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    • Hosting on Airbnb: Sharing Resources and Connecting with TravelersTransforming an idle home into an Airbnb listing creates income and opportunities to connect with people globally

      The hosts of the Jordan Harbinger show, Jen and Jordan, have transformed their home into an Airbnb to share their space with travelers and make extra income. They've designed it with a private entrance and added personal touches to make their guests feel welcome. The hosts believe that their home is worth more than just sitting idle and that becoming an Airbnb host is a unique way to connect with people from around the world. While the episode discusses various skeptical topics, the hosts' experience with Airbnb stands out as a meaningful and practical example of sharing resources and creating connections.

    • Reiki's Origins DebunkedReiki, despite being marketed as an ancient healing method, was actually developed in the late 1800s and lacks scientific evidence for its effectiveness

      Reiki, a practice involving energy transfer through light touch or no-touch sessions, is not based on ancient healing methods as claimed, but was actually developed in the late 19th century by Mikao Usui. Despite being offered at hospitals and licensed by various organizations, it is important to critically evaluate its legitimacy due to the potential for people being taken advantage of financially. Sessions typically last 30 to 90 minutes and cost between $25 to $100, with the option for distance healing via video call. The belief is that practitioners can channel divine energy and transfer it into the recipient while absorbing or withdrawing negative energy. However, this idea has no scientific basis and should be approached with skepticism. The origins of Reiki involve a 21-day fast and self-proclaimed vision, making it a less than original concept for a healing method.

    • Exploring Alternative Practices for Mental HealthReiki, an alternative practice, may help some individuals address mental health issues, but its effectiveness is debated, and it shouldn't replace professional help.

      While extreme measures like starvation may not be necessary to develop creative ideas, there are alternative practices like Reiki that some people believe can provide relief for various health issues, including mental ones. However, the effectiveness of Reiki and other similar practices is a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that the placebo effect, which can help alleviate pain, might also apply to mental health conditions. Others, including the International Association of Reiki Professionals, clarify that Reiki doesn't claim to cure anything but rather aims to help individuals address the root causes of their problems. The use of Reiki for mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, sexual addiction, or hearing voices, remains a topic of research and skepticism. Ultimately, the decision to try such practices should be based on an individual's personal beliefs and consultation with healthcare professionals.

    • Hospitals may offer alternative practices upon requestWhile not part of a medical treatment plan, practices like prayer, placebos, and Reiki can positively impact mental health and overall well-being during terminal situations. Patients should receive necessary medical care, but these practices can be considered moral as they don't cause harm and can alleviate pain.

      While hospitals generally don't prescribe alternative practices like prayer or placebos as part of a medical treatment plan due to potential legal issues, they may offer these practices upon request. These practices can contribute positively to a patient's mental health and overall well-being, especially during terminal or end-of-life situations. The moral question then arises about allowing such practices even if they don't have a proven medical effect. As long as a patient is receiving necessary medical care, embracing the placebo effect or engaging in practices like prayer or Reiki can be considered moral, as they do not cause harm and can help alleviate pain and misery. However, it is important to be cautious against unproven treatments that claim to replace Western medicine and potentially harm the patient by delaying or replacing necessary medical care.

    • No scientific evidence supports Reiki's connection to quantum physics or practitioners sensing energyDespite popular belief, Reiki lacks scientific evidence for its claimed abilities in quantum physics and energy sensing.

      There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Reiki healing is based on quantum physics or that practitioners can feel their clients' energy. A crystal healer, for instance, was tested in a blind experiment and her ability to identify the energy in objects was no better than random chance. Similarly, Reiki practitioners have been tested under blind conditions and their accuracy in sensing energy was also found to be no better than chance. The only evidence supporting Reiki is anecdotal and purely subjective. These findings contradict the belief that Reiki is a scientifically grounded healing practice.

    • Turning a room into an Airbnb or getting certified: Sharing and growingAirbnb hosting brings income and cultural exchange, while certifications offer personal growth and financial opportunities. Research thoroughly before deciding.

