Topic: Podcast Topic suggestions

[Skeptress]

So what topics would be less clear cut woo?

[JoelWhy]

So what topics would be less clear cut woo?

Well, I'd like to hear more about shaken-baby syndrome.  The article in Discover kept referring to the 'skeptics' who had peer-reviewed articles showing it's all bunk.  But, Discover seemed to be so biased that it was hard for me to take it too seriously.

I also think global warming would be a good topic to discuss at-length.  They could dissect the ESP research (I personally think ESP is complete and utter woo, but given that there are "skeptics" on this forum who think the research shows it's real, I'd love to hear it discussed on SGU.)

I'm sure there are plenty more topics, but I'd have to give it some thought...

[seaotter]

Have any on the panel seen this thread

http://sguforums.com/index.php/topic,21237.new.html#new

A skeptical treatment might make a good segment.

[Karyn]

I really like it when Steve dissects a bad research paper.  I also think an occasional bit on a product spotlight would be good.  Some products are clearly woo, but there are quite a few out there where I say "I wonder if that actually works."  There could easily be a thread for the submission of these products for the panel to discuss.  This would have the effect of creating fresh content and give pointers on how to research some of the information presented in the ads.

[wannabeplato]

I really like it when Steve dissects a bad research paper.  I also think an occasional bit on a product spotlight would be good.  Some products are clearly woo, but there are quite a few out there where I say "I wonder if that actually works."  There could easily be a thread for the submission of these products for the panel to discuss.  This would have the effect of creating fresh content and give pointers on how to research some of the information presented in the ads.

I like that idea.. actually, be better if that here was an actual section for that sort of of thing.. Sort of a Skeptics Better Business Bureau or FDA or whatever.. 

If it was a group, and products were required to be a thread each, then the community could help alot in providing research and content for different things which they could leverage (after whatever degree of fact-checking they wish) on the show.

[IrishJazz]

Don't blame me, i've been doing my best to keep the numbers up! I've been more active for the last months than the rest of the year i've been a member.

DoctorOHM was actually the person I was going to blame all of this on. Hmmm.. now I'll have to find a new culprit. 

You are assuming it was his absence that was driving down the numbers. 

[JoelWhy]

I really like it when Steve dissects a bad research paper.  I also think an occasional bit on a product spotlight would be good.  Some products are clearly woo, but there are quite a few out there where I say "I wonder if that actually works."  There could easily be a thread for the submission of these products for the panel to discuss.  This would have the effect of creating fresh content and give pointers on how to research some of the information presented in the ads.

Great idea; I was picking up lunch about 10 minutes ago, and the deli had this 4-hour-energy drink for sale.  I briefly looked at the ingredients, but except for the caffeine (same amount as in a cup of coffee, according to the label) I had no idea whether it would work.  Given that it's "all natural" I'm guessing it's garbage.

[Steven Novella]

Thanks for all the input, guys. A few thoughts.

We do need to mention the forums more on the show. However, we have also received feedback from new listeners saying that the show can feel like it is just catering to the established in crowd. Everything has a down side - so we have to be careful about the balance.

We definitely like it when people suggest topics to us. Perhaps we can make this a sticky thread under Suggestions.

We actually do plan to do a "call in" segment. Here is our idea so far:
- In order to be eligible you must be on skype and have a decent headphone/mic combo, and you must be available Wednesday night between 9 and 11 pm Eastern time.
- People can submit the question or topic they wish to discuss (probably e-mail, but we could consider another venue, like a forum thread)
- We will choose a topic and contact the person to confirm their Skype readiness and availability
- We will skype them when we are ready to discuss their question.

Thoughts?

[JoelWhy]

Call-in idea could definitely work; I am assuming this would essentially be a more interactive form of the listener e-mail questions.  In any case, I think it would definitely make your listeners feel more engaged with the show.

But, do you have any way of screening people before hand?  A person may provide an interesting question or topic, but they may end up being terrible 'guests'.  Just a thought.  (Although, I suppose that's a risk you run any time you have an interview, and that's worked out pretty well...)

[Rider]

Thanks for all the input, guys. A few thoughts.

We do need to mention the forums more on the show. However, we have also received feedback from new listeners saying that the show can feel like it is just catering to the established in crowd. Everything has a down side - so we have to be careful about the balance.

We definitely like it when people suggest topics to us. Perhaps we can make this a sticky thread under Suggestions.

We actually do plan to do a "call in" segment. Here is our idea so far:
- In order to be eligible you must be on skype and have a decent headphone/mic combo, and you must be available Wednesday night between 9 and 11 pm Eastern time.
- People can submit the question or topic they wish to discuss (probably e-mail, but we could consider another venue, like a forum thread)
- We will choose a topic and contact the person to confirm their Skype readiness and availability
- We will skype them when we are ready to discuss their question.

Thoughts?

Just a thought but maybe you can pick sort of a topic of the week, we discuss it on the forums for a few days then maybe you invite one of those people to discuss the topic on the show during that segment.  Sounds a bit more interesting then a generic call in segment.

That would seem to satisfy everything.  You get us to help research a topic for you, you also get a caller that the forums have already basically pre-screened for you.  We get forum traffic and a chance to help the show.

[JoelWhy]

Thanks for all the input, guys. A few thoughts.

We do need to mention the forums more on the show. However, we have also received feedback from new listeners saying that the show can feel like it is just catering to the established in crowd. Everything has a down side - so we have to be careful about the balance.

We definitely like it when people suggest topics to us. Perhaps we can make this a sticky thread under Suggestions.

We actually do plan to do a "call in" segment. Here is our idea so far:
- In order to be eligible you must be on skype and have a decent headphone/mic combo, and you must be available Wednesday night between 9 and 11 pm Eastern time.
- People can submit the question or topic they wish to discuss (probably e-mail, but we could consider another venue, like a forum thread)
- We will choose a topic and contact the person to confirm their Skype readiness and availability
- We will skype them when we are ready to discuss their question.

Thoughts?

Just a thought but maybe you can pick sort of a topic of the week, we discuss it on the forums for a few days then maybe you invite one of those people to discuss the topic on the show during that segment.  Sounds a bit more interesting then a generic call in segment.

That would seem to satisfy everything.  You get us to help research a topic for you, you also get a caller that the forums have already basically pre-screened for you.  We get forum traffic and a chance to help the show.

I love that idea, Rider!

[Karyn]

We definitely like it when people suggest topics to us. Perhaps we can make this a sticky thread under Suggestions.

I will split some of this off and move the topic.

[Rider]

I know there are people here that can offer insight on a lot of things.  For example every news story about Wikipedia that has ever been covered on any podcast has made me wish I could give some input. 

[Karyn]

Oh, I'm going to have to lock this for a sec while I split it off.  Please excuse the interruption.

[Karyn]

Topic moved to suggestions and set to sticky.  Please ignore anything that doesn't belong.