Scott Douglas Jacobsen interviews Rick Rosner about Bigfoot and cryptozoology. Rosner argues that belief in Bigfoot lacks scientific evidence, noting that sightings are often inconsistent and can be attributed to misinterpretation or hoaxes. He acknowledges cultural folklore but dismisses it as zoological evidence, asserting that modern technology makes undiscovered large mammals unlikely.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner discuss belief in ghosts and the flat Earth theory, emphasizing that while belief in ghosts is common and innocent, flat Earth beliefs are more harmful and pervasive. They also address the complexities of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, noting the challenges of withdrawal and the consequences of long-term military presence.
The conversation between Rick Rosner and Scott Jacobsen delves into beliefs in conspiracy theories, including flat Earth theory. Rosner argues that such beliefs stem from emotional needs and societal despair, often lacking evidence. He emphasizes critical thinking and the overwhelming evidence supporting a spherical Earth, highlighting the psychological comfort that conspiracy theories provide to individuals.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Did you ever get into Dr. Phil's ridiculous Southern or Texas sayings? Like, "We got a lady here, and she's been pissing in a bucket with a hole in it"? Rick Rosner: I like to talk rural. I mean, I don't necessarily use the sayings like "Don't piss on my leg and …
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: You have been listening to a country song designed for people who do not usually enjoy country music—not the traditional kind aimed at long-time fans, but rather a version that tries to appeal to outsiders. Rick Rosner: There is crossover country, of course. However, in Albuquerque, I could only find stations playing formulaic country …
Continue reading Ask A Genius 1353: GPT-5, AI Consciousness, and Crossover Country
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What do you think are the best attributes of JD Mata and Lance Richlin? Rick Rosner: Yeah. I know it sounds like we’re talking behind their backs, but... I mean, they’re both talented. JD is a really good musician — performance-wise, vocally, as a composer. And they both have this level of …
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: So, four studies often come up in the discussion on the inefficacy of intercessory prayer. In some cases, prayer not only fails to help, but even backfires. When people found out they were being prayed for, their stress levels went up — likely due to performance anxiety about recovery. That stress may …
Rick Rosner: So, Carole doesn’t want me tweeting about Trump anymore. She doesn’t want me doing Lance versus Rick anymore either, because she saw a report today involving the U.S. Attorney General and the head of the FBI — Pam Bondi and Kash Patel — going after people. Now, the deal with the Attorney General …
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: So, I tapped the bar. Rick Rosner: I said, “Go to okay.” Jacobsen: You said, “Go to okay,” and the first thing that popped into my mind was Billy Connolly. I think this was even well before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Basically, the joke was that, as you get older, …
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: I've got an idea—we will discuss quantum mechanics misinterpretations. Rick Rosner: I'm down. I just cracked open the book again, and it was so dusty that it triggered a sneeze. Jacobsen: And I'm not talking about mistakes professionals make—I'm talking about the New Age-y, crystal-alignment, "quantum healing" stuff. Rosner: Yeah. All right. Jacobsen: So what do you …
Continue reading Ask A Genius 1348: Debunking Quantum Myths: Misused Science in Pop Culture
Rick Rosner 