      Turning a spare room into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income but also allows hosts to share their home and local recommendations with travelers. Certification processes, such as becoming a Reiki practitioner, can vary greatly and may require payment and time commitments. During the discussion, it was mentioned that one could become certified online for a relatively low cost, but the time investment is significant. It's important to note that not all certifications carry the same weight or require the same level of expertise, and it's crucial to do thorough research before making a decision. Overall, the conversation highlighted the potential benefits of opening up one's home to guests and the various opportunities for personal and financial growth that come with it. Additionally, the importance of supporting advertisers that help keep the show running was emphasized.

    • Learning Reiki: Healing with Universal Life Force EnergyReiki is a form of energy healing where individuals can learn to use universal life force energy for self-healing and helping others, but its effectiveness is not universally accepted by the scientific community or some religious institutions.

      Reiki is a form of energy healing where individuals are attuned to the universal life force energy by a Reiki master. This attunement process allows individuals to use Reiki for self-healing and to help others, including family, friends, pets, and even teach others. However, the scientific community and some religious institutions, like the Catholic Church, have not fully accepted Reiki as an effective therapy due to lack of scientific evidence and potential conflicts with religious beliefs. Despite this, Reiki has gained popularity and is still practiced widely. It's important to note that while Reiki can be a valuable tool for personal growth and healing, it should not replace conventional medical treatments. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that Reiki practitioners are qualified and ethical to avoid potential harm or exploitation.

    • Reiki over Zoom: Effective or Skeptical?While some find benefits in Reiki sessions over Zoom, others remain skeptical due to the intangible nature and lack of physical proximity. Potential benefits include emotional expression and mindfulness practice, but concerns include lack of visual contact and eerie imagery.

      During a discussion about Reiki healing and its effectiveness during the pandemic through virtual means, it was concluded that while some believe in the transfer of energy over Zoom or similar platforms, others remain skeptical due to the intangible nature of the practice and the need for physical proximity. The conversation also touched upon the potential therapeutic benefits of these sessions, which include expressing feelings and practicing mindfulness, but the lack of visual contact and the eerie imagery associated with the process raised concerns. Ultimately, the consensus was that while Reiki over Zoom may offer some benefits, it falls short of the traditional in-person experience and raises valid questions about the nature of energy healing and its limitations in a virtual setting.

    • Practicing Reiki healing at a distanceImagine and visualize sending positive energy through Reiki symbols and emotions for healing, but be skeptical and prioritize medical care

      Reiki healing, which can be done at a distance using imagination and visualization, involves attuning to the Reiki frequency, getting into a positive emotional state, and sending positive energy to the recipient by visualizing them smiling and drawing Reiki symbols in the air. This practice requires a strong imagination and can be done through video call or by imagining the person's name and photo. However, there are concerns about the validity and potential risks of this practice, such as the possibility of receiving negative energy if the healer has evil intentions, and the potential for people to rely on Reiki instead of seeking medical treatment. It's important to approach this practice with skepticism and prioritize regular healthy habits and medical care.

    • Principles of influence: Liking and AuthorityLiking someone increases preference and reciprocity, while demonstrating expertise or authority builds trust and persuasion

      The principles of influence, specifically the universal principles of liking and authority, can significantly impact our interactions with others. The effect of liking is that people generally prefer those they like, and being generous towards someone can increase that liking. This, in turn, can lead to reciprocity and a commitment to a partnership. Additionally, demonstrating expertise or authority in a given area can also influence others to view us favorably and trust our judgement. By applying these principles, we can build stronger relationships and effectively persuade others. For more insights on the universal principles of influence, listen to episode 507 on The Jordan Harbinger Show.

    Recent Episodes from The Jordan Harbinger Show

    993: Johann Hari | The Skinny on 'Magic Pill' Weight-Loss Drugs

    993: Johann Hari | The Skinny on 'Magic Pill' Weight-Loss Drugs

    Are new weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy "magic" pills that can put an end to the obesity epidemic? Johann Hari is here to give us the skinny!

