Books and Ideas with Dr. Ginger Campbell
Books and Ideas is hosted by Dr. Ginger Campbell, an emergency physician who is best known for the highly regarded Brain Science Podcast. On Books and Ideas Dr. Campbell explores a wide range of topics ranging from science fiction to the philosophy of science. The show is no longer in regular production, but occasional special episodes may be published.
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BI 77 "The Surprising Truth About Language" with David Shariatmadari
04/17/2020
BI 77 "The Surprising Truth About Language" with David Shariatmadari
This episode of Books and Ideas is an interview with David Shariatmadari author of "Don't Believe a Word: The Surprising Truth About Language." We explore some of the common myths about language. This includes a follow up of our recent discussion on Brain Science about the evidence against the assumption that language is an instinctive.
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BI 76 Jeremy Sherman, author of "Neither Ghost or Machine"
03/15/2020
BI 76 Jeremy Sherman, author of "Neither Ghost or Machine"
Several years ago I interviewed about his fascinating book Incomplete Nature: How Mind Emerged from Matter. His goal was to propose a theory of how purpose evolved in a universe without purpose. His argument was persuasive, but highly technical. In this month’s episode of Books and Ideas I interview his longtime colleague Jeremy Sherman. His book Neither Ghost nor Machine: The Emergence and Nature of Selves makes Deacon’s ideas highly accessible to a wider audience. Join us as we explore the question: How did purpose arise from a purposeless universe? (Hint: the answer is not supernatural!) Links and References: by Jeremy Sherman I by Terrence W. Deacon by Terrence W. Deacon with Terrence Deacon by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson and by Richard Dawkins by Daniel Dennett by Hannah Arendt Announcements: Coming April 28, 2020: a new expanded version of Are You Sure? The Unconscious Origins of Certainty by Virginia “Ginger” Campbell, MD (links coming soon) Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . Please support Books and Ideas via at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 75 Amanda Popei from the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association
02/15/2020
BI 75 Amanda Popei from the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association
This episode of Books and Ideas is a follow up of my previous interview of Beck Hale, past-president of the American Humanist Association (AHA). I am fascinated by the relationship between modern Humanism and Unitarian Universalism. Listen to my interview with Amanda Poppei from the Unitarian Universalist Humanist Association (UUHA) to learn why.
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BI 74 Brian Keating talks about Cosmology and Losing the Nobel Prize
01/15/2020
BI 74 Brian Keating talks about Cosmology and Losing the Nobel Prize
This month's episode of Books and Ideas is an interview with astronomer Brian Keating about his memoir Losing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science's Highest Honor. His book is a first hand look at the hard work behind the scientific effort to determine how the universe really began, but as the title implies, it also contains a candid account of how striving for the Nobel Prize can be both motivating, but strangely counterproductive.
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BI 73 Susan Schneider explores the future of AI
12/15/2019
BI 73 Susan Schneider explores the future of AI
This episode of Books and Ideas is an interview with , author of a fascinating new book called . Schneider's book goes beyond the question of whether AI might become conscious to issues that might affect us on a more personal level. I am cross posting this in the feed for Brain Science because there is an obvious overlap with the issue of consciousness, which we often discuss on Brain Science. Links and References: by Susan Schneider Announcements: Plesae complete Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . Please support Books and Ideas via at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 72 Adele Brand shares "The Hidden World of Foxes"
11/15/2019
BI 72 Adele Brand shares "The Hidden World of Foxes"
This episode of Books and Ideas features Adele Brand, author of the new book . Foxes are surprisingly widespread even in urban areas. This episode reveals their surprising story. Links and References: by Adele Brand Adele Brand: mammal ecologist and wildlife photographer Twitter: Blog: Announcements: Plesae complete Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . Please support Books and Ideas via at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 71 A Podcasting Retrospective with Ginger Campbell, MD
10/15/2019
BI 71 A Podcasting Retrospective with Ginger Campbell, MD
This episode is an adapted version of the talk I gave last week at the first annual She Podcasts Live event, which was held October 10-13, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. I was asked to share my experience of podcasting "through life's rollercoaster." This gave me a chance to reflect on what I have learned over the last 13 years. Though the talk was originally aimed at podcasters, I have adapted it for a general audience.
