Episode 33 – Skeptic Zone and Young Australian Skeptics!
Thanks to Dahli of YAS for the photo!
Adventures in Melbourne and meeting The Young Australian Skeptics! You can find their site at http://www.youngausskeptics.com/ and do subscribe to their podcast too!
A Grain of Salt – With Eran Segev on (W)Holistic Health Care
Dr Rachie Reports With Dr Rachael Dunlop on radionics, homeopathy/ezcema, the libel court case and Simon Singh (learn more here!)
THE THINK TANK – Richard Saunders, Dr Rachael Dunlop, Dianne, Eran Segev and Dave the Happy Singer
Don’t forget - Those in ADELAIDE – please support Simon Singh. Attend his lecture at Elder Hall, Sunday July 12th, 10:30-11:15 am.
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Thanks for the podcast, guys! Was interested to hear about the relationship problems due to partners’ differences about skepticism. I can relate to that. I have been with my wife for around 8 years. When we started, we had a common sport we played a lot and life was pretty care free and easy. I even took my wife’s advice and went to a naturopath a few times when I was feeling a bit off for a while. I liked the concept that they take this holistic approach. At the time I just assumed that it must have some legitimacy, otherwise how could there possibly be so many of them around?? So, in recent years I got an ipod and now love listening to all kinds of science shows on my way to work. Including skeptic ones. And so I know a bit more about naturopathy. And it is a sticking point with my wife. Not only that, but it has also made me realise how fundamentally differently we view the world. I get so much enjoyment from simply learning about science but unfortunately it is not something I can work out how to share with her. Her naturopath is an AUTHORITY and what the hell would I know? I asked her once what it would take to change her mind about it and she said some clear evidence that the homeopathic remedies she gets don’t work. Well, I jumped on the Web, found a meta analysis of various trials of homeopathic remedies and printed it out. And went through it with a highlighter. Unfortunately, she never got around to reading it and still goes and buys potions. And even if she had, I suspect it wouldn’t have stuck. She’s a people person and doesn’t really give much weight to dry facts and figures. If it’s well accepted in the popular press and perhaps more importantly, by her friends, then that’s what she’ll believe. I kind of think the occasional visit to her naturopath is not so bad, given the talk sessions are probably somewhat therapeutic for her and there’s also the placebo effect. It does shit me every time a see a bill for $60 for one of the kids. So for now, I just ask the occasional question when we’re both in a good mood and hopefully at some point she’ll start to get it. The sad thing is that I suspect that even if she does, it wouldn’t really change the very different way we think. The inability to relate to her about matters that I’m quite passionate about is what makes it hardest. So, there’s my 2c. I hope someone else in the same boat feels a little less alone now. I do, so thanks for the again for the podcast and keep up the good work!
Don
June 13, 2009 at 5:25 am
Hello!
Thanks for the comment, we always love hearing from listeners. 
I think we’ll have to talk more about ‘relating to others as a skeptic’, because it seems to be a big, big issue that many come across.
podblack
June 17, 2009 at 5:32 am