIn this episode, historian Ben Baumann looks at why wars occur and how modern events reflect these patterns.
2022-03-0835 min
Roots of Reality#57 Counterfeit Drugs with Dr. Layla HashemiIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with international crime expert Dr. Layla Hashemi about the illicit trade of counterfeit drugs and medical devices around the world.
2022-02-1846 min
Roots of Reality#56 Electronic Cigarettes and Public Health with Dr. Page DobbsIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with public health expert Dr. Page Dobbs about the differences between traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, the health issues associated with e-cigarettes, and the disturbing tactics used by e-cigarette companies to market their products.
2022-02-1659 min
Roots of Reality#55 Pseudoscientific Medicine with Dr. Brad McKayIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with General Practitioner Dr. Brad McKay about the various pseudoscientific medical practices and scams that exist today and how people can avoid them.
2022-02-1155 min
Roots of Reality#54 The History of Societal CorruptionHistorian Ben Baumann gives a brief history of societal corruption, the different forms that exist, and why it occurs.
2022-02-0923 min
Roots of Reality#53 Becoming a Netflix Star with Sonya PrissIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with actress Sonya Priss in her first-ever English interview, about her inspiring quest to become a professional actress and going on to star in the first-ever Russian Netflix Original film, Silver Skates.
2022-02-0346 min
Roots of Reality#52 Making It as a Hollywood Actor with Patrick GallagherIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with actor Patrick Gallagher about his journey to becoming a professional actor, the lessons he has learned, and how the film and television industry has changed over time.
2022-01-2056 min
Roots of Reality#51 The History of ActingHistorian Ben Baumann gives a brief history of acting, how it has impacted the world, and why it is so influential in human society.
2022-01-1807 min
Roots of Reality#50 Health and Fitness Pseudoscience with Dr. Nick TillerIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann and physiologist Dr. Nick Tiller talk about the various myths regarding dieting and exercise, as well as the numerous pseudoscientific products and services being sold today.
2022-01-121h 24
Roots of Reality#49 The History of Disturbing Societal TrendsHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the disturbing societal trends in history that continue to be relevant today. Including things like censorship, political bias, and the moral corruption of companies.
2021-12-2234 min
Roots of Reality#48 Resource Economics with Dr. Eric WerkerIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann and economist Dr. Eric Werker discuss the importance of resource led development and economic diversification to a nation's long term economic health.
2021-12-1448 min
Roots of Reality#47 The Economics of Climate Change with Dr. Alexander GolubIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann discusses climate economics with economist Dr. Alexander Golub about the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels, the consequences if we don't, and the delicate economic balancing act of transitioning to alternative energy sources.
2021-12-1151 min
Roots of Reality#46: The History of Economic CrisesHistorian Ben Baumann discusses various economic crises throughout history and why they happened.
2021-11-1311 min
Roots of Reality#45 Technology and Gerrymandering with Dr. Wendy K. Tam ChoIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann and political scientist Dr. Wendy K. Tam Cho discuss how technology has increased the ability to gerrymander, but also empowers us to combat it.
2021-11-0936 min
Roots of Reality#44 The History of Bad LawsHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the various bad laws throughout history that should not have been made legal, from ancient history to today.
2021-10-2117 min
Roots of Reality#43 Modern Terrorism with Dr. Arie PerligerIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with terrorism expert Dr. Arie Perliger about the rise of far right terrorism, how the internet has changed terrorism, and what society needs to know about modern terrorism.
2021-10-1049 min
Roots of Reality#42 The History of TerrorismHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of terrorism, why it happens, why some people become terrorists, and the most common cause of global terrorism today.
2021-09-2708 min
Roots of Reality#41 The Journey of a Rock Star with Chad WolfIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks to professional singer Chad Wolf about his journey from humble beginnings to making it in the music business and what it has taught him about life.
2021-09-151h 09
Roots of Reality#40 The History of EntertainmentHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of various forms of entertainment and the challenges of an increasing amount of access to entertainment in modern society.
