Are you a fan of all things taboo? Look no further! Professional Skepticism is a podcast about scandals, conspiracies, convictions, & so much more! Zoe McDaniel tackles a new topic each week, ranging from white collar crime and classic conspiracy theories, to kinky conversations and creepy historical events. Established in the Queen City, Skeptics from the greater Charlotte area frequent as guests and collaborators. We’ve come so far, and our journey has only just begun. Subscribe to make th ...
…
continue reading
Find out what makes great, arts-inspired fiction in a variety of genres, from mysteries to crime novels, historical fiction, thrillers, contemporary fiction, and more. Art In Fiction founder and author Carol M. Cram chats with some of the top novelists featured on Art In Fiction, a curated online database of books inspired by the arts. Discover your next great read and get valuable advice on what it takes to be a successful writer.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Caravaggio, Cosa Nostra, and the Catholic Church in House of Honor by Margaret Philbrick
53:25
53:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:25
Join me as I chat with Margaret Philbrick, author of two novels listed on Art In FIction, including House of Honor listed in the Visual Arts category and A Minor listed in the Music category on Art In Fiction. View the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vUuYVDmYdDQ Genesis of House of Honor. Obession with the life and work of Caravaggio. Heist of C…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Having Fun with a Change of Genre in A Change of Location by Margaret Porter
41:22
41:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:22
Join me as I chat with Margaret Porter, author of four novels listed on Art In FIction, including A Change of Location, The Limits of Limelight, and Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr listed in the Film category and The Myrtle Wand listed in the Dance category on Art In Fiction. View the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ijPu_SVzY1c Why s…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Celebrating Life, Art & Travel in The Art of Traveling Strangers by Zoe Disigny
32:09
32:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:09
Join me as I chat with Zoe Disigny, author of The Art of Traveling Strangers, listed in the Visual Arts category on Art In Fiction. View the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dYPEJThuFqk Inspiration for The Art of Traveling Strangers, based on an experience Zoe had while hosting art tours of Europe in the 1980s. How her background as an art histor…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dance, Fashion, and Long-lost Twins in What Disappears by Barbara Quick
38:31
38:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:31
Join me as I chat with Barbara Quick, author of Vivaldi's Virgins and What Disappears, both listed in the Visual Arts category on Art In Fiction. View the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nYq1nLL4xv4 Inspiration for What Disappears going back several decades to when Barbara was just 22 years old. Revisiting old work after it's "ripened." The role…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Exploring Bogotá and Art with Linda Moore, Author of Five Days in Bogotá
38:08
38:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:08
Join me as I chat with Linda Moore, author of Attribution and Five Days in Bogotá, both listed in the Visual Arts category on Art In Fiction. View the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X33FE57ZDk4 How Linda's background as the owner of an art gallery and her experience at an art fair in Colombia in the 1990s helped inspire her to write Five Days i…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ella Fitzgerald & Marilyn Monroe in Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce & Eliza Knight
46:57
46:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:57
Listen in as I chat with Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight, co-authors of Can't We Be Friends: A Novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe listed in the Music category on Art In Fiction. View the Video on YouTube How Denny & Eliza decided to write their novel about Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe Research tidbits that led them into the story How…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Maria Callas, Genius and Fame in Diva by Daisy Goodwin
25:13
25:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:13
Join me as I chat with Daisy Goodwin, author of Diva listed in the Music category on Art In Fiction. View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dYCDxSyXwAU Highlights include: Why Daisy chose to write a novel about Maria Callas, the great opera singer The nature of the female genius What's a Diva? Writing about a real person -- getting into their …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Speakeasies, Crime & Redemption in The Orchid Hour by Nancy Bilyeau
39:13
39:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:13
Join me as I chat with Nancy Bilyeau, author of several arts-inspired novels on Art In Fiction, including The Orchid Hour about a speakeasy in 1923 Jazz Age New York and listed in the Theater category on Art In Fiction. View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CvIYJYb-PfQ Highlights include: Why Nancy set her latest novel in Prohibition-era New …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hollywood Royalty - The Story of Hattie McDaniel in ReShonda Tate's The Queen of Sugar Hill
21:56
21:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:56