    What We Discuss with Johann Hari:

    • Processed and ultra-processed foods are a major driver of the obesity epidemic, as they undermine the body's natural ability to feel full and satisfied after eating. Moving from fresh, whole foods to mostly processed foods is strongly linked to the dramatic rise in obesity rates.
    • Obesity is a complex issue with biological, psychological, and social causes. Factors like genetics, emotional eating, trauma, and the food environment all play a role. Stigmatizing or shaming people for their weight is cruel and counterproductive.
    • New weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by artificially boosting satiety hormones like GLP-1, helping people feel full faster and eat less. They are showing impressive weight loss results, but also come with potential risks and side effects that are not yet fully understood, especially in the long-term.
    • While these new drugs may help many people, they are not a magic solution. They don't address the underlying drivers of the obesity crisis in the food system and environment. To make a real difference, we need broader changes to make healthy eating the easy, default option.
    • The good news is, each of us can take positive steps today to improve our health, no matter our current weight. Focus on adding more whole, minimally processed foods to your diet, and find physical activities you truly enjoy. Prioritize getting good sleep, managing stress, and building a strong social support network. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. Be patient and kind with yourself in the process. You have the power to transform your health, one choice at a time.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/993

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

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    992: Royals | Skeptical Sunday

    992: Royals | Skeptical Sunday

    What's the point of the publicly funded British Royal family in the modern world? Andrew Gold puts the monarchy under a microscope on this Skeptical Sunday!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

    • The British monarchy is a centuries-old institution that has had a significant impact on the UK's culture, politics, and history. While the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, the royal family still holds influence and plays a significant part in British society.
    • The British Royal Family receives public funding through the Sovereign Grant, which is calculated as a percentage of the profits made by the Crown Estate. The Sovereign Grant covers official expenses, while the monarch also has personal income from private estates.
    • The monarchy faces challenges in maintaining its relevance in an increasingly democratic and progressive world. The royal family must balance tradition with adapting to changing societal values and expectations.
    • The popularity of individual members of the royal family, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, can significantly impact public perception of the monarchy as a whole.
    • Despite the controversies and challenges surrounding the British monarchy, it remains an integral part of the nation's identity and continues to captivate people worldwide. By focusing on their roles as symbols of unity, continuity, and tradition, while also embracing positive change and engaging in meaningful charitable work, the royal family can maintain its relevance and contribute to the well-being of the British people and the global community.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/992

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us...

    991: Should You Coexist with a Manchild Narcissist? | Feedback Friday

    991: Should You Coexist with a Manchild Narcissist? | Feedback Friday

    Should you endure a toxic marriage for the sake of your son's relationship with his father, or run for the hills while you can? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • You're contemplating leaving your narcissistic addict husband due to his poor treatment of you and your child, but you feel trapped financially and concerned about your son losing his father. Should you try to reconcile and accept him the way he is, or run for the hills while you can?
    • Betrayed by a lifelong friend who used you in an eBay scam and left you financially accountable to his victims, you found closure years later at a party by forgiving him and letting go of your own negative emotions about the situation. But you can't help but wonder if you should've just punched him in the face. Did you do the right thing?
    • After years of caring for your late mother's boyfriend like family, you feel disrespected when you're labeled as a vendor at a granddaughter's wedding, highlighting the family's lack of appreciation for your efforts. Are you still expected to bring a gift, or should you send them an invoice the day after the wedding for taking care of their grandfather?
    • Your close relationship with your daughter's ex-boyfriend, now reformed from the issues that facilitated their breakup, causes tension with your married daughter, forcing you to choose between transparency or secrecy to preserve your bond. Should you continue to "sneak around" with your daughter's ex, or just be honest and let the chips fall where they may?
    • You're a Canadian mom worried about your 18-year-old daughter's real-life meetup with the 23-year-old American boyfriend she met online. How can you ensure her safety (on the off-chance he might be a human trafficker or drug fiend) without damaging your relationship by being seen as overbearing?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/991

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:...

