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    • Sharing your unique space through AirbnbTransforming your home into an Airbnb brings financial benefits and allows for cultural exchange and new connections while making guests feel cherished and welcomed leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings

      Hosting guests in your home through Airbnb not only brings in extra income but also allows you to share your unique space with others and create special experiences for them. The hosts in this episode transformed their home into an Airbnb, adding personal touches and making their guests feel welcome. This not only brings financial benefits but also allows for cultural exchange and new connections. The hosts' experience shows that turning your home into an Airbnb can be a rewarding and meaningful way to unlock its potential and create new adventures. Additionally, the hosts emphasized the importance of making guests feel cherished and welcomed, which can lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings.

    • History of Ouija Board: From Ancient China to Modern AmericaThe Ouija board, a device used for communicating with the dead, has a long history dating back to ancient China. Its use involves moving a planchette to spell out messages from spirits. The Fox sisters popularized its use in America in the 1840s, leading to its commercialization, but the authenticity and meaning behind the messages remain debated.

      The Ouija board, a device used for purportedly communicating with the dead, has a long history dating back to 1100 AD in China. People would use a planchette, a small disk or magnifying glass, to ask spirits questions and receive answers by moving it to spell out messages. The earliest records show that this practice involved using a writing utensil to record the messages. However, the process of communicating complex ideas or symbols using a planchette would be incredibly difficult. Throughout history, there have been debates about the authenticity of these communications, with some arguing that they are just random scribbles. The Fox sisters, who are considered the first recorded spiritualists to perform for a crowd and be paid, popularized the use of the Ouija board in America in the 1840s. They claimed to be receiving messages from spirits through the board, and their performances eventually led to the commercialization of the Ouija board. Despite its long history, the validity and meaning behind the messages received through the Ouija board remain a subject of debate.

    • The history of the Ouija boardThe Ouija board, believed to be a tool for communicating with spirits, has roots in China and gained popularity in the late 1800s. Its name comes from the French and German words for 'yes'.

      The Ouija board, which is believed to be a tool for communicating with the spirit world, has an intriguing history. Table tipping, a common practice during Ouija sessions, is simply pushing or tilting the table and claiming it's the spirits moving it. This practice dates back to the Ming dynasty in China, but gained global popularity in the late 1800s when the Fox sisters were reported to be using a talking board. Charles Kennard, who read about the Fox sisters, stole the idea and started the Kennard Novelty Company with Elijah Bond. They obtained a patent by demonstrating the board's abilities, which included spelling out the name of the patent office representative. The name Ouija or Ouija board comes from the French and German words for "yes," but the board itself is said to have claimed the name during a session. Despite its questionable origins and lack of scientific evidence, the Ouija board continues to intrigue people and remains a popular topic of fascination.

    • The origin of the name Ouija remains uncertainDespite theories, the meaning of Ouija remains a topic of speculation. Meanwhile, transforming a spare room into an Airbnb listing can unlock potential and generate income.

      The origin of the name Ouija is uncertain and shrouded in mystery. While some claim it to be ancient Egyptian for good luck, this theory is not supported by evidence due to the limitations of our understanding of ancient Egyptian language. Another theory suggests the name came from a woman named Helen Peters, but this story also lacks concrete evidence. Ultimately, the name Ouija may just be a product of collective delusion, and its meaning remains a topic of speculation. On a different note, during the discussion, the hosts mentioned their experience with Airbnb and how they incorporated its magic into their own home. They transformed a spare bedroom into an Airbnb listing, complete with personal touches, to share their space with travelers and generate income. This innovative approach showcases how one can unlock their true potential and turn their home into an adventure hub. The conversation also touched upon the importance of fact-checking and questioning the origins of things, emphasizing the importance of skepticism and critical thinking.

    • Exploring the Fascination and Controversy of the Ouija BoardThe Ouija board, a tool for communicating with the dead, gained popularity in the 1970s due to its depiction in 'The Exorcist' and belief in its supernatural abilities, despite magicians' attempts to debunk it.

      The Ouija board, a popular mystical tool believed to communicate with the dead, has been a subject of fascination and controversy for decades. Penn and Teller, the renowned magicians, explored this phenomenon on their show, attempting to debunk its supernatural claims by summoning the spirit of Fred Mertz, an actor from I Love Lucy, at the location of his death. This incident coincided with the rise in popularity of the Ouija board during the 1970s, fueled in part by the release of the horror movie "The Exorcist," which depicted a young girl's possession after using a Ouija board. Despite the controversy surrounding its use, many people continued to believe in the Ouija board's supernatural abilities, leading to widespread fear and fascination.

    • The Ouija board's enduring allure and influence on people's actionsThe Ouija board, despite its controversial reputation, has significantly influenced American culture and people's actions, from inspiring positive changes to dangerous behaviors.