Listen in as I chat with ReShonda Tate, the best-selling author of dozens of novels including The Queen of Sugar Hill, ReShonda's first historical novel. It's listed in the Film category on Art In Fiction. View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aIofW073t_U Highlights include: Why write a novel about Hattie McDaniel, famous for playing Mammy in…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
High Fashion and Intrigue in The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester
39:34
39:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:34
Natasha Lester, the New York Times best-selling author of nine novels. joins me on the Art In Fiction Podcast to chat about her latest novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, listed in the Textile Arts category. NEW on The Art In Fiction Podcast: Watch my interview on YouTube! Highlights include: Summary of The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard -…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Early Silent Film in The Courtesan's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
28:18
28:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:18
Listen in as I chat with Susanne Dunlap, author of more than a dozen historical novels for adults and teens. Susanne joins me on the Art In Fiction Podcast to discuss one of her newest novels, The Courtesan's Daughter, listed in the Film category on Art In Fiction. NEW on The Art In Fiction Podcast: Watch my interview on YouTube! Highlights include…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Written Word in WWII in the Novels of Madeline Martin
33:46
33:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:46
Listen in as I chat with Madeline Martin, the New York Times bestselling author of novels set in World War II along with dozens of romance novels. Madeline joins me on the Art In Fiction Podcast to discuss her three novels listed in the Literature category on Art In Fiction: The Last Bookshop in London, The Librarian Spy and her newest novel, The K…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Women's Work and Women's Words in the Novels of Pip Williams
55:29
55:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:29
In this episode, I'm chatting with Pip Williams, author of two novels featured in the Literature category on Art In Fiction: The Dictionary of Lost Words andThe Bookbinder. Highlights include: The Oxford English Dictionary and Oxford University Press as inspiration for both novels. Finding treasure in the archives of Oxford University Press. Inspir…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Artists, Show Girls and Women Who Know Their Own Minds in the Novels of Nicola Harrison
38:50
38:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:50
In this episode, I'm chatting with Nicola Harrision, author of two novels featured on Art In Fiction: Laguna Beach in the Visual Arts category and The Show Girl in the Theater category. Highlights include: Origins of Laguna Beach as the story of a woman who had been a Rosie the Riveter in WWII only to be thanked and sent on her way at the end of th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jazz Age Paris and Depression Era Moonshine in the novels of Liza Nash Taylor
33:08
33:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:08
I'm chatting with Liza Nash Taylor, author of Etiquette for Runaways and In All Good Faith. Highlights include: Origins of Etiquette for Runaways (Hint: don't text and talk!) Moll Flanders as inspiration for the main character May Marshall Finding Easter Eggs to inspire plot What happens when a fully formed character pops into your head and just wo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
We Need More Mary Wollstonecraft with Samantha Silva
50:54
50:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:54
Join me as I chat with Samantha Silva, author of Love and Fury and Mr. Dickens and His Carol. Highlights: Origins of Love and Fury Why Mary Wollstonecraft--her life, her writing, and her ongoing contribution as the "first feminist" Structuring Love and Fury - the use of ten plot points Sense and sensibility in Love and Fury Mary Wollstonecraft's lo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Loving the Brontës feat. Finola Austin, author of Brontë's Mistress
37:56
37:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:56
Join me as I chat with Finola Austin, author of the award-winning debut novel Brontë's Mistress. Highlights: Origins of Brontë's Mistress Investigating Lydia Robinson, rumored to have had an affair with Branwell Brontë, the n'er-do-well brother of the famous Brontë sisters Inspiration from Mrs. Gaskell's biography of Charlotte Brontë Contrast betwe…
…
continue reading
ProfSkepPodcast Links: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcartel.com Check out our Official Website: profskeppodcast.com Follow us on Instagram for Episode Photos & Updates: @pr…
…
continue reading
I was like... why is everyone so obsessed with Mariah Carey? Join us this week as we take a look at the influences and the controversies of Mariah's life. Love her or hate her, you can't deny that she has made a lasting impact on the world. Let's get into it! ProfSkepPodcast Links: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our Patreo…
…
continue reading
Enjoy our very first attempt at a Winter Holiday themed episode! I'm a little bit of a Grinch, so Krampus only seemed fitting. Enjoy! But not too much ;) ProfSkepPodcast Links: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@profskeppodcast …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E46: Corruption in Higher Education with Sahaj Sharda
28:59
28:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:59