2021-09-0612 min
Roots of Reality#39 Pseudoarchaeology with Dr. David S. AndersonIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with archaeologist Dr. David S. Anderson about his work combatting the popularity of various pseudoarchaeological beliefs, why such beliefs don't meet archaeological standards, and how the public can learn more about the difference between archaeology and pseudoarchaeology.
2021-08-2045 min
Roots of Reality#38 The History of PseudohistoryHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the various types of pseudohistory historically, why pseudohistory it exists, and what to make of it.
2021-08-0920 min
Roots of Reality#37 Searching for Life in the Universe with Dr. James KastingIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with planetary habitability expert Dr. James Kasting about his work on the search for life beyond Earth, its challenges, and what can be done to increase our chances of finding it.
2021-08-0348 min
Roots of Reality#36 The History of the Search for Extraterrestrial LifeHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the early historical thought regarding extraterrestrial life, how the search for extraterrestrial life has developed over time, and what we know about the potential for extraterrestrial life today.
2021-07-1808 min
Roots of Reality#35 Trying to Reunite USA with Dr. Charles WheelanIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with public policy expert Dr. Charles Wheelan about political polarization in the United States of America, his efforts to fix it, and what the public can do to improve politics.
2021-07-011h 01
Roots of Reality#34 The History of Political PolarizationHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the major causes of political polarization throughout history, as well as breaks down why political polarization occurs today and what are some of the most politically polarizing topics today.
2021-06-2842 min
Roots of Reality#33 Becoming a Pro Athlete with Brandon LloydIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with former American football star Brandon Lloyd about his journey to the NFL, what it is like playing in the NFL, and what it takes to become a professional athlete.
2021-06-101h 29
Roots of Reality#32 The History of SportsHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of sports and how it became so popular in human culture.
2021-06-0709 min
Roots of Reality#31 Understanding Covid Vaccines with Dr. Ed BelongiaIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with epidemiologist Dr. Ed Belongia about his work on vaccines, Covid-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness, as well as the potential for future pandemics.
2021-05-2355 min
Roots of Reality#30 The History of VaccinesHistorian Ben Baumann talks about the history of vaccines and what to make of the Covid-19 vaccines.
2021-05-1115 min
Roots of Reality#29 Stranded at 20,000 Feet with Nigel VardyIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with mountain climber Nigel Vardy, who tells his inspiring story of survival and overcoming the traumatic injuries he sustained in a winter storm at 20,000 feet in Alaska on Mount Denali (Formerly known as Mount McKinley).
2021-04-2752 min
Roots of Reality#28 The History of Inspirational PeopleHistorian Ben Baumann talks about how people throughout history overcame adversity and how they can inspire us to live better lives.
2021-04-1210 min
Roots of Reality#27 Science-Based Paranormal Investigations with Ben RadfordIn this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann speaks with science based paranormal investigator Ben Radford about his scientific investigations of various superstitious beliefs.
2021-03-241h 25
Roots of Reality#26 The History of Superstitious BeliefsHistorian Ben Baumann talks about some superstitious beliefs of the past and the many superstitious beliefs that exist today, and why people believe in them.
2021-03-0117 min
Rooted OutdoorsBen Harshyne- HUNTERRA and Whitetail PropertiesBen Harshyne, Owner of HUNTERRA Maps, joins the guys for an information packet episode! They dive deep into hunting maps, terrain features and what to look for when learning a property. Also, how you can increase your odds this year by understanding how deer travel through terrain. Ben is also a partner with Whitetail Properties in Iowa and he tells us how his dream of hunting huge Iowa bucks came true!Support the show
2021-02-211h 21
Roots of Reality#25 The History of Government Conspiracy TheoriesHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of government conspiracy theories, why they occur, how they spread, and how we can navigate a world where it is becoming increasingly harder for society to determine fact from fiction.
2020-12-2309 min
Roots of Reality#24 The History of How Democracies DieHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of why and how democracies die.