      The Ouija board, despite its controversial reputation, was a significant cultural phenomenon in American history. The Smithsonian reports that demand for the boards was so high during the Great Depression that the Fold Company opened new factories to meet it. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of people being influenced by the boards to do unusual things, from leaving dead bodies unburied to committing murder. The case of the Slender Man shows how dangerous it can be for vulnerable individuals to believe in the supernatural powers of such objects. However, the boards have also been credited with inspiring people to make positive changes in their lives. For example, a gas station attendant in New York joined the army after receiving a message from the board. The Ouija board's ability to captivate people's imaginations and influence their actions, whether for better or for worse, is a testament to its enduring allure.

    • The Belief in Ouija Boards and the Helen Dow Peck CasePeople's belief in Ouija boards and supernatural phenomena can be exploited, and it's crucial to approach such situations with skepticism and question their authenticity. The Helen Dow Peck case serves as a reminder of the potential for manipulation and the importance of maintaining a clear understanding of reality.

      The story of Helen Dow Peck and the Ouija board will is a fascinating example of how deeply people can believe in superstitions, even if it goes against rational thinking. However, this belief can be exploited, and it's essential to be skeptical and question the authenticity of such situations. In the 1958 Connecticut court case, a woman named Helen Dow Peck left her fortune to a spirit named John Gale Forbes, whom she contacted through an Ouija board. However, the court refused to honor the will due to Helen's perceived lack of sound mind and the suspicious circumstances surrounding it. The court's decision raises questions about the extent of people's belief in supernatural phenomena and the potential for manipulation. Moreover, the ideomotor effect, a psychological phenomenon, can explain how people can move the Ouija board planchette without consciously realizing it. This effect is responsible for creating the illusion of communication with the spirit world, and it's a reminder that our perceptions can be influenced by our beliefs and expectations. Therefore, it's crucial to approach such situations with a healthy dose of skepticism and to be aware of the potential for manipulation. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being taken advantage of and maintain a clear understanding of reality.

    • The power of belief and ideomotor effect in Ouija boards and table turningBeliefs and expectations can unconsciously influence our actions, such as moving objects in Ouija boards or answer rods, due to the ideomotor effect.

      Our beliefs and expectations can significantly influence our actions, even if we're not fully consciously aware of them. This phenomenon, known as the ideomotor effect, was demonstrated in various contexts, such as using a Ouija board or answer rods on social media. People's subconscious minds may want there to be an answer, leading their bodies to respond and move objects, like a planchette or rods, without their conscious intention. This effect can also result in seemingly gibberish answers when multiple people use the board, leading to collective interpretations and beliefs. Ultimately, these practices, including table turning and Ouija boards, rely on the power of belief and the human mind's ability to generate seemingly unexplained phenomena.

    • Exploring the Mind-Body Connection through Hand ClappingFocusing the mind and body can create unusual sensations, like the sensation of a ball moving between hands during hand clapping. The power of this connection highlights the importance of relaxation and focus.

      The body and mind connection can create unusual sensations when focused on, as demonstrated through an exercise involving clapping hands. This exercise, which involves holding hands close together and clapping slowly, can create a sensation of a ball moving between the hands. This effect is likely due to the focus and connection between the body and mind, as well as the difficulty of keeping the hands perfectly still. The sensation may be more pronounced when not under the pressure of being on camera or dealing with external distractions. This exercise serves as a reminder of the power of the mind-body connection and the importance of focus and relaxation. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes that the Ouija board, often perceived as a tool for the supernatural, is actually a toy and should not be feared. Instead, maintaining a sense of curiosity and wonder, whether it be through science or art, is essential for personal growth and exploration.

    • The Power of Asking Profound QuestionsContinuous questioning and exploration lead to scientific discovery and deeper understanding. Ignorance fuels progress, each answer brings new questions, and skepticism is crucial to uncovering truths.

      Curiosity and questioning the unknown are essential aspects of scientific discovery. Neil deGrasse Tyson emphasized the importance of asking profound questions, even those we may not yet be able to answer. He also touched upon the significance of ignorance in the context of scientific advancement, suggesting that each answer leads to new questions and deeper levels of understanding. Additionally, Tyson discussed the importance of skepticism and the dangers of denying scientific facts. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of continuous learning and exploration in our pursuit of knowledge.

    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!

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

    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!

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    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

    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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    664: Reiki Healing | Skeptical Sunday

    664: Reiki Healing | Skeptical Sunday

    Is Reiki -- the not-so-ancient Japanese energy healing technique by which your psychic empath aunt swears -- a legitimate way to treat ailments like cancer, diabetic neuropathy, anxiety, lactose intolerance, and cooties? Or is it nothing more than a placebo that, at best, might offer you a relaxing way to spend an hour of your day -- and a day of your savings? Here on Skeptical Sunday, it's all hands on deck to discover the truth about the controversial practice of Reiki healing.

    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/664

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:

    • How "ancient" is the hallowed practice of Reiki healing?
    • With over 800 hospitals in the world offering Reiki -- including Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic -- there must be some tangible benefit to this energy healing technique, right?
    • What scientific evidence do we have to support the efficacy of Reiki healing?
    • How [much] does someone [have to pay to] become a Reiki practitioner?
    • What can (and what can't) Reiki do for you?
    • 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 and text David directly at (424) 306-0798 for tickets when he comes to your town!

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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

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    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

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