Evolution and Politics #138
November 11, 2011

This episode was recorded when Science for the People was called Skeptically Speaking.
This week, we’re looking at what happens when a bedrock scientific theory goes up for debate in the contentious realm of politics. We’ll speak to Dr. Eugenie Scott, Executive Director, and Steven Newton, Programs and Policy Director, at the National Center for Science Education, about evolution as a political issue. And anthropologist and blogger Greg Laden analyzes the fallout from the so-called “climategate” emails.
Guests:
- Eugenie Scott
- Greg Laden
- Steven Newton
Other Episodes About Evolution

This is not about dinosaurs
Most people know how the age of dinosaurs ended. An asteroid hit and all the dinosaurs died out. But it's never quite that simple. In her newest book, The Last Days of... Read More
April 25, 2022

This one really is about aliens
Do you believe there's something Out There? What do our ideas of aliens say about what life is, how life could look and act? And what does it say about us, about... Read More
May 09, 2023

How birds go the distance
Birds carry out some of the most amazing feats of athleticism in the world. Hummingbirds cross the entire Gulf of Mexico, their tiny wings beating continuously for three days straight. A single... Read More
July 05, 2023
Other Episodes About Science & Politics

Where Have All the Antibiotics Gone?
Antibiotics. You know the drill. You get a bacterial infection, you get an antibiotic, and a few days or a week later, you're all better. But these days, that idyll is under... Read More
December 21, 2019

The Address Book
We don't really notice street addresses, but they're integral to how modern society works. They've become integral to our identity in ways we don't really notice... until we don't have one. But... Read More
August 24, 2020

So Long 2020, We Won't Miss You
2020 is over, and honestly? Good riddance. But before we go, let's take a look back. Because 2020 was tough, but it was also a year that science played a bigger role... Read More
January 07, 2021
Other Episodes About Controversies

Where Do Camels Belong?
This week, we're discussing ecosystems, biodiversity, and whether or not "invasive" outside species are really as bad as they're made out to be. We'll spend the hour speaking to Dr. Ken Thompson,... Read More
December 11, 2015

Medical Marijuana
This week, we're taking a closer look at the medical marijuana controversy. How effective is medical marijuana and for what conditions is it a suitable treatment? In our attempt to separate evidence... Read More
March 11, 2016

Too Hot To Handle
This week we're talking about sex education: why we started teaching it in schools in the first place, how it's changed over the years, and what it might – or should –... Read More
March 18, 2016
Other Episodes About Climate Change

Climate Doomsday
Have you heard? Climate change. We did it. And it's bad. It's going to be worse. We are already suffering the effects of it in many ways. How should we TALK about... Read More
November 30, 2019

2019, But Make It Science
It's 2020, but we're looking back. What were the biggest science stories of 2019? Well, it was a big year for lots of things. Black hole pictures, vaping illnesses... and lots and... Read More
January 04, 2020

So Long 2020, We Won't Miss You
2020 is over, and honestly? Good riddance. But before we go, let's take a look back. Because 2020 was tough, but it was also a year that science played a bigger role... Read More
January 07, 2021