Episode 90: James Underdown - Skeptical Maven

In this episode Heather interviews James Underdown, Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles, paranormal investigator, podcast host, and writer. 

Tune-in to hear their conversation on:

"Skepticism is not the same as cynicism, which is not the same as denialism." - James' work with the Center for Inquiry and what the goals of the CFI are.

"Oh, man, it's convoluted." -  How stand-up comedy, filmmaking and playwriting eventually led James to a career at the CFI.

"We get the least amount of time and have to exercise the most patience of anyone on the show" -  From calling out psychics to debunking flat-earthers, James often appears as a guest on TV programs as a skeptic, often leaving him feeling like the wet blanket.

"It's basically the same set of things that you value for humanity." - James breaks down what atheists, humanists and secular humanists are.

"The scientific world's PR people have not been the best over the years." - How skeptics get a bad rap and why they are so important, especially in these times.

"And I proceeded to lie me a$$ off to him." - How being held back in Sunday school and his first confession sparked the skepticism that drives him now.

Connect with James:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-underdown-8223684a

Center for Inquiry

Website - https://centerforinquiry.org/

Twitter @center4inquiry

Facebook

YouTube

Point of Inquiry Podcast

Website https://pointofinquiry.org/

Twitter @pointofinquiry

Facebook

CFI Investigations Group

Website - https://cfiig.org/

 Facebook

Council for Secular Humanism

Website - https://secularhumanism.org/

James Underdown

James Underdown has been the Executive Director of the Center for Inquiry-Los Angeles since 1999. He is co-Host of the Point of Inquiry podcast, and writes the Ask the Atheist blog at https://centerforinquiry.org/. Jim has written for both Skeptical Inquirer and Free Inquiry magazines.

He is also the founder and chairman of the Center for Inquiry Investigations Group one of the U.S.’s premiere paranormal investigation teams. The CFIIG, with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, offers a $250,000 prize for anyone who can prove paranormal ability under scientific testing conditions, and works with other groups throughout the world who look into paranormal, pseudo-scientific, and extraordinary claims.

He has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows including Dr. Phil, Battle of the Psychics (shot in Kiev, Ukraine with Uri Geller), Miracle DetectiveAngels vs. DemonsHannity and Colmes, Penn and Teller’s Bullshit (twice), History’s Mysteries, KCET’s Life and TimesProof Positive, FOX 11’s Midday L.A.Truth Lies, and Lewis Black, and the Oprah Winfrey Show. Jim is also the creator of the Steve Allen Theater at CFI-L.A.

He also represents the Council for Secular Humanism and has been active in church/state separation issues, as well as in promoting the philosophy of secular humanism. His many pre-CFI endeavors include writing and directing short films (A Day in the Life of Frank Sinatra, The Test, Dear Father), and directing his stage play, Party of 13, a secular re-telling of the Last Supper. Jim also toured Midwest comedy clubs for several years as the Poet Laureate of Calumet City, IL.

Mavens Do It Better original theme music composed by Jesse Case with voice over by Julia Francis.