    990: Jonathan Haidt | How Gen Z Became the Anxious Generation

    990: Jonathan Haidt | How Gen Z Became the Anxious Generation

    Jonathan Haidt is here to talk about his latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

    What We Discuss with Jonathan Haidt:

    • Social media and smartphones have drastically altered childhood since the early 2010s, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among teens, especially girls.
    • Virtual interactions on social media are disembodied, shallow, and can spread mental health issues among susceptible teens. Prestige biased learning causes teens to emulate influencers, even those promoting unhealthy behaviors. Smartphones and social media also enable sexual predators to easily target children online.
    • Overprotection in the real world and underprotection online are both mistakes that need to be reversed. Parents have allowed kids too much unsupervised screen time while restricting their independence and free play in the physical world out of exaggerated fears.
    • Schools and parents need to set clear boundaries around technology use. No smartphones before high school, no social media until age 16, and phone-free schools from bell to bell are key norms to establish. The longer parents delay introducing these technologies, the better.
    • Although the situation is serious, positive change is possible when parents, educators, and lawmakers work together. Parents can start by giving kids more independence and free play time offline, schools can go phone-free, and governments can pass laws to make online spaces safer for kids. With collective action, we can restore a healthier childhood for the next generation. Small steps like "Free Play Fridays" for neighborhood kids can make a difference right away. By coming together to solve this, we can ensure today's youth have the space to develop into competent, well-adjusted adults.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/990

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    989: Bad Behavior Uncorrected Leaves Dad Unprotected | Feedback Friday

    989: Bad Behavior Uncorrected Leaves Dad Unprotected | Feedback Friday

    Your disabled father's safety is jeopardized by a violent, mentally ill relative, and legal remedies have proven insufficient. Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • Your paralyzed, terminally sick father's safety is at risk due to a violent, mentally ill family member, and legal interventions seem ineffective. What alternative solutions exist?
    • Raised in an abusive, isolating homeschool cult, you struggle with trauma, financial hardship, and inaccessibility to college due to a lack of legitimate transcripts. Are you out of luck, or might there be a workaround? [Thanks to licensed mental health counselor and cult expert Steven Hassan for helping us with this one!]
    • After enduring a volatile, unprofessional manager who alienated staff and customers, how can you diplomatically end your forced friendship now that he's been fired?
    • Your mother's disapproval of your loving husband has led to an 'all or none' ultimatum resulting in estrangement and heartbreak for your son, who wonders why you "don't visit grandma anymore." What can you do?
    • A dyslexic listener shares their journey to success, urging others with dyslexia to embrace their strengths, seek accommodations, and overcome shame by being open and advocating for their needs.
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/989

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    <a...

    988: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part Two

    988: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part Two

    Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 2/2. [Pt 1 can be found here!]

    What We Discuss with Robert Mazur:

    • How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations.
    • Money laundering enables cartels to produce their most lethal product: corruption. Corrupt officials and governments facilitate drug trafficking operations.
    • Money laundering methods are highly sophisticated, involving legitimate businesses, secret codes, and multi-national operations to evade detection.
    • Banks and the global financial system need to change to combat money laundering effectively, with severe penalties for those involved in facilitating the flow of illicit funds.
    • Despite the risks and close calls, Robert continued his undercover work to gather intelligence and evidence against drug cartels until it became clear that the price his family was paying was not worth continuing.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/988

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    987: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part One

    987: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part One

    Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 1/2.

    What We Discuss with Robert Mazur:

    • How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations.
    • The extensive planning that goes into an undercover operation, including developing a detailed backstory, establishing fake businesses, and coordinating with informants and other agents.
    • How Robert built rapport with targets by researching their interests, using active listening, and offering them gifts to gain their trust.
    • Undercover agents must be laser-focused on their targets and avoid thinking about their personal lives, as any slip-up could compromise the operation and endanger their safety.
    • During trials, these agents must be prepared for defense attorneys' tactics, such as role reversal, and maintain their composure to avoid compromising the case or their credibility in front of the jury.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/987

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    986: Porn | Skeptical Sunday

