Wednesday 2 September 2009

The Paracast

By now, Dear Constant Reader, I'm sure you realise I tend to lean strongly towards scepticism. That doesn't mean I'm closed minded, nor do I pretend to have the answers. But I also don't really have any "beliefs". I like facts, which are hard to come by anywhere, let alone in the sphere of the anomalous. Another thing about me, which you may not know, is that I am a keen listener of podcasts. They help pass the time on my daily commute across London and back again. I listen to a lot of sceptical podcasts (Like The Skeptics Guide To The Universe and Skepticality, which I highly recommend for being entertaining and informative. And for kicking the butts of the antivax crowd and the like) and I listen to quite a few paranormal podcasts (which I won't link to as most I've found are self-indulgent pieces of promotion for the friends of the podcasters). But a few months ago I came across The Paracast.

The Paracast is a podcast with an interest in the anomalous (especially UFO reports). Hosted by Gene Steinberg and David Biedny, this podcast is not full of "true believers". These two guys truly seem interested in finding out the truth and are refreshingly open minded about what might cause sightings and encounters. And when I say open minded I don't mean the usual paranormal open mindedness that leads to weird beliefs in all sorts of bizarre and ridiculous things. I mean they truly seek to try to understand what is behind the phenomena be it Fortean or be it something more mundane.

They seem to have a reputation of being a bit harsh on their interviewees. Having listened to a lot of their shows, I have to say it's not deserved. What they do is talk to their guests like they are adults and have a conversation with them. Sadly, in this time of bad journalism and sycophantic interviews, this is interpreted by some as rudeness or abrasiveness. Personally I think it's great to hear them asking some pointed questions of crazy fundamentalists (who believe UFOs are piloted by demons) and, in their most recent show, trying to get a straight answer from the lamest sceptic I've ever heard. Honestly his answers were totally off the mark and made me ashamed to consider myself a sceptic. Get Dr. Steven Novella on, and then we might get a real debate going!

I cannot recommend this podcast enough, it's great entertainment and if they continue with the way they are going they might finally "separate signal from noise" and come up with some answers.

This blogger works for nothing but the joy of writing but always appreciates things bought from his wishlist

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been listening to the Paracast since it's first show in 2006. It is the only paranormal show I listen to on a regular basis.

I would highly suggest to listen to it and to visit their website, www.theparacast.com and take a look at their fourms for some really good discussions.

Cotton

AnnetteMarie said...

It is a thought-provoking podcast, and you really don't know where you will end up at the end of it.

I think their best episode ever is with Dr. Bernard Haisch from their back catalogue. Look for it, you will find lots of other terrific episodes on your way.

Edster said...

Well said. I'm glad you enjoy The Paracast podcast. I find it a good blend of reason and the mysterious events that we humans consider "paranormal." It's refreshing to hear guests being taken to task, and to hear hosts that admit they "don't know the truth."

Paranormal Pete said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jae Kay said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeff Ritzmann said...
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Jae Kay said...

I would kindly ask that all posts be kept cordial. I will remove any comments that others find offensive.

Paranormal Pete said...
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Chris R said...
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Jae Kay said...

1) Paranormal Pete, take up your "issues" with the shows involved and leave it off this blog
2) Your insinuation of homosexuality is offensive to me, and suggests you are no older than 10. If you are older than 10 then I feel very sorry for you indeed.
3) The only person who gets to swear on this blog is me. And I don't do it too often so your comment is again deleted and long with Davey A's.

I hate deleting comments, it goes against my core beliefs, but I am not prepared to put up with foul language or foul behaviour. It's childish and unnecessary.

Chris R said...

Sorry man. It's just really frustrating reading stuff like that.

DaveythickD said...

I understand why you deleted the posts, but come on siting the reason becuase you find the homosexual insinuation offensive? Come on that just sounds like you are ignorant. On a lighter note, i enjoyed the review, I checked out the show... Good stuff, thanks.

Jae Kay said...

Actually, it's because I am gay and I do not appreciate people using the claim that someone is "gay" as insult to be appropriate. Being gay is not something to be ashamed of, and is not a term that should be allowed to be used in a negative way.

If you have a problem with that, please let me know... I really don't know what you mean by claiming this stance is ignorant.

Jae Kay said...

P.S. they were not insinuating I was gay, insults against myself are not going to be deleted (I can take it). I will not be going into further details because otherwise deleting that post was pretty pointless

Paranormal Pete said...

Your such a big homo fag. I hope you die of aids you piece of shit. You are fucking worthless you fudge packer. I hope your cock sucking ass get the Matthew sheppard treatment!!! That's right I hope you die a slow and painful death. I hope you get fucked by an infected dick, your an embarassment. Too bad you won't post this message becuase your a pussy (oh wait you hate pussy). Do us all a favor and take your own life. Thank the good lord above you can't procreate becuase your shit bag of a gene pool needs to be destroyed.

Jae Kay said...

1. Can't you read, I said I don't delete insults against myself. They amuse me.
2. I love how you do the childish "I bet you won't post this..." incitement trying to goad me into posting it. Bless you. You really are ten years old. :D