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BI 70 Liz Covart from "Ben Franklin's World"
09/16/2019
BI 70 Liz Covart from "Ben Franklin's World"
This is an interview with historian Liz Covart about her highly respected podcast "" We explore what it means to be an historian in the 21st Century and the challenges of sharing early American history via podcasting. Links and References: - a podcast about Early American History by Richard Carrier Announcements: Please complete Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . You can now support Graying Rainbows via at To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Graying Rainbows in Apple podcasts or your favorite app and send me a screenshot. If you are interested in learning more about coaching please drop me an email. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page: Private Facebook Group:
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BI 69 Dr Pamela Gay from Astronomy Cast
08/15/2019
BI 69 Dr Pamela Gay from Astronomy Cast
This episode of Books and Ideas features the return of Podcasting Hall of Famer, . Dr. Gay is co-host of the long running show Astronomy Cast. As a professional astronomer she has dedicated her career to public outreach and she is very involved with the citizen science project Cosmos Quest. Her passion for science is contagious. Links: Dr. Pamela Gay () Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . Please support Books and Ideas via at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 68 "Lost in a Great Game" with Dr Pete Etchells
07/15/2019
BI 68 "Lost in a Great Game" with Dr Pete Etchells
Books and Ideas 68 is an interview with psychologist Dr Pete Etchells about his new book . We explore both the myths and the science behind video games and consider why the effects of video games are actually quite difficult to study. It seems strange that many people in this field don't play games themselves. Most of the bad things you have heard about video games do not stand up to the basic standards of good science. Whether or not you enjoy video games yourself this is a fascinating interview. Links and References: us by Dr Pete Etchells Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: docartemis Facebook page:
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Lillian Faderman, author of "Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death"
06/15/2019
Lillian Faderman, author of "Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death"
In honor of Pride month I am sharing an interview I recorded earlier this year with LGBT historian Lillian Faderman about her latest book Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death. Milk was the first openly gay man elected to public office, but unfortunately he was assassinated in 1978, after less than a year in office. We discuss some of the highlights of his short career and explore why many consider him the Martin Luther King of the fight for LGBT Civil Rights. Links and References: by Lillian Faderman Paperback (2008) by Randy Shilts Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 66 Sarah Rhea Werner (aka Girl in Space)
05/15/2019
BI 66 Sarah Rhea Werner (aka Girl in Space)
One of the things I love about Books and Ideas is that it gives me the chance to interview people from a wide variety of fields. In BI 66 I talk with , a very talented young writer and podcaster. She is the author of , which is a serialized audio drama, and she hosts , a podcast for aspiring writers. Be sure to listen for the Girl in Space trailer at the end. Links: Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: Facebook page:
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BI 65 Jody Cole from Wild Rainbow African Safaris
04/15/2019
BI 65 Jody Cole from Wild Rainbow African Safaris
This is an interview with my friend Jody Cole, founder of . We explore how she built her business from the ground up based on her love of Sub-Saharan Africa. I think you will find her story inspiring. Note: a slightly longer version of this interview was posted as . Links: website: Facebook: Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: docartemis Facebook page:
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BI 64 Ryder Carroll explains the Bullet Journal Method
03/15/2019
BI 64 Ryder Carroll explains the Bullet Journal Method
Episode 64 of Books and Ideas is an interview with Ryder Carroll, author of . He describes how he developed this popular method that combines to-do lists and journaling. I have never featured a "self-help" like title before, but I decided to make an exception this month because I have found bullet journaling to be an effective method for organizing my complicated life. Links and References: by Ryder Carroll Bullet Journal Website: Announcements: Send email to [email protected] or post voice feedback at . To win an Amazon gift certificate: post a review of Books and Ideas in iTunes and send me a screenshot. Connect on Social Media: Twitter: docartemis Facebook page:
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BI 63 Jonathan Losos: Evolutionary Biology as an experimental science
02/15/2019
BI 63 Jonathan Losos: Evolutionary Biology as an experimental science
Books and Ideas is back with an interview of Jonathan Losos, author of . This fascinating book reveals the surprising world of experimental evolutionary biology. We explore how experiments both in the laboratory and in the wild are answering long-standing questions about how evolution works. Links and References: by Jonathan B. Losos by Stephen Jay Gould Z.D. Blount, Lenski, R.E., and Losos, JB. 2018. Science 362. Brian Swetik. 2019. Scientific American, January 30, 2019 L Chen, et. Al. 2019. Nature 152. R.D. H Barrett, et. al. 2019. Science (363) 499-504. Social Media: Twitter: Facebook Fan Page: Please send feedback to or submit voicemail at . Want an Amazon gift card? Just send me a screenshot of your iTunes review. Learn more about Dr. Campbell's other podcasts at:
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BI 62 Rhodes Perry, author of "Belonging at Work"
01/15/2019
BI 62 Rhodes Perry, author of "Belonging at Work"
This episode of Books and Ideas is an interview with , author of . Human beings are wired to be social, which means feeling like we belong is actually essential to our physical and emotional health. In this interview we discuss some of the obstacles to "Belonging at Work" and practical steps toward improvement. Rhodes also shares the Platinum Rule: Treating others like THEY want to be treated, which I think should be applied in all aspects of our life. Please join me for this thought provoking conversation and check out Rhodes' excellent podcast, . Links and References: by Rhodes Perry (one of my favorite podcasts) (free tests to uncover unconscious bias) Send me feedback at or post voice feedback at . Social Media Links: Twitter: Facebook page:
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2018 Trailer
12/26/2018
2018 Trailer
I had hoped to relaunch Books and Ideas before the end of 2018, but I want to relaunch with a return interview with Podcasting Hall of Famer, Dr. Pamela Gay of . Please stay subscribed so you won't miss it when the show returns.
