Paul Ford and Shawn Nilsson

The Pedantic Podcast

Science EN ↓ 19 episodes

The Pedantic Podcast is blessedly agenda-free and just here for the conversation. Hosted by Dr. Paul Ford, a safety professional with doctorates in psychology and occupational health and safety, and Shawn Nilsson, a project manager with a psychology background and a quick wit, this show thrives on curiosity, debate, and the kind of back-and-forth you’d expect from two friends who refuse to keep things shallow. From breaking down complex scientific and psychological ideas to poking fun at everyday absurdities, nothing is off the table. Some episodes lean heavy, tackling leadership, decision-mak...

Author

Paul Ford and Shawn Nilsson

Episodes

America: Our Integrity Lies at the Bottom of Hormuz 19.06.2026 1:05:30

Welcome to Season 2! There's a LOT to catch up on!

Middle East Quicksand 01.04.2026 58:32

We chat about the ongoing Iran (not)war, politics in general, ethics, justice system, and gender conversion therapy.

How is this our reality?? 25.03.2026 54:12

This week, Shawn and I talk about current events, call out the hypocrisy of our politicians, make suggestions to improve accountability, and try out a new outro. Enjoy!

Gun Care and Health Control 05.03.2026 1:17:49

We didn't aim to talk guns...it just went off.

The Meeting of Polymaths...kinda 18.02.2026 1:05:23

Slayton joins us for a chat about education, government's role in our lives, trade, automation, and value.

The not so Shining City on the Hill 04.02.2026 1:02:30

This episode we talk about

Death by 2nd Amendment 28.01.2026 1:01:50

This episode we talk about all the recent goings on.

Circling the Drain 15.01.2026 59:23

This episode we talk about the United States and their role in the global community, how diplomatic relationships are weathering the storm that is - Donald Trump, and what the new immigration initiatives mean and what they don't. The full list of countries that the US Dept of State has frozen processing: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh,...

The State of Our Union 07.01.2026 49:40

It's been a couple of weeks since our last episode. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year......but this episode wasn't all about crackling fires and hot cocoa. While we've all been spending time with our families, and now, getting back into the swing of work, our government has been busy....let's talk about it!

Erroneous Pedanticisms 17.12.2025 40:58

Christmas, Communism, and Guns?

Meeting of the Minds 20.11.2025 1:18:55

This episode we are joined by our good friend, and businessman, Slayton. We discuss leadership, philanthropy, and social responsibility.

The State of Our Union....kind of... 13.11.2025 58:51

We had another topic planned but, our government inspired us to discuss, critique, and ridicule them...as governments do.

This Episode Might Get Us Canceled 06.11.2025 1:05:11

This week....we discuss...drum roll.....religion. Enjoy!

A Brief Listen - Work and Mental Health 03.11.2025 14:21

Today, I did a solo talk about mental health and the workplace. Keep the conversation going and remember: Asking for help isn't a weakness; it's wisdom.

Burnout, Boundaries, and Break Rooms 29.10.2025 50:57

We're talking about work....again and your boss won't want you to hear this.

Politics and Parenting 22.10.2025 52:58

We talk about nothing happy and it's all Shawn's fault.

Everyone’s Talking About This — But Should They Be? 15.10.2025 1:00:32

This week we welcome a special guest host, Ryleigh, who joined us all the way from Aberdeen University in Scotland to discuss a few hot button topics that are currently breaking the internet. Of course, we put our philosophical and psychological twist on the conversation...but did we go too far?

Emotional Ride 08.10.2025 55:29

This week we talk about grief, depression, nihilism, corporate America, religion, and politics. So...lighthearted topics. Enjoy!

Pilot 01.10.2025 49:08

Philosophy, Free Will, Leadership, the human condition, and ignorance.