Roots of Reality

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with the publisher of Skeptic magazine Dr. Michael Shermer about all aspects of conspiracy theories and his latest book Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of religious persecution throughout history, as well as in the world today.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with anthropologist Dr. Julia Boughner, about how primate jaws have changed over time, wisdom teeth, and what human evolution can teach us about the practice of wisdom tooth removal.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about human vestigial parts and how they are a reminder of our evolutionary past.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with roboticist and founder/CEO of Engineered Arts Will Jackson, about creating humanoid robots, the abilities of his company's robot Ameca, and the future of AI and robotics.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of robotics and artificial intelligence.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with US soccer legend and Head Coach of the professional soccer team Sporting Kansas City Peter Vermes, about his career as a player, the growth of American soccer, and how soccer has changed. (Photos by Sporting Kansas City)

Historian Ben Baumann discusses the history of soccer, why it is so popular, and the greatest teams and players of all time.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Kevin Martin who is the lead singer of the rock band Candlebox, about rock music in the 1990s and how rock music has changed over time.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with songwriter and performer John Ondrasik also known as "Five For Fighting", about his story of breaking into the music industry, writing the song "100 Years", and his work helping people in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the pop culture of the last several decades and the feeling of nostalgia in life.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with musician Steve Everett about his journey as an independent artist, what is Pop 'N' Roll, and songwriting.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Anton Makarov who is the lead singer of the Russian band "Dictaphone", about his journey as an independent musician in Russia, the meaning of music, and making music in a changing world.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of music from ancient history to our modern world. (Pictured is Opera singer Marion Baumann)

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with anthropologist Dr. Vijoy Sahay about his research on the tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the cultures of these tribes, and the challenges they face.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the various isolated tribes around the world, what we know about them, and the threats they face.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with political scientist Dr. Alison Dagnes about how money fuels media partisanship, the problem of false equivalence in the political media, and how all this has impacted American society.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the historical dangers of underestimating authoritarian political parties or candidates, and treating them like they are normal.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Pastor Donovan Price about gun violence in Chicago, how communities can unite and help victims of gun violence, and why Americans need to care more about gun violence.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of mass shootings in the United States, why it continues to happen, and what the U.S. can learn from other nations.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Political Scientist Dr. Joseph Uscinski about why conspiracy theories have always been around and how conspiratorial thinking is a bipartisan issue in the US.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about some historical examples of confirmation bias from ancient times to today, and why it has always been an issue.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Scientist Dr. Lexi Duscher about the process of creating cultured seafood, the effort to make it cost-effective, and the effects of cultured seafood on marine life.

In this Roots of Reality Experiences episode, historian Ben Baumann talks with Scientist Dr. Reza Ovissipour about lab grown meat, how it works, and it's potential to revolutionize food.

Historian Ben Baumann talks about the history of famines, why they occur, the potential for future famines, and the ways human society can help prevent them.