Point_of_Inquiry

<i>Point of Inquiry</i>

Point of Inquiry

Science, news, and religion podcast

Point of Inquiry is the radio show and flagship podcast of the Center for Inquiry (CFI), "a think tank promoting science, reason, and secular values in public policy and at the grass roots".[1] Started in 2005, Point of Inquiry has consistently been ranked among the best science podcasts available in iTunes.[2] It has been celebrated for its guests and for the quality of its interviews.[3] Former guests include leading scientists, writers and public intellectuals such as Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Paul Krugman, Lisa Randall, Brian Greene, Oliver Sacks, Susan Jacoby, David Brin and Temple Grandin.

Quick Facts Point of Inquiry, Presentation ...

Format

Point of Inquiry is recorded at the Center for Inquiry headquarters in Amherst, New York.[4] iTunes features over 200 free episodes of Point of Inquiry, averaging 30 to 35 minutes in length, with each consisting of a long form interview with a high-profile guest from the worlds of scientific skepticism, science, academia, and philosophy. The show focuses on traditional topics in scientific skepticism, such as psychic investigations, alternative medicine, alleged extraterrestrial visitations, ghosts, and cryptozoology. It also covers current events and public policy. The inaugural episode in December 2005 featured an interview with CFI founder Paul Kurtz, who spoke about the incompatibility of science and religion.[5]

In July 2012, Point of Inquiry produced their first video episode featuring Michael De Dora, Ed Brayton, Jessica Ahlquist, and Jamie Kilstein.[6]

Previously, Chris Mooney hosted half of the shows with the balance split between the other hosts.[7]

In October 2013, CFI announced the "new team who will take Point of Inquiry into its next exciting phase", Lindsay Beyerstein, Josh Zepps and producer Joshua Billingsley.[8]

On June 2, 2017, Point of Inquiry released its first episode with new host Paul Fidalgo. New hosts Kavin Senapathy and James Underdown were announced on October 15, 2018. The show is produced by CFI digital marketing strategist, Michael Powell.[9]

Staff

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More information Producer, Tenure ...

Timeline

Point of inquiry co-sponsored the "Popular Science Idol"[12] contest along with the National Science Foundation Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, Discover Magazine, and Popular Science as a science spoof of the reality television series American Idol. The event was hosted as a workshop to discover the next great science communicator. The event was hosted by Chris Mooney and Indre Viskontas served as one of the expert judges. The first event was won by Tom Di Loberto for a 3-minute presentation on the difficulties involved in predicting the weather.[13]

Select episodes

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A full episode list is available on iTunes.[16]

Recognition

In May 2012, Point of Inquiry was named one of the "Top 10 Podcasts to Feed Your Brain" by Business Insider.[17]

Featured podcast suggestion by the Telegraph February 9, 2013.[18]

Awards

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References

  1. [1]
    This description appears at the beginning of most episodes.
  2. [2]
    "Top 50 Rated Podcasts 6/2010 – Society & Culture | Podcast Alley". Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
  3. [3]
    "Hot Needle of Inquiry". Bad Astronomy at discovermagazine.com. Retrieved April 16, 2009.
  4. [4]
    "About the Program | Center for Inquiry". Retrieved June 3, 2010.
  5. [5]
    Grothe, DJ (December 11, 2005). "Paul Kurtz – Science and Religion – Are They Compatible?". Point of Inquiry Podcast. Center for Inquiry. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  6. [6]
    "Point of Inquiry In Studio: Chris Mooney Talks to Jamie Kilstein, Ed Brayton, and More.| Center for Inquiry". YouTube. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  7. [7]
    "Center for Inquiry Announces Three New Hosts for its Popular Podcast, 'Point of Inquiry' | Center for Inquiry". February 2010. Retrieved February 14, 2010.
  8. [8]
    "The Wait is Over: CFI Unveils New 'Point of Inquiry' Team!". Center for Inquiry. October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  9. [9]
    "Point Of Inquiry podcast announces new co-hosts Kavin Senapathy and James Underdown". CFI. Center for Inquiry. October 15, 2018. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019.
  10. [10]
    "All Episodes". Center for Inquiry. December 21, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  11. [11]
    "Comedian Leighann Lord Joins Point of Inquiry Podcast as New Co-Host". Center for Inquiry. April 9, 2020. Archived from the original on April 9, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  12. [12]
    "Do You Have What It Takes to Be America's Next Science Idol?". March 10, 2013.
  13. [13]
    "Meteorologist wins first-ever America's Science Idol competition". March 10, 2013.
  14. [14]
    "Steven Pinker – The Decline of Violence". February 18, 2013.
  15. [15]
    Olshansky, Jay (September 10, 2010). "Can Science Extend Human Life?". Point of Inquiry. Center for Inquiry. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  16. [16]
    "iTunes Archive". Apple at apple.com. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  17. [17]
    Smith, Kevin (May 14, 2012). "Top 10 podcasts to feed your brain". Business Insider at businessinsider.com. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
  18. [18]
    Naughton, Pete (February 9, 2013). "Podcast and internet radio previews: The Secret Policeman's Ball, Point of Inquiry, Radio Three Sixty and The Jazz Groove". The Telegraph. UK: Telegraph Media Group Ltd. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013.
  19. [19]
    "2015 AofP Winners and Finalists". Academy of Podcasters. Podcast Movement. 2015. Archived from the original on October 14, 2016.
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