Seth Shostak is the lead Astronomer for SETI, The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. I have to admit that I was a bit giddy about this interview, as the movie Contact is one of my favorites. In the movie, Jodie Foster plays an astronomer who finds the signal sent by an alien civilization. The reality is a bit different, as Seth explains.

Seth also hosts a radio show/podcast titled "Big Picture Science," which I cannot recommend highly enough. He is the author of the book "Confessions of an Alien Hunter."

Hemant Mehta is best known for his work as the blogger "The Friendly Atheist." He began his public activism career with a curious and creative Ebay auction that eventually became the inspiration for his book I Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist's Eyes. His efforts to personally understand religion have informed his unique approach to promoting an Atheistic worldview as a better moral choice.

Hemant has also worked on the board of the Secular Student Alliance and helps run the charity Foundation Beyond Belief.

You can read Hemant's Blog at www.FriendlyAtheist.com.

Follow him on Twitter at: @Hemantmehta.

We've hit the big 5-0! I'm really excited an happy to be able to offer this interview with Dr. Steven Novella. The Skeptics Guide to the Universe was one of my earliest, favorite podcasts and was my primary introduction to the whole world of active Skepticism. Steven Novella is one of the figureheads of the movement and is a tireless advocate for reasoned, scientific approaches to societal problems. 

In addition to the Skeptics Guide Podcast, Dr. Novella writes blogs at Science Based Medicine, Neurologica, and has produced a lecture series for The Great Courses titled: Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us. You can also catch him at Skeptical conferences all over the world.

Michael Diaz is a college student better known as "Chattiestspike2" on YouTube. He has made some extremely clever videos, one of which caught my eye and encouraged me to check out the others. He hit it big with his "Question Gravity" video as seen below.

Michael has a unique talent for producing humorous, funny videos that also pack a skeptical punch. Check out his YouTube channel or find him on any of the social networks as seen below.

Twitter: @chattiestspike

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Chattiestspike2

Blog: http://chattiestspike.blogspot.com/

BUY A "QUESTION GRAVITY" SHIRT HERE!: http://spikeattire.spreadshirt.com/

Dezrah Blinn is a professional Magician who uses his skills to spread a message of scientific skepticism and curiosity. I first met him at Skepticamp New Hampshire, where he had a friend break a large concrete block with a sledgehammer as he held the block on his chest while laying on a bed of nails. He then proceeded to explain the physics behind the stunt, demystifying it and teaching the lesson that things are not always as unbelievable as they seem.

I had a chance to visit Dezrah at his home to get the full scoop on the man behind the show. Enjoy!

Website: www.Dezrah.com

Twitter: @Dezrah

Facebook: Dezrah on Facebook

Google+: Dezrah's Page

Make your own slide show at Animoto.

What can I say about Michael Shermer that hasn't already been said? Author, Magazine Publisher, College Professor, Consistent debate opponent to Deepak Chopra, and on, and on. 

In our interview I got to ask about his early days as an author, his participation in founding the "Race Across America," and his position as a Libertarian in a Liberal world.

Skeptic Magazine

The Believing Brain

Why People Believe Weird Things

Follow Dr. Shermer on Twitter! @MichaelShermer

Carrie is 1/2 of the duo "Ross and Carrie." A few episodes back we interviewed Ross. Now, here's Carrie!

Carrie seems to infuse an upbeat energy into everything she does & it's no surprise that they seem to be having so much fun while recording the "Oh No, Ross & Carrie" podcast. During our interview we talked about her days as a child exorcist, how a search for non-leather boots led to a whole new lifestyle, her partnership with Ross Blocher. We also did a begging segment at one point.

Enjoy!

Oh No, Ross and Carrie!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ONRAC

Blake Smith is the co-host (along with Ben Radford and Karen Stollznow) of the Monster Talk podcast. During this discussion, we talked about religion, community, monsters and an alternate career path that could have had Blake working with a large bandage wrapped Yeti. No joke. He also divulged the rather surprising thing he had to do to gain status as an Official Podcast of Skeptic Magazine.

In addition to Monster Talk, you may be surprised to learn about other podcasts that Blake is involved with, namely "Ask a Canadian" and "The Death Panel."

Follow Blake on Twitter at @DoctorAtlantis

Chris Mooney is one of the hosts of the Point of Inquiry Podcast, writes The Intersection With Chris Mooney, and is a published author with several books under his belt and more on the way. 

Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future

The Republican War on Science

Storm World: Hurricanes, Politics, and the Battle Over Global Warming

During our interview we talk about Science Education in America, his fellowships, his time at the Center for Inquiry, and his defense of his positions against some rather well known critics.

Twitter: @Chrismooney

Gary Stockdale is a Musician first, Skeptic/Atheist second. I met Gary at TAM 9 and had a really nice time chatting with him and getting to know him a bit. He has worked for many years as the musical director for Penn & Teller and is the man responsible for the  theme music to Penn & Teller's show "Bullshit."

In addition to his work with Penn & Teller, Gary is an independent Musician and Composer with his own career path. During this interview we actually play a few of his songs, which have become favorites on my iPod.

Make sure to check out Gary on Twitter at @GaryStockdale

His Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/garystockdalemusic

And his Website: www.GaryStockdale.com