This is a very special episode! This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing up-and-coming author and Columbia Law School student Sahaj Sharda about corruption in higher education and his upcoming book. Enjoy! Sahaj's Links: Sign the Petition: https://www.breakthecartel.com/ Sign up for Sahaj's Substack: https://sahajsharda.substack.com/ Follow S…
…
continue reading
Slight *Trigger Warning* What topic would be more suited to follow up the Charles Manson & Marilyn Manson episodes than Satanic Panic? Exactly. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcartel.com Follow us on Instagram: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E44: The Rise & Fall of Marilyn Manson
1:44:57
1:44:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:44:57
*TRIGGER WARNING* This week's episode discusses the controversial shock rocker Marilyn Manson with special guest Mandy McArdle! Follow Mandy on Instagram: @mandydacherry https://linktr.ee/profskeppodcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcartel.com Follow us on Instagram: @profskeppodcast Email…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E43: Questioning Psychedelic Healing with Jason
1:17:37
1:17:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:17:37
This week's episode takes a close look at the concept of psychedelic substances and their ability to provide physical, clinical, and spiritual healing. The jury is still out - Let us know what you think! Test Your Stuff! Get a kit from: https://dancesafe.org/shop/ *this is not an ad* Follow Jason on Instagram: @troubiejay https://linktr.ee/profskep…
…
continue reading
FINALLY! The long-awaited Manson Family is here! Sit back, relax, and enjoy some good old fashioned cult / true crime content. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcartel.com Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe McDaniel & Prof…
…
continue reading
If you're anything like me, you're probably wondering what ever came of Joseph Kony and the Kony 2012 campaign. The true Professional Skeptics are going to love this one! Let's get into it. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Professional Skepticism Podcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcarte…
…
continue reading
You get a lobotomy! & You get a lobotomy! We all get a LOBOTOMY! This week's episode takes a look at the history of lobotomies, the effects of the procedure, and how far we've come today. Happy spooky season! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Professional Skepticism Podcast Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profs…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E39: Japanese Doomsday Cult Aum Shinrikyo
1:09:40
1:09:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:40
Join us for this week's episode as we discuss the Japanese Doomsday Cult Aum Shinrikyo. We'll discuss Shoko Asahara, the escalation of the cult, and the aftermath of their crimes. From its inception, it was too good to be true. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Get Your Merch: profskeppodcast.bigcartel.com Follow us on Instagram…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E38: The Indictment & Suspicious Death of Aubrey McClendon
49:00
49:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:00
This week's episode is another white collar crime case that was a long time coming! With a small reference to our very first episode of Professional Skepticism, we will be discussing energy industry leader Aubrey McClendon, his indictment, and his suspicious death. Small Trigger Warning: discussion of suicide. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E37: Questioning Christianity with Te'Jani
1:01:04
1:01:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:04
This week on Professional Skepticism we welcome back Te'Jani! Join us as we discuss Te'Jani's story, his decision to walk away from the Church, and his perspective on religion. No Christians were harmed in the making of this episode! Follow Te'Jani @middlenametj and stream his album GIMP everywhere! Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppod…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E36: Altamont Free Concert with Aaron Chance Wilson
1:06:34
1:06:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:34
On this week's episode of Professional Skepticism, we are joined by Aaron Chance Wilson to discuss the Altamont Free Concert. Turn on, tune in, & drop out! Follow Aaron on Instagram: @aaronchancewilson & check him out on streaming platforms under Aaron Chance Wilson! Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Follow us on Instagram & Twi…
…
continue reading
This week's episode takes a look at the history of LSD, the Acid Tests performed by Ken Kesey & The Grateful Dead, the Merry Pranksters, and more! Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com The audio and music played in this episode ar…
…
continue reading
It's here... the moment you've all been waiting for. Join us this week as we host Trap Dad to discuss the Summer of Love (kind of) and growing up in the 60's/70's in Charlotte, North Carolina. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com…
…
continue reading
This week's episode is all about love! From purchasing personal classified ads in search of a lover, to downloading Tinder, Bumble & Hinge, humans have always been seeking connections. Quite wholesome if you ask us. Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskep…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Zoe discusses physical touch & energy transference in the sex work industry from her perspective as a spiritual sex worker. This might not be safe for work. LOL Subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/profskeppodcast Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com The audio and …
…
continue reading
