Secularism in Alberta

Next time we’ll be talking about the state of secularism with Cliff Erasmus, Executive Chair of the Centre for Inquiry Alberta.

With the recent launch of the “There’s Probably No God” bus ads in Calgary, atheism has hit Alberta’s mainstream media.

But why is it so important to talk about it now? What’s going on in the province that’s bringing the atheists, humanists and other secularly-focused folks out of the woodwork?

Could it be the teaching of creationism in our small-town public schools? Or the fact that megachurches from Texas have recently moved in? Or is it a product of a more general cultural shift?

Find out what Albertans are up to on the all new next Skeptically Speaking (formerly known as Q Transmissions), every Friday at 6pm on CJSR.

Note: Yes friends, we have a new name, a new format and a new website going LIVE this week! Keep checking this blog for details.

Or follow us on twitter at SkepticalRadio!

Next show: skeptical music

Be sure to tune in (ha!) to this week’s episode. The topic is skeptical music and we’re going to have a variety of guests.

We’re going to have interviews with George Hrab from the Geoglogical Podcast, Rodney Anonymous (from The Dead Milkmen), local emcee Omar “A.O.K.” Mouallem and more.

And at the end of the show, a very special surprise.

Remember – Friday, 6 p.m. MST, live on FM 88.5 (that’s CJSR to you, punk!) or online at www.cjsr.com.

Next show: atheists in foxholes

Okay, for reals this time.

On the next show we’re going to discuss atheists in foxholes. You know what they say, that there’s no such thing.

Well Paul Welke says hogwash.

Welke is a retired Canadian Forces Master Corporal and an atheist. He’ll be joining us this week to talk about how atheists are treated in the Canadian military and what godless heathens think about when they’re scared.

Q Transmissions, 6 p.m. MST on CJSR – online or FM 88.5

Helen Fisher show postponed!

Unfortunately, the Helen Fisher show has been postponed until April 17th.

Watch this space to find out what we’re going to talk about this week.

You’ve seen her TED, you’ve seen her on CNN, you’ve seen her on Penn & Teller’s Bullshit. Well now, Helen Fisher is on Q Transmissions!

Fisher is a biological anthropologist, Research Professor and member of the Center for Human Evolution Studies in the Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Internet dating site, Chemistry.com. Her newest book, Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type explores the role of temperament and how it can determine why we love who we love.

So join us at 6 o’clock Friday at www.cjsr.com and/or 88.5 FM in Edmonton.

Oh, and Dr. Fisher will be on the phone with us live, so be sure to call in! 780-492-2577, ext. 1.

P.S. – a quiz!

Next Show: Media and Skepticism

This week we’ll be speaking to local skeptics Chris Wisely and Sean Ouimet about how science and skepticism is affected by, and is portrayed in, the media.

Sorry, all. Due to the unfortunate intrusiveness of life, this will be a pre-taped episode and we won’t be taking calls. We do, however, encourage you to post your questions and comments after the post-show links are up. This is an important topic that we won’t do justice in an hour, and we’re relying on you to fill in the blanks. We’ll be online and waiting patiently for your insightful and scintillating discussion.

Talk to you Friday.  🙂

Satan!

Are Satanists really all that bad? Do they just get a bad rap or do they really eat babies?

Join us Friday when we’ll be speaking with Robert Lang, Canadian spokesperson for the Church of Satan*.

Listen live at 88.5 FM (CJSR, of course!) or online at cjsr.com.

*BYOB (bring your own babies)

Next Show: Quantum Physics

Next episode we’ll be talking to Dr. Anton Capri about Quantum Physics.

Do you know anything about quantum physics? Well neither do we.

Do the words “String Theory” and “The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle” make you want to curl up in the fetal position?

Can we really use “energy” to cure diseases, quit smoking, and make our mothers love us?

Let’s see what the science says.

So put down that Deepak Chopra book, and tune into the next Q Transmissions.

Next Show: Evolution

This week we’ll be speaking with Dr. Greg Laden, scienceblogger and and biological anthropologist, about evolution. 

According to a 2007 poll by Angus Reid Strategies, most Canadians accept the theory of evolution.

59 per cent of respondents think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years. 22 per cent believe god created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years, and 19 per cent aren’t sure.

Whichever percentage you’re a part of, Dr. Laden will be live on air to answer all your questions. 

And he went to Harvard, so he knows. 

See you Friday at 6pm!

Next Show: Interview with Dr. PZ Myers

Next episode we’ll be speaking to Dr. PZ Myers, author of the scienceblog Pharyngula: evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal.

We’ll be speaking to PZ about creationism, the existence of god and being an outspoken atheist in an increasingly fundamentalist society.

Join us on the next Q Transmissions, every Friday at 6pm on CJSR.
 

Next Show: Paranormal Investigations

Ghost hunters have been around as long as people have thought there were ghosts. For these guys, scary sounds and bumps in the night are an adventure, not a nightmare.

Armed with only their electromagnetic field meters and thermal cameras, these brave souls journey to places where the faint of heart fear to tread.

But is it for real? Is there any science behind the search for cold spots and orbs? Or is it just wishful thinking?

Next episode we’ll be speaking with the members of E.C.H.O.E.S., “Edmonton Cursed or Haunted Observation and Examination Services”. Facebook group here.

Check out Edmonton’s gang of ghost hunters on the next Q Transmissions, every Friday at 6pm.