Preconceived

How accurate is the human memory? Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is a world-renowned psychologist who has devoted her career to studying the malleability of human memory.She joins the podcast to share what her research has shown regarding the accuracy of human memories, and explains how completely fabricated memories can actually be incepted into people's minds.

From a young age, many of us are brought up believing that God is the embodiment of perfection - that God is good, merciful, and reflective of the values we hold so dear in our daily lives. But on closer look, the Judaeo-Christian God that is portrayed in the Old and New Testaments can often be quite violent, vengeful, and even egotistical, demanding complete and utter loyalty from his followers. So how do we reconcile the ideals we hope God would have, with the actual portrayal of God in the Bible? Dr. Pete Enns joins the podcast.

We all make mistakes – sometimes they are innocent mistakes, and sometimes they are true lapses in character judgement that we only later come to regret.  And with any good mistake comes a good apology, and hopefully a genuine forgiveness on the other side.  But what if the apology is disingenuous?  Or what if the other side refuses to forgive?  Why do we crave apologies from others, and why is it so hard to move past a situation if we are unable to obtain one’s forgiveness?  Susan Shapiro, author of 'The Forgiveness Tour', joins the podcast. Learn more about Susan Shapiro and her book 'The Forgiveness Tour' at https://susanshapiro.net/forgiveness.html

In this 250th episode of Preconceived, Zale revisits segments from some of his favourite episodes whose messages truly resonated with him. Is age just a number? How can we make decisions amidst uncertainty? Is the grass always greener on the other side? And how do we know if we are a good person? These are some of the questions explored in this episode.

There are few cultural events that grasp the world’s attention as much of The Olympics.  Regardless of what might be going on politically in the world, The Olympics is largely seen as a globally unifying moment, once every four summers, and once every four winters.  But what is it that captivates so many people to turn on their televisions and tune into Olympics events?  Is it the love of competition?  The quest for glory?  Robin Mednick, co-editor of the book 'Heroes in Our Midst', joins the podcast to shed insight on the stories behind the Olympians.

Pranks, Joshing, Deception, Practical Jokes ... Humor takes shape in many forms. But can a joke go too far? Should a joke's funniness be measured by the reactions it elicits, the intentions of the joke, or none of the above? Cornell Professor David Shoemaker is a philosopher and author. He joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, 'Wisecracks: Humor and Morality in Everyday Life'. Wisecracks - https://www.amazon.ca/Wisecracks-Humor-Morality-Everyday-Life/dp/0226832988

The Aztec Empire famously fell following the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century. Much of what we know about the Aztecs – including their rise, the nature of the empire, and its eventual fall, comes strictly from European accounts. But what did the Aztecs themselves think? The narrative has almost solely been shaped by the European perspective – but how did the Aztecs view the Europeans who eventually conquered them? Professor Camilla Townsend joins the podcast. Camilla's Book - Fifth Sun https://www.amazon.ca/Fifth-Sun-New-History-Aztecs/dp/0190673060/ref=asc_df_0190673060/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=411041496657&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2406240501790207548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000956&hvtargid=pla-715823711027&psc=1This episode is sponsored by Discover More Podcast - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/discover-more-benoit-kim-w1KlycAfQGB/

There is a certain stigma about only children - the idea that they may become more self-centred, and the concern that they will be lonelier in life without siblings. Such concerns have even prompted some to suggest that it is 'selfish' for parents to only have one child. But what does the evidence show about the life experiences of children who do not have siblings? UCLA Psychology Professor Tony Falbo joins the podcast.