If you've ever seen an episode of Miracle Detectives on the Oprah Winfrey Network, then you're familiar with Indre Viskontas, a cognitive neuroscientist who represents the skeptical half of a team that travels the world to investigate real claims of alleged miracles and supernatural phenomena (you can watch episodes from the show's first season here ). On February 8, however, the Center For Inquiry announced that Ms. Viskontas will be the new cohost (along with science and political writer Chris Mooney) of it's Point of Inquiry podcasts.
From CFI's press release:
Point of Inquiry critically examines topics in science, religion, philosophy and politics. Each episode takes on a specific issue and features lively discussion with leading researchers and writers, putting a special focus on science and public policy matters. Past shows have featured Brian Greene on string theory, Paul Offit on vaccine denialism, Eugenie C. Scott on the necessity of climate change education, and Daniel Dennett on the scientific study of religion.
"We are thrilled to have Indre Viskontas join the Point of Inquiry team. Her background in both cognitive neuroscience and entertainment makes her a natural fit," said Adam Isaak, producer of Point of Inquiry. "Her ability to successfully present science and critical thinking to a general audience makes her an invaluable addition to the show."
Indre Viskontas is the possessor of an unusually varied skill set. Not only has the Lithuanian-Canadian Viscontas experience as a writer, TV show host and neuroscientist (with more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters); she's also a soprano trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music who's sung in numerous operas!
Cohost Chris Mooney is no slouch either. He's a science and political journalist, blogger, podcaster, and experienced trainer of scientists in the art of communication. His 4th book, which is due out in April, The Republican Brain: The Science of Why They Deny Science and Reality, sounds like a must-read in this election year.
Beginning in February, Mooney will host three times a month; Viscontas will anchor the last Monday of every month. The show will continue to be released every Monday on the Point of Inquiry website and on iTunes.
If you enjoy my articles, you can click on "subscribe" at the top of the page and you'll receive notice when new ones are published.
Comments