    986: Porn | Skeptical Sunday

    Has technology weaponized pornography into a public health crisis? Michael Regilio takes us through modern porn's ins and outs on this Skeptical Sunday!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

    • High-speed internet porn is a recent phenomenon that provides an intense, novel experience unlike traditional pornography, hacking into our brain's evolutionary desires for new mates and triggering dopamine responses similar to drug addiction.
    • Pornography use, especially among adolescents and young adults who grew up with easy access to internet porn, has been linked to erosion of gray matter in the brain's prefrontal cortex, which controls impulse control and decision-making.
    • Porn use has been associated with sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction in young men, as well as difficulties forming emotional bonds and intimacy in relationships.
    • While some psychologists dispute the existence of "porn addiction," neuroscientific evidence shows porn use can lead to compulsive behaviors and brain changes resembling substance addictions.
    • While some political efforts have been made to declare porn a public health crisis, there is little policy action based on scientific evidence to provide resources for treatment and awareness.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with Michael Regilio at TwitterInstagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/986

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    985: Lives Are at Stake in Bail Reform's Wake | Feedback Friday

    985: Lives Are at Stake in Bail Reform's Wake | Feedback Friday

    When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday:

    • When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims?
    • You've about had it with your autistic boss' cringeworthy conspiracy theories. How can you disagree respectfully and maintain professionalism?
    • As a cancer patient struggling with massive student loans and disability assistance denial, what legal help and guidance is available for navigating private loan regulations while fighting for survival?
    • You've invented a non-functional plastic object that brings laughter to all who behold its absurdity. You want to protect the IP so you can profit from this stroke of comedic novelty, but you can't ignore the potential environmental impact of manufacturing such an item en masse. What should you do?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/985

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    What challenges can the ocean help us meet, and what must we do to safeguard its treasures? The Underworld author Susan Casey dives deep for answers here!

    What We Discuss with Susan Casey:

    • The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and serves as the largest carbon sink on the planet, making its preservation essential for mitigating climate change.
    • The ocean is home to a fascinating array of creatures that have adapted to extreme conditions, such as iron-breathing microbes, glass sponges, and jellyfish that can reverse their life cycle.
    • Pollution, including plastics, chemical weapons, and nuclear waste, has severely impacted the ocean ecosystem, with some deep-sea creatures found to have plastic particles embedded in their organs.
    • There are an estimated three million shipwrecks on the ocean floor, preserving valuable historical artifacts and information — such as the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer.
    • Exploring the ocean can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, Earth's history, and climate, providing valuable insights for addressing humanity's challenges — provided we safeguard this treasury of knowledge for current and future generations.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/984

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    Related Episodes

    817: Acupuncture | Skeptical Sunday

    817: Acupuncture | Skeptical Sunday

    10 to 15 million people per year turn to acupuncture — the insertion of thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body — for relieving what ails them. But is there any evidence that it actually works?

    Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • The origins of acupuncture are unclear, and the claim that it started in China approximately 3,000 years ago is debated.
    • Peer-reviewed journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health claims that acupuncture is one of the most utilized forms of complementary integrative medicine interventions in the US and can help strengthen the immune system and reduce side effects of chemotherapy.
    • Studies on acupuncture's effectiveness in reducing cancer pain have mixed results due to small sample sizes and design problems. One study showed acupuncture helps deactivate brain areas associated with processing pain, but it only involved 17 people.
    • Many doctors are privately skeptical about acupuncture and say there's no real science to support the practice, but they often do not speak out against it publicly as they do not see it as particularly harmful.
    • Acupuncture can actually be a risky treatment, and 86 people have died from improperly placed needles — with the most common cause of death being a condition called pneumothorax.
    • And much more...

    Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!

    Connect with David at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/817

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    797: Ouija Boards | Skeptical Sunday

    797: Ouija Boards | Skeptical Sunday

    Every year around Halloween, millions of teenagers, drunk adults, and terrified believers gather around Ouija boards to contact "The Other Side." We've all been a part of it, and we know we weren't moving that little thing, but it was definitely moving. So what’s really going on here?

    Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • How a pair of sisters playing a prank on their parents in upstate New York escalated into a spiritualism craze that took the 19th century United States — and then the world — by storm.
    • The Medieval Chinese origins and evolution of what we know today as the Ouija board.
    • How the spiritualism craze boosted the Ouija board's adoption into millions of households (even outselling Monopoly in 1967).
    • The indelible marks the Ouija board has made on our lives — from pop culture to the law.
    • The science behind what makes the Ouija board "work."
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with David at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/797

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    676: The Olympics | Skeptical Sunday

    676: The Olympics | Skeptical Sunday

    The Olympic games hold a place of reverence in the hearts of people around the world. But for the athletes who wreck their bodies and their bank accounts training for years to compete in the Olympics for glory and national pride -- especially the ones who hail from Team USA -- are the games kind of a sham?

    Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/676

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • In spite of the PR boost nations get whenever their teams win medals and the influx of cash brought in by the games, the United States is one of the few countries that doesn't spend a dime supporting its Olympic athletes.
    • A so-called non-profit, the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee brought in $317 million in revenue in 2018, including $122 million in broadcast revenue, which resulted in $48 million in profit. The CEO made $800,000 in compensation.
    • 60% of the athletes who train full-time for years to have a chance at competing in the Olympics do not consider themselves financially stable, often relying on low-paying gig economy jobs to fund their journey.
    • For Team USA athletes who win medals, the USOPC pays out $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. In contrast, Singapore rewards its athletes with $1 million for gold, $500,000 for silver, and $250,000 for bronze.
    • In 2012, half of the track and field athletes made less than $15,000 per year, while the track and field CEO earned $1.2 million in 2018. In 2012, US News and World Report found it cost around $100,000 per year to be an athlete in the Olympics.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with David at his website, on Twitter, on Instagram, on TikTok, and on YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here...

    801: Circumcision | Skeptical Sunday

    801: Circumcision | Skeptical Sunday

    While mandated by some religious and cultural traditions for thousands of years, and not without certain benefits to health, is circumcising newborns before they're old enough to consent wrong?

    Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • Male circumcision is the oldest known human surgical procedure, with historical records and archeological evidence dating the practice back to ancient Egyptians in the 23rd century BCE.
    • While circumcision is mandated by numerous cultural and religious traditions and enacted for health reasons in certain parts of the world, is the practice of altering someone's body before they're old enough to give consent wrong?
    • Some medical professionals believe the preventive health benefits of elective circumcision of male newborns outweigh the risks of the procedure.
    • What special interests are involved in recommending or not recommending circumcision as a standard procedure?
    • What's the deal with so-called female circumcision — or, as it's more accurately known, female genital mutilation (FGM)?
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with David at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/801

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

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    894: Psychics and Tarot Cards | Skeptical Sunday

    894: Psychics and Tarot Cards | Skeptical Sunday

    Even if psychics and tarot cards can't give you reliable advice from the great beyond, what's the harm? Join us for Skeptical Sunday with David C. Smalley!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • Why aren't psychics and tarot card readers prosecuted for fraud when they can't genuinely provide supernatural information to paying clients? Furthermore, why do they charge for their services if they could simply use their powers to win the lottery?
    • If psychics can't really tap into the other side for forbidden knowledge from beyond the grave, how do they seem to know so much about my dead uncle's final wishes?
    • Despite a thriving industry of self-proclaimed psychics claiming expertise in finding missing children and solving cold cases, investigative journalists (and normal people just paying attention) have proven their claims wrong more often than right.
    • What tarot cards are actually telling you.
    • It's easy to dismiss psychics as harmless fun and a way for people to cope with the loss of their loved ones, but sometimes they can emotionally (and financially) harm those who are vulnerable in their time of grief.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with David C. Smalley at his website, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and make sure to check out The David C. Smalley Podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts! If you like to get out of your house and catch live comedy, keep an eye on David's tour dates here and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/894

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

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