We start with the sad news that this is Annika’s last episode as a regular host. Over the last four years she has brought her unique perspective and insights (and puns!) to the show. But being part of a weekly podcast is tough commitment while at the same time balancing a fulltime job, raising a family and participating in other skeptical activities. We will miss her! And we hope to see her back again from time to time for guest appearances.
In TWISH this week we celebrate the birth of Robert Koch, one of the ‘fathers of microbiology’ (together with Louis Pasteur). Then we have a look at the news:
- INTERNATIONAL: Adult skills in literacy and numeracy declining or stagnating in most OECD countries
- INTERNATIONAL: Online influencers in urgent need of factchecking tools
- INTERNATIONAL: How the far right is weaponising AI generated content in Europe
- UK: Update: Sentence announced for ‘slapping therapist’ Hongchi Xiao
- UK: Resignation at the Royal Society
- SWEDEN: Indian sect called ‘Oneness’ opens huge center
- RUSSIA: FSB raids international scamming organisation Milton Group
The Really Wrong Award for this week goes to ‘all politicians worldwide’ for their inability to address the climate crisis. Then we close out with a Word of the Week and a Quote.
Enjoy!
Segments: Intro; Greetings; TWISH; News; Really Wrong; Word of the Week; Quote; Outro; Outtakes
0:00:27 INTRO
0:00:52 GREETINGS
- This is Annika’s last episode as a regular host – we wish her all the best, and she is welcome back whenever she wants too!
- Skeptix: https://skeptix.org/
0:04:15 TWISH – THIS WEEK IN SKEPTICAL HISTORY
- 11 December 1843: Nobel Prize winner Robert Koch was born
0:13:07 NEWS
- INTERNATIONAL: Adult skills in literacy and numeracy declining or stagnating in most OECD countries
- OECD: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/news/press-releases/2024/12/adult-skills-in-literacy-and-numeracy-declining-or-stagnating-in-most-oecd-countries.html
- OECD: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2024/12/do-adults-have-the-skills-they-need-to-thrive-in-a-changing-world_4396f1f1.html
- TT: https://tt.omni.se/vuxna-svenskar-briljerar-i-globalt-kunskapstest/a/PpE8KX
- INTERNATIONAL: Online influencers in urgent need of factchecking tools
- INTERNATIONAL: How the far right is weaponising AI generated content in Europe
- UK: Update: Sentence announced for ‘slapping therapist’ Hongchi Xiao
- UK: Resignation at the Royal Society
- Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/exclusive/resignation-at-the-royal-society/
- SWEDEN: Indian sect called ‘Oneness’ opens huge center
- RUSSIA: FSB raids international scamming organisation Milton Group
0:56:34 REALLY WRONG
- Really Wrong: Politicians worldwide for failing to act on tackling climate change
1:00:36 WORD OF THE WEEK
- ICELANDIC:
‘Jólasveinn’ (noun) – ‘Santa Claus’, ‘Father Christmas’
1:06:09 QUOTE AND FAREWELL
-
“
The human spirit, driven by an invincible force, will never cease to ask: What is beyond?”
/ Louis Pasteur (27 December 1822 – 28 September 1895), French chemist, pharmacist, and microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization, the last of which was named after him. /
1:09:04 OUTRO
1:10:19 OUT-TAKES