This week we are joined by a very special guest, Hailey! Listen to us catch up after not seeing each other for years. Topics range from social media, to sobriety* (with an asterisk), and today's topic: The SNL Curse. Follow Hailey on Instagram: @houseplantswhails & @wheelswhails Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: profes…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E30: Conversion Therapy & Slasher Film They/Them *NOT A SPOILER*
57:25
57:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:25
This week's episode topic was inspired by the recently released slasher film They/Them. We discuss some of the elements of the film and go over the history and current standing of conversion therapy in the United States. This episode may be triggering for some people! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskept…
…
continue reading
ELIZABETH HOLMES AND THERANOS. It's finally here! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com The audio and music played in this episode are owned by Zoe McDaniel & Professional Skepticism Podcast. Sources: SEC Statement: A Race to the Top: International Regulatory Reform Post Sarbanes-Oxl…
…
continue reading
We're back after a two week break! This week's episode is a little different from what we normally put out but still very much falls under the realm of Professional Skepticism. Take a listen if you wanna know what's been going on in my life.Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.comThe au…
…
continue reading
Whether you believe in Astrology or not, this episode is for you! This week we take a look at the origins of Astrology, the varying practices, Western Astrology specifics, and astrological objections made by philosophers throughout history.Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcastEmail us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.comSources:…
…
continue reading
Tune in to this week's episode with special guest Eli! We discuss... well, just prison; from prison conditions, to the death penalty, to voting rights and donating organs. We're all over the place. Try to keep up. Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Sources: FAQ: What is the Prison…
…
continue reading
Thanks for tuning into our 25th episode of Professional Skepticism! We're celebrating by spreading awareness of "Forever Chemicals" and the companies responsible for them. Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your PFAS Intake: Meaningful and Achievable Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Risk | US EPA Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email …
…
continue reading
It's not what you think it is... if you know, you know. Hackers know how to get down apparently. Join us this week as we take a deep dive into one of the OG hacker groups and the baby beginnings of the internet! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Sources: Cult of the Dead Cow: How…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E23: The Illuminati... Te'Jani... Coincidence?
1:36:15
1:36:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:15
Take a deep dive into the The Illuminati Conspiracy Theory with special guest Te'Jani! Would you rather join The Illuminati or sell your soul to the Devil? Follow Te'Jani @middlenametj and stream his new album GIMP everywhere! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe McDaniel & Prof…
…
continue reading
FLAT is a four letter word... Join us this week as we explore the Flat Earth Conspiracy Theory, discuss relevant arguments and individuals, and learn about cults & conspiracy theories. So, what do you think? Is it a painting or a photograph? Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E21: The 27 Club with 28-Year-Old Aaron Chance Wilson
1:09:13
1:09:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:13
Join us today as we host the freshly-turned 28 Aaron Chance Wilson to discuss one of his favorite topics, The 27 Club! Talk about Divine Timing. Follow Aaron on Instagram: @aaronchancewilson & check him out on streaming platforms under Aaron Chance Wilson! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast…
…
continue reading
Let's get lost in the endless maze of fluorescent lighting hell that IS The Backrooms. There's levels to this shit. Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe McDaniel & Professional Skepticism Podcast own the rights to the audio and music played in this episode. Sources: https://yout…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E19: Would You Like Surgery... OR a Haircut?
41:48
41:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:48
This week we time travel back to the Medieval Times... whenever that was... to talk about good ol' Barber Surgeons! Let's learn all about tasting urine, letting leeches suck your blood, & so much more! Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe McDaniel & Professional Skepticism Podca…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
E18: FatFemmeFrisky: Interview with a Pro Dominatrix
1:21:35
1:21:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:35
*Content Warning!* This week, Zoe is joined by Charlotte's very own Professional Dominatrix... FatFemmeFrisky! Let's unpack the basics of sex work safety, etiquette, tips, tricks, and best practices, all while getting to know more about Frisky. We're sure you'll be begging for more! Literally. Follow Frisky on Twitter, Instagram, and anywhere else …
…
continue reading
This week's episode takes a look into the very first death row wrongful conviction exoneration case aided by the science of DNA testing! Join our host Zoe as we honor Dawn Hamilton's life and celebrate Kirk Bloodsworth's. Follow us on Instagram & Twitter: @profskeppodcast Email us at: professionalskepticismpodcast@gmail.com Zoe McDaniel & Professio…
…
continue reading