The Lure of Conspiratorial Thinking with Michael Shermer

The Lure of Conspiratorial Thinking with Michael Shermer

Author: The Atlas Society March 27, 2026 Duration: 54:27

Join Atlas Society CEO for the 295th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she sits down with returning guest Michael Shermer to talk about his 2024 book "Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational," which presents an overarching review of conspiracy theories―who believes them and why, which ones are real, and what we should do about them.

Returning to Objectively Speaking, Shermer is no stranger to The Atlas Society, having joined us previously to discuss his book "Giving the Devil His Due," a tour de force in defense of free speech from a scientific humanist perspective. Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine, host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show, and the author of New York Times bestsellers "Why People Believe Weird Things," "The Believing Brain," and "The Science of Good and Evil," among many others.


Tune in to The Atlas Society Presents-Objectively Speaking for a series of thoughtful conversations that explore the practical application of Ayn Rand's philosophy. This podcast, brought to you by The Atlas Society, moves beyond abstract theory to examine how the principles of reason, individualism, and achievement manifest in our daily lives, careers, and culture. Each episode features discussions that connect Objectivist ideas to contemporary issues in business, creative pursuits, and societal trends, offering a framework for navigating a complex world. You'll hear analyses that celebrate human potential and the power of the individual while critically examining opposing doctrines. The dialogue is grounded in Rand's works, from the monumental *Atlas Shrugged* to her incisive essays, treating Objectivism as the vital, life-affirming guide it was designed to be. Whether you're well-versed in the philosophy or newly curious, this podcast provides a space for open, reasoned exploration. It’s an invitation to consider how a commitment to rational self-interest and freedom can shape a flourishing life and a better society. Join the conversation to hear these ideas unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

The Atlas Society Presents - Objectively Speaking
Podcast Episodes
Who is Frank Meyer? with Daniel J. Flynn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:50
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 276th episode of Objectively Speaking where she interviews author Dan Flynn about his new book "The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer," wh…
Who Needs The Constitution Anyway? with Wilfred McClay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:59
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 275th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she is joined by Wilfred McClay, Victor Davis Hanson Chair in Classical History and Western Civilization at Hillsdale College,…
False Government Accusations of Child Abuse? with Spike Cohen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:45
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 274th episode of Objectively Speaking as she sits down with Spike Cohen, libertarian activist, entrepreneur, and podcaster. Together, they discuss Cohen’s nonprofit, You A…
How Politics Failed During COVID with Stephen J. Macedo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:44
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 271st episode of Objectively Speaking, where she speaks with Princeton Professor Stephen J. Macedo about his new book "In Covid’s Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us," which…
Does Border Enforcement Reduce Violent Crime? with Ken W. Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:07
Are deportations driving down violent crime in America? Some supporters are crediting the sharp increase in deportations for what could soon be the lowest U.S. murder rate on record. On the other hand, critics strongly a…
Is America an Idea? with David Kelley and Robert Tracinski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:26
Join Atlas Society founder and Senior Scholar David Kelley, Ph.D., along with Senior Fellow Robert Tracinski, for the 268th episode of Objectively Speaking and a special webinar exploring what it means for a nation to be…
Who Needs College Anymore? with Kathleen deLaski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:46
Join Atlas CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 267th episode of Objectively Speaking, where she interviews founder and board chair of Education Design Lab, Kathleen deLaski, about her new book “Who Needs College Anymore? Imagi…