Biologist John Logsdon joins us to discuss the genetic and evolutionary aspects of sexual reproduction. Why do we have sex, anyway? Why do some creatures reproduce sexually, while others don’t? And beyond the simple act of making other humans, what role does sex play in the survival of our species?

We looked at the increasing focus on interactivity at science and skeptical conferences. On Speaking Up, Skepticamp founder Reed Esau talks about the creation of the Skepticamp interactive conference. Then, Science Online 2010 organizer Bora Zivkovic discusses the evolution of that conference model, and his experience putting together a massive multi-day, participant-driven gathering of scientists and science enthusiasts.

We take an in depth look at the recent Lancet retraction of Andrew Wakefield’s research into a correlation between Autism and the MMR vaccine. Pharmacist Scott Gavura, research ethicist Nancy Walton and author and philosopher Chris MacDonald explore the shoddy science, questionable ethics and the repercussions of more than a decade of misinformation.

We spoke to three members of the Independent Investigations Group, to discuss their organization and their $50,000 Paranormal Challenge. Steve Muscarella, Jim Newman and Spencer Marks explained how they investigate extraordinary claims, and put them to the (scientific) test.

We spoke to Rachel “Dr. Rachie” Dunlop, Australian scientist and Skeptic Zone podcaster. We discussed her work as a scientist, researcher and blogger, as well as her efforts to promote reason and critical thinking to her fellow Australians.

We sat down with Dr. Eugenie Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, to talk about the state of evolution education. How is the science being presented in schools? What new tactics are anti-science advocates using to challenge the teaching of evolution? And how can skeptics and friends of science best communicate the information?

Plus, we discussed the new children’s book “Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came to Be” by Junior Skeptic author and illustrator Daniel Loxton.

Is the face of modern skepticism really as monochrome as it appears? How do we make our message appeal to a broader, more diverse audience? And how do racial demographics influence belief in pseudoscience and the paranormal?

Our panel includes LaVerne Knight-West, Stephanie Zvan, and Girl 6.

Guest host Mike Harrison spoke to Dr. John Gamon, professor and researcher at the University of Alberta, researcher for the TROPI-DRY Collaborative Research Network, and cofounder of SpecNet, about climate science and research.

We spoke to author and physicist Aaron Santos about his new book, “How Many Licks.”

Have you ever wondered how many calories are in the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man? How many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? How long it would take to dig your way to China using a spoon?

Aaron knows. Approximately.

Note: You may have come here looking for the all-nerd-music episode that everyone seems to love. Turns out, it may be illegal to post. If you would like to discuss the legal quagmire that is copyright issues as they relate to filesharing when you’re podcasting a show that originally aired on the radio, do email me at desiree@skepticallyspeaking.com.