835: E-Commerce Scams | Skeptical Sunday

Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life. What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger: The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability. Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane. The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface. The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang. Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Sep 20241h 23min

A friend's arrest for a dark crime has you shaken. Can you protect your career and sanity from association with this monster? Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday: How did "The Thing" that Soviets used to spy on Americans during the Cold War (as described in episode 1027: Jonna Mendez | A Woman’s Life in the CIA) actually work? Some of our science-minded listeners have written in with fascinating answers! Your close friend was arrested for possessing and distributing child abuse material, leaving you and your friend group in shock. You're grappling with feelings of betrayal, questioning your judgment, and worrying about potential impacts on your career as a preschool teacher. What steps can you take to cope with this crisis and safeguard your professional reputation? As the new Director of Nursing Care, you're tasked with improving staff performance after years of lax management. You find yourself constantly disciplining employees and dealing with petty complaints, feeling more like a punitive boss than a supportive leader. How can you maintain positivity while addressing these challenges? Your wife's family is fraught with tension due to her sisters' problematic marriages, including allegations of abuse and sexual assault. Fresh to the family, you're not sure where you fit into its overall structure yet. Can you help mend family bonds or should you keep your distance? You're a Jewish doctor in a relationship with a Catholic woman, struggling to balance your religious practices with your desire to be with her. After a breakup and reconciliation, you discover she's still in contact with her ex. How do you address this without compromising your values or losing her? Recommendation of the Week: Love on the Spectrum As the founding CEO of a startup, you sacrificed relationships and recreation to build the company. Just as things were going well, you were replaced by the shareholders and are now owed a significant sum. How can you reclaim your professional path while rediscovering personal fulfillment? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13 Sep 202459min

Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 2/2 — find Pt 1 here!] What We Discuss: The extreme brutality and inhumane conditions in the United States prison system, including rampant violence, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate medical care. The complex and dangerous social dynamics within prison, including racial segregation, gang politics, and the constant threat of violence. The psychological impact of long-term incarceration, including the difficulty of reintegrating into society and the lasting trauma experienced by both inmates and their families. The systemic issues within the American prison system, particularly the profit-driven motives of private prisons that perpetuate a cycle of crime and recidivism rather than focusing on rehabilitation. The power of personal transformation and education, as demonstrated by Shaun's journey from drug kingpin to advocate for prison reform. His story shows that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals can find ways to grow, learn, and ultimately use their experiences to make a positive impact on society. And much more — be sure to check out part one of this conversation here if you haven't already! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1048 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Sep 20241h 2min

Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 1/2] What We Discuss: Shaun Attwood, a former stockbroker turned drug dealer, recounts his journey from the UK to Arizona, where he became involved in the rave scene and eventually established a large ecstasy distribution network. Shaun's story involves interactions with dangerous individuals, including members of the Mexican Mafia and associates of former show guest Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the drug trade. The narrative illustrates the gradual escalation of criminal activities and the blurring of moral boundaries as Shaun became more deeply entrenched in the drug world. Shaun describes the intense paranoia and constant threat of violence that accompanied his lifestyle, demonstrating the high personal cost of his choices. Despite the dark nature of the story, Shaun's experiences offer valuable insights into the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices. His journey towards redemption, which will be further explored in part two later this week, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course and seek a better path in life. And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation here later this week! Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1047 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10 Sep 202455min

Ice plunges, hot soaks, and eight glasses a day: Jessica Wynn splashes cold water on hydrotherapy myths and explores potential benefits on Skeptical Sunday! On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss: Hydrotherapy, which includes various uses of water for health purposes, lacks substantial scientific evidence for many of its claimed benefits, especially for generally healthy individuals. The popular belief that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth perpetuated by beverage companies. Our bodies are well-equipped to signal thirst when we need hydration. Extreme temperature changes in hydrotherapy, such as alternating between hot and cold water, can be dangerous and potentially lead to fainting, heart problems, or drowning. Many of the alleged benefits of hydrotherapy, such as improved circulation or muscle recovery, can often be achieved through other, potentially safer methods like exercise or breathing techniques. Hydrotherapy does show promise in specific medical contexts, such as pain management for fibromyalgia, easing labor during childbirth, and assisting with certain rehabilitation exercises. If you're interested in exploring hydrotherapy for health reasons, consult with a medical professional to determine if it's appropriate for your individual needs and how to practice it safely. Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know! Connect with Jessica Wynn. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1046 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8 Sep 20241h 4min

We all joke about offing the boss. Your friend actually did. He'll soon leave prison, but you're unsure how to receive him. Welcome to Feedback Friday! And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in! On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss: We've all fantasized about offing the boss, but your friend actually did it. Now he's done his time in prison and is returning home. How do you help him rejoin society without ignoring the gravity of his crime? You opened a bakery with your partner, but the building owner across the street turned your parking spaces into a dumpster area, including rotting fish from a sushi restaurant. Your attempts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful. How can you save your business from this smelly situation? Your sister-in-law is neglecting her nine-year-old daughter, keeping her out of school and leaving her alone all day. The child's father is unreliable, and you're unsure about intervening. How can you protect your niece without causing more chaos? Your wife suddenly claimed to be a lesbian, cheated on you, and left the family. After two years apart, you've reconciled, but things aren't going well. She's depressed, anxious, and isolating herself. Can this marriage be saved, or is it time to move on? Recommendation of the Week: iPhone users should consider changing default camera settings for optimal high-res photos. Here's how — with more tips here!  As a Jewish public servant, you've faced increasing antisemitism and violence at work, even requiring hospital visits. Your progressive values are being challenged by the harsh realities of your job. How can you reconcile your ideals with your experiences? Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com! Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger. Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1045 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Sep 20241h 18min

Is happiness a learnable skill? 10% Happier author Dan Harris is here to share techniques for managing stress and finding contentment in a hectic world. What We Discuss: Dan Harris shares his experience as a war correspondent and his struggle with anxiety and drug use that culminated in a panic attack on live television. The intense and often toxic work environment in network news, particularly during Dan's early career at ABC News. Dan's journey from cocaine addiction to discovering meditation and mindfulness as tools for managing stress and anxiety. The concept of "Papañca" (mental proliferation) and how it contributes to unnecessary suffering through overthinking and projection. Happiness is a learnable skill. Through various practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, we can train our minds to be more resilient, peaceful, and content. As Dan emphasizes, we're not stuck with our current traits as if they're unalterable factory settings — they are trainable skills that we can improve upon throughout our lives. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1044 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Sep 20241h 32min

Are secrets a burden or social glue? Psychology of Secrets author Andrew Gold delves into the evolutionary roots and modern impacts of hiding information. What We Discuss with Andrew Gold: Keeping secrets can be physically and emotionally painful for humans. This evolved as a mechanism to encourage social cohesion and information sharing within tribal communities. There's a difference between secrets and privacy. What is considered a secret versus private information often depends on societal norms and can change over time. Technology is making it increasingly difficult to keep secrets, with devices like smartwatches and phones potentially revealing information we'd rather keep hidden. Virtue signaling and victim signaling are common behaviors, especially on social media, where people may pretend to hold certain beliefs or experiences for status or attention. Sharing appropriate secrets can increase intimacy and strengthen relationships. By thoughtfully opening up to others, we can build deeper connections and foster trust, leading to more meaningful interactions and a stronger support network. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1043 If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here? And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Sep 20241h 31min