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BI 61 Mur Lafferty talks about "Six Wakes"
03/23/2017
BI 61 Mur Lafferty talks about "Six Wakes"
Books and Ideas #61 is an interview with author Mur Lafferty, who just published a new novel called Six Wakes, which she calls a "clone murder mystery." In this interview Mur reflects on her writing career so far and she also shares the surprising impact that podcasting has had on her writing career. Please visit for more detailed show notes and links. Send me email at .com or record voice feedback at .
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BI 60 Matthew Cobb on "Life's Greatest Secret"
12/17/2015
BI 60 Matthew Cobb on "Life's Greatest Secret"
of Books and Ideas is an interview with Matthew Cobb, author of Life's Greatest Secret: The Race to Crack the Genetic Code. We focus on some of the unsung scientists who made essential discoveries.
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BI 59 Phenomenology with Anthony Chemero
10/26/2015
BI 59 Phenomenology with Anthony Chemero
This episode introduces Phenomenology, a philosophical tradition that focuses on the nature of experience. We talk with Dr. Anthony Chemero, co-author of Phenomenology: An Introduction, which is a new book that not only puts phenomenology into historical perspective but argues that it is a living tradition, which continues to make valuable contributions to fields like psychology and embodied cognitive science. This interview is appropriate for listeners of all backgrounds--no prior knowledge is required.
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BI 58 In Memory of Dr. Dennis G Smith
08/21/2015
BI 58 In Memory of Dr. Dennis G Smith
of Books and Ideas is a short episode dedicated to my late husband Dr. Dennis G Smith, who died unexpectedly on July 25th 2015. We were married for 38 years and this is a celebration of our life together.
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BI 57 Why Podcast? with Elsie Escobar
06/22/2015
BI 57 Why Podcast? with Elsie Escobar
Episode 57 is the first episode of Books and Ideas that I have produced in 2015. It is a conversation with experienced podcaster . Elsie brings a unique perspective to the question Why Podcast? because she does it all: she hosts and produces 2 shows, works for Libsyn, the company that hosts my shows and many others, and she listens to more podcasts than seems humanly possible.
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About Books and Ideas
11/29/2014
About Books and Ideas
launched in December 2006 to compliment her . This podcast has evolved into an interview show featuring guests from a wide variety of fields including history, philosophy, other areas of science, science fiction, and very rarely, politics.
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BI 56 Palliative Medicine with Dr. Amos Bailey
11/07/2014
BI 56 Palliative Medicine with Dr. Amos Bailey
of Books and Ideas is an interview with Dr. Amos Bailey, one of the pioneers of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. We talk about the origins of the field and try to dispel some common misperceptions about what we do.
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BI 55 Dr. John Ratey Talks about his New Book
06/23/2014
BI 55 Dr. John Ratey Talks about his New Book
Episode 55 of Books and Ideas is an interview with Dr. John Ratey, co-author of "Go Wild: Free Your Body and Mind from the Afflictions of Civilization." There is considerable evidence that our hunter-gatherer ancestors were generally suprisingly healthy, so the purpose of this book and our conversation was to explore the scientific evidence supporting a return to a healthier lifestyle. We touch on diet, exercise, the role of sleep and even meditation. We also explore the importance of our relationship with nature and each other.
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54 Dr. Michael Saags, HIV-AIDS Pioneer
05/26/2014
54 Dr. Michael Saags, HIV-AIDS Pioneer
My apologies for uploading an incomplete version of this episode, and worst of all not detecting the problem for almost a week.
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BI 53 Humanism with Becky Hale
02/26/2014
BI 53 Humanism with Becky Hale
Episadoe 53 of Books and Ideas is an interview with Rebecca Hale, current President of the American Humanist Association. We talk about the history of humanism and how it differs from skepticism and atheism. We also talk about how American Humanism fits into the larger picture of world-wide humanism.
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BI 52 Author Mur Lafferty Returns
09/26/2013
BI 52 Author Mur Lafferty Returns
Mur Lafferty is one of the pioneers of podcasting and was one of my inspirations for starting two podcasts back in 2006. She was interviewed here way back in , so I am glad to have her back. Mur has been working hard on her writing craft and has recently published "The Shambling Guide to New York City" to rave reviews. She also recently won the prestigious John W Campbell Award for Most Promising New Writer in Science Fiction and Fantasy. This interview is a fun conversation that includes nuggets of wisdom for all aspiring writers.
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Fall 2013 Announcement
08/29/2013
Fall 2013 Announcement
I just wanted to let you know that a new episode of Books and Ideas wil be coming soon. Thanks so much for subscribing. Learn more at http://virginiacampbellmd.com.
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BI 51: Animal Emotions with Jaak Panksepp
02/08/2013
BI 51: Animal Emotions with Jaak Panksepp
of Books and Ideas is actually a followup of Dr. Jaak Panksepp's recent interview on the . There we talked in depth about the scientific evidence that humans share basic emotional circuitry with other mammals. In this interview we talk about the implications of this discovery. We focus on how it should impact the treatment of laboratory animals. We also consider our relationships with pets and other domestic species.
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