2020-11-0210 min
Roots of Reality#23 The History of TyrantsHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of tyrants, the main idea behind how tyrants remain in power, and the challenges of replacing a tyrant with a democracy.
2020-10-1312 min
Roots of Reality#22 The History of PandemicsHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the history of pandemics and their relevance to the ongoing pandemic today.
2020-08-3111 min
Roots of Reality#21 The History of Diverse and Tolerant SocietiesHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the complex history of the diversity of human ancestry and the history of tolerance and intolerance in the world towards diversity.
2020-07-3117 min
Roots of Reality#20 The Modern World and What to Make of ItHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the major developments that led to the world today, the current state of human society in the world, and what to make of life in the modern world.
2020-06-2928 min
Roots of Reality#19 The Cold WarHistorian Ben Baumann describes the Cold War. The most dangerous war in human history, why it happened, and how it ended.
2020-06-1029 min
Roots of Reality#18 World War 2Historian Ben Baumann discusses World War 2, why it happened and how it changed the world. (Pictured is World War 2 veteran Dr. Benjamin McGraw Rush)
2020-04-2725 min
Roots of Reality#17 World War 1Historian Ben Baumann talks about why World War 1 happened and how it changed world history forever.
2020-04-1213 min
Roots of Reality#16 The Industrial RevolutionHistorian Ben Baumann describes the causes of the industrial revolution and how and why it changed our world forever.
2020-03-1609 min
Roots of Reality#15 The Revolution that Changed the WorldHistorian Ben Baumann describes the history and impact of the American Revolution on the world.
2020-02-0509 min
Roots of Reality#14 The Rebirth of Knowledge in EuropeHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the fall of the Islamic Golden age and the reemergence of Europe as the center of world learning.
2019-12-1708 min
Roots of Reality#13 The Forming of the World EconomyHistorian Ben Baumann details the how the global economy formed under the era of colonization and the impact of colonization on the world.
2019-11-0207 min
Roots of Reality#12 The Islamic Preservation and Expansion of KnowledgeHistorian Ben Baumann details the fall of the Roman Empire and the role of the Islamic world in preserving and expanding knowledge.
2019-08-2608 min
Roots of Reality#11 The Christianization of the Roman EmpireHistorian Ben Baumann details the origins of Christianity and how it conquered the Roman Empire.
2019-08-0607 min
Roots of Reality#10 The Expansion of the Greco-Roman WorldHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the impact of Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire on the world.
2019-07-2209 min
Roots of Reality#9 The Intellectual Revolution of the Ancient WorldHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the great minds of the ancient world and their major ideas, which remain relevant today and influential today.
2019-07-0909 min
Roots of Reality#8 The Creation of DemocracyHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the origins of democracy and how and why it began.
2019-06-2410 min
Roots of Reality#7 The Dawn of CivilizationHistorian Ben Baumann explains how civilization began and why.
2019-06-1509 min
Roots of Reality#5 The Birth of Our SpeciesHistorian Ben Baumann examines the origins of our species and who our ancestors encountered early in their existence. What you find out may change the way you look in the mirror forever.
2019-05-3109 min
Roots of Reality#6 The Emergence of Permanent SettlementsHistorian Ben Baumann explores our species transition from hunter gatherer societies to farming based societies with permanent settlements.
2019-05-3109 min
Roots of Reality#4 The Rise of MammalsHistorian Ben Baumann discusses the incredible rise of our mammal ancestors and how their miraculous survival led to us being here today.
2019-05-2110 min
Roots of Reality#2 The Formation of Our UniverseHistorian Ben Baumann takes you back 13.8 billion years to the very beginning of our universe and shows everything that had to go right for Earth to form.
2019-05-0409 min
Roots of Reality#1 What Was Before Our Universe?Historian Ben Baumann presents the first ever Roots of Reality episode, by exploring the greatest mystery ever, what was before our universe?
2019-04-2909 min
Roots of Reality#3 The Origins of Life on EarthHistorian Ben Baumann explores the origins of life on Earth and the mysteries that remain.
2